Today's reading may seem a little offensive to our women readers, especially in today's society. But take a deep breath and let's see what it can teach us.
Essentially Paul is speaking on authority. God has established principals of order, authority, and accountability. So in this principal there are three orders: Man is under the authority of Jesus Christ, woman in under the authority of man, and Jesus Christ is under God's authority. In this order, it is right for the person under authority to submit and for the one in authority to lead with sacrificial love. This image of submission and sacrificial love will continue to play out in the remainder of this chapter.
It is important to remember that submission does not mean inferiority. Jesus Christ is under the authority of God the Father, but at the same time they are equals. I look at it this way: any time two people are doing something together, someone has to be in charge in order for the project to work correctly. There is collaboration and compromise, but ultimately, someone needs to make the final decisions. God takes the guess work out of who will do what by establishing this order: God, Christ, man, woman. So, within this order, we are still to treat each other with love, compassion, and respect regardless of who is in charge. Jesus Christ was in charge, yet he sacrificed Himself on the cross and died for us. Anyone in authority who does not recognize this sacrificial love is not living within God's order. Anyone under authority who does not recognize the respect that comes with submission is not living within God's order. Any questions?
Now we read quite a bit about head coverings. What is going on here? Does this mean all women need to run out to the store & buy a scarf? No. In ancient societies, covering one's head was a sign that you were under the authority & PROTECTION of someone else. So, to not cover your head was to say that you were rebelling against this order. In today's society, we do not cover our head; however, this teaching reminds us to be respectful and submissive to men.
I find it interesting that this is what men crave most whereas woman crave love. God built us this way & when we treat each other with love & respect relationships work so much better.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
1 Corinthians 10:1-33
Avoid Israel's Mistakes. This is the title given in my Bible for this section of Scripture. Paul is referring to his instructions to be an athlete for Christ. What does an athletic do?
1. He trains.
2. He follows the rules of the game.
3. He practices.
4. He stays disciplined in his life in order to be in the best shape to compete.
5. He is passionate.
6. He is focused.
Paul reminds us that we cannot become lazy in our faith. It requires work.
Let's look at the Israelites. The examples Paul uses here come from the book of Exodus. The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt, crying out to the Lord to save them and He does. He sends Moses and Aaron to confront pharaoh and "Let My people go." Pharaoh is full of pride and vanity (he is worshipped as a god by his people) and he refuses. Then follows 10 plagues that wreck havoc on the Egyptian people, but don't touch the Israelites. After the Passover, the death of the first-born son, pharaoh finally agrees to let the Israelites leave. They head out with wealth and joy and a promise to reach the promised land. God leads them by night with a pillar of fire and by day with a pillar of cloud. The people are on their way when pharaoh decides he has made a foolish decision & he chases after them with a full army. The Israelites become hysterical with fear, but Moses relies on God and the Red Sea is parted. The Israelites cross without difficulty, but the Egyptian army is swallowed up in the river. More rejoicing happens. God is still there leading them. They are safe. They are healthy. They are whinny. There is no fresh water, only a stagnant pond. So God instructs Moses to throw a certain type of tree into the water and it is cleaned. Water for everyone! Then there isn't enough food. So God dusts the ground each morning with manna - a type of grain that can be made into bread and cakes. Now there is only one type of food the Israelites whine and moan. So God sends quail every evening. No hunting is necessary, the birds simply run into camp, enough for everyone, and the people grab them. Dinner is served. Now the people complain again about the lack of water. They are in the desert after all. So God instructs Moses to strike a rock & boom, water pours out.
Are you seeing a pattern yet? God has met every need and complaint of these people. His physical presence leads them day & night. He provides food and water. He even speaks to them audibly when they arrive at Mt. Sinai. And yet, the people are whinny, bitter, and selfish. Having God right there with them did not keep them from sin. Paul urges us to learn from their mistakes. See, the Israelites had no personal relationship with the God that saved them. When He spoke to them from the mountain, they covered their ears and asked Him to speak quietly to Moses. They were afraid of this huge unknown God. They wanted no relationship and that attitude lead them into idolatry and forty years of wandering.
Paul now comes back to the discussion on eating meat sacrificed to idols. Don't ask where the meat came from, simply purchase it and eat it. If you are served something in another's house, eat it without wondering where it came from. It is simply food. However, if someone tells you it comes from and you know that eating it will not glorify the Lord, then don't eat it.
Now, we are not going to be served meat sacrificed to idols, so how does this pertain to us? Simply this: be conscious and aware of what you are doing. Don't participate in things that don't glorify the Lord. And think of your neighbor and those around you. Do not offend them in your believes, but don't compromise your believes either. Use the opportunity to lovingly share your faith and why you do what you do. Be an athlete for God! Have passion, focus, train, and practice. In this way, you will be able to calmly and lovingly handle any situation that comes up. And remember it all comes back to relationship. How many times have I written that sentence in these blogs?? Lots and lots because this is the most important part of Christianity - the relationship.
1. He trains.
2. He follows the rules of the game.
3. He practices.
4. He stays disciplined in his life in order to be in the best shape to compete.
5. He is passionate.
6. He is focused.
Paul reminds us that we cannot become lazy in our faith. It requires work.
Let's look at the Israelites. The examples Paul uses here come from the book of Exodus. The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt, crying out to the Lord to save them and He does. He sends Moses and Aaron to confront pharaoh and "Let My people go." Pharaoh is full of pride and vanity (he is worshipped as a god by his people) and he refuses. Then follows 10 plagues that wreck havoc on the Egyptian people, but don't touch the Israelites. After the Passover, the death of the first-born son, pharaoh finally agrees to let the Israelites leave. They head out with wealth and joy and a promise to reach the promised land. God leads them by night with a pillar of fire and by day with a pillar of cloud. The people are on their way when pharaoh decides he has made a foolish decision & he chases after them with a full army. The Israelites become hysterical with fear, but Moses relies on God and the Red Sea is parted. The Israelites cross without difficulty, but the Egyptian army is swallowed up in the river. More rejoicing happens. God is still there leading them. They are safe. They are healthy. They are whinny. There is no fresh water, only a stagnant pond. So God instructs Moses to throw a certain type of tree into the water and it is cleaned. Water for everyone! Then there isn't enough food. So God dusts the ground each morning with manna - a type of grain that can be made into bread and cakes. Now there is only one type of food the Israelites whine and moan. So God sends quail every evening. No hunting is necessary, the birds simply run into camp, enough for everyone, and the people grab them. Dinner is served. Now the people complain again about the lack of water. They are in the desert after all. So God instructs Moses to strike a rock & boom, water pours out.
Are you seeing a pattern yet? God has met every need and complaint of these people. His physical presence leads them day & night. He provides food and water. He even speaks to them audibly when they arrive at Mt. Sinai. And yet, the people are whinny, bitter, and selfish. Having God right there with them did not keep them from sin. Paul urges us to learn from their mistakes. See, the Israelites had no personal relationship with the God that saved them. When He spoke to them from the mountain, they covered their ears and asked Him to speak quietly to Moses. They were afraid of this huge unknown God. They wanted no relationship and that attitude lead them into idolatry and forty years of wandering.
Paul now comes back to the discussion on eating meat sacrificed to idols. Don't ask where the meat came from, simply purchase it and eat it. If you are served something in another's house, eat it without wondering where it came from. It is simply food. However, if someone tells you it comes from and you know that eating it will not glorify the Lord, then don't eat it.
Now, we are not going to be served meat sacrificed to idols, so how does this pertain to us? Simply this: be conscious and aware of what you are doing. Don't participate in things that don't glorify the Lord. And think of your neighbor and those around you. Do not offend them in your believes, but don't compromise your believes either. Use the opportunity to lovingly share your faith and why you do what you do. Be an athlete for God! Have passion, focus, train, and practice. In this way, you will be able to calmly and lovingly handle any situation that comes up. And remember it all comes back to relationship. How many times have I written that sentence in these blogs?? Lots and lots because this is the most important part of Christianity - the relationship.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
1 Corinthians 9:1-2T
In many of Paul's letters you will find him defending his status as apostle. This is because many false teachers would come to these churches & deny Paul's teaching in favor of their own. Paul would then need to write to rectify the problem. Here he makes his points again:
1. He is not under the authority of anyone but God. This is true of all the apostles.
2. He has personally seen and been called by Jesus Christ.
3. The church is evidence of his work. They exist because Paul came to preach & establish them.
Paul now defends his rights as an apostle. He has the right to receive support for himself and his spouse, if he had one. This right was established in the Levitical Law during the time of Moses. Those who serve in the temple receive their support from the temple. Yet, Paul has not claimed these rights. He prefers to let nothing get in the way of his preaching. So, he pays his own way and he has never married. This distinguished him from those who traveled preaching the gospel just to make money. Now, don't get confused here. Paul isn't saying that preachers shouldn't get paid. This was a personal choice for him. He was directly called & commissioned by Jesus Christ & he lived his life according to that calling. It was everything to him.
Paul ends this section speaking about his attitude. Everything revolved around preaching the gospel. He changed his approach according to the culture he was preaching to, but he never changed his message. If he was speaking to orthodox Jews, he followed their customs. If he was speaking to gentiles, his attitude was more carefree. HOWEVER, he never compromised on Heaven & Hell issues. He dealt with that in the last chapter.
Paul compared himself to an athlete running a race. He was trained, disciplined, and focused on the finish line. He followed the rules and mentored others in them. In that matter, when the race was won, he would receive his prize - eternal life with Jesus Christ.
So, are you prepared to run the race? Are you training through prayer & Bible reading? Are you assessing your attitude? We all know that life can feel like a big, complicated game full of competition. Paul has shared the rules & guidelines he has received with us. Will you finish the race & receive your reward or will you be disqualified? The choice is yours.
1. He is not under the authority of anyone but God. This is true of all the apostles.
2. He has personally seen and been called by Jesus Christ.
3. The church is evidence of his work. They exist because Paul came to preach & establish them.
Paul now defends his rights as an apostle. He has the right to receive support for himself and his spouse, if he had one. This right was established in the Levitical Law during the time of Moses. Those who serve in the temple receive their support from the temple. Yet, Paul has not claimed these rights. He prefers to let nothing get in the way of his preaching. So, he pays his own way and he has never married. This distinguished him from those who traveled preaching the gospel just to make money. Now, don't get confused here. Paul isn't saying that preachers shouldn't get paid. This was a personal choice for him. He was directly called & commissioned by Jesus Christ & he lived his life according to that calling. It was everything to him.
Paul ends this section speaking about his attitude. Everything revolved around preaching the gospel. He changed his approach according to the culture he was preaching to, but he never changed his message. If he was speaking to orthodox Jews, he followed their customs. If he was speaking to gentiles, his attitude was more carefree. HOWEVER, he never compromised on Heaven & Hell issues. He dealt with that in the last chapter.
Paul compared himself to an athlete running a race. He was trained, disciplined, and focused on the finish line. He followed the rules and mentored others in them. In that matter, when the race was won, he would receive his prize - eternal life with Jesus Christ.
So, are you prepared to run the race? Are you training through prayer & Bible reading? Are you assessing your attitude? We all know that life can feel like a big, complicated game full of competition. Paul has shared the rules & guidelines he has received with us. Will you finish the race & receive your reward or will you be disqualified? The choice is yours.
Monday, October 24, 2011
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
During the reign of the Roman Empire, it was common to offer sacrifices of animals & food to idols. These sacrifices were then sold in markets. According to Jewish law, a Jew was forbidden to eat such food. However, as the Christian church spread, newly converted Jews were going into the homes of non-Jewish believers, and gentiles (non-Jewish people) in order to share the Good News. The churches were also filling up with non-Jewish believers. This lead to some problems because gentiles did not follow Jewish law.
Some people were offended by the eating of this food because of where it came from. Paul is offering two forms of advice here:
1. There is nothing wrong with this food. There is no such thing as an idol. They only exist in the minds of men. Therefore, the food is not tainted & you are not acknowledging an idol by buying this food in the market to feed your family.
2. However, not all Christians are knowledgeable or strong enough in there faith to understand this concept. To them, this food is forbidden & it would be a sin to eat it. SO - don't eat it in front of them or ask them to eat it with you. Don't shame them for their believe. It goes back to the golden rule: think of others first & treat them the way you want to be treated. You don't want to be shamed for your believes, so don't shame others for theirs.
This is what I call a grey area. It isn't a question of heaven or hell. Your believe one way or another won't destroy your salvation. It is a matter of opinion. You may have your opinion & I may have mine. There is no need to fight, persuade, or harass each other regarding grey areas. Let each person come to an understanding with God on these issues. Answer their questions and share your faith, but ultimately, it comes down to how the person relates with God. If doing something causes them to feel guilt, then they should not do it. The same goes for you. If you do feel guilty about something, go to God in prayer & ask for help in dealing with the issue.
Now, this doesn't mean you can just make up your mind to do things that will cause you to fall away from your faith. Just a chapter or two ago, Paul was told the church to confront one another on matters of sexual immorality. It is very important that you understand the difference between heaven & hell issues and the grey areas. Spend time in prayer & ask your church leaders to help you understand the difference. And read your Bible!! Everything you need to know is found in those Scriptures.
Some people were offended by the eating of this food because of where it came from. Paul is offering two forms of advice here:
1. There is nothing wrong with this food. There is no such thing as an idol. They only exist in the minds of men. Therefore, the food is not tainted & you are not acknowledging an idol by buying this food in the market to feed your family.
2. However, not all Christians are knowledgeable or strong enough in there faith to understand this concept. To them, this food is forbidden & it would be a sin to eat it. SO - don't eat it in front of them or ask them to eat it with you. Don't shame them for their believe. It goes back to the golden rule: think of others first & treat them the way you want to be treated. You don't want to be shamed for your believes, so don't shame others for theirs.
This is what I call a grey area. It isn't a question of heaven or hell. Your believe one way or another won't destroy your salvation. It is a matter of opinion. You may have your opinion & I may have mine. There is no need to fight, persuade, or harass each other regarding grey areas. Let each person come to an understanding with God on these issues. Answer their questions and share your faith, but ultimately, it comes down to how the person relates with God. If doing something causes them to feel guilt, then they should not do it. The same goes for you. If you do feel guilty about something, go to God in prayer & ask for help in dealing with the issue.
Now, this doesn't mean you can just make up your mind to do things that will cause you to fall away from your faith. Just a chapter or two ago, Paul was told the church to confront one another on matters of sexual immorality. It is very important that you understand the difference between heaven & hell issues and the grey areas. Spend time in prayer & ask your church leaders to help you understand the difference. And read your Bible!! Everything you need to know is found in those Scriptures.
Friday, October 21, 2011
1 Corinthians 7:1-40
Marriage: Paul has a few points:
1. Paul is happy to be single. As a single person you can devote yourself to the Lord. You answer only to him.
However, if you just stand being single & you find someone to love:
1. Don't withhold sex. I know, I know a little embarrassing, but this is in the Bible. God created sex for marriage.
2. Your first thought should be of God. Your second is for your spouse.
3. As Christians - don't get divorced. You are bound together.
So, choose wisely who you will marry.
1. Paul is happy to be single. As a single person you can devote yourself to the Lord. You answer only to him.
However, if you just stand being single & you find someone to love:
1. Don't withhold sex. I know, I know a little embarrassing, but this is in the Bible. God created sex for marriage.
2. Your first thought should be of God. Your second is for your spouse.
3. As Christians - don't get divorced. You are bound together.
So, choose wisely who you will marry.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Huh? What is Paul talking about here? It's one of my favorite verses. I have to tell myself it over & over again - all things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable.
Basically, by accepting Jesus we are no longer bound by the law because we have been forgiven. In the Old Testament, the law instructed believers on how to live. Break a law & pay a fine or offer a sacrifice. The severity of the law dictated the severity of the offering. However, Jesus abolished all that. He is our sacrifice, our offering. So we no longer need to live in fear of breaking the law.
Does that mean go out & do whatever you want because Jesus' blood forgives your sins? Absolutely not! The law wasn't set in place just to tell us what to do. It's there to show us how to live a healthy, happy lifestyle. When we ignore the law & do things our own way - well, nature consequences take place. Here Paul speaks of sexual immorality. There are dire consequences for participating in sex outside of marriage. Unwanted pregnancy, disease, poor self-worth, getting stuck with someone you don't really like, a strained marriage, betrayal, addiction. The list goes on & on.
So we no longer live under the law, but that doesn't mean you throw the law out. So, if you truly believe that God is the creator of the universe & He's looking out for you. If you really think He knows what's best (by claiming to be a Christian, you must agree with this statement) then, why wouldn't you listen to Him? Every time you are tempted to make the wrong choice remember - All things are lawful, but not all things are good for me. Choose the best, don't settle for the rest.
Basically, by accepting Jesus we are no longer bound by the law because we have been forgiven. In the Old Testament, the law instructed believers on how to live. Break a law & pay a fine or offer a sacrifice. The severity of the law dictated the severity of the offering. However, Jesus abolished all that. He is our sacrifice, our offering. So we no longer need to live in fear of breaking the law.
Does that mean go out & do whatever you want because Jesus' blood forgives your sins? Absolutely not! The law wasn't set in place just to tell us what to do. It's there to show us how to live a healthy, happy lifestyle. When we ignore the law & do things our own way - well, nature consequences take place. Here Paul speaks of sexual immorality. There are dire consequences for participating in sex outside of marriage. Unwanted pregnancy, disease, poor self-worth, getting stuck with someone you don't really like, a strained marriage, betrayal, addiction. The list goes on & on.
So we no longer live under the law, but that doesn't mean you throw the law out. So, if you truly believe that God is the creator of the universe & He's looking out for you. If you really think He knows what's best (by claiming to be a Christian, you must agree with this statement) then, why wouldn't you listen to Him? Every time you are tempted to make the wrong choice remember - All things are lawful, but not all things are good for me. Choose the best, don't settle for the rest.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Ah, law suits. They seem to pop up everywhere today. And many of them are frivolous attempts at get-rich-quick or pass-the-blame schemes. The woman who sued McDonald's because she burned herself on the coffee. Don't worry about the fact that she put a hot cup of coffee in her lap while she was driving. It was McDonald's fault for not reminding her that the coffee was hot in the first place.
Unfortunately, these ridiculous lawsuits aren't new today. Ever heard the expression, nothing is new under the sun? Well, the Roman Empire was larger, wealthier, and more indulgent than the U.S. is today. (Although we are quickly heading in that direction.) So, Paul now needs to scold the Corinthian church for wasting time and resources suing each other over every little thing.
He makes a really good point here. Why are you taking your disagreements to a godless system? Do you think you will get treated right by the judges and lawyers who are relying on worldly wisdom and their own opinions? Take your disagreements to the church leaders who rely on godly wisdom and the Truth of Scripture. There is only one reason to rely on man's understanding - you know you're wrong. God isn't going to side with you, but maybe, just maybe another man will. Hmmmm . . . sounds like it all comes back to motivation.
It does that a lot doesn't it? God takes all these situations we deal with on a day to day basis and really cuts back to the heart of the matter - why we do what we do. Stop examining what you do & start focusing on why you do it. You will never heal, never find joy or peace until you fix the root of the problem.
So, if you have a problem with a fellow Christian - what should you do? Go to your church leader. If you go to Victory Church, you have one of the best leaders around - Pastor Joe. He is a man who doesn't rely on his own understanding, but takes everything to God. If you can't see your way out of your own mess. If you don't know how to go back to God, go to someone who does & can patiently show you how.
And always remember - it's all about your motivation, so dig deep!
Unfortunately, these ridiculous lawsuits aren't new today. Ever heard the expression, nothing is new under the sun? Well, the Roman Empire was larger, wealthier, and more indulgent than the U.S. is today. (Although we are quickly heading in that direction.) So, Paul now needs to scold the Corinthian church for wasting time and resources suing each other over every little thing.
He makes a really good point here. Why are you taking your disagreements to a godless system? Do you think you will get treated right by the judges and lawyers who are relying on worldly wisdom and their own opinions? Take your disagreements to the church leaders who rely on godly wisdom and the Truth of Scripture. There is only one reason to rely on man's understanding - you know you're wrong. God isn't going to side with you, but maybe, just maybe another man will. Hmmmm . . . sounds like it all comes back to motivation.
It does that a lot doesn't it? God takes all these situations we deal with on a day to day basis and really cuts back to the heart of the matter - why we do what we do. Stop examining what you do & start focusing on why you do it. You will never heal, never find joy or peace until you fix the root of the problem.
So, if you have a problem with a fellow Christian - what should you do? Go to your church leader. If you go to Victory Church, you have one of the best leaders around - Pastor Joe. He is a man who doesn't rely on his own understanding, but takes everything to God. If you can't see your way out of your own mess. If you don't know how to go back to God, go to someone who does & can patiently show you how.
And always remember - it's all about your motivation, so dig deep!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Let's try this again. Being sick & attempting to still function in life isn't always the best idea. I read & posted on 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 last time. Today, I'll actually read & comment on the correct Scripture.
Paul is handling an uncomfortable situation in his classic bold & honest style. There is serious sexual sin going on in the church. Everyone knows about it, but no one has said or done anything. Paul tells the church to confront the offender and handle him accordingly.
To often we want to avoid the conflict. If we pretend it isn't happening, maybe it will just go away & we won't have to deal with the devastation & embarrassment of confrontation. It is better to directly deal with the issue. For if you allow your brother or sister in Christ to destroy themselves with sin, are you really treating them with love? I think not.
So, hold one another accountable. Treat one another with love. Offer mercy and forgiveness. Basically, treat one another the way Christ treats you.
Paul is handling an uncomfortable situation in his classic bold & honest style. There is serious sexual sin going on in the church. Everyone knows about it, but no one has said or done anything. Paul tells the church to confront the offender and handle him accordingly.
To often we want to avoid the conflict. If we pretend it isn't happening, maybe it will just go away & we won't have to deal with the devastation & embarrassment of confrontation. It is better to directly deal with the issue. For if you allow your brother or sister in Christ to destroy themselves with sin, are you really treating them with love? I think not.
So, hold one another accountable. Treat one another with love. Offer mercy and forgiveness. Basically, treat one another the way Christ treats you.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Update
Sorry there have been no posts. My internet has been down. It is now restored & posts will resume this evening.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
1 Corinthians 4
Let's take a look at a good spiritual leader:
1. A good leader is a servant.
2. A good leader does not worry about what others think about him. Nor does he concern himself with what he thinks about himself. Instead, he let's God judge him.
3. A good leader sticks to Scripture and doesn't add to it.
4. A good leader should not expect riches or glory.
5. A good leader works hard.
6. A good leader perseveres through persecution.
So, do you have a what it takes to be a good religious leader? I look at this list & think we should all aspire to meet these requirements - whether or not we plan on teaching the Word. Seems like we have been given a recipe for peace and a good life.
1. A good leader is a servant.
2. A good leader does not worry about what others think about him. Nor does he concern himself with what he thinks about himself. Instead, he let's God judge him.
3. A good leader sticks to Scripture and doesn't add to it.
4. A good leader should not expect riches or glory.
5. A good leader works hard.
6. A good leader perseveres through persecution.
So, do you have a what it takes to be a good religious leader? I look at this list & think we should all aspire to meet these requirements - whether or not we plan on teaching the Word. Seems like we have been given a recipe for peace and a good life.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
1 Corinthians 3
Too funny! I just read & gave commentary on the wrong reading! I guess God has a message in store for me from 1 Thessalonians 2:16, because I really got a lot out of that reading. However, we are in Corinthians right now, so let's do that reading also!
Hmmmm, I feel like we have read this before. And we have read similar accounts in Paul's letters because of human nature. We, as humans, like to attribute the things of God to man. So, instead of saying, "I am a follower of Christ & His message." We say, "I like the message Paul gave." Or, "I like the message Apollos gave." We identify with the man who spoke the words, rather than the Man those words speak about. Look past what is right in front of your face! Stop taking things at face value & look deeper to the Spiritual truths. Christianity is not about the leader, pastor, or teacher who brought you the word. It is about the WORD itself. It all points back to God and His plan.
So, who do you follow?
Hmmmm, I feel like we have read this before. And we have read similar accounts in Paul's letters because of human nature. We, as humans, like to attribute the things of God to man. So, instead of saying, "I am a follower of Christ & His message." We say, "I like the message Paul gave." Or, "I like the message Apollos gave." We identify with the man who spoke the words, rather than the Man those words speak about. Look past what is right in front of your face! Stop taking things at face value & look deeper to the Spiritual truths. Christianity is not about the leader, pastor, or teacher who brought you the word. It is about the WORD itself. It all points back to God and His plan.
So, who do you follow?
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13
What I truly enjoy about Paul is how honest and open he is with the church. He doesn't try to make himself look good. He doesn't act like he has no problems or troubles. He doesn't make excuses. He just lays it all out there. At the same time, his compassion for his brothers and sisters in Christ is so evident. No matter what Paul is going through, he still prays for and worries about the church body.
In this passage, he is speaking of the persecution he is undergoing. Rather than bring these troubles to his church body, he and his traveling companions isolate themselves. But Paul can't help but worry about the church. Are they doing OK? Are they holding up under the massive pressures they face every day? Have they been fooled and drawn away by false teaching? So, Paul sends Timothy, a young pastor and traveling companion. Oh how Paul is relieved to here that the church is flourishing & doing well. This good report lifts his spirits & brings him joy.
So what can we learn from this personal look into Paul's heart? Two things pop into mind (& now that I read through them, they are very similar, but here goes):
1. You are not a lone wolf sent to wander this strange, cold world alone. When you become a Christian you enter into a family. A family that cares for you and longs to see you happy, healthy, and fulfilling God's good purpose for your life. Don't cut yourself off from your family! So often I hear, "I love God, but I don't need the church." Don't fool yourself, you need the church. Not the building, not the establishment - but the people. You were created for relationship!
2. Since you were created for relationship. Remember - IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT YOU! Stop being so self-involved. Start realizing that the things you do have far reaching consequences. You want to get out of that depression you've allowed yourself to sink into? Stop thinking about yourself & start thinking about others. Are you lonely? Isolated? Feel like you have nothing or no one? Reach out & get involved with your church family. Make the effort to show up & participate & see how full your life becomes!
In this passage, he is speaking of the persecution he is undergoing. Rather than bring these troubles to his church body, he and his traveling companions isolate themselves. But Paul can't help but worry about the church. Are they doing OK? Are they holding up under the massive pressures they face every day? Have they been fooled and drawn away by false teaching? So, Paul sends Timothy, a young pastor and traveling companion. Oh how Paul is relieved to here that the church is flourishing & doing well. This good report lifts his spirits & brings him joy.
So what can we learn from this personal look into Paul's heart? Two things pop into mind (& now that I read through them, they are very similar, but here goes):
1. You are not a lone wolf sent to wander this strange, cold world alone. When you become a Christian you enter into a family. A family that cares for you and longs to see you happy, healthy, and fulfilling God's good purpose for your life. Don't cut yourself off from your family! So often I hear, "I love God, but I don't need the church." Don't fool yourself, you need the church. Not the building, not the establishment - but the people. You were created for relationship!
2. Since you were created for relationship. Remember - IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT YOU! Stop being so self-involved. Start realizing that the things you do have far reaching consequences. You want to get out of that depression you've allowed yourself to sink into? Stop thinking about yourself & start thinking about others. Are you lonely? Isolated? Feel like you have nothing or no one? Reach out & get involved with your church family. Make the effort to show up & participate & see how full your life becomes!
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