Verse seven of this chapter gives us a phrase that I believe is a big deal. "God's secret wisdom". I know this much, if God has wisdom, I want some of it. And if it's a secret, how do I get in on that secret?
We read that this is a wisdom that has "been hidden and and that God destined for our glory before time began" (v. 7). A few lines later we see that "God has revealed it to us by his Spirit" (v. 10). So the Holy Spirit of God is the source of hidden wisdom that is distinct from the "wisdom of this age", which is the worldly wisdom that the culture buys into. It's not hard to think of examples of cultural norms that people rarely question, but that Scripture tells us is "coming to nothing" (v. 6).
In verses 10-16 we see a beautiful description of some of how the Holy Spirit works in us. By the Spirit, we are able to understand God's gifts to us (v. 12), able to express spiritual truth in spiritual words (v. 13), and are able to make spiritual judgments about all things (v. 15). Through the Holy Spirit, we have the mind of Christ (v. 16). Sounds like a good deal to me.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
1 Corinthians 1 - Diving Right Into It
Straight from my Bible chapter intro:
"The church in Corinth serves as Biblical 'Exhibit A': It shows evidence of enormous potential in troubled times and of great promise amid chaos. Planted within one of the most culturally diverse cities of the ancient world, the church finds it difficult to keep the negative influences of society at bay. There is division and disorder that threaten to tear the church apart. As you read 1 Corinthians, notice how Paul's words overflow with the tough love of a godly leader."
In the first chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul really doesn't waste any time. After a short but warm introduction, he immediately launches into his dual purpose of encouraging and also righting wrongs.
Encouragement: "I always thank God for you", "in him you have been enriched in every way", "you do not lack any spiritual gift", "He will keep you strong to the end", and so on.
Correction: "I appeal to you...that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you", "some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrel among you", etc.
Paul concludes this first chapter with a discussion of wisdom and foolishness. The Gospel of Christ is "foolishness to those who are perishing", and a "stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to Gentiles". We see that "the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength". Of course, God has no foolishness or weakness, but we can see Paul's point. God is so incomparably greater than anything man can imagine. So much so that He chooses the weak, lowly and foolish of the world to accomplish His purpose. Those who think they are great had better think again in light of the greatness of the Living God. "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord".
"The church in Corinth serves as Biblical 'Exhibit A': It shows evidence of enormous potential in troubled times and of great promise amid chaos. Planted within one of the most culturally diverse cities of the ancient world, the church finds it difficult to keep the negative influences of society at bay. There is division and disorder that threaten to tear the church apart. As you read 1 Corinthians, notice how Paul's words overflow with the tough love of a godly leader."
In the first chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul really doesn't waste any time. After a short but warm introduction, he immediately launches into his dual purpose of encouraging and also righting wrongs.
Encouragement: "I always thank God for you", "in him you have been enriched in every way", "you do not lack any spiritual gift", "He will keep you strong to the end", and so on.
Correction: "I appeal to you...that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you", "some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrel among you", etc.
Paul concludes this first chapter with a discussion of wisdom and foolishness. The Gospel of Christ is "foolishness to those who are perishing", and a "stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to Gentiles". We see that "the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength". Of course, God has no foolishness or weakness, but we can see Paul's point. God is so incomparably greater than anything man can imagine. So much so that He chooses the weak, lowly and foolish of the world to accomplish His purpose. Those who think they are great had better think again in light of the greatness of the Living God. "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord".
Friday, March 16, 2012
Romans 16 - Final Greetings
At first glance there doesn't seem to be a whole lot happening in this chapter as Paul/Tertius (v. 22) provide their concluding thoughts and personal greetings. It's not a chapter that theologians will break down and debate, and yet there are a couple quick points worth making.
First, I want to be like Apelles (v. 10), tested and approved in Christ. My prayer for myself and others is that we could be like that guy.
Secondly, as look through the list, I think it's a beautiful picture of what Paul wrote about in the beginning of Romans 12, about how we are one body, and each member belongs to the others. Paul clearly values people, and that is absolutely one of the marks of great leadership. He also values unity in the body, writing in v. 17 that the Romans are to "watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way".
God has done so much in me through this study of Romans over the past 17-18 weeks (I know I skipped at least one or two weekly posts). I am continuing to be transformed as He renews my mind and fills it with His Word. Can't wait to dive into 1 Corinthians next week. God bless.
First, I want to be like Apelles (v. 10), tested and approved in Christ. My prayer for myself and others is that we could be like that guy.
Secondly, as look through the list, I think it's a beautiful picture of what Paul wrote about in the beginning of Romans 12, about how we are one body, and each member belongs to the others. Paul clearly values people, and that is absolutely one of the marks of great leadership. He also values unity in the body, writing in v. 17 that the Romans are to "watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way".
God has done so much in me through this study of Romans over the past 17-18 weeks (I know I skipped at least one or two weekly posts). I am continuing to be transformed as He renews my mind and fills it with His Word. Can't wait to dive into 1 Corinthians next week. God bless.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Romans 15 - One Heartbeat
"Each of us should please his neighbor for his good to build him up" (v. 2) I can only really do that if I believe that God is working on my behalf and looking out for me way better than I could do for myself.
We know that He gives "endurance and encouragement" (v. 5), and wants us to have a "spirit of unity....so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 6)
We are to accept one another (v. 7) and "overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (v. 13)
Paul spends the last half of chapter 15 beginning his wrap-up for the letter. He restates some of his purpose in writing (v. 15-16), his dependence on Christ (v. 18-19), and finishes the chapter with his plans to visit the believers in Rome.
One last chapter to cover next week, then on to 1 Corinthians!
We know that He gives "endurance and encouragement" (v. 5), and wants us to have a "spirit of unity....so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 6)
We are to accept one another (v. 7) and "overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (v. 13)
Paul spends the last half of chapter 15 beginning his wrap-up for the letter. He restates some of his purpose in writing (v. 15-16), his dependence on Christ (v. 18-19), and finishes the chapter with his plans to visit the believers in Rome.
One last chapter to cover next week, then on to 1 Corinthians!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Romans 14 - Weak and Strong
Sometimes the Bible surprises us. In Romans 14 we see that, at least when it comes to 'disputable matters', those who are most vocal about their convictions are described as being weaker in their faith than those who are more tolerant. Verses 1-7 show us a picture of some of these disputable matters. Some eat meat, others do not. Some honor certain days above others while some consider every day equal. Sounds like Paul could have been writing to the church of 2012. How many denominations do we have, and how many of their differences boil down to disputable matters? Why are we so divided?
Regardless, verse 13 is clear: "let us stop passing judgment on one another". Verse 4 is similar: "Who are you to judge someone else's servant?"
Verses 15-19 provide a nice summary of these ideas. Make every effort to live in peace and mutual edification. The Kingdom of God is about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Finally, and most importantly, act in love.
Regardless, verse 13 is clear: "let us stop passing judgment on one another". Verse 4 is similar: "Who are you to judge someone else's servant?"
Verses 15-19 provide a nice summary of these ideas. Make every effort to live in peace and mutual edification. The Kingdom of God is about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Finally, and most importantly, act in love.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)