Read Colossians 3:18-25
I find it interesting that quote Bible verses from scripture and quote them as our favorites or "life verses" but then when (or if) we go into the context the verse takes on its original intent. Many know Colossians 3:23 which reads - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Now I can quote this verse and apply it to so many different areas of my life. But the original context requires us to go back to at least verse 18 where we're told Paul is writing to the Colossians and specifically addressing different individuals.
First he begins with wives and says to submit to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Notice he's not saying all women are to submit to all men. Specifically he's speaking to wives. And submission isn't to be seen as a negative thing here. It's to be seen as something that is fitting in the Lord. In other words, submission is something God approves. But husbands don't miss your responsibility, you are to love your wives. Show me a wife who has a husband who loves her (especially one who loves her like Jesus loves her) and we'll see a marriage that glorifies God. Children are to obey. Obedience is always easier when it's required of someone else. But children are called to obey their parents in everything. The question is why? That's not an unusual question is it? Why? Paul answers, because it pleases the Lord. And then fathers are not to embitter their children, again a call against being harsh so that they will not become discouraged. And finally Paul says to slaves obey with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
All these relationships are to be holy relationships. Relationships that are fitting in the Lord, loving as the Lord loves, pleasing to the lord and out of respect to our Holy Father. Listen not many of us go through life without difficulties in our relationships. But God calls us, His followers, to relate with one another differently than the world relates with one another. We're called to do whatever it takes, with all our heart when it comes to our relationships with one another in this life. And God promises something in verse 24 - since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Anyone having difficulties in a relationship? Paul tells us it's Christ we are serving when we are relating in the holy ways mentioned earlier. Don't miss that. The way we live with one another and the way we love one another shows the reality of Christ that lives within us. It's been said many times that if it weren't for the people life would be easy. Have you heard that? Well, it's true. And God knows this. But He instructs and inspires us to be different in how we relate with people. We're to be men and women who understand our life isn't about us. It's first about God, then about others and after this it's then about us. We're to glorify God with our lives and we're to treat everyone we lock eyes with just as Christ would. Love them like Jesus.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Offerings
Read Leviticus 1
After finishing reading through Genesis and Exodus I find myself at the beginning of Leviticus. While certainly not one of the longest books in the Bible it is definitely one that doesn't get much positive press. Partly because we don't understand the culture within the context, but I think mostly because we aren't really sure how to relate it to our lives today. So with this in mind I want to maybe pique your interest in giving it a go, encouraging you to read through Leviticus one chapter a day and see what God reveals. If nothing else, you can finish and be one of the few who can actually claim they've read through this book which is completely devoted to the worship of the redeemed people of God and expresses the repeated command of God throughout the book "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." (11:44,45; 19:2; 20:7,26).
Leviticus 1 begins with a conversation between God and Moses and it's all about when the people of Israel are bringing an offering to God, how they're supposed to worship. Now when we come to worship God how do we come? Do we come prepared to truly let God know how much He's worth to us, or do we come distracted or perhaps unfocused? You see when we come before a holy God (this concept is prevalent all throughout Leviticus - that our God is a Holy God) we should come prepared to present our very best to God. This is one of the reasons why the offerings spoken about in Leviticus 1-7 indicate that their offerings were to be "without defect." God always wants our very best. The question is - do we offer him our best or less than our best?
And once we honestly evaluate our personal answer to this question, if and when we answer that we've presented God with less than our best what should we do? The Bible is clearly a book about our need to repent, to do a U-turn when our actions and attitudes do not align with God's. But I believe it should go at least one step further or we'll continue taking the wrong turns in our lives. Once we've repented, I believe we need to check what got us off course in the first place. This takes time, contemplation and possibly even help from another who might be able to show us where and why we're getting lost from following God's path.
I can't and I won't presume to tell you what's getting you off the path God wants you on, because I think it's different for everyone of us. But when we take the time to think about the choices we make that affect our actions and attitudes I think God will begin opening our eyes so we'll see more clearly the next time we come upon an intersection where we might make a wrong turn. You see God wants our very best, so let's give Him just that with a little help from the Holy Spirit that lives within every follower of Jesus Christ. And for that we all should be greatly humbled and thankful, that God didn't leave us alone but gave us the third person of the trinity to guide us with every step we take.
After finishing reading through Genesis and Exodus I find myself at the beginning of Leviticus. While certainly not one of the longest books in the Bible it is definitely one that doesn't get much positive press. Partly because we don't understand the culture within the context, but I think mostly because we aren't really sure how to relate it to our lives today. So with this in mind I want to maybe pique your interest in giving it a go, encouraging you to read through Leviticus one chapter a day and see what God reveals. If nothing else, you can finish and be one of the few who can actually claim they've read through this book which is completely devoted to the worship of the redeemed people of God and expresses the repeated command of God throughout the book "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." (11:44,45; 19:2; 20:7,26).
Leviticus 1 begins with a conversation between God and Moses and it's all about when the people of Israel are bringing an offering to God, how they're supposed to worship. Now when we come to worship God how do we come? Do we come prepared to truly let God know how much He's worth to us, or do we come distracted or perhaps unfocused? You see when we come before a holy God (this concept is prevalent all throughout Leviticus - that our God is a Holy God) we should come prepared to present our very best to God. This is one of the reasons why the offerings spoken about in Leviticus 1-7 indicate that their offerings were to be "without defect." God always wants our very best. The question is - do we offer him our best or less than our best?
And once we honestly evaluate our personal answer to this question, if and when we answer that we've presented God with less than our best what should we do? The Bible is clearly a book about our need to repent, to do a U-turn when our actions and attitudes do not align with God's. But I believe it should go at least one step further or we'll continue taking the wrong turns in our lives. Once we've repented, I believe we need to check what got us off course in the first place. This takes time, contemplation and possibly even help from another who might be able to show us where and why we're getting lost from following God's path.
I can't and I won't presume to tell you what's getting you off the path God wants you on, because I think it's different for everyone of us. But when we take the time to think about the choices we make that affect our actions and attitudes I think God will begin opening our eyes so we'll see more clearly the next time we come upon an intersection where we might make a wrong turn. You see God wants our very best, so let's give Him just that with a little help from the Holy Spirit that lives within every follower of Jesus Christ. And for that we all should be greatly humbled and thankful, that God didn't leave us alone but gave us the third person of the trinity to guide us with every step we take.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Goodness of God
Read Psalm 84:11
When is God good? Think about it, because how we answer this question says a lot about our view of God. Actually, this question is a set up question. Because God's goodness is not a matter of 'when.' His goodness is a matter of who He is, it's about the very nature and character of God. You see God is good - ALL THE TIME. It's who He is. Over and over and over again scripture tells us about the goodness of God. Read the history and psalms and stories of the Old and New Testaments and at least hundreds if not thousands of times we'll find scripture revealing the goodness of God.
Let's take a look at Psalm 84:11. Here we see that God is described as a sun and shield. The sun has power and brilliance and radiates the glory of God while a shield protects. So we have this picture of God shining in our lives, displaying His favor and honor, withholding "no good thing" from those whose walk is blameless.
Oh if we could just trust God in this! If we could just trust that God is good. You see if you're anything like me we all have this tendency to say or think God is good when something goes the way we want it to go or something happens and it goes in our favor. Recently my family had a medical report that a loved one's cancer does not require chemo! And the natural tendency is to say - YES, GOD IS GOOD. And He is, but not because of the favorable medical report. God is good because God is good; that's who He is.
God's goodness has nothing to do with our circumstances. His goodness has everything to do with who He is. Let's worship our good God, for He is good and worthy to be praised. Let's not catch ourselves saying God is good only when good things happen. God is good even when bad things happen. Let's love the goodness of God and know that God is good all the time; He is worthy to be praised and we are to be representatives of His goodness. Let's allow His character to affect our character. Enjoy God's goodness this week my friends!!
When is God good? Think about it, because how we answer this question says a lot about our view of God. Actually, this question is a set up question. Because God's goodness is not a matter of 'when.' His goodness is a matter of who He is, it's about the very nature and character of God. You see God is good - ALL THE TIME. It's who He is. Over and over and over again scripture tells us about the goodness of God. Read the history and psalms and stories of the Old and New Testaments and at least hundreds if not thousands of times we'll find scripture revealing the goodness of God.
Let's take a look at Psalm 84:11. Here we see that God is described as a sun and shield. The sun has power and brilliance and radiates the glory of God while a shield protects. So we have this picture of God shining in our lives, displaying His favor and honor, withholding "no good thing" from those whose walk is blameless.
Oh if we could just trust God in this! If we could just trust that God is good. You see if you're anything like me we all have this tendency to say or think God is good when something goes the way we want it to go or something happens and it goes in our favor. Recently my family had a medical report that a loved one's cancer does not require chemo! And the natural tendency is to say - YES, GOD IS GOOD. And He is, but not because of the favorable medical report. God is good because God is good; that's who He is.
God's goodness has nothing to do with our circumstances. His goodness has everything to do with who He is. Let's worship our good God, for He is good and worthy to be praised. Let's not catch ourselves saying God is good only when good things happen. God is good even when bad things happen. Let's love the goodness of God and know that God is good all the time; He is worthy to be praised and we are to be representatives of His goodness. Let's allow His character to affect our character. Enjoy God's goodness this week my friends!!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
What Do You Want From God?
Read Psalm 73:25-26
A few weeks ago in my message about exegesis, I briefly touched on the fact that many teachers promote the notion that God is simply a means to and end. We often treat God as the person we go to in order to get the thing that we really want. In many cases, the Bible has been downgraded to a cosmic self-help book. And believers have adopted the attitude of spiritual gold-diggers.
Now, I'm not only talking about the prosperity "name it-claim it' churches, but the church culture as a whole (at least in the States) has begun to treat God as simply a means to blessing, healing, finances, or at least a ticket to heaven.
In the Scriptures however, we see a different view of God. Psalm 16 declares, "(v2) I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.'" And again in verse 5, "The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot." And in the last verse of the psalm, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (v11)."
Paul made it clear that knowing Christ is far more valuable than anything else.
Phil 3:7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
The author of Hebrews makes a similar statement about Moses.
Hebrews 11: 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
I'm by no means saying it's wrong to ask God for anything. I hope no one gets that impression. But there is a problem if we begin to seek God only for what He can do for us. What do we value more?
In Psalm 73, Asaph wrote of a time when he almost slipped. He had been seeing godless people continue to prosper, while God's people continued to suffer. His turning point came when he got into the presence of God. This was his resolve;
"25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
He proclaims God to be of greater value than anything on earth, and of greater worth than heaven. My prayer is that we would all begin to adopt such a view.
"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."
-John Piper
Grace & Peace
Dre Thompson - Member, Hope Community Church
A few weeks ago in my message about exegesis, I briefly touched on the fact that many teachers promote the notion that God is simply a means to and end. We often treat God as the person we go to in order to get the thing that we really want. In many cases, the Bible has been downgraded to a cosmic self-help book. And believers have adopted the attitude of spiritual gold-diggers.
Now, I'm not only talking about the prosperity "name it-claim it' churches, but the church culture as a whole (at least in the States) has begun to treat God as simply a means to blessing, healing, finances, or at least a ticket to heaven.
In the Scriptures however, we see a different view of God. Psalm 16 declares, "(v2) I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.'" And again in verse 5, "The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot." And in the last verse of the psalm, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (v11)."
Paul made it clear that knowing Christ is far more valuable than anything else.
Phil 3:7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
The author of Hebrews makes a similar statement about Moses.
Hebrews 11: 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
I'm by no means saying it's wrong to ask God for anything. I hope no one gets that impression. But there is a problem if we begin to seek God only for what He can do for us. What do we value more?
In Psalm 73, Asaph wrote of a time when he almost slipped. He had been seeing godless people continue to prosper, while God's people continued to suffer. His turning point came when he got into the presence of God. This was his resolve;
"25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
He proclaims God to be of greater value than anything on earth, and of greater worth than heaven. My prayer is that we would all begin to adopt such a view.
"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."
-John Piper
Grace & Peace
Dre Thompson - Member, Hope Community Church
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
