There is a fascinating discussion taking place among Christians about the choice of several churches to cancel their Christmas Day services. There have been articles in the secular press (The Chicago Tribune & The Lexington Herald Leader) and Christianity Today's Weblog. The issue relates directly to what we studied last week in Paul's discussion of meat sacrificed to idols. In Romans 14 Paul called that issue a "disputable matter" and then gave another issue that Christians can rightly have varying opinions about: "One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers everyday alike." (v.5)
Is there something special in God's mind about Dec.25? Is it any different from any other Sunday? Is it different from any other day of the year?
Why did these churches cancel the service? One spokeswoman for Willow Creek Church in the Chicago area said: "It's being lifestyle-friendly for people who are just very, very busy." Another Willow Creek staff member explained that they "see it as not having church on Christmas. We se it as decentralizing the church on Christmas -- hundreds of thousands of experiences going on around Christmas trees. The best way to honor the birth of Jesus is for families to have a more personal experience on that day."
But if it is good to have "a more personal experience" then "why not decentralize the church every week?" -- as Christianity Today writers asked.
Fuller Seminary professor, Robert Johnston, didn't like the emphasis on individual family worship: "What's going on here is a redefinition of Christmas as a time of family celebration rather than as a time of the community faithful celebrating the birth of the Savior. There is a risk that we will lose one more of our Christian rituals, one that's at the heart of our faith."
Similarly, Father Tom Shaughnessy of the Lexington Catholic diocese said that Christmas day is "a holy day of obligation, which means for the faithful, Mass attendance is required."
Follow the links to these articles and look over Rom.14 & I Cor.8. We should have a lively discussion about Christian freedom on December 18. (We will decide then whether to meet as a class on Christmas Day!)
New Year's Eve: Bernie & Cathy Schock's home. 371-1889. RSVP.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Questions About Divorce & Remarriage: I Cor.7:10-40
Paul told the Corinthians that God’s ideal is that marriage is for life: “A wife must not separate from her husband.” Because the marriage bond is God’s handiwork -- “what God has joined together let man not separate” -- divorce is not like dissolving a friendship or a business partnership. It is like trying to make two bodies out of a single body -- ouch!
The biggest losers in divorce are the children. The average child performs more poorly in school, is more delinquent, has more problems with alcohol and other drugs, etc. And it isn’t just young children who struggle. A few years ago a man in his 40’s told me that his parents divorced after all the kids were out of the home. Both parents ultimately married again and neither lives in the family’s original home town. Now when my friend visits his parents, he does so in a strange house, in a strange town, with strange people (step siblings). He said with tears in his eyes: “I have no place to call home.”
But Paul knew that sin can ruin the ideal: “But if she does [separate] ...”) There are situations in which God permits -- though never commands -- divorce. When there is serious and sustained failure -- adultery, abuse, alcoholism, etc., divorce may be the last and only alternative.
But what about remarriage? If there is no adultery, the command is: “she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband.” This is widely abused even among Christians today. Imagine how hard husbands and wives would work to restore a broken marriage if they believed they had to be single and celibate the rest of their lives! (Paul also allowed remarriage if your non-Christian spouse leaves you (v.15) or if your mate dies (v.39)).
When God’s ideal is broken it isn’t the end of life. Before David confessed his sins of adultery and murder he was miserable: “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” But then he returned to God: “I said, `I will confess my sins to the Lord’ -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin!” (Ps.32). Once we have humbly confessed our failings, we can move on with God. He is a God of the second and third and hundredth chance. He desperately wants to repair our brokenness and establish an intimate bond with us -- no matter what has happened in the past.
Next Sunday's study: I Cor.8
1.Paul was answering another question from this young, immature church. What was the question?
2.How does Paul define knowledge? is it a good thing? does it have limitations? is Paul against it?
3.How would eating meat sacrificed to idols become a stumbling block to the weak in faith ?
4.Whose faith is weak? why is it weak?
5.Do you think Paul ate meat sacrificed to idols?
6.What are contemporary parallels to eating or not eating this meat?
Open House: Don’t forget the open house at Tom and Pamela Gage’s home (3004 S. Coral Court; phone: 371-3367). They are celebrating their 33rd wedding anniversary. Saturday, Dec.10, 6-9 P.M.
New Year’s Eve food and fellowship at the Schock’s home: 7:00-12:00. Kids welcome. 3000 S. George St. , phone: 371-1889.
Paul told the Corinthians that God’s ideal is that marriage is for life: “A wife must not separate from her husband.” Because the marriage bond is God’s handiwork -- “what God has joined together let man not separate” -- divorce is not like dissolving a friendship or a business partnership. It is like trying to make two bodies out of a single body -- ouch!
The biggest losers in divorce are the children. The average child performs more poorly in school, is more delinquent, has more problems with alcohol and other drugs, etc. And it isn’t just young children who struggle. A few years ago a man in his 40’s told me that his parents divorced after all the kids were out of the home. Both parents ultimately married again and neither lives in the family’s original home town. Now when my friend visits his parents, he does so in a strange house, in a strange town, with strange people (step siblings). He said with tears in his eyes: “I have no place to call home.”
But Paul knew that sin can ruin the ideal: “But if she does [separate] ...”) There are situations in which God permits -- though never commands -- divorce. When there is serious and sustained failure -- adultery, abuse, alcoholism, etc., divorce may be the last and only alternative.
But what about remarriage? If there is no adultery, the command is: “she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband.” This is widely abused even among Christians today. Imagine how hard husbands and wives would work to restore a broken marriage if they believed they had to be single and celibate the rest of their lives! (Paul also allowed remarriage if your non-Christian spouse leaves you (v.15) or if your mate dies (v.39)).
When God’s ideal is broken it isn’t the end of life. Before David confessed his sins of adultery and murder he was miserable: “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” But then he returned to God: “I said, `I will confess my sins to the Lord’ -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin!” (Ps.32). Once we have humbly confessed our failings, we can move on with God. He is a God of the second and third and hundredth chance. He desperately wants to repair our brokenness and establish an intimate bond with us -- no matter what has happened in the past.
Next Sunday's study: I Cor.8
1.Paul was answering another question from this young, immature church. What was the question?
2.How does Paul define knowledge? is it a good thing? does it have limitations? is Paul against it?
3.How would eating meat sacrificed to idols become a stumbling block to the weak in faith ?
4.Whose faith is weak? why is it weak?
5.Do you think Paul ate meat sacrificed to idols?
6.What are contemporary parallels to eating or not eating this meat?
Open House: Don’t forget the open house at Tom and Pamela Gage’s home (3004 S. Coral Court; phone: 371-3367). They are celebrating their 33rd wedding anniversary. Saturday, Dec.10, 6-9 P.M.
New Year’s Eve food and fellowship at the Schock’s home: 7:00-12:00. Kids welcome. 3000 S. George St. , phone: 371-1889.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
The Practice of Marital Sex: I Cor.7:1-5
Paul made it clear that the norm for a married couple is to practice regular sex. He counseled that sex should only be set aside “for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer.” But this is only a temporary interruption -- the couple should “come together” again so that they won’t be tempted to commit sexual sin.
But what is regular? Paul’s council is that the decision is made by “mutual consent.” And obviously, such agreement can only happen when the couple is talking about sex -- a conversation that many of us find difficult. God intended us to be naked with our partners -- both literally and metaphorically -- we need to be stripped of our clothes and our defenses. We can bare ourselves by asking a few simple questions of each other:
What would satisfy you?
What would improve our sex life?
How can I meet your physical and emotional needs?
The discussion should take place in a context in which each is focused on the need’s of his partner: “the husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” Though each has an opportunity to express his/her needs, the primary emphasis should be on what I can give, not on what I can get. Successful marriages always focus on responsibilities more than rights. God intended marriage to be a laboratory where we learn to serve rather than be served.
Next Sunday: December 4, 2005 - I Cor.7:10-40
We will spend our time trying to answer one primary question: Under what circumstances does God allow divorce? Within this we will also discuss the issue of remarriage. You might find it helpful to read Mt.5:31-32 & 19:1-12.
New Year's Eve Fellowship at the Schock's home. Kids and food welcome. 7:00-12:00 P.M.
Paul made it clear that the norm for a married couple is to practice regular sex. He counseled that sex should only be set aside “for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer.” But this is only a temporary interruption -- the couple should “come together” again so that they won’t be tempted to commit sexual sin.
But what is regular? Paul’s council is that the decision is made by “mutual consent.” And obviously, such agreement can only happen when the couple is talking about sex -- a conversation that many of us find difficult. God intended us to be naked with our partners -- both literally and metaphorically -- we need to be stripped of our clothes and our defenses. We can bare ourselves by asking a few simple questions of each other:
What would satisfy you?
What would improve our sex life?
How can I meet your physical and emotional needs?
The discussion should take place in a context in which each is focused on the need’s of his partner: “the husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” Though each has an opportunity to express his/her needs, the primary emphasis should be on what I can give, not on what I can get. Successful marriages always focus on responsibilities more than rights. God intended marriage to be a laboratory where we learn to serve rather than be served.
Next Sunday: December 4, 2005 - I Cor.7:10-40
We will spend our time trying to answer one primary question: Under what circumstances does God allow divorce? Within this we will also discuss the issue of remarriage. You might find it helpful to read Mt.5:31-32 & 19:1-12.
New Year's Eve Fellowship at the Schock's home. Kids and food welcome. 7:00-12:00 P.M.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Honor God with Your Body
I Cor.6:11-20
I don’t own my body. It was sold at a slave auction. The Bidder was Jesus Christ and the price offered was his life. Now unlike other slaves on the auction block, I had a choice. I could accept his bid or remain enslaved to my sin. When I accepted the bid, I was accepting a new master. Now he gave me incredible privileges as his slave. He forgave and will never judge my sin. He came to live in this physical body of mine. He guaranteed a custom-built home for me in heaven. What is my responsibility? I must give my body back to Him.
Negatively, I must never let my body be used for sexual immorality. The Corinthians believed that the body and the soul are separate entities. They believed they could worship God in their hearts while they gave their bodies to prostitutes. But Paul explained that this wasn’t true: “He who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body. For it is said, `The two shall become one flesh.’” Paul made it clear that sex is never just sex. Something mystical takes place, knitting the souls of the partners together. The result of this union is that it damages the intimate union with Christ.
Positively, I must ask how God wants to use my body. As I approach the age of 60, what does my world tell me to do with my body? “Lay up treasures in your IRA, retire, give yourself to golf and travel.” But is that God’s vision for this body? Or, what does the culture tell you women to do with your body? The emphasis is on enhancing the physical beauty of your bodies. But how does God want to use your legs and your arms and your lips? Your goal should be to “honor God your body.” Would you ask God to show you what that means?
Next Sunday: I Cor.7
I don’t own my body. It was sold at a slave auction. The Bidder was Jesus Christ and the price offered was his life. Now unlike other slaves on the auction block, I had a choice. I could accept his bid or remain enslaved to my sin. When I accepted the bid, I was accepting a new master. Now he gave me incredible privileges as his slave. He forgave and will never judge my sin. He came to live in this physical body of mine. He guaranteed a custom-built home for me in heaven. What is my responsibility? I must give my body back to Him.
Negatively, I must never let my body be used for sexual immorality. The Corinthians believed that the body and the soul are separate entities. They believed they could worship God in their hearts while they gave their bodies to prostitutes. But Paul explained that this wasn’t true: “He who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body. For it is said, `The two shall become one flesh.’” Paul made it clear that sex is never just sex. Something mystical takes place, knitting the souls of the partners together. The result of this union is that it damages the intimate union with Christ.
Positively, I must ask how God wants to use my body. As I approach the age of 60, what does my world tell me to do with my body? “Lay up treasures in your IRA, retire, give yourself to golf and travel.” But is that God’s vision for this body? Or, what does the culture tell you women to do with your body? The emphasis is on enhancing the physical beauty of your bodies. But how does God want to use your legs and your arms and your lips? Your goal should be to “honor God your body.” Would you ask God to show you what that means?
Next Sunday: I Cor.7
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
I Cor.6:1-11
I Cor.6:1-11
The president of Iran wants to destroy Israel; pro-abortion and pro-life groups battle over a Supreme Court appointment; parents contend with their schools over curriculum choices, etc., etc. We live in a dispute-filled world -- and the church is not immune. Paul was concerned about the way the Corinthians were dealing with their squabbles: “If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints?” Many Christians treat conflict as something shameful. For a couple to admit that they occasionally yell at each other or a parent to admit that he can’t control his teen or a church staff member to admit that she can’t speak amicably to another staff member, is often seen as something horribly disgraceful. But true shame doesn’t come from having disputes but from mishandling them.
Many non-Christians approach a dispute as if they are part of a twelve-member family that is dishing up an eight-piece pie. Their strategy is to claw and scratch and cheat to get their rightful portion. Some of the Corinthians would also “cheat and do wrong” to get their way. Paul asked them to be willing to be abused: “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” Paul was more concerned about the unity and the testimony of the church than justice for an individual believer. They were hoping to win a legal battle but they had already lost because their actions didn’t honor God. When the world looks at the church it should be a beacon for how to resolve our inevitable conflicts. But if our disputes are just as acrimonious as the world’s, then the world will conclude that we have nothing to offer. That’s why Jesus prayed that we might “be brought to complete unity to let the world know that” the Father had sent him. (Jn.17:23)
But how can we live with injustice? I recently talked with a Christian from another city who explained a conflict with his former Christian partner. Though the two of them drew up a separation agreement, they forgot to include one property in the settlement. This property was similar to several other properties included in the agreement and my friend feels confident that the issue would have been included with those properties. But since it was not included, his former partner laid total claim to the property. Though my friend spent considerable time trying to resolve the issue, his ex-partner remained steadfast. My friend’s only option was to go to court, which he declined even though it involved a substantial amount of money and his lawyer believed he could win the case. He reasoned: “God is capable of giving me that money in some other way. Most of the people we have done business with know that we are Christians and I don’t want to bring dishonor to Christ.” We can accept injustice in this world because we know a greater and more permanent justice is coming: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (II Cor.5:10)
Nov.20 Study: I Cor.6:12-20
1.How can Paul say, “everything is permissible for me”? Is he saying it is O.K. to sin?
2.What is the Christian view of the body?
3.How did the Corinthians justify their sexual immorality?
4.Are sexual sins the worst sins?
Prayer fellowship: Nov.20, 6:00 P.M. Tim & Susan Long. Children welcome.
The president of Iran wants to destroy Israel; pro-abortion and pro-life groups battle over a Supreme Court appointment; parents contend with their schools over curriculum choices, etc., etc. We live in a dispute-filled world -- and the church is not immune. Paul was concerned about the way the Corinthians were dealing with their squabbles: “If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints?” Many Christians treat conflict as something shameful. For a couple to admit that they occasionally yell at each other or a parent to admit that he can’t control his teen or a church staff member to admit that she can’t speak amicably to another staff member, is often seen as something horribly disgraceful. But true shame doesn’t come from having disputes but from mishandling them.
Many non-Christians approach a dispute as if they are part of a twelve-member family that is dishing up an eight-piece pie. Their strategy is to claw and scratch and cheat to get their rightful portion. Some of the Corinthians would also “cheat and do wrong” to get their way. Paul asked them to be willing to be abused: “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” Paul was more concerned about the unity and the testimony of the church than justice for an individual believer. They were hoping to win a legal battle but they had already lost because their actions didn’t honor God. When the world looks at the church it should be a beacon for how to resolve our inevitable conflicts. But if our disputes are just as acrimonious as the world’s, then the world will conclude that we have nothing to offer. That’s why Jesus prayed that we might “be brought to complete unity to let the world know that” the Father had sent him. (Jn.17:23)
But how can we live with injustice? I recently talked with a Christian from another city who explained a conflict with his former Christian partner. Though the two of them drew up a separation agreement, they forgot to include one property in the settlement. This property was similar to several other properties included in the agreement and my friend feels confident that the issue would have been included with those properties. But since it was not included, his former partner laid total claim to the property. Though my friend spent considerable time trying to resolve the issue, his ex-partner remained steadfast. My friend’s only option was to go to court, which he declined even though it involved a substantial amount of money and his lawyer believed he could win the case. He reasoned: “God is capable of giving me that money in some other way. Most of the people we have done business with know that we are Christians and I don’t want to bring dishonor to Christ.” We can accept injustice in this world because we know a greater and more permanent justice is coming: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (II Cor.5:10)
Nov.20 Study: I Cor.6:12-20
1.How can Paul say, “everything is permissible for me”? Is he saying it is O.K. to sin?
2.What is the Christian view of the body?
3.How did the Corinthians justify their sexual immorality?
4.Are sexual sins the worst sins?
Prayer fellowship: Nov.20, 6:00 P.M. Tim & Susan Long. Children welcome.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Thoughts on I Cor.5
What is the greatest enemy of the life of the church? Though we may believe it is the decadence of the outside world, our most destructive enemy is inside the fellowship of believers. And it doesn't take very much of "the yeast of malice and wickedness" to corrupt the whole body. As a result, Paul instructed us to "expel the wicked man" who spreads the corruption.
But who is this wicked man? We are never commanded to expel those who are struggling with their sin. In Galatians Paul advised "those who are spiritual to restore ... gently" a brother who is "caught" in a sin. Those who are walking with God should come along side the alcoholic who abhors his addiction or the adulterer who is straining to restore his marriage. The brother who should be excommunicated is the drunkard who loves his partying or the adulterer who is unrepentantly carrying on an affair.
So how does an individual treat, for instance, a fellow Christian who obstinately clings to his affair? Paul commanded: "you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slandered, a drunkard or a swindler." What did Paul mean by "not associate?" We are to avoid even the most casual contact: "With such a man do not even eat." Paul would have certainly condemned even more serious contact such as a prayer group or Bible study or service project.
But why is this type of church discipline not practiced? One of the groups Sunday morning listed several reasons. One weighty reason is that we don't possess the love and courage required. Confronting fellow Christians with their sin can be a messy job -- hardened sinners may resent your efforts and "turn and tear you to pieces" (Matt.7:6). Many of us have been taught to not rock the boat. Our culture continually encourages us to be tolerant of anything and everything. But the gospel calls us to a different standard -- we are to be intolerant of our own sin and the sin of those we love. At times, this means a gentle rebuke. At its most extreme, it can mean to ask the sinner to leave the fellowship.
Questions for Nov.13 (I Cor.6:1-11)
1.Why did Paul not want Christians suing Christians?
2.What was the source of these lawsuits?
3.How should we handle these situations in today's church?
4.What does Paul mean by the phrase: "inherit the kingdom of God"?
Prayer-Fellowship, Nov.20. 6-8 P.M.
What is the greatest enemy of the life of the church? Though we may believe it is the decadence of the outside world, our most destructive enemy is inside the fellowship of believers. And it doesn't take very much of "the yeast of malice and wickedness" to corrupt the whole body. As a result, Paul instructed us to "expel the wicked man" who spreads the corruption.
But who is this wicked man? We are never commanded to expel those who are struggling with their sin. In Galatians Paul advised "those who are spiritual to restore ... gently" a brother who is "caught" in a sin. Those who are walking with God should come along side the alcoholic who abhors his addiction or the adulterer who is straining to restore his marriage. The brother who should be excommunicated is the drunkard who loves his partying or the adulterer who is unrepentantly carrying on an affair.
So how does an individual treat, for instance, a fellow Christian who obstinately clings to his affair? Paul commanded: "you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slandered, a drunkard or a swindler." What did Paul mean by "not associate?" We are to avoid even the most casual contact: "With such a man do not even eat." Paul would have certainly condemned even more serious contact such as a prayer group or Bible study or service project.
But why is this type of church discipline not practiced? One of the groups Sunday morning listed several reasons. One weighty reason is that we don't possess the love and courage required. Confronting fellow Christians with their sin can be a messy job -- hardened sinners may resent your efforts and "turn and tear you to pieces" (Matt.7:6). Many of us have been taught to not rock the boat. Our culture continually encourages us to be tolerant of anything and everything. But the gospel calls us to a different standard -- we are to be intolerant of our own sin and the sin of those we love. At times, this means a gentle rebuke. At its most extreme, it can mean to ask the sinner to leave the fellowship.
Questions for Nov.13 (I Cor.6:1-11)
1.Why did Paul not want Christians suing Christians?
2.What was the source of these lawsuits?
3.How should we handle these situations in today's church?
4.What does Paul mean by the phrase: "inherit the kingdom of God"?
Prayer-Fellowship, Nov.20. 6-8 P.M.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
God's Field: I Cor.3
How would you like to spend an afternoon working in my garden? I have plenty to do -- cleaning up from the year’s growing season, preparing for winter, planting bulbs for next spring. Not an attractive offer? What if I told you that Jesus is my head gardener and that you would be working with and for him?
Paul says that God has a field and that we are God’s fellow workers. Wow! What a privilege to be one of God’s farm hands caring for his crops. What could be greater? Is it a burden for me to spend 3,4 hours each week preparing for this Sunday School class? Not when I remember that I am tending the eternal souls of God’s seedlings. What could I want to do more? Try to lower my golf handicap?!
Fortunately, I am not working alone. Paul explained that he was a seed planter and Apollos was a water carrier. And under girding them was God, who makes things grow. I am never responsible for the entire spiritual life of anyone -- not my friends, not my children, not my wife. I must determine what the Lord has assigned and do it -- trusting that the mix of laborers will produce a crop. Whenever I overestimate my role in the growth process I become frustrated or anxious or manipulative: “Why won’t you get with it?!” But when I remember that God simply asks me to be faithful, then I can be at rest, confident that the God who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil.1:6)
Would you be willing to pull on your gloves and join me and Jesus in the garden? The author of Hebrews complained that his readers needed to be taught the elementary truths of God’s word all over again when they should have been teachers by that time. If you aren’t regularly teaching someone, would you trust God to lead one person into your life whom you can begin to teach what you know about how to walk with God?
Sunday's study: I Cor.4:1-21
1.What did Paul mean when he said: "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed I do not even judge myself."
2.Study Mt.7:1-5. What do those verses and this chapter contribute to our understanding of what it means to judge other/ourselves/the world?
Next prayer fellowship: Nov.13.
How would you like to spend an afternoon working in my garden? I have plenty to do -- cleaning up from the year’s growing season, preparing for winter, planting bulbs for next spring. Not an attractive offer? What if I told you that Jesus is my head gardener and that you would be working with and for him?
Paul says that God has a field and that we are God’s fellow workers. Wow! What a privilege to be one of God’s farm hands caring for his crops. What could be greater? Is it a burden for me to spend 3,4 hours each week preparing for this Sunday School class? Not when I remember that I am tending the eternal souls of God’s seedlings. What could I want to do more? Try to lower my golf handicap?!
Fortunately, I am not working alone. Paul explained that he was a seed planter and Apollos was a water carrier. And under girding them was God, who makes things grow. I am never responsible for the entire spiritual life of anyone -- not my friends, not my children, not my wife. I must determine what the Lord has assigned and do it -- trusting that the mix of laborers will produce a crop. Whenever I overestimate my role in the growth process I become frustrated or anxious or manipulative: “Why won’t you get with it?!” But when I remember that God simply asks me to be faithful, then I can be at rest, confident that the God who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil.1:6)
Would you be willing to pull on your gloves and join me and Jesus in the garden? The author of Hebrews complained that his readers needed to be taught the elementary truths of God’s word all over again when they should have been teachers by that time. If you aren’t regularly teaching someone, would you trust God to lead one person into your life whom you can begin to teach what you know about how to walk with God?
Sunday's study: I Cor.4:1-21
1.What did Paul mean when he said: "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed I do not even judge myself."
2.Study Mt.7:1-5. What do those verses and this chapter contribute to our understanding of what it means to judge other/ourselves/the world?
Next prayer fellowship: Nov.13.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
“Judging All Things” -- I Cor.2,3
We are the ultimate insiders -- we have been given access to the “deep things of God” because God’s Spirit has been planted in and speaks to our souls. But many Christians don’t seem to hear the mysteries that the Spirit wants to reveal. Why not? Because other voices drown out the voice of God -- the culture, the devil, our friends, our family, our history, and even our churches. All of these sources can broadcast “the standards of this age” and keep us “infants in Christ.”
If we want to move beyond our spiritual pre-schools, we must learn how to recognize and reject these false standards -- wherever we find them. When our churches measure spiritual maturity by church attendance, by tithing, by service to the church, we must remember that you you can do all of that and still be a spiritual thumb sucker.
Our task then is to discern “worldly” thinking -- “the spiritual man makes judgments about all things.” (2:15) This is a learned skill -- developing the ability to discern the good and evil in “all things.” As you watch T.V. with your family (or by yourself) ask questions:
We are the ultimate insiders -- we have been given access to the “deep things of God” because God’s Spirit has been planted in and speaks to our souls. But many Christians don’t seem to hear the mysteries that the Spirit wants to reveal. Why not? Because other voices drown out the voice of God -- the culture, the devil, our friends, our family, our history, and even our churches. All of these sources can broadcast “the standards of this age” and keep us “infants in Christ.”
If we want to move beyond our spiritual pre-schools, we must learn how to recognize and reject these false standards -- wherever we find them. When our churches measure spiritual maturity by church attendance, by tithing, by service to the church, we must remember that you you can do all of that and still be a spiritual thumb sucker.
Our task then is to discern “worldly” thinking -- “the spiritual man makes judgments about all things.” (2:15) This is a learned skill -- developing the ability to discern the good and evil in “all things.” As you watch T.V. with your family (or by yourself) ask questions:
- What does this commercial teach about what it means to be a woman? what makes her happy? why aren’t there fat or homely women in commercials?
- What does this sit-com teach about the role of fathers? Is that the kind of father you would like to have?
- What kind of life do you think these professional football players live? How would you like to have your mistakes unveiled by instant replay to the whole nation? What would it be like to be cut when the team found a better player?
- What do you think it would be like if our family lost our home in a natural disaster? would God let something like that happen to us? should the federal government replace our home if we lost it?
It is God’s Spirit in cooperation with God’s word which helps us make accurate judgments about the world we live in. And these right judgments form the basis of a maturing, stable Christian faith.
Assignment: Practice making judgments as you watch T.V. this week.
This Sunday: We will complete I Cor.3, asking some of the following questions:
- How did Paul view his role in the Corinthians' growth toward maturity? What does this say about how we should be involved in others' lives?
- How will God judge my role as a discipler of others?
- How do I measure my success as a discipler of others? (4:1-5)
Next prayer fellowship: Oct.23 at Ed & Kristi Irvin's
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
I Cor.2
In Mel Gibson’s movie “What Women Want”, the actor was miraculously given the ability to hear what women were thinking. At first he used the gift to take advantage of women, but then he began to use it to relate to them better. One of those women was his 15 year-old daughter who had little respect for him because of his indifference toward her. But hearing her needs and her vulnerabilities stirred his dormant fatherly love. The scene where they went shopping for a prom-dress is particularly touching.
But in the real world we obviously can not know the unspoken thoughts of others. The apostle Paul made that point when he concluded: “For who knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him?” (I Cor.2:11) The only way I could really know my wife’s thoughts would be to have her spirit implanted in my soul. As good as that knowledge would be, an even greater gift would be to know the intimate thoughts of God. And who knows God’s thoughts? Paul explained: “No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” So if I want to know God’s most private thoughts, I must have His Spirit transplanted into me. But this also must be a fantasy, right? Wrong! “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” (2:12) Wow!
We often talk about the wonder of our salvation -- the infinite, holy, all powerful God gave his life so that we might have life. But an equally, if not more, astounding truth is that he sent His Spirit to make a home in our finite, unholy, weak selves so that we can know Him intimately. Why would he reveal his “secret wisdom” to us in this way? We will never understand but we can praise God for such an undeserved and unexpected gift! “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (2:9)
Questions for I Cor.3 - Oct.9
1.What does it mean to be "spiritual"? "worldly"?
2.What are the characteristics of spiritual infants?
3.How should those who are ministering to others view themselves?
4.What rewards is Paul talking about in 3:14? How are those rewards achieved? When will they be given?
Next Sunday evening prayer fellowship: October 23, 6:00 P.M. Any volunteers to host?
In Mel Gibson’s movie “What Women Want”, the actor was miraculously given the ability to hear what women were thinking. At first he used the gift to take advantage of women, but then he began to use it to relate to them better. One of those women was his 15 year-old daughter who had little respect for him because of his indifference toward her. But hearing her needs and her vulnerabilities stirred his dormant fatherly love. The scene where they went shopping for a prom-dress is particularly touching.
But in the real world we obviously can not know the unspoken thoughts of others. The apostle Paul made that point when he concluded: “For who knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him?” (I Cor.2:11) The only way I could really know my wife’s thoughts would be to have her spirit implanted in my soul. As good as that knowledge would be, an even greater gift would be to know the intimate thoughts of God. And who knows God’s thoughts? Paul explained: “No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” So if I want to know God’s most private thoughts, I must have His Spirit transplanted into me. But this also must be a fantasy, right? Wrong! “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” (2:12) Wow!
We often talk about the wonder of our salvation -- the infinite, holy, all powerful God gave his life so that we might have life. But an equally, if not more, astounding truth is that he sent His Spirit to make a home in our finite, unholy, weak selves so that we can know Him intimately. Why would he reveal his “secret wisdom” to us in this way? We will never understand but we can praise God for such an undeserved and unexpected gift! “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (2:9)
Questions for I Cor.3 - Oct.9
1.What does it mean to be "spiritual"? "worldly"?
2.What are the characteristics of spiritual infants?
3.How should those who are ministering to others view themselves?
4.What rewards is Paul talking about in 3:14? How are those rewards achieved? When will they be given?
Next Sunday evening prayer fellowship: October 23, 6:00 P.M. Any volunteers to host?
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Why was Paul so negative about the Corinthians, claiming they were not wise or influential or noble? He also called them foolish, weak, lowly and despised. Wouldn’t Paul’s words hurt their self-image? A better question is, Does God want us to have a high self-image? There is ample evidence -- both in the secular world and in the Bible -- questioning the value of self-esteem. One study at the University of Michigan found that American school children rank far ahead of students in the rest of the western world in self-confidence but rank near the bottom in actual performance. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found no correlation between delinquency and self-esteem. Apparently many of these kids are able to feel very positive about themselves while they are engaged in such negative behavior! The apostle Paul warned: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” The weight of scripture seems clear -- though we can think too lowly of ourselves, the greater danger is to think too highly of ourselves.
So you don’t have much self-confidence? You don’t think you have much to offer others? That isn’t a bad place to be -- just don’t let it keep you from moving toward other people, serving their needs. A lack of confidence in yourself can quickly be turned into confidence in God: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Assignment: Many people complain that the Bible is hard to understand or that it is boring. If I picked up Tolstoy's War & Peace, read two pages out of the middle of the book, and then complained that it was boring and incomprehensible, what would you say to me? Isn’t that how we read the Bible? Before next week try to read the whole book of I Corinthians all the way through once or twice. That overview will help you interpret the chapters and verses that we study each week.
Questions for I Cor.2:1-15
1.What was Paul’s strategy and state of mind when coming to Corinth? Did his preceding ministry in Athens have anything to do with it? (acts.17:16-34)
2.What do verses 1-5 tell us about how the gospel should be proclaimed?
3.Why do non-Christians reject the gospel?
4.What is this secret wisdom of God? who is it revealed to? how is it revealed?
So you don’t have much self-confidence? You don’t think you have much to offer others? That isn’t a bad place to be -- just don’t let it keep you from moving toward other people, serving their needs. A lack of confidence in yourself can quickly be turned into confidence in God: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Assignment: Many people complain that the Bible is hard to understand or that it is boring. If I picked up Tolstoy's War & Peace, read two pages out of the middle of the book, and then complained that it was boring and incomprehensible, what would you say to me? Isn’t that how we read the Bible? Before next week try to read the whole book of I Corinthians all the way through once or twice. That overview will help you interpret the chapters and verses that we study each week.
Questions for I Cor.2:1-15
1.What was Paul’s strategy and state of mind when coming to Corinth? Did his preceding ministry in Athens have anything to do with it? (acts.17:16-34)
2.What do verses 1-5 tell us about how the gospel should be proclaimed?
3.Why do non-Christians reject the gospel?
4.What is this secret wisdom of God? who is it revealed to? how is it revealed?
Monday, September 19, 2005
Fighting for Unity
The New Testament is filled with appeals for unity among Christians. In this chapter Paul pleaded with warring factions to “agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” Wow! Paul set a towering standard. We can’t rest until perfection is met. In other words, we can’t rest -- because perfect unity cannot be achieved in this life. But as Paul stated elsewhere, we are to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.” We must continually work to not let disunity rule our church. We must not become entrenched by only defending the perspective of a particular age group or worship service or ministry team or pastor. A maturing church will have regular conflicts. But we must labor together so that those conflicts don’t push us apart and destroy what God is doing among us. If we quarrel without resolution we are not any different than the pagan world and have little to offer them.
Assignment: This Sunday we will study I Cor.1:18-31. What is true wisdom? Is God against learning? How has God destroyed the wisdom of the wise?
Prayer/Potluck: 6:00 P.M. Bernie & Cathy Schock's home: 3000 S. George St. (371-1889.) We will have maps on Sunday. Potluck. Bring anything except a dessert.
Assignment: This Sunday we will study I Cor.1:18-31. What is true wisdom? Is God against learning? How has God destroyed the wisdom of the wise?
Prayer/Potluck: 6:00 P.M. Bernie & Cathy Schock's home: 3000 S. George St. (371-1889.) We will have maps on Sunday. Potluck. Bring anything except a dessert.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Giving Respect
Paul began his letter to the Corinthians by stating: “I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.” Who were the Corinthians? In the rest of the letter Paul had almost nothing good to say to them -- they were bickering with each other (1:11), they were still in their spiritual diapers (3:1-3), they were arrogant (4:18), they permitted gross immorality (5:1), they were greedy (6:1), etc. How could Paul have any gratitude for them?
Paul was able to be grateful for them because he understood that respect is something God calls us to give to everyone. The sixth commandment tells children to respect their parents. Paul told wives to respect their husbands. Paul wrote that the preachers and teachers in a church deserve a “double honor”.
But how can we give honor to those who act dishonorably? This passage gives us the key: Paul was thankful for these carnal believers because he recognized the “grace given [them] in Christ Jesus.” He saw God at work in their lives. If bitterness or contempt grasps us, it tells us that we are sinners. If I disrespect my wife, “it’s because I’m weak, not because my wife is failing. If I were really mature, I would have the same compassion for her weaknesses as Christ does. Respect is a spiritual discipline, an obligation that I owe my wife.” (Gary Thomas, Sacred Marriage).
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the failings of spouses, children, parents, friends. But God calls us to find some measure of His grace at work in them. A few years ago I had a student write in a final paper that she had been planning to leave her husband. But after opening her life to God, she realized that her husband wasn’t the ghoul she had made him out to be. She had simply let his failings fill her mind, neglecting to focus on his good qualities. When she recognized her error, she went to her husband -- who knew what she had been contemplating -- and threw her arms around him and told him that she would never leave.
Application: Think about a relationship you are struggling with. Make a list of all of the evidences of God’s grace in that person’s life. Then honor them by telling them what you appreciate about them. Gary Thomas explains that a husband’s respect for his wife isn’t merely an internal feeling: “We honor our wives by demonstrating our esteem and respect: complimenting them in public; affirming their gifts, abilities, and accomplishments; and declaring our appreciation for all they do. Honor not expressed is not honor.”
Assignment: In next Sunday’s class we will study I Cor.1:10-31. What was causing quarrels in the church? How does God’s wisdom compare with man’s wisdom?
Prayer fellowship: We will meet on Sept.25 at 6:00 P.M. at Bernie and Cathy’s house. It is a potluck. Kids are welcome. We will be done by 8:00.
Call for directions. 371-1889.
Paul was able to be grateful for them because he understood that respect is something God calls us to give to everyone. The sixth commandment tells children to respect their parents. Paul told wives to respect their husbands. Paul wrote that the preachers and teachers in a church deserve a “double honor”.
But how can we give honor to those who act dishonorably? This passage gives us the key: Paul was thankful for these carnal believers because he recognized the “grace given [them] in Christ Jesus.” He saw God at work in their lives. If bitterness or contempt grasps us, it tells us that we are sinners. If I disrespect my wife, “it’s because I’m weak, not because my wife is failing. If I were really mature, I would have the same compassion for her weaknesses as Christ does. Respect is a spiritual discipline, an obligation that I owe my wife.” (Gary Thomas, Sacred Marriage).
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the failings of spouses, children, parents, friends. But God calls us to find some measure of His grace at work in them. A few years ago I had a student write in a final paper that she had been planning to leave her husband. But after opening her life to God, she realized that her husband wasn’t the ghoul she had made him out to be. She had simply let his failings fill her mind, neglecting to focus on his good qualities. When she recognized her error, she went to her husband -- who knew what she had been contemplating -- and threw her arms around him and told him that she would never leave.
Application: Think about a relationship you are struggling with. Make a list of all of the evidences of God’s grace in that person’s life. Then honor them by telling them what you appreciate about them. Gary Thomas explains that a husband’s respect for his wife isn’t merely an internal feeling: “We honor our wives by demonstrating our esteem and respect: complimenting them in public; affirming their gifts, abilities, and accomplishments; and declaring our appreciation for all they do. Honor not expressed is not honor.”
Assignment: In next Sunday’s class we will study I Cor.1:10-31. What was causing quarrels in the church? How does God’s wisdom compare with man’s wisdom?
Prayer fellowship: We will meet on Sept.25 at 6:00 P.M. at Bernie and Cathy’s house. It is a potluck. Kids are welcome. We will be done by 8:00.
Call for directions. 371-1889.
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