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".
Friday, March 23, 2012
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.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Romans 13 - Clothe Yourself
Interesting that Paul ends chapter 12 with instructions to not be overcome by evil, and then goes straight into a discussion of submission to the government at the start of chapter 13. I always thought that was a curious transition.
Anyway, for me the question inspired by v. 1-7 is "what happens when a government is clearly evil, operating contrary to God's Word and standards?" In this case, we have a clear answer in Acts 4:19, when Peter tells the religious leaders that he must obey God rather than man. And yet, in general, Paul's instruction is clear...
"Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect, if honor, then honor".
Two verses that sum up much of what this Christian life is about are found toward the end of Romans 13.
"Love is the fulfillment of the law" v. 10
"Rather, clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature" v. 14
I can't avoid thinking about gratifying the desires of the sinful nature apart from clothing myself with Jesus. Good to know....
Anyway, for me the question inspired by v. 1-7 is "what happens when a government is clearly evil, operating contrary to God's Word and standards?" In this case, we have a clear answer in Acts 4:19, when Peter tells the religious leaders that he must obey God rather than man. And yet, in general, Paul's instruction is clear...
"Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect, if honor, then honor".
Two verses that sum up much of what this Christian life is about are found toward the end of Romans 13.
"Love is the fulfillment of the law" v. 10
"Rather, clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature" v. 14
I can't avoid thinking about gratifying the desires of the sinful nature apart from clothing myself with Jesus. Good to know....
Friday, February 10, 2012
Romans 12 - A Thumbnail Sketch of a Disciple of Jesus
I admire the work of Chip Ingram, a Bible teacher/pastor who has done some fantastic work. One of the studies that I've had an opportunity to go through multiple times is one that Chip put together about chapter 12 of Romans. In Chip's words, Romans 12 provides a terrific overview of what it means to be an authentic follower of Jesus, and he breaks the chapter up into 5 parts/themes. He calls these the 5 S's of Romans 12.
Verse 1 - Surrendered to God: We can't become who God intends us to be until we are "all in", and willing to cooperate with His work in our lives.
V. 2 - Separate from the world: Not removed from the world, but separate or distinct, understanding that this distinction becomes gradually more apparent as our minds are "renewed" by hearing, reading, studying, memorizing and meditating on God's Word.
V. 3-8 - Sober self-assessment: Understanding who we are, how we are made, and how we fit into the larger picture of the Body of Christ. Not thinking too highly of ourselves, but also recognizing our gifts and talents, and committing to use them for God's purposes.
V. 9-13 - Serving in love: Fairly self-explanatory, but being willing to serve and submit to others.
V. 14-21 - Supernaturally responding to evil with good: Easier said than done most of the time, but trusting that God will meet our needs, and resisting the temptation to take revenge or harbor bitterness against those who make our lives difficult.
Many thanks to Chip for his work and insight into this chapter. You can visit Chip's R12 website to learn more.
Verse 1 - Surrendered to God: We can't become who God intends us to be until we are "all in", and willing to cooperate with His work in our lives.
V. 2 - Separate from the world: Not removed from the world, but separate or distinct, understanding that this distinction becomes gradually more apparent as our minds are "renewed" by hearing, reading, studying, memorizing and meditating on God's Word.
V. 3-8 - Sober self-assessment: Understanding who we are, how we are made, and how we fit into the larger picture of the Body of Christ. Not thinking too highly of ourselves, but also recognizing our gifts and talents, and committing to use them for God's purposes.
V. 9-13 - Serving in love: Fairly self-explanatory, but being willing to serve and submit to others.
V. 14-21 - Supernaturally responding to evil with good: Easier said than done most of the time, but trusting that God will meet our needs, and resisting the temptation to take revenge or harbor bitterness against those who make our lives difficult.
Many thanks to Chip for his work and insight into this chapter. You can visit Chip's R12 website to learn more.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Romans 11 - Israel, Gentiles, and branches
"Did God reject his people? By no means!"
The people of Jacob, the nation of Israel have been set apart as chosen by God. We see that clearly throughout the Scriptures. And yet, due to the fallen condition of man, even God's "favorites" find themselves in need of grace (v. 5). There is no one who has earned his/her way to God. No one who merits his favor on our own.
Not sure I understand and grasp all the theology in this chapter, but I can read things like:
"because of their (Israel's) transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious" (v. 11).
"And so all Israel will be saved." (v. 26)
"God's gifts and call are irrevocable." (v. 30)
Here's a weird one..."For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all." (v. 32) What's that all about?
Mark Twain talked about how it isn't the parts of the Bible he didn't understand that bothered him, it was the parts that he did understand. There's a bunch in Romans 11 that I know I don't grasp, but the chapter ends with this:
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen." (v. 33-36)
That part makes sense to me. God is awesome, merciful, perfectly loving and all-powerful. Even as I wrestle with passages of Scripture I can't quite wrap my brain around, I know God is revealing Himself to me more each day.
The people of Jacob, the nation of Israel have been set apart as chosen by God. We see that clearly throughout the Scriptures. And yet, due to the fallen condition of man, even God's "favorites" find themselves in need of grace (v. 5). There is no one who has earned his/her way to God. No one who merits his favor on our own.
Not sure I understand and grasp all the theology in this chapter, but I can read things like:
"because of their (Israel's) transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious" (v. 11).
"And so all Israel will be saved." (v. 26)
"God's gifts and call are irrevocable." (v. 30)
Here's a weird one..."For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all." (v. 32) What's that all about?
Mark Twain talked about how it isn't the parts of the Bible he didn't understand that bothered him, it was the parts that he did understand. There's a bunch in Romans 11 that I know I don't grasp, but the chapter ends with this:
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen." (v. 33-36)
That part makes sense to me. God is awesome, merciful, perfectly loving and all-powerful. Even as I wrestle with passages of Scripture I can't quite wrap my brain around, I know God is revealing Himself to me more each day.
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