Yesterday, we took a look at some background info on this letter. Today, Paul kicks things off by painting a really big picture.
1 Corinthians 1
1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes. 2 I am writing to God’s church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. 3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way - with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Everywhere. There are certain times of the year, like this one (with the election and Veterans Day), when we become more nationalistically minded ... with good reason. I am very grateful to live in a country where I have a say in who is in charge. I am very proud that this country was built on the willingness of so many to sacrifice so much. I just want to make sure that I never lose sight of who is really in charge of my life (“called by God to be his own holy people”) or the privilege (“partnership with his Son”) and responsibility to help (“you have every spiritual gift you need”) spread his message (“holy by means of Christ Jesus”). Most importantly, I pray the privileges of this country open my eyes to the possibilities of fulfilling God’s agenda (“for all people everywhere”) and turn my eyes from the focus of my agenda.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
1 Corinthians
Over the past couple of weeks, we have been making our way (chronologically) through the letters written by Paul. Today, we are going to transition to a letter (1 Corinthians) that Paul wrote to Jesus followers in the city of Corinth. I feel like I can approach a book of the Bible better when I have some background and context for the writing. So, I wanted to reread the account we have (in Acts 18) of Paul’s first visit to Corinth.
Acts 18
1 Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. 3 Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was. 4 Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. 5 And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word. He testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads - I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.” 7 Then he left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized. 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God. 12 But when Gallio became governor of Achaia, some Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the governor for judgment. 13 They accused Paul of “persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our law.” 14 But just as Paul started to make his defense, Gallio turned to Paul’s accusers and said, “Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would have a reason to accept your case. 15 But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish law, take care of it yourselves. I refuse to judge such matters.” 16 And he threw them out of the courtroom. 17 The crowd then grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him right there in the courtroom. But Gallio paid no attention. 18 Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea.
I also wanted to encourage you to read some notes on 1 Corinthians that really helped set the scene for me. An Introduction included in Dr. Thomas Constable's "Notes on 1 Corinthians" (check out http://soniclight.com/constable/notes/pdf/1corinthians.pdf). If you would like to get a head start on tomorrow, we will begin by looking at 1 Corinthians 1:1-9.
Acts 18
1 Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. 3 Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was. 4 Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. 5 And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word. He testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads - I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.” 7 Then he left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized. 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God. 12 But when Gallio became governor of Achaia, some Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the governor for judgment. 13 They accused Paul of “persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our law.” 14 But just as Paul started to make his defense, Gallio turned to Paul’s accusers and said, “Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would have a reason to accept your case. 15 But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish law, take care of it yourselves. I refuse to judge such matters.” 16 And he threw them out of the courtroom. 17 The crowd then grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him right there in the courtroom. But Gallio paid no attention. 18 Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea.
I also wanted to encourage you to read some notes on 1 Corinthians that really helped set the scene for me. An Introduction included in Dr. Thomas Constable's "Notes on 1 Corinthians" (check out http://soniclight.com/constable/notes/pdf/1corinthians.pdf). If you would like to get a head start on tomorrow, we will begin by looking at 1 Corinthians 1:1-9.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Imitate
Today, Paul finishes up his second letter to the Jesus followers in Thessalonica by talking about the importance of imitation in our spiritual journey.
2 Thessalonians 3
6 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us. 7 For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. 8 We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. 10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 11 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. 12 We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. 13 As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. 14 Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. 15 Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister. 16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 17 Here is my greeting in my own handwriting - Paul. I do this in all my letters to prove they are from me. 18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Imitate. As you read through the letters Paul wrote (especially in this passage), you begin to see a pattern of imitation. It begins with imitating God and Jesus (check out Ephesians 5:1-2). It moves to imitating someone that is a little further along in their spiritual journey (check out Philippians 3:17). It comes full circle when someone imitates you and becomes an imitator for other followers (check out 1 Timothy 4:12). Paul followed this same pattern in his own life ... learning to imitate Jesus (check out Galatians 1:11-17) ... being mentored by Barnabas (check out Acts 11:22-25) ... mentoring Timothy (check out Acts 16:1-4). Where are you at on your journey ... who are you imitating ... who is imitating you?
2 Thessalonians 3
6 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us. 7 For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. 8 We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. 10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 11 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. 12 We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. 13 As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. 14 Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. 15 Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister. 16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 17 Here is my greeting in my own handwriting - Paul. I do this in all my letters to prove they are from me. 18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Imitate. As you read through the letters Paul wrote (especially in this passage), you begin to see a pattern of imitation. It begins with imitating God and Jesus (check out Ephesians 5:1-2). It moves to imitating someone that is a little further along in their spiritual journey (check out Philippians 3:17). It comes full circle when someone imitates you and becomes an imitator for other followers (check out 1 Timothy 4:12). Paul followed this same pattern in his own life ... learning to imitate Jesus (check out Galatians 1:11-17) ... being mentored by Barnabas (check out Acts 11:22-25) ... mentoring Timothy (check out Acts 16:1-4). Where are you at on your journey ... who are you imitating ... who is imitating you?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Pray
We are making our way through Paul’s first letter to the Jesus followers in Thessalonica. Today, Paul offers a prayer guide.
2 Thessalonians 3
1 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. 2 Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. 5 May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
Pray. In this passage, Paul offers a perfect guide for how we should pray for each other. In the first half, Paul provides a great example of how your friends can pray for you (or even how we can pray for ourselves) ... ask them to pray that God would use you to share his message and that God would open the hearts of the people in your circle of influence so that they would receive his message and that God would protect you from any evil that might get in the way of his message being spread. In the second half, Paul provides a great example of how you can pray for your friends ... pray that God enables them to reach such a deep understanding of his love and Jesus’ patient endurance that both will naturally flow out of their hearts and spill out into their lives. Here’s the most important point ... these great examples will never do us any good unless we actually use them. So, take a minute right now ... and pray.
2 Thessalonians 3
1 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. 2 Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. 5 May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
Pray. In this passage, Paul offers a perfect guide for how we should pray for each other. In the first half, Paul provides a great example of how your friends can pray for you (or even how we can pray for ourselves) ... ask them to pray that God would use you to share his message and that God would open the hearts of the people in your circle of influence so that they would receive his message and that God would protect you from any evil that might get in the way of his message being spread. In the second half, Paul provides a great example of how you can pray for your friends ... pray that God enables them to reach such a deep understanding of his love and Jesus’ patient endurance that both will naturally flow out of their hearts and spill out into their lives. Here’s the most important point ... these great examples will never do us any good unless we actually use them. So, take a minute right now ... and pray.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Grip
We are making our way through Paul’s second letter to the Jesus followers in Thessalonica. Today, Paul talks about some very important exercises we need to practice.
2 Thessalonians 2
13 As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation - a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 14 He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, 17 comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
Grip. When we face injustice (like the Thessalonians were facing, check out 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5) and doubts (like the Thessalonians were facing, check out 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3), we have a choice. We can let go of our faith or we can strengthen our grip. Paul’s encouragement for them (and I believe us) was to strengthen their grip. The question is how do you do that? I think Paul eludes to it a couple verses later ... the idea that God will “comfort” us and “strengthen” us as we live out our faith ... through what we “do and say”. Every time you express grace in the face of injustice or forgiveness in the face of hurt or integrity in the face of deceit or love in the face of hate ... you exercise your faith and strengthen your grip.
2 Thessalonians 2
13 As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation - a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 14 He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, 17 comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
Grip. When we face injustice (like the Thessalonians were facing, check out 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5) and doubts (like the Thessalonians were facing, check out 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3), we have a choice. We can let go of our faith or we can strengthen our grip. Paul’s encouragement for them (and I believe us) was to strengthen their grip. The question is how do you do that? I think Paul eludes to it a couple verses later ... the idea that God will “comfort” us and “strengthen” us as we live out our faith ... through what we “do and say”. Every time you express grace in the face of injustice or forgiveness in the face of hurt or integrity in the face of deceit or love in the face of hate ... you exercise your faith and strengthen your grip.
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