I've had a slow epiphany... although that's really an oxymoron. But I've been gradually coming to a new point of view, and today I think it suddenly solidified in my mind, hence the epiphany. Although, now that I'm trying to write about it, the idea isn't as clear to me as it was a few seconds ago. But bear with me.
Spiritual growth. We all need to grow and become more like Christ. That journey is never done. But what's the point? I always thought that I needed to grow spiritually in order to just become a better person. Personal growth will make you a better person, but as a Christian, that shouldn't be the end goal. We shouldn't be concerned with how God will improve my life for me. That's rather self-centred, isn't it? My focus should be on how spiritual formation in my life will help other people come to God and extend God's kingdom on earth. After all, if God is truly in me, I won't be focused on my own spiritual skills but rather on how God's Spirit in me can flow through to help others.
Jesus spent his entire life helping other people. He didn't go to church to memorize scripture and sit there and look amazing. He was out on the front lines, using his knowledge and gifts to show people the way to enter the kingdom of God.
That's what I'm going to be thinking about more this week - how can I grow spiritually in order to benefit the people around me?
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Friday, November 23, 2012
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Because it's tradition
Key verse
Psalm 147:1 - How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him.
2 Thessalonians
2 Thess. 2:15 says "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter." This statement follows after Paul spoke about how God chose us to be saved through sanctification of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. It's interesting. The word 'teachings' here, according to my study bible, means 'traditions'. Until the New Testament was written down, the spiritual teaching was really traditions that the rabbis passed down to their students. We often think of traditions as being steeped in the past and without real substance or logic. Why do we believe something? Why, it's tradition! But in fact, tradition can be powerful, if we pass down the meaning behind the tradition and not just the basic message or action. So we should hold firm to traditions of our forefathers, if we know what they mean. If you're involved in certain traditions and aren't sure why, look into that. You may be surprised at what started it all.
Psalm 147:1 - How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him.
2 Thessalonians
2 Thess. 2:15 says "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter." This statement follows after Paul spoke about how God chose us to be saved through sanctification of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. It's interesting. The word 'teachings' here, according to my study bible, means 'traditions'. Until the New Testament was written down, the spiritual teaching was really traditions that the rabbis passed down to their students. We often think of traditions as being steeped in the past and without real substance or logic. Why do we believe something? Why, it's tradition! But in fact, tradition can be powerful, if we pass down the meaning behind the tradition and not just the basic message or action. So we should hold firm to traditions of our forefathers, if we know what they mean. If you're involved in certain traditions and aren't sure why, look into that. You may be surprised at what started it all.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
God works in us
Key verse
Luke 5:32 - [Jesus said,] "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Philippians
Phil 2:13 - "... for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."
Sort of stemming from yesterday's post on considering others better than ourselves, which is a hard thing to do, this verse brings some good news. We aren't in it by ourselves! Not that we can sit back and enjoy the ride, as we do have to bring 100% effort to the relationship, but what we lack, God brings. So when we set our minds to following his purposes, He'll jump in and help us out! That's awesome.
Luke 5:32 - [Jesus said,] "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Philippians
Phil 2:13 - "... for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."
Sort of stemming from yesterday's post on considering others better than ourselves, which is a hard thing to do, this verse brings some good news. We aren't in it by ourselves! Not that we can sit back and enjoy the ride, as we do have to bring 100% effort to the relationship, but what we lack, God brings. So when we set our minds to following his purposes, He'll jump in and help us out! That's awesome.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The next big thing
2 Kings
The story of Naaman exemplifies how we must be willing to swallow our pride so that God can do his work in our lives. We may often wonder when God is going to do his next big thing in our lives, but all the time perhaps he is working in our lives in small ways, stretching and growing us day by day.
In addition, while we are holding out for the opportunity to make ourselves shine, we could be actually keeping God from working in our lives at all! This story in 2 Kings 5 shows us that once we humble ourselves, God's Spirit can move through us, enabling him to do the work and bringing him the glory that he is due.
The story of Naaman exemplifies how we must be willing to swallow our pride so that God can do his work in our lives. We may often wonder when God is going to do his next big thing in our lives, but all the time perhaps he is working in our lives in small ways, stretching and growing us day by day.
In addition, while we are holding out for the opportunity to make ourselves shine, we could be actually keeping God from working in our lives at all! This story in 2 Kings 5 shows us that once we humble ourselves, God's Spirit can move through us, enabling him to do the work and bringing him the glory that he is due.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Cult of Dionysus
Ephesians
The cult of Dionysus, an ancient religion coming from Asia to Greece, involved sensual, orgiastic ceremonies, and lots of wine. People would become intoxicated and do all sorts of immoral acts. The drunkenness brought on by the wine was often equated to being filled with the spirit of Dionysus (this information derived from the Archaeological Study Bible).
Paul wrote to the Ephesians and told them that they should avoid even the hint of sexual immorality or any kind of impurity. Instead of getting drunk on wine, which some may have thought would lead to being filled by the Holy Spirit, Paul told them to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
We don't have to use outward means to try and create a holy, God-filled experience. God lives in us and works through us directly! When we earnestly seek him, he will fill us up.
The cult of Dionysus, an ancient religion coming from Asia to Greece, involved sensual, orgiastic ceremonies, and lots of wine. People would become intoxicated and do all sorts of immoral acts. The drunkenness brought on by the wine was often equated to being filled with the spirit of Dionysus (this information derived from the Archaeological Study Bible).
Paul wrote to the Ephesians and told them that they should avoid even the hint of sexual immorality or any kind of impurity. Instead of getting drunk on wine, which some may have thought would lead to being filled by the Holy Spirit, Paul told them to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
We don't have to use outward means to try and create a holy, God-filled experience. God lives in us and works through us directly! When we earnestly seek him, he will fill us up.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Pray it like you mean it
Ephesians
What a powerful prayer! Paul prayed for the Ephesians (in Eph. 1:15-19): "For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
When I read this, I thought, wow, this prayer actually has some power behind it! So, consider for yourself, as I also plan to do, who can you pray this prayer for?
What a powerful prayer! Paul prayed for the Ephesians (in Eph. 1:15-19): "For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
When I read this, I thought, wow, this prayer actually has some power behind it! So, consider for yourself, as I also plan to do, who can you pray this prayer for?
Monday, April 11, 2011
Heirs of God
Galatians 4:6-7
"Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir."
"Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir."
Monday, March 14, 2011
Many gifts and one Spirit
1 Corinthians
The first part of 1 Corinthians 12 discusses how there is one Spirit (the Holy Spirit) but he gives many gifts. Paul lists out a number of gifts, such as healing, prophecy, knowledge, and tongues. But he didn't mean for this to be an exhaustive list of the gifts that are available through the Holy Spirit. Rather, these are examples of the abundant gifts that God has given us to grow in Him. How has he gifted you to do his work?
The first part of 1 Corinthians 12 discusses how there is one Spirit (the Holy Spirit) but he gives many gifts. Paul lists out a number of gifts, such as healing, prophecy, knowledge, and tongues. But he didn't mean for this to be an exhaustive list of the gifts that are available through the Holy Spirit. Rather, these are examples of the abundant gifts that God has given us to grow in Him. How has he gifted you to do his work?
Friday, February 11, 2011
Abba, Father
Key verse
Psalm 59:16 - But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Romans
Romans 8:15 - For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
This verse brings me joy because it is liberating! We don't have to be afraid of sin and death. Granted, that doesn't mean that sometimes I won't be afraid, but the promise this verse brings is amazing - through the Spirit of God, living in me, I can call on God and not worry or fear.
Psalm 59:16 - But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Romans
Romans 8:15 - For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
This verse brings me joy because it is liberating! We don't have to be afraid of sin and death. Granted, that doesn't mean that sometimes I won't be afraid, but the promise this verse brings is amazing - through the Spirit of God, living in me, I can call on God and not worry or fear.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The coming of God's kingdom and Paul's quick thinking
Key verse
Psalm 37:39 - The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
Matthew
Matthew 16:28 almost seems like some of Jesus's disciples won't die until his second coming. But if you compare this verse to its parallels in Luke and Mark, you find out that in fact, it just means that some of his disciples will witness the coming of the kingdom of God through the Holy Spirit. God's kingdom came with power on the day of Pentecost, and many of the disciples certainly witnessed this event.
On another note, it's a comfort to know God doesn't require us to be perfect in order to participate in his kingdom. For example, Peter first announces that he believes Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, and will follow him, and then in the next verse, he tries to dissuade Jesus from his mission (perhaps unknowingly) and is rebuked - "Get behind me, Satan!" Jesus says.
Acts
When the text says "Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees...", I could just imagine Paul scheming in his head, thinking, "Hmmm, what will make these people get in an uproar?" The debate about the resurrection of the dead sure will!
Psalm 37:39 - The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
Matthew
Matthew 16:28 almost seems like some of Jesus's disciples won't die until his second coming. But if you compare this verse to its parallels in Luke and Mark, you find out that in fact, it just means that some of his disciples will witness the coming of the kingdom of God through the Holy Spirit. God's kingdom came with power on the day of Pentecost, and many of the disciples certainly witnessed this event.
On another note, it's a comfort to know God doesn't require us to be perfect in order to participate in his kingdom. For example, Peter first announces that he believes Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, and will follow him, and then in the next verse, he tries to dissuade Jesus from his mission (perhaps unknowingly) and is rebuked - "Get behind me, Satan!" Jesus says.
Acts
When the text says "Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees...", I could just imagine Paul scheming in his head, thinking, "Hmmm, what will make these people get in an uproar?" The debate about the resurrection of the dead sure will!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
Matthew
Matthew 12:31 and 32 says "And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come."
This passage was always a bit confusing to me, and I wondered what exactly was meant by speaking against the Holy Spirit. Since I am now writing this blog, I took the time to look into these verses from today's reading. What I found made a lot of sense. I looked at some online commentaries from the bible.cc website (mainly Barnes' notes on the bible). When Jesus was talking about the Son of Man, he referred to his earthly nature. Insults or comments against that part of himself could be forgiven, such as comments regarding his birthplace (nothing good ever comes from Nazareth). Speaking against the Holy Spirit referred to Jesus' divine nature, the part of him that was 100% God. For people to speak negatively about that, such as by assuming he came from the devil rather than God, there would be no excuse.
Wesley describes the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit as follows: "It is neither more nor less than the ascribing those miracles to the power of the devil, which Christ wrought by the power of the Holy Ghost." Barnes puts it this way: "He that speaks against me as a man of Nazareth - that speaks contemptuously of my humble birth, etc., may be pardoned; but he that reproaches my divine nature, charging me with being in league with Satan, and blaspheming the power of God manifestly displayed "by me," can never obtain forgiveness."
Matthew 12:31 and 32 says "And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come."
This passage was always a bit confusing to me, and I wondered what exactly was meant by speaking against the Holy Spirit. Since I am now writing this blog, I took the time to look into these verses from today's reading. What I found made a lot of sense. I looked at some online commentaries from the bible.cc website (mainly Barnes' notes on the bible). When Jesus was talking about the Son of Man, he referred to his earthly nature. Insults or comments against that part of himself could be forgiven, such as comments regarding his birthplace (nothing good ever comes from Nazareth). Speaking against the Holy Spirit referred to Jesus' divine nature, the part of him that was 100% God. For people to speak negatively about that, such as by assuming he came from the devil rather than God, there would be no excuse.
Wesley describes the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit as follows: "It is neither more nor less than the ascribing those miracles to the power of the devil, which Christ wrought by the power of the Holy Ghost." Barnes puts it this way: "He that speaks against me as a man of Nazareth - that speaks contemptuously of my humble birth, etc., may be pardoned; but he that reproaches my divine nature, charging me with being in league with Satan, and blaspheming the power of God manifestly displayed "by me," can never obtain forgiveness."
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