Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Isaiah!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Have the Right Attitude
- warn those who are idle (some of the Christians in Thessalonica used their expectation of the Lord's return as an excuse to stop working. Their attitude was "since Jesus is coming soon, we don't need to continue to work since it won't matter anyway". Paul is teaching that this is an improper attitude.
- Encourage the timid.
- Help the weak.
- Be patient with everyone. ( I think these last three are especially important when dealing with new, young, or immature Christians. They may not know exactly what their gift is. They may not have the extensive Bible knowledge you have. They may not understand how the church "process" works. However, they are often looking for ways to serve and get involved. The response that you have to them may determine whether they continue to find ways to be involved or not. The response that you have to them may lead to discouragement, embarrassment, and dissatisfaction. As a result, they may fall away and become prey for fringe groups or people looking to twist God's word for personal gain.)
- Do not seek revenge.
- Be kind to each other.
Paul again is urging us to encourage and edify (build each other up) each other (This is one of the major themes of 1 Thessalonians). We are family and we should all be looking for ways to help each other.
1Thessalonians 5: 16-22
In these verses, Paul is encouraging us to have a proper attitude concerning the leadership of the Lord. We are to be joyful always. This does not mean that we are never to be sad or afraid and that a permanent smile is to be tattooed across our face. Jesus wept (john 11:35). The women hurried away from the tomb afraid yet filled with joy upon discovering that it was empty (Matt 28:8). This joy comes from always remembering what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross for us. In Acts 16: 34, the jailer was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God. In John 15: 10-11, Jesus tells us that our obedience to Him leads us to be filled with His joy and that as a result our joy is complete. We are joyful always when we are always in His will! We remain in His will by continually seeking His will through prayer. The natural progression for living an obedient, joy filled life is thanksgiving.
Finally, we need to have the proper attitude toward God's prophecies. In the old testament, God sent prophets to bring His word to His people. Today, God sends preachers to bring His word to His people. Again, we are to listen respectfully, test what is being said, decide if this is the Holy Spirit's leading, and then follow if the answer is yes. We are always to remain under the ultimate leadership of our Lord but clearly recognize that He puts pastors and preachers in our lives at certain times with certain messages to move us to action. Failing to respond is to put out the Spirit's fire and is out of line with God's will.
Do you feel joyful always? If not, first consider whether you have truly accepted Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Then, consider whether you pray frequently/ continually during the day to determine His will for your every action. Remember, only complete obedience to our Lord will lead to complete joy. Consider whether you have an attitude of contempt for his prophesies (preaching of His word) or whether you are genuinely open to His guidance/ moving when you enter a worship service.
Have a great week! I love you all!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Here is Real Hope
Bible Passages: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 35-57
We have resumed our study of 1 Thessalonians and this week's lesson deals with the question about what will happen to a Christian if he dies before the Lord returns. This question was obviously important to the believers in Thessalonica. They came from various backgrounds and had differing ideas about what would have happened to a person if he died before the Lord's return. Paul wanted to set the record straight so that they would be reassured/comforted about their loved ones and not be like non-believers who have no hope (1 Thess 4:13). The word "hope" refers not to a wish that it will be true or a longing that it might be true. Instead, it conveys an expectation or comfort obtained from the fact that what he is about to state is factual/ certain.
In 1 Thess 4:14, Paul starts with the resurrection of Jesus. He reminds them that Jesus has already risen and therefore, living believers can be certain that dead believers will be raised in like fashion. In 1 Corinthians 15: 20-23, Paul writes that "Jesus has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep". In other words, he is the first of many to be resurrected in the future at the time of His return! We can be certain that we will be raised because Jesus already has been.
Next, in 1 Thess 4:15, he tells them that living believers will not precede those that have died in joining the Lord. In other words, there is no disadvantage in dying before the Lord returns. They will not miss out on ANY blessing, especially the joy that will be present among us when Jesus returns.
In 1 Thess 4:16, he describes a series of events that will take place. The Lord will come down from heaven, a loud command will be given, the voice of the archangel will be heard, and the trumpet call of God will sound! Then, the dead in Christ will rise first. The obvious question is, "What will they be like?" Paul addresses this question in 1 Corinthians 15: 35-50. In these verses, he explains that currently we have earthly bodies (referred to by him in 2 Corinthians 5:1 as a tent... a temporary dwelling place) that are perishable, natural, weak, and dishonored. When we are raised, we will have new imperishable, glorified, powerful, spiritual bodies. Personally, I believe that this means that our sin nature will be gone! Think about how great that will be. No longer will we be warring against ourselves (as expressed by Paul in Romans 7:15-25). Instead of bearing the likeness of Adam (sinful), we will bear the likeness of Jesus (sinless) (1 Corinthians 15: 49)!
Finally, in 1 Thess 4:17, Paul writes that living believers will, at that point, be caught up together with them (the resurrected dead) in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This is the event that we call the "rapture". Rapture is a term that never appears in the Bible but refers to the events described here. Many have tried to predict when this event will occur. There are many theories. In the end, it does not matter. It is enough to know that the event will occur and all believers, both living and dead will be included. Notice that Paul's account was not an attempt to record all of the events that would take place. Instead, his aim is stated in 1 Thess 4:18... to educate the Thessalonian believers so that they could "encourage each other with these words".
Similarly, Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 to consider these facts and therefore, stand firm in our faith. We are to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. Our labor is not in vain. Our future, whether we live in the body or not is secure. When the Lord returns, we will be with Him!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Live in God's Will!
Background Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4: 1-12
Today, we will be examining a passage where Paul is exhorting the Thessalonian believers to live within God's will. He is speaking in terms of God's will as it applies to all believers.
In verse 3, Paul writes that it is God's will for us to be sanctified. This means that we are to set apart for sacred use. In 1 Peter 2:9, we are told that every Christian is part of a royal priesthood. We are to be God's messengers in the world. Along with this responsibility comes the expectation that we will live in a way that is both holy and honorable (v.4). We must learn to control our own body and the physical lusts that all of us experience. This fact is especially true with regard to sexual sin (v. 3) which seems to be so rampant in our society today. The Lord will punish such behavior (v.6).
Finally, Paul writes in v. 11 that we are to make it our ambition to live a quiet life and to mind our own business. What an oxymoron! We are not to pursue fame, notoriety, or monetary gain. Instead, we are to live in a way that does not purposely bring attention to ourselves, to go about our own business (which should be the Lord's business), and to work with our hands (supporting ourselves). We are to live in such a way that nonbelievers will respect our daily life. Hopefully, the end result of this type of life will be that we are then able to build relationships with the lost and share the gospel with them.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
A Christmas Carol
Focal Passage Luke 1:46-55
In today's lesson, we are taking a break from studying Paul's letter to the Christians of Thessalonica and focusing on the birth of our Lord. The background passage in Luke tells the story of Jesus' birth. Most of us know this story well. We have heard it for years and seen it portrayed in film, literature, and live nativity scenes. First, the announcement of the birth of Jesus is recorded. Then, the circumstances surrounding Christ's birth are provided. Then, the response to Jesus' birth is stated. I want to focus specifically on Mary's response to the announcement of her upcoming unexpected pregnancy recorded in Luke 1:46-55. These verses are actually a song and are referred to as the Magnificat of Mary. I like to think of them (listed below) as the first and best Christmas carol.
My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name.
His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as He said to our fathers.
First, she begins by praising God and rejoicing in the knowledge of her Savior. Certainly, as we celebrate Christmas, we should begin by recognizing what God has always known...we are born imperfect and our imperfections separate us from God. We are in need of a Savior and God provided one through the birth of His son, Jesus Christ! Mary rejoiced because of all that her faith in her Savior provided. She stated that He had been mindful of her humble state and that all generations will called her blessed. Likewise, He is mindful of our humble state when we accept Jesus as our Lord. We become His children at that moment and this blessing lasts forever!
Next she recognizes God's power, calling Him the Mighty one and declaring His holiness (read Isaiah 6:1-5 for Isaiah's response to being confronted with God's holiness). He is the creator. He is sovereign over His creation. He is perfect. There is no evil in Him. He is holy!
Mary understands that God has done great things for her. Likewise, He has done great things for us as well.
- He has been merciful to her.
- Throughout history and her life, He has done mighty deeds. She recognizes this fact and we need to recognize that God is still at work in our world today. God is not at a distance simply watching events unfold. He is active and acting in powerful ways on our behalf doing what is best for us.
- His nature is to treat people with justice based not on worldly standards (things that make us prideful, position of worldly authority, or financial prosperity) but solely on the righteousness obtained at the moment of our salvation. This is how He treated Mary and this is how He treats us as well
- Finally, God keeps His promises. The fact that He kept His promises to Abraham assures us that He will keep all of His promises to us as well..
As the next few days of preparation for Christmas day unfold, slow down and take a moment (or several moments) to rejoice in the Lord, your savior! Write your song of praise for all that God has done for you!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
A Witness That Works!
We are continuing our study of 1 Thessalonians today. Last week, we learned about the people of Thessalonica and the men that God sent to teach them the gospel. Today, we will look at the method of Paul's witness. Certainly, he was one off the most successful witnesses of all time. In today's scripture, we will get some insight about why he was so successful.
In 1 Thess 2:1, Paul states that his witness to the Thessalonians was successful. Why was this the case?
First and foremost, the gospel is perfect! (1 Thess 2:3). Paul writes that the message did not come from "error, impunity or by way of deceit." When we represent Christ in the world, we can have full confidence that our message is true!
Second, Paul's focus was on pleasing God rather than men (1 Thess 2:4-6). When interacting with the Thessalonians, Paul did not use flattery to win friendship, did not seek money for his support or preaching, and did not seek honor/ reputation for himself. Instead, he was focused on following God's will and pleasing Him alone.
Third, Paul's witness was personal (1 Thess 2: 7-12). Verse 8 says that not only did Paul tell the people about Jesus but that he imparted his own life to them. He established a relationship and was willing to give of himself. If our witness is to be successful, we have to be willing to establish new relationships with unsaved people. Our focus must be on doing what is necessary to win them for the Lord. In verse 7, Paul writes that he gently nurtured them as a mother cares for her own children. In verse 11, he reminds them that he "exhorted, comforted, and urged" them on as a father does for his children. Just as a good parent is selfless and centered on doing what is best/necessary for their child, so was Paul toward the lost.
We can/ must act just as Paul did. If we follow his example, our witness will very likely bear fruit. The gospel is powerful! When it is coupled with a caring, compassionate believer that puts the interest of the hearer first, it almost certainly will be well received! Make a commitment today to reach out to a lost person. Establish a relationship with them. Nurture them. Exhort them. Comfort them. Urge them. At the moment of their conversion, you will know that it was worth the effort!
Watch the two videos below to gain insight and useful tips on how to prepare to be a good witness for the Lord.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Rule with righteousness!
Today, we are finishing our study of 1st and 2nd Samuel by considering some of the final recorded words of King David. Next week, it's on to 1 Thessalonians!
As we apply these verses to our life, the first question to consider is who do we rule (or have influence) over.
We need to understand that our actions have an impact on all those with whom we have contact...family, coworkers, and casual acquaintances. Therefore, at some point in time, we rule over all those around us.
Second, we need to consider what determines how you treat those with whom you interact? Many times, the answer is self-centeredness. What's in it for us? How our response will advance our financial, social, or professional goals is quickly evaluated and our actions are tempered accordingly. Will we gain money, notoriety, or reputation? Sometimes, the length of our interaction, our perception of the other person's importance, or "how difficult" the person is to get along with changes our behavior toward them. As Christians, none of these factors should or do really matter. What does matter is how our action toward the other person will affect their relationship with the Lord.
In 2 Samuel 23:3, God tells David the type of rule that He expects. He expects us to demostrate righteousness and fear (reverence) of the Lord. There are several steps necessary to achieve this type of behavior/ life.
- We must be righteous! In order to demonstrate righteousness, we must be righteous. The only way to achieve this to to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord (Romans 3: 20-24).
- We must live a changed life. (Ephesians 5: 8-9) Notice that this is only possible after salvation.
- We must find out what pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 5: 10). Clearly, obedience to the Lord's commands is at the top of the list (1 Samuel 15: 22). One of the clearest commands is found in Matthew 28: 19-20 where we are instructed to go and make disciples of all nations.
- We must make the most of every (not just some) opportunity because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-17) and time is short (Romans 14:11-12).
- We must share our righteousness by telling others how to achieve it. Jesus is counting on you to represent Him in the world! Our love for Him and appreciation of what He has done for us should lead us to share our faith (Psalms 40:10; 2 Corinthians 5: 14, 20).
Specific instructions about how to interact with family, coworkers, and casual acquaintances can be found in Ephesians 6: 1-4, 5-9, and 10-12 respectively. In these verses, we see that our interactions should point others to the Lord (v.4), be carried out as if we were dealing directly with the Lord (7-8), and be carried out with the realization that Satan will do all that he can to oppose us.
If we rule with righteousness and fear of the Lord, our behavior will be like the first light of a clear blue day or the bightness after rain (refreshing, beautiful, and full of promise) as seen in 2 Sam 23:4.
2 Samuel 23:5 reminds us of what awaits us... the fruition of our salvation and the fulfillment of our every desire. Jesus has assured us that He is preparing a place for us and will return at the appointed time. (John 14:1-3).
As you deal with the hustle and bustle of the week, especially during the holiday season, be on the lookout for every opportunity to share your righteousness with others. Don't keep it bottled up! Your witness may be the last or only chance the other person may have to accept Jesus as their savior and to make Him Lord in their life. What do you have to lose?