(Read Luke 18:9-14)
The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector has always spoken directly to my heart. You see, I am a recovering Pharisee. I am one of those who tends to "look down on everybody else". So I have to ask myself, "Am I confident in my own righteousness, or does my confidence come from somewhere else?"
This is not really an easy question to answer. It is rather difficult to discern my own heart and seek to discover where my real confidence lies. I pray that my confidence is found in Jesus alone, but I cannot always be sure.
But here's the good news: whether I am confident in Jesus alone, or whether some semblance of confidence in my own righteousness still exists, I know that I belong to Christ, and His finished work on my behalf is enough even to cover my own tendency towards self-righteousness! To God be the glory! Great things He has done!
But how can I say that? Well, let's look at another scripture. This is one I find gives me incredible comfort when I feel I am falling back into my pharisaical tendencies.
(Read II Timothy 2:11-13)
"Here is a trustworthy saying, ... if we are faithless, He will remain faithful ..."
That small verse from God's enduring, eternal, living word gives me great hope. It is all about what God has done and not what I have done! Jesus saves! Hallelujah! Praise God!
So in response to Jesus' words,"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted", this is my prayer: "Lord, help me to humble myself so that you can lift me up.
Amen."
What about you? Do you tend to be more like the Pharisee or the Tax Collector? Where then do you find your confidence?
Monday, October 22, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of October 14, 2012
Are we seeking to please people or God?
The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 1:10, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God?" He writes this in context of his defense of his apostleship (authority in being sent by Jesus) and a re-proclamation of his gospel (given to him by revelation from Jesus - see Galatians 1:12).
Since we are in the midst of an election season in America, now might be a good time to take stock on this question. We must search our own hearts and consider: "Are we seeking to please people or God?"
(Read John 12:20-50)
Jesus is the eternal Son of God who took on flesh. He is God in human form. In these verses, He describes Himself as "the light" (see verses 35-36, 46) and instructs us, "Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light."
Following this admonition, the gospel writer John, refers us to the failure of some to believe in Jesus (v. 37). He quotes the prophet Isaiah and shows that people's unbelief actually fulfills these prophecies.
Then John turns his attention to Jewish leaders who did believe in Jesus, but "would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God."
Is that us? Do we refuse to confess our faith because of fear? Do we love praise from people more than praise from God?
These are not easy questions, and they do not yield easy answers. Sometimes fear causes us to conform to the group's consensus because it is easier than "going against the grain". And this happens on both sides of the aisle. In conservative circles, there is pressure to conform to the consensus regarding what is perceived as liberal agendas. And in liberal circles, there is often equal pressure to conform to the consensus regarding what is perceived as conservative agendas. But what if God is calling us to say something that needs to be said, or to confess something that needs to be confessed?
No conservative and no liberal is completely right in everything they say. Each of us needs to be able to hear challenges from the other side. The Holy Spirit often places us in situations to give testimony to Jesus and His glory, and like the Jewish leaders in John's gospel we are called to speak up.
So what about us? Will we be willing to speak up? Will we put our trust in the light so that we may become sons of light? Or do we love praise from people more than praise from God? What are some of your thoughts?
The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 1:10, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God?" He writes this in context of his defense of his apostleship (authority in being sent by Jesus) and a re-proclamation of his gospel (given to him by revelation from Jesus - see Galatians 1:12).
Since we are in the midst of an election season in America, now might be a good time to take stock on this question. We must search our own hearts and consider: "Are we seeking to please people or God?"
(Read John 12:20-50)
Jesus is the eternal Son of God who took on flesh. He is God in human form. In these verses, He describes Himself as "the light" (see verses 35-36, 46) and instructs us, "Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light."
Following this admonition, the gospel writer John, refers us to the failure of some to believe in Jesus (v. 37). He quotes the prophet Isaiah and shows that people's unbelief actually fulfills these prophecies.
Then John turns his attention to Jewish leaders who did believe in Jesus, but "would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God."
Is that us? Do we refuse to confess our faith because of fear? Do we love praise from people more than praise from God?
These are not easy questions, and they do not yield easy answers. Sometimes fear causes us to conform to the group's consensus because it is easier than "going against the grain". And this happens on both sides of the aisle. In conservative circles, there is pressure to conform to the consensus regarding what is perceived as liberal agendas. And in liberal circles, there is often equal pressure to conform to the consensus regarding what is perceived as conservative agendas. But what if God is calling us to say something that needs to be said, or to confess something that needs to be confessed?
No conservative and no liberal is completely right in everything they say. Each of us needs to be able to hear challenges from the other side. The Holy Spirit often places us in situations to give testimony to Jesus and His glory, and like the Jewish leaders in John's gospel we are called to speak up.
So what about us? Will we be willing to speak up? Will we put our trust in the light so that we may become sons of light? Or do we love praise from people more than praise from God? What are some of your thoughts?
Monday, October 8, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of October 7, 2012
Last week I ended by asking the question, "If we are being conformed to the likeness of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, then why do we not see more evidence of it in our lives?" So that is where I would like to begin this week.
(Read Philippians 2:1-18)
The apostle Paul begins with a description of all we possess in Christ (see verse 1) before instructing us on what it means to live in Christ (see verses 2-4). So it is in scripture that the indicative (what is) always precedes the imperative (what should be).
And we continue to see this pattern developed throughout the rest of this chapter.
Our life in Christ is patterned after the Christ's own life, where he "made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant (read slave)", "humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross." Then this same Jesus who humbled Himself has been "exalted" by God and given "the name that is above every name". It is the trajectory of Jesus' own life which the pattern for our own.
But if this is true, and it is the work of the Holy Spirit, then why do we not see more evidence of it in our lives today?
Paul identifies the problem as well as the solution very succinctly in verses 12-13. "Therefore my dear friends .... continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."
The problem is found in our refusal to neglect our own responsibility in being conformed to Jesus' likeness. Unfortunately, we do not commit ourselves to "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling", and that is why we see limited evidence of Christ's life in us.
However, the problem also points to the solution. If we are willing to commit ourselves to "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling", God will continue to "work" in us "to will and to act according to His good purpose." In short, God will always do His part, so we must be also be willing to do ours.
So what is our part? How can we "work out our salvation with fear and trembling"?
I think the secret is found in following the pattern of Jesus' own earthly life. It begins with making ourselves "nothing", "taking the very nature of a servant", "humbling ourselves", and "becoming obedient to God" in everything. To state it very simply, working out our own salvation begins with recognizing God (WHO He is) and His authority over our lives. As we choose to submit to Him, He will work in us to will and to act according to His good pleasure.
In submission to God through Jesus Christ and in the Holy Spirit's power we will increasingly be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
So how is God asking you to humble yourself and submit to Him this week? Can you hear His voice? Are you willing to obey?
(Read Philippians 2:1-18)
The apostle Paul begins with a description of all we possess in Christ (see verse 1) before instructing us on what it means to live in Christ (see verses 2-4). So it is in scripture that the indicative (what is) always precedes the imperative (what should be).
And we continue to see this pattern developed throughout the rest of this chapter.
Our life in Christ is patterned after the Christ's own life, where he "made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant (read slave)", "humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross." Then this same Jesus who humbled Himself has been "exalted" by God and given "the name that is above every name". It is the trajectory of Jesus' own life which the pattern for our own.
But if this is true, and it is the work of the Holy Spirit, then why do we not see more evidence of it in our lives today?
Paul identifies the problem as well as the solution very succinctly in verses 12-13. "Therefore my dear friends .... continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."
The problem is found in our refusal to neglect our own responsibility in being conformed to Jesus' likeness. Unfortunately, we do not commit ourselves to "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling", and that is why we see limited evidence of Christ's life in us.
However, the problem also points to the solution. If we are willing to commit ourselves to "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling", God will continue to "work" in us "to will and to act according to His good purpose." In short, God will always do His part, so we must be also be willing to do ours.
So what is our part? How can we "work out our salvation with fear and trembling"?
I think the secret is found in following the pattern of Jesus' own earthly life. It begins with making ourselves "nothing", "taking the very nature of a servant", "humbling ourselves", and "becoming obedient to God" in everything. To state it very simply, working out our own salvation begins with recognizing God (WHO He is) and His authority over our lives. As we choose to submit to Him, He will work in us to will and to act according to His good pleasure.
In submission to God through Jesus Christ and in the Holy Spirit's power we will increasingly be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
So how is God asking you to humble yourself and submit to Him this week? Can you hear His voice? Are you willing to obey?
Monday, October 1, 2012
Going Deeper - September 30, 2012
What does it mean to be a "new creation"? (See 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "If anyone is in Christ he/she is a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come.") Are those words literal or merely figurative?
(Read also Romans 8:28-39; esp. 28-30)
"For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son ..."
God's purpose for you and I is that we would be conformed to the likeness (image) of His Son. That is why He predestined us, called us, and justified us. His purpose in all of it was that we "be conformed to the likeness of His Son". This purpose holds out bright hope for tomorrow (see verses 31-39), but also hope for today.
So in what way is God conforming us to the likeness of His Son today?
I think it is helpful here to distinguish between what theologians call the "broad image of God" and the "narrow image of God". The "broad image of God" is the result of creation. All human beings are created in the image of God. However, the "narrow image of God" is something only believers in Jesus receive through the Holy Spirit's work.
The "narrow image of God" relates to God's character; His goodness, His love, His mercy, His compassion, His heart, etc. These things are sometimes called God's "communicable attributes". These "communicable attributes" define the way we are being conformed to the likeness of God's Son in accordance with God's purpose.
The Bible actually uses lots of different metaphors to describe this purpose: "born again", "new creation", "new heart (heart of flesh vs. heart of stone)", etc. But all of them mean the same thing. They are speaking of the reality that the Holy Spirit (third person of the triune God) comes to live in everyone who places true faith in Jesus and that the Holy Spirit is at work in us to make us completely new! Therefore, these words are not merely figurative, they are very literal. Each metaphor is a means to describe the mystery of sanctification (the process by which God is making us new/holy).
If that is true, then why do we not see more evidence of it in our lives?
That will have to be a question for another day. For now, I invite you to reflect on what has been written (in God's word and in my blog), and to share your own thoughts about why we do not see more evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. I very much look forward to hearing your thoughts ...
(Read also Romans 8:28-39; esp. 28-30)
"For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son ..."
God's purpose for you and I is that we would be conformed to the likeness (image) of His Son. That is why He predestined us, called us, and justified us. His purpose in all of it was that we "be conformed to the likeness of His Son". This purpose holds out bright hope for tomorrow (see verses 31-39), but also hope for today.
So in what way is God conforming us to the likeness of His Son today?
I think it is helpful here to distinguish between what theologians call the "broad image of God" and the "narrow image of God". The "broad image of God" is the result of creation. All human beings are created in the image of God. However, the "narrow image of God" is something only believers in Jesus receive through the Holy Spirit's work.
The "narrow image of God" relates to God's character; His goodness, His love, His mercy, His compassion, His heart, etc. These things are sometimes called God's "communicable attributes". These "communicable attributes" define the way we are being conformed to the likeness of God's Son in accordance with God's purpose.
The Bible actually uses lots of different metaphors to describe this purpose: "born again", "new creation", "new heart (heart of flesh vs. heart of stone)", etc. But all of them mean the same thing. They are speaking of the reality that the Holy Spirit (third person of the triune God) comes to live in everyone who places true faith in Jesus and that the Holy Spirit is at work in us to make us completely new! Therefore, these words are not merely figurative, they are very literal. Each metaphor is a means to describe the mystery of sanctification (the process by which God is making us new/holy).
If that is true, then why do we not see more evidence of it in our lives?
That will have to be a question for another day. For now, I invite you to reflect on what has been written (in God's word and in my blog), and to share your own thoughts about why we do not see more evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. I very much look forward to hearing your thoughts ...
Monday, September 24, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of September 23, 2012
Is it better that we are weak or that we are strong?
This seems a particularly relevant question with respect to the violence that continues to rock the world. For example, how should Christians respond to militant muslims intent on killing them? I believe the answer will be different for Christians than it will for sovereign nations, and yet it is the Christians who have the only answer that promises to bring true, lasting peace.
(Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10)
The apostle Paul understood what it was like to be attacked. He was being insulted, downgraded, and unfairly labeled by other teachers in Corinth who felt themselves to be superior to Paul. And so Paul responds by doing a little boasting himself, but his boasting is different. He chooses not to boast about his great accomplishments (how many churches he planted, or how many people had come to know the Lord because of his ministry), but instead he chooses to boast about his weaknesses (verse 5).
Why? What strength can possibly be found in weakness?
Paul had received the answer through divine revelation (verse 9), "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Paul boasts about his weaknesses because he knows that when he is weak, then God's power works through him to make him truly strong.
And so that is why Paul chooses to boast only in his weaknesses. (verse 10) "For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Do you agree with Paul? Can you give examples of when God's power rested on you in your weakness? Are there other scripture passages, which might bring further light into this conversation?
Let's discuss!
This seems a particularly relevant question with respect to the violence that continues to rock the world. For example, how should Christians respond to militant muslims intent on killing them? I believe the answer will be different for Christians than it will for sovereign nations, and yet it is the Christians who have the only answer that promises to bring true, lasting peace.
(Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10)
The apostle Paul understood what it was like to be attacked. He was being insulted, downgraded, and unfairly labeled by other teachers in Corinth who felt themselves to be superior to Paul. And so Paul responds by doing a little boasting himself, but his boasting is different. He chooses not to boast about his great accomplishments (how many churches he planted, or how many people had come to know the Lord because of his ministry), but instead he chooses to boast about his weaknesses (verse 5).
Why? What strength can possibly be found in weakness?
Paul had received the answer through divine revelation (verse 9), "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Paul boasts about his weaknesses because he knows that when he is weak, then God's power works through him to make him truly strong.
And so that is why Paul chooses to boast only in his weaknesses. (verse 10) "For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Do you agree with Paul? Can you give examples of when God's power rested on you in your weakness? Are there other scripture passages, which might bring further light into this conversation?
Let's discuss!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of September 16, 2012
I believe that the Holy Spirit is the greatest gift a believer receives.
The fact that we receive forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is also the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit unites us to the person of Jesus Christ so that through faith we receive all the benefits He has achieved for us.
Last week we saw that the Spirit is "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession" (Ephesians 1:14). Today Paul writes again about the hope that we have because of the redemption that is coming to those who have received the Holy Spirit.
(Read Romans 8:18-27)
The glory that will be revealed in us (v. 18) is a glory free from the "bondage to decay". Paul even says that all of creation is waiting for the sons of God to be revealed so that creation itself will be "liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God"
(v. 21)
And this is our hope (we who have the firstfruits of the Spirit). It is what we are waiting for, and the Spirit is the key to it all. The Holy Spirit not only unites us to the person of Jesus, but the Holy Spirit also "intercedes for us" thereby deepening our connection to the Living God (who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift a believer receives because the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of God's desire to be with His people. In the Old Testament, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all learned that God was their greatest blessing. If they had God, they had everything, and apart from God all that they had meant nothing. And it is the same with us.
As believers, our greatest blessing is God, and since the Holy Spirit is God, then the Holy Spirit is the greatest gift a believer receives.
So what do you think? Do you agree? Is there something better that a believer receives? Is there another dimension to the Holy Spirit as the greatest gift? Do you know other scriptures that also make this point? Let's discuss.
The fact that we receive forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is also the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit unites us to the person of Jesus Christ so that through faith we receive all the benefits He has achieved for us.
Last week we saw that the Spirit is "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession" (Ephesians 1:14). Today Paul writes again about the hope that we have because of the redemption that is coming to those who have received the Holy Spirit.
(Read Romans 8:18-27)
The glory that will be revealed in us (v. 18) is a glory free from the "bondage to decay". Paul even says that all of creation is waiting for the sons of God to be revealed so that creation itself will be "liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God"
(v. 21)
And this is our hope (we who have the firstfruits of the Spirit). It is what we are waiting for, and the Spirit is the key to it all. The Holy Spirit not only unites us to the person of Jesus, but the Holy Spirit also "intercedes for us" thereby deepening our connection to the Living God (who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift a believer receives because the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of God's desire to be with His people. In the Old Testament, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all learned that God was their greatest blessing. If they had God, they had everything, and apart from God all that they had meant nothing. And it is the same with us.
As believers, our greatest blessing is God, and since the Holy Spirit is God, then the Holy Spirit is the greatest gift a believer receives.
So what do you think? Do you agree? Is there something better that a believer receives? Is there another dimension to the Holy Spirit as the greatest gift? Do you know other scriptures that also make this point? Let's discuss.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of September 9, 2012
In our world, a deposit (a few dollars down) is a "good faith" agreement that we will at some point in the future complete the transaction by paying the full purchase amount. Because we live in an imperfect world things don't always work out, but the deposit means something nonetheless.
Now, in the economy (household) of God, what does a deposit guarantee? Well we know that unlike us, God never goes back on a promise. So when He makes a deposit it is more than just a "good faith" agreement. It is a "perfect faith" agreement because God is faithful to always keep His promises.
(Read Ephesians 1:3-14; esp. 13-14)
True faith in Jesus Christ (His life, death, resurrection, and ascension - with His accompanying promise to return) is the means by which we receive forgiveness of sins, the promise of eternal life, and the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. But when Paul talks about the Holy Spirit as "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance" what does he mean?
Well to be more specific, Paul calls the Holy Spirit "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory." Does that make things a little clearer? No. Okay. Let's break it down a little more then.
The deposit, unlike too many of our "good faith" agreements, is a perfect guarantee (it will certainly take place) of our inheritance (eternal life with God) because the guarantee is made by God Himself!
Remember that in 2 Corinthians 1:20 Paul says, "no matter how many promises God has made they are 'Yes' in Christ." So God does not make idle promises. He answers "yes" to all His promises and He does so in the person of Jesus. He has in the past, and He will in the future.
Therefore, the Holy Spirit (who we receive by means of true faith in Jesus Christ) is a deposit (a "perfect faith" agreement from the One who remains faithful forever) guaranteeing (it will certainly take place) our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession.
In other words, Jesus Christ will return. He will judge the living and the dead, and He will make all things new! It is most certain because God has promised it. And God never goes back on a promise.
But when will the inheritance be fully ours?
Paul says, "... until the redemption of those who are God's possession." So we are in a holding pattern, waiting until the day Jesus Christ returns as God's "yes" answer to yet another promise. But waiting until when? "... until the redemption of those who are God's possession."
This means that if Jesus Christ has not returned, then those who are God's possession have not yet experienced the "redemption" that is theirs through true faith in Jesus Christ. So that means there is work yet to be done.
God brings people to Jesus, as we bring Jesus to people. So if there are more people to be brought to Jesus, then that means you and I have more people to whom we must bring Jesus. This is what it means to be "On Mission with God".
So what are your thoughts? What do you think Paul means when he calls the Holy Spirit, "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession"?
Now, in the economy (household) of God, what does a deposit guarantee? Well we know that unlike us, God never goes back on a promise. So when He makes a deposit it is more than just a "good faith" agreement. It is a "perfect faith" agreement because God is faithful to always keep His promises.
(Read Ephesians 1:3-14; esp. 13-14)
True faith in Jesus Christ (His life, death, resurrection, and ascension - with His accompanying promise to return) is the means by which we receive forgiveness of sins, the promise of eternal life, and the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. But when Paul talks about the Holy Spirit as "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance" what does he mean?
Well to be more specific, Paul calls the Holy Spirit "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory." Does that make things a little clearer? No. Okay. Let's break it down a little more then.
The deposit, unlike too many of our "good faith" agreements, is a perfect guarantee (it will certainly take place) of our inheritance (eternal life with God) because the guarantee is made by God Himself!
Remember that in 2 Corinthians 1:20 Paul says, "no matter how many promises God has made they are 'Yes' in Christ." So God does not make idle promises. He answers "yes" to all His promises and He does so in the person of Jesus. He has in the past, and He will in the future.
Therefore, the Holy Spirit (who we receive by means of true faith in Jesus Christ) is a deposit (a "perfect faith" agreement from the One who remains faithful forever) guaranteeing (it will certainly take place) our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession.
In other words, Jesus Christ will return. He will judge the living and the dead, and He will make all things new! It is most certain because God has promised it. And God never goes back on a promise.
But when will the inheritance be fully ours?
Paul says, "... until the redemption of those who are God's possession." So we are in a holding pattern, waiting until the day Jesus Christ returns as God's "yes" answer to yet another promise. But waiting until when? "... until the redemption of those who are God's possession."
This means that if Jesus Christ has not returned, then those who are God's possession have not yet experienced the "redemption" that is theirs through true faith in Jesus Christ. So that means there is work yet to be done.
God brings people to Jesus, as we bring Jesus to people. So if there are more people to be brought to Jesus, then that means you and I have more people to whom we must bring Jesus. This is what it means to be "On Mission with God".
So what are your thoughts? What do you think Paul means when he calls the Holy Spirit, "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession"?
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