John 4:27-38
When the disciples returned, they were surprised to find Jesus talking with a woman, but kept it to themselves. They offered him food, but he refused to eat, saying that his nourishment came from doing the work of God.
Does the work of God energize or drain you? As humans, we need food and rest. But is there another factor in ministry that we miss? When we follow the will of God and the Holy Spirit empowers us for his work, we are encouraged and spiritually nourished. But is there physical, mental, and emotional nourishment as well? When I disciple a group of men, and there is honest interchange, humility, application of God’s Word to life, and spiritual transformation is taking place, I am energized. Perhaps that is my ministry “sweet spot,” the intersection of spiritual gifts, calling of God and surrender to him.
Jesus went on to talk about the harvest, meaning bringing people to salvation. It’s God’s harvest and we are laborers working in his service. Sometimes we sow, and sometimes we reap. It’s not all up to us! We are part of a larger endeavor, orchestrated by God. He invites us into his work where we co-labor with millions of others.
Serving God should never be drudgery! Rather, we are privileged to enter his service, and will be drawing wages of life nourishment, eternal purpose, and joy.
“Lord, open my eyes to see the ‘white unto harvest’ fields around me. May I be alert to the opportunities to sow or reap today. Amen.”
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Led by Jesus... like Jesus... to Jesus: 11
John 4:1-26 (con't) & verses 39-45
When Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman at the well near Sychar, he not only impacted her life, but the life of many in her town. After her encounter with Jesus, she spread the news through the town about Jesus. He stayed in their town for two days (another culturally forbidden thing) and taught them. As a result, "many more believed because of his word."
Here are a few observations about how Jesus reached out to her, and how we can lead more to Jesus by leading more like Jesus:
In the past 2 weeks, I've had a couple of opportunities to share the gospel. They were with people who attend Grace, and I've talked with them before and thought they were believers. But in more in-depth conversation, and for one at a point of crisis, they were open to the gospel and acknowledged the need for Christ. One had just trusted in Christ days before, and the other was still wrestling with the decision. The point? Don't assume that religious people know Christ! Talk with them about it and let's get out of the comfort zone more often, trusting God to lead us every day to those who need him.
What's your story of sharing faith?
When Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman at the well near Sychar, he not only impacted her life, but the life of many in her town. After her encounter with Jesus, she spread the news through the town about Jesus. He stayed in their town for two days (another culturally forbidden thing) and taught them. As a result, "many more believed because of his word."
Here are a few observations about how Jesus reached out to her, and how we can lead more to Jesus by leading more like Jesus:
1. Don't stay in the "safe zone" of relationships. Take initiative in crossing barriers of culture, race, social status, etc. to pursue spiritual conversations.
2. Intentionally look for ways to turn conversation to spiritual things. Jesus did this by starting with a need that he had - for water.
3. Meet a person where they are at - be truthful but not condemning. Even though the woman tried to change topics when Jesus revealed his knowledge of her sinful life, I don't get the sense that he was condemning her.
In the past 2 weeks, I've had a couple of opportunities to share the gospel. They were with people who attend Grace, and I've talked with them before and thought they were believers. But in more in-depth conversation, and for one at a point of crisis, they were open to the gospel and acknowledged the need for Christ. One had just trusted in Christ days before, and the other was still wrestling with the decision. The point? Don't assume that religious people know Christ! Talk with them about it and let's get out of the comfort zone more often, trusting God to lead us every day to those who need him.
What's your story of sharing faith?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Led by Jesus... like Jesus... to Jesus: 10
John 4:1-26
Jesus crossed multiple cultural barriers when he talked with the Samaritan woman at the well near Sychar. She was a Samaritan, and the Jews despised the Samaritans as unclean traitors, with Jewish descent, but who had intermarried with the pagan nations. Secondly, she was an adultress, something Jesus knew by divine revelation, but perhaps also evident because she came to the well alone in the middle of the day, instead of in the morning or evening when the other women would have been drawing water. This would have indicated that even her own people rejected her. Thirdly, drinking from her water jar would have made him ceremonially unclean because she was a foreigner. Even the woman was surprised that Jesus would ask her for a drink, knowing the cultural prejudice the Jews had for her people.
But Jesus wasn’t concerned about cultural practices, or even about breaking ceremonial practices. He was concerned about her spiritual condition, and directed the conversation toward her core need: living water (later revealed as the Holy Spirit living in a believer – John 7:39). Asking for a drink from her opened the opportunity to offer living water to the woman. When she asked him to give her the living water, he throws another unexpected twist into the interaction, “Go call your husband and come here”(v16) Why does he introduce that here, and not simply continue to lead her to faith in himself? Was it to expose her sinful lifestyle? Or was it to expand the offer of life to her family, not just herself?
Whatever the reason, Jesus used it to take the conversation deeper into her life and to the things that she needed to repent of and surrender to him. It seems that her response is a smokescreen to get the attention off her sinful lifestyle, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet”(v19), then raising a question about where the right place to worship was. Jesus even used her diversion to focus on truth and to lead her toward living water.
(to be continued…)
Jesus crossed multiple cultural barriers when he talked with the Samaritan woman at the well near Sychar. She was a Samaritan, and the Jews despised the Samaritans as unclean traitors, with Jewish descent, but who had intermarried with the pagan nations. Secondly, she was an adultress, something Jesus knew by divine revelation, but perhaps also evident because she came to the well alone in the middle of the day, instead of in the morning or evening when the other women would have been drawing water. This would have indicated that even her own people rejected her. Thirdly, drinking from her water jar would have made him ceremonially unclean because she was a foreigner. Even the woman was surprised that Jesus would ask her for a drink, knowing the cultural prejudice the Jews had for her people.
But Jesus wasn’t concerned about cultural practices, or even about breaking ceremonial practices. He was concerned about her spiritual condition, and directed the conversation toward her core need: living water (later revealed as the Holy Spirit living in a believer – John 7:39). Asking for a drink from her opened the opportunity to offer living water to the woman. When she asked him to give her the living water, he throws another unexpected twist into the interaction, “Go call your husband and come here”(v16) Why does he introduce that here, and not simply continue to lead her to faith in himself? Was it to expose her sinful lifestyle? Or was it to expand the offer of life to her family, not just herself?
Whatever the reason, Jesus used it to take the conversation deeper into her life and to the things that she needed to repent of and surrender to him. It seems that her response is a smokescreen to get the attention off her sinful lifestyle, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet”(v19), then raising a question about where the right place to worship was. Jesus even used her diversion to focus on truth and to lead her toward living water.
(to be continued…)
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Led by Jesus... like Jesus... to Jesus: 9
John 3:22-36
John the Baptist’s disciples expressed concern that people were going to Jesus for baptism and following him instead of John. John, however, had a clear perspective of his role: “He must increase, I must decrease.” He used the analogy of Jesus being a groom at a wedding, and himself being the best man. His job was to assist the groom and to rejoice with him, not to take the spotlight, or the bride!
He then directs his disciples to understand who Jesus really is:
• From heaven, sent by God
• Is supremely above all
• Has the Holy Spirit without measure
• Has authority from the Father
• Is the Messiah
• Salvation is only found in him
John makes it clear that any who reject Jesus are under the wrath of God and are condemned. It’s also clear that when one believes in Jesus, eternal life begins immediately.
Lessons learned from John’s leading toward Jesus:
1. Point glory to Jesus, not to myself; i.e. make followers of Jesus, not followers of Dave
2. My job is to help others know who Jesus really is
3. My ministry is not in competition with other ministries
John the Baptist’s disciples expressed concern that people were going to Jesus for baptism and following him instead of John. John, however, had a clear perspective of his role: “He must increase, I must decrease.” He used the analogy of Jesus being a groom at a wedding, and himself being the best man. His job was to assist the groom and to rejoice with him, not to take the spotlight, or the bride!
He then directs his disciples to understand who Jesus really is:
• From heaven, sent by God
• Is supremely above all
• Has the Holy Spirit without measure
• Has authority from the Father
• Is the Messiah
• Salvation is only found in him
John makes it clear that any who reject Jesus are under the wrath of God and are condemned. It’s also clear that when one believes in Jesus, eternal life begins immediately.
Lessons learned from John’s leading toward Jesus:
1. Point glory to Jesus, not to myself; i.e. make followers of Jesus, not followers of Dave
2. My job is to help others know who Jesus really is
3. My ministry is not in competition with other ministries
Friday, March 25, 2011
Led by Jesus... like Jesus... to Jesus: 8
John 3:1-21
Religious leaders took notice of Jesus’ miracles, and one of them came to Jesus for answers. After Nicodemus acknowledged that Jesus must come from God, Jesus confused him with talk of rebirth. Coming to Jesus isn’t just a matter of understanding laws or doctrines, it’s an internal metamorphosis whereby the Spirit gives birth to spiritual life within us. He went on to explain that rebirth means no condemnation, but instead, eternal life. This life comes by believing on Jesus’ name.
In verse 14, he gave illustration of Moses making the bronze serpent and it being lifted up on a pole. There was judgment of poisonous snakes because of Israel’s rebellion, and when someone was bitten, if they would look at the bronze serpent they would be healed and not die. Jesus draws the analogy to himself being lifted up and that those who believed in his name were like those who looked upon the bronze serpent. A.W. Tozer says that “faith is the gaze of the soul upon a crucified savior.”
Our job in bringing people to Christ is to help them gaze upon Jesus – to see the crucified savior.
Religious leaders took notice of Jesus’ miracles, and one of them came to Jesus for answers. After Nicodemus acknowledged that Jesus must come from God, Jesus confused him with talk of rebirth. Coming to Jesus isn’t just a matter of understanding laws or doctrines, it’s an internal metamorphosis whereby the Spirit gives birth to spiritual life within us. He went on to explain that rebirth means no condemnation, but instead, eternal life. This life comes by believing on Jesus’ name.
In verse 14, he gave illustration of Moses making the bronze serpent and it being lifted up on a pole. There was judgment of poisonous snakes because of Israel’s rebellion, and when someone was bitten, if they would look at the bronze serpent they would be healed and not die. Jesus draws the analogy to himself being lifted up and that those who believed in his name were like those who looked upon the bronze serpent. A.W. Tozer says that “faith is the gaze of the soul upon a crucified savior.”
Our job in bringing people to Christ is to help them gaze upon Jesus – to see the crucified savior.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Led by Jesus... like Jesus... to Jesus: 7
John 2:23-25
When Jesus performed miracles, many believed in him, but he didn’t commit to them based on a response to the miraculous. He “knew what was in man.” It seems that there are varying levels of faith, and the crowd’s faith wasn’t what Jesus sought. We are fickle creatures, too easily swayed by the sensational and by things that feel supernatural. Faith that is easily inflamed by the miraculous can also easily cool off when the miraculous is replaced by the mundane.
Two thoughts on leading like Jesus:
(1) I should not be swayed or enamoured by those who speak highly of me or my ministry. My goal is to please the Father and be faithful to the mission he called me to.
(2) The ones Jesus entrusted himself to were his disciples and a few other close followers. So too we must have a team around us that we entrust ourselves to and invest in through discipleship.
When Jesus performed miracles, many believed in him, but he didn’t commit to them based on a response to the miraculous. He “knew what was in man.” It seems that there are varying levels of faith, and the crowd’s faith wasn’t what Jesus sought. We are fickle creatures, too easily swayed by the sensational and by things that feel supernatural. Faith that is easily inflamed by the miraculous can also easily cool off when the miraculous is replaced by the mundane.
Two thoughts on leading like Jesus:
(1) I should not be swayed or enamoured by those who speak highly of me or my ministry. My goal is to please the Father and be faithful to the mission he called me to.
(2) The ones Jesus entrusted himself to were his disciples and a few other close followers. So too we must have a team around us that we entrust ourselves to and invest in through discipleship.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Led by Jesus... like Jesus... to Jesus: 6
John 2:13-22
What am I zealous about? This passage says that zeal for God's house consumed Jesus, and it drove him to radical and counter-cultural action. If the modern counterpart to worship at the temple is the church (defined as the local gathering of the body of Christ), am I passionate (i.e. zealous) about Jesus' bride like he was about the temple? What would that zeal drive Jesus to do in our church today? If we can answer that question, maybe we'll discover what we should be doing as well!
At Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for the celebration, but when he went into the temple, he found people selling sacrificial animals and people exchanging money. ?He took action and drove everyone out, including the animals; he turned over tables and poured out the money.
Undoubtedly, there were a lot of people angry at Jesus right then. They began their day like many others and were conducting business – without interference from the Jews or temple authorities. Perhaps even with their blessing and partnership in the profits.
What moved Jesus to action? Desecration of the temple, the House of God. He said, “do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” The purpose of the temple wasn’t buying and selling. Rather, it was to worship the Father. They turned it into a commercial enterprise, thus obstructing those who sought after God. Jesus didn’t conform to cultural practices, but instead took action to refocus people on the correct use of God’s temple.
When confronted with his action, Jesus told the Jews that if they “destroy this temple… in three days I will raise it up.” They though he was talking about Herod’s temple, but he was talking about his body – a prophesy about his death and resurrection.
Does our promotion of events, selling donuts and coffee, book sales, etc., keep people away from authentic worship, or does it help? Have we turned church into a commercial enterprise as they did?
What am I zealous about? This passage says that zeal for God's house consumed Jesus, and it drove him to radical and counter-cultural action. If the modern counterpart to worship at the temple is the church (defined as the local gathering of the body of Christ), am I passionate (i.e. zealous) about Jesus' bride like he was about the temple? What would that zeal drive Jesus to do in our church today? If we can answer that question, maybe we'll discover what we should be doing as well!
At Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for the celebration, but when he went into the temple, he found people selling sacrificial animals and people exchanging money. ?He took action and drove everyone out, including the animals; he turned over tables and poured out the money.
Undoubtedly, there were a lot of people angry at Jesus right then. They began their day like many others and were conducting business – without interference from the Jews or temple authorities. Perhaps even with their blessing and partnership in the profits.
What moved Jesus to action? Desecration of the temple, the House of God. He said, “do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” The purpose of the temple wasn’t buying and selling. Rather, it was to worship the Father. They turned it into a commercial enterprise, thus obstructing those who sought after God. Jesus didn’t conform to cultural practices, but instead took action to refocus people on the correct use of God’s temple.
When confronted with his action, Jesus told the Jews that if they “destroy this temple… in three days I will raise it up.” They though he was talking about Herod’s temple, but he was talking about his body – a prophesy about his death and resurrection.
Does our promotion of events, selling donuts and coffee, book sales, etc., keep people away from authentic worship, or does it help? Have we turned church into a commercial enterprise as they did?
Monday, March 21, 2011
Led by Jesus... like Jesus... to Jesus: 5
John 2:1-12
Jesus’ first miracle that revealed his glory was changing water into wine. This miracle wasn’t one to relieve suffering of poor or healing the sick. Rather, the occasion was a common life celebration, and the guests had probably already consumed too much wine, since the supply was depleted. Jesus’ mother brought the problem to his attention and his response sounds like he’s not going to do anything; i.e. “it’s not my problem.”
How might I have responded? “They’ve already drunk too much, and I’m not going to contribute to their drunkenness, so let’s go buy some Martinelli’s sparkling cider!” But Jesus didn’t seem concerned about the intake of alcohol. He provided a solution and met the need.
This wasn’t a public miracle, however. The only ones who knew the miracle took place were his mother, the disciples, and the servants who carried out his orders. Given that fact, and the statement in verse 12, “And his disciples believed in him”, it seems that his purpose was to reveal his deity to his disciples. It did meet a practical need at the party, but Jesus had a bigger purpose in mind. Here at the very beginning of his ministry, he was building into the lives of his closest followers, showing by his miraculous power that he was the Son of God.
Jesus’ first miracle that revealed his glory was changing water into wine. This miracle wasn’t one to relieve suffering of poor or healing the sick. Rather, the occasion was a common life celebration, and the guests had probably already consumed too much wine, since the supply was depleted. Jesus’ mother brought the problem to his attention and his response sounds like he’s not going to do anything; i.e. “it’s not my problem.”
How might I have responded? “They’ve already drunk too much, and I’m not going to contribute to their drunkenness, so let’s go buy some Martinelli’s sparkling cider!” But Jesus didn’t seem concerned about the intake of alcohol. He provided a solution and met the need.
This wasn’t a public miracle, however. The only ones who knew the miracle took place were his mother, the disciples, and the servants who carried out his orders. Given that fact, and the statement in verse 12, “And his disciples believed in him”, it seems that his purpose was to reveal his deity to his disciples. It did meet a practical need at the party, but Jesus had a bigger purpose in mind. Here at the very beginning of his ministry, he was building into the lives of his closest followers, showing by his miraculous power that he was the Son of God.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Led by Jesus... like Jesus... to Jesus: 4
John 1:43-51
The first two disciples came to Jesus because John B directed people to, “Behold the Lamb of God.” The third disciple came to Jesus because Andrew invited him to come meet Jesus. The fourth disciple, however, was sought out and found by Jesus, who gave the invitation, “Follow me.” From what John records, this initial invitation to Philip didn’t ask anything beyond following. No hint of future authority, power over demons, or even time requirements. Simply, “Follow me.” Philip’s first act was to go find a friend, Nathanael, and bring him to Jesus. Though a skeptic at first, when Nate encountered Jesus, he too was convinced of Jesus’ identity – the “Son of God… the King of Israel.”
Discipleship begins with a call to follow Jesus. To follow, we go where he goes and participate in what he does. As we spend time with him, we come to know who he is. A natural progression will be to invite others to come follow Jesus as well.
The first two disciples came to Jesus because John B directed people to, “Behold the Lamb of God.” The third disciple came to Jesus because Andrew invited him to come meet Jesus. The fourth disciple, however, was sought out and found by Jesus, who gave the invitation, “Follow me.” From what John records, this initial invitation to Philip didn’t ask anything beyond following. No hint of future authority, power over demons, or even time requirements. Simply, “Follow me.” Philip’s first act was to go find a friend, Nathanael, and bring him to Jesus. Though a skeptic at first, when Nate encountered Jesus, he too was convinced of Jesus’ identity – the “Son of God… the King of Israel.”
Discipleship begins with a call to follow Jesus. To follow, we go where he goes and participate in what he does. As we spend time with him, we come to know who he is. A natural progression will be to invite others to come follow Jesus as well.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Led by Jesus... like Jesus... to Jesus: 3
John 1:19-42
John B saw his ministry as preparing people for Jesus. He recognized that Jesus was so far above him that he wasn’t even worthy to be a servant taking off Jesus’ sandals. We should have John’s humble attitude about Jesus worthiness, and that we don’t even deserve servanthood. Being in ministry is an honor, but it is not bestowed on us because we deserve it.
When John encountered Jesus early in his ministry, he directed those with him to see who Jesus was, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Andrew and another of John’s disciples heard this and left following John to follow Jesus. Now that’s success in discipleship! We are to direct those we lead to wholehearted allegiance to Christ, not to us. Andrew’s next step was also a discipleship success. He went to find his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus.
John B saw his ministry as preparing people for Jesus. He recognized that Jesus was so far above him that he wasn’t even worthy to be a servant taking off Jesus’ sandals. We should have John’s humble attitude about Jesus worthiness, and that we don’t even deserve servanthood. Being in ministry is an honor, but it is not bestowed on us because we deserve it.
When John encountered Jesus early in his ministry, he directed those with him to see who Jesus was, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Andrew and another of John’s disciples heard this and left following John to follow Jesus. Now that’s success in discipleship! We are to direct those we lead to wholehearted allegiance to Christ, not to us. Andrew’s next step was also a discipleship success. He went to find his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Led by Jesus... like Jesus... to Jesus: 2
John 1:9-18
When Jesus came to earth, he wasn’t recognized as creator-God, and even his own people rejected him. But still, he came to be light and to lead people to sonship with the Father. To be born into God’s family, one must believe in who he is and receive him – welcome him into their life in all his fullness. He is the source of grace and truth, and when you welcome Jesus into your life, you receive grace upon grace.
Jesus mission was extraordinary! He enshrouded himself in human flesh – the temporal, weak, and earthly – so that he might reveal the glory of God to humankind. He didn’t choose the safe and comfortable route, and to lead like Jesus, neither can we!
When Jesus came to earth, he wasn’t recognized as creator-God, and even his own people rejected him. But still, he came to be light and to lead people to sonship with the Father. To be born into God’s family, one must believe in who he is and receive him – welcome him into their life in all his fullness. He is the source of grace and truth, and when you welcome Jesus into your life, you receive grace upon grace.
Jesus mission was extraordinary! He enshrouded himself in human flesh – the temporal, weak, and earthly – so that he might reveal the glory of God to humankind. He didn’t choose the safe and comfortable route, and to lead like Jesus, neither can we!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Led by Jesus... like Jesus... to Jesus: 1
I'm beginning an assignment for the Arrow Leadership training program. Over the coming 2 months (or so), I'll be journaling through the gospel of John, specifically looking for and interacting over three ideas:
1. Being led by Jesus
2. Leading like Jesus
3. Leading to Jesus
John 1:1-8
Jesus is the Word, who was with God in the beginning, who made everything, and who is God. Because he is God, he has authority over everything. He is the source of all life, which he chose to bring to earth to be light for everyone. He sent John B ahead of himself to point people to himself. John’s mission wasn’t to bring attention to himself, but to bring attention to Jesus.
That should be the point of every ministry – to lead people to gaze upon Christ. I can get my eyes off that goal and onto measuring success by numbers attending or by how many complements I get. The accolades of men are a seductress, wooing me from exalting Jesus and settling for empty praise directed to me. Joy and true satisfaction in ministry will only come as people exalt Jesus and are drawn to him.
May I be a leader who directs people to see Christ, not me!
1. Being led by Jesus
2. Leading like Jesus
3. Leading to Jesus
John 1:1-8
Jesus is the Word, who was with God in the beginning, who made everything, and who is God. Because he is God, he has authority over everything. He is the source of all life, which he chose to bring to earth to be light for everyone. He sent John B ahead of himself to point people to himself. John’s mission wasn’t to bring attention to himself, but to bring attention to Jesus.
That should be the point of every ministry – to lead people to gaze upon Christ. I can get my eyes off that goal and onto measuring success by numbers attending or by how many complements I get. The accolades of men are a seductress, wooing me from exalting Jesus and settling for empty praise directed to me. Joy and true satisfaction in ministry will only come as people exalt Jesus and are drawn to him.
May I be a leader who directs people to see Christ, not me!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Special Ops Christians?
“Above all, you (plural) must live as citizens of heaven… fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” (Phil 1:27, NLT)
According to Philippians 1:27-30, our lives should be lived in light of our heavenly citizenship. We’re on assignment here on earth, as ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). Together with our brothers and sisters, we are engaged in the gospel mission and we are serving behind enemy lines. We have the assurance of God’s deliverance, so even if we suffer for Him, we are not to be intimidated or lose heart.
What gave Paul such a “special ops” focus and passion? Reading about his life and exploits, we see that every decision he made was motivated by the realization of who he was in Christ, and the mission that Christ called him to fulfill. In American Christianity, few have that mindset, in fact, someone with a “special ops” life is probably seen as extreme or weird. Yet Paul describes it like it’s the normal Christian life.
In another place (2 Tim 2:3-5), Paul says that we’re soldiers of Christ, and that “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (2 Tim 2:4 ESV). Beware of the civilian pursuits that lull us into spiritual complacency and make us ineffective in the battle – and vulnerable to the schemes of our enemy.
May 2011 find us sharpening our focus on the Kingdom mission that Jesus called us into His service for!
According to Philippians 1:27-30, our lives should be lived in light of our heavenly citizenship. We’re on assignment here on earth, as ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). Together with our brothers and sisters, we are engaged in the gospel mission and we are serving behind enemy lines. We have the assurance of God’s deliverance, so even if we suffer for Him, we are not to be intimidated or lose heart.
What gave Paul such a “special ops” focus and passion? Reading about his life and exploits, we see that every decision he made was motivated by the realization of who he was in Christ, and the mission that Christ called him to fulfill. In American Christianity, few have that mindset, in fact, someone with a “special ops” life is probably seen as extreme or weird. Yet Paul describes it like it’s the normal Christian life.
In another place (2 Tim 2:3-5), Paul says that we’re soldiers of Christ, and that “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (2 Tim 2:4 ESV). Beware of the civilian pursuits that lull us into spiritual complacency and make us ineffective in the battle – and vulnerable to the schemes of our enemy.
May 2011 find us sharpening our focus on the Kingdom mission that Jesus called us into His service for!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Reflections on Ephesians 5:21-33: Marriage
Looking for a fulfilling and healthy marriage relationship? It doesn't begin with behavior modification or a list of how-to’s; it begins with the filling of the Holy Spirit! This idea isn’t just my thought, look at the context of the passage: verse 18 commands us to be filled with the Spirit, then the following verses tell us the results of being filled. When you get to verse 21, it says, “And further, you will submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (NLT). Take another look at what Scripture says about the filling of the Holy Spirit, and you’ll find the key to succeeding in marriage!
A wife submitting to her husband like the church submits to Christ isn’t natural – it’s supernatural! When a woman yields to the Holy Spirit, then He produces the change through her, reforming her inner desires, which then leads to different relational behavior.
A husband sacrificially loving his wife in the same way that Christ loved the church likewise requires supernatural intervention. We men are too selfish and ego-driven to live out that kind of relationship apart from Jesus!
“Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him… Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Eph 5:2, 10 NLT)
A wife submitting to her husband like the church submits to Christ isn’t natural – it’s supernatural! When a woman yields to the Holy Spirit, then He produces the change through her, reforming her inner desires, which then leads to different relational behavior.
A husband sacrificially loving his wife in the same way that Christ loved the church likewise requires supernatural intervention. We men are too selfish and ego-driven to live out that kind of relationship apart from Jesus!
“Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him… Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Eph 5:2, 10 NLT)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Wisdom, Courage, and Love
If I could master these three areas of life, I would be getting close to maturity!
Wisdom is more than just knowing right and wrong, its understanding and then applying it to life. When I am living in wisdom, there is integrity in my life because my actions are in alignment with my words, which are in alignment with my thinking, which has been shaped by the source of true wisdom – God.
James tells us that there is "earthly" wisdom and there is "heavenly" wisdom (James 3:13-18). The earthly wisdom really isn't wise at all, but only has a deceptive appearance of being right. In fact, its source is the devil himself. No wonder, because he parades as an angel of light!
Why courage? Courage is acting in a way consistent with your beliefs (assuming that God's wisdom has shaped belief), especially when there's opposition and criticism. I think that courage is the key ingredient to helping us live out wisdom. It takes courage to say no to selfish desires to "do it my way" instead of doing it God's way. It takes courage to do the right thing when my friends are beckoning me to follow them into unwholesome conversation or activities. And it takes courage to do the right thing when the culture screams at us to take a different path.
Love – without love, wisdom and courage can easily lead (or maybe necessarily will lead) to legalism. Of course, part of growing in wisdom includes growing in love, because love is an essential part of God's nature, and is the defining characteristic of a follower of Christ (John 13:35).
When we live by love, we move from a self-centered focus to a God-centered focus where we are motivated to live in wisdom because of the relationship we have with him. It also moves us to care for others and seek to put their needs before our own. "Bitter envy" and "selfish ambition" are self-love, not the kind of love for others that God desire for us.
When we live by wisdom, courage, and love, we will live "good lives" with "deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." While that may sound boring or tame, the reality is that it leads us into a most satisfying adventure of real life!
Where do I find wisdom? Try reading 1 chapter in the book of Proverbs each day for the coming year. Make daily Bible reading a habit, and approach it with a prayer to grow in wisdom and understanding the ways of God.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Our motives in life aren't supposed to be selfish and always looking for our best. However, when we submit to God and follow his ways it is for our best and he promises to reward us for it. I especially like the promise in Psalm 37 verse 4: "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires." Delighting in God can't be a put-on act of singing certain songs or praying the right words of praise. Rather, delighting in God must flow from a heart of genuine love and adoration of God.
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