Well, it's certainly been a while! Whoever said old habits die hard was wrong - either that, or this daily bible reading habit was not an old one. I must admit, I've been struggling to keep up with the regime we created back in September. Granted, I have been quite busy lately, but that's not much of an excuse.
Here's the latest news flash - since the bible reading plan was so successful, at least in keeping us on top of reading the bible, I've decided to do another plan of sorts so that we can still try and stay accountable in studying the bible.
The next plan is to study Philippians. That involves more than just reading the text. We're going to look more heavily into the history of Philippi, read some commentaries on this book, and find out what others have said about Paul's letter to this church. We won't be reading large chunks of it at a time, like with the previous reading plan, so there likely won't be a daily post. That's not to say you shouldn't check back here daily for more news! As you read along in Philippians, feel free to leave your own comments on this book, and how Paul's words to them may be affecting you.
Showing posts with label Saul/Paul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saul/Paul. Show all posts
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Forgiveness
Philemon
I just noticed that I had to revise the last day of the reading plan to ensure that I indeed read the whole bible in the 9 months. So today's reading included Esther 7-10, Proverbs 17, Philemon (the whole book), and Luke 20:9-26. That's it! We have finished the journey!
I would just like to comment briefly on Paul's letter to Philemon. Paul requested that Philemon welcome back a runaway slave who had become a Christian while he was away from Philemon. The outcome isn't clear, as we are only privy to Paul's request, not Philemon's response. However, we know the right response - welcome back the one who wronged you with open arms, especially since Onesimus (the runaway slave) was repentant. We must extend grace to those who have wronged us, just as Jesus did. Even if they aren't requesting forgiveness, we should respond in grace and love. This may have been a tough ask for Philemon, and for us, and we'll have to rely on God's strength to help us make that move. Just remember though, it can be done!
Proverbs
Just a side note on Proverbs 17:17, which says "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." I never saw the connection between the two parts of the verse before, but now I have realized something. When it says that a friend loves at all times, there should be a focus on the fact that a good friend is with you not only in the good times, but also in the bad. Since a brother is "born for adversity" that means that the brother will be with you in troubled times, like a friend is. I'm not sure why I didn't clue in to this before now, but there you go. It pays to re-read your bible!
I just noticed that I had to revise the last day of the reading plan to ensure that I indeed read the whole bible in the 9 months. So today's reading included Esther 7-10, Proverbs 17, Philemon (the whole book), and Luke 20:9-26. That's it! We have finished the journey!
I would just like to comment briefly on Paul's letter to Philemon. Paul requested that Philemon welcome back a runaway slave who had become a Christian while he was away from Philemon. The outcome isn't clear, as we are only privy to Paul's request, not Philemon's response. However, we know the right response - welcome back the one who wronged you with open arms, especially since Onesimus (the runaway slave) was repentant. We must extend grace to those who have wronged us, just as Jesus did. Even if they aren't requesting forgiveness, we should respond in grace and love. This may have been a tough ask for Philemon, and for us, and we'll have to rely on God's strength to help us make that move. Just remember though, it can be done!
Proverbs
Just a side note on Proverbs 17:17, which says "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." I never saw the connection between the two parts of the verse before, but now I have realized something. When it says that a friend loves at all times, there should be a focus on the fact that a good friend is with you not only in the good times, but also in the bad. Since a brother is "born for adversity" that means that the brother will be with you in troubled times, like a friend is. I'm not sure why I didn't clue in to this before now, but there you go. It pays to re-read your bible!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Eager to do good
Titus
Paul said that God brought us salvation that gives us the ability to have self-control, to live godly lives while we wait for the return of Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to purify for himself a people that are eager to do what is good (Titus 2:11-14). I read that, and it sounded great, but am I eager to do good? Not all the time! Sometimes it is such a chore. Why do we always have to put others ahead of ourselves?
In the end, it is more rewarding to do good. Proverbs has tried to teach us that over and over again. I think the desire has to be consciously cultivated, though. So that's something I'll be praying about - being eager to do good!
Paul said that God brought us salvation that gives us the ability to have self-control, to live godly lives while we wait for the return of Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to purify for himself a people that are eager to do what is good (Titus 2:11-14). I read that, and it sounded great, but am I eager to do good? Not all the time! Sometimes it is such a chore. Why do we always have to put others ahead of ourselves?
In the end, it is more rewarding to do good. Proverbs has tried to teach us that over and over again. I think the desire has to be consciously cultivated, though. So that's something I'll be praying about - being eager to do good!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Women in leadership
1 Timothy
Women in leadership... that's a hot topic! Check out the last bit of 1 Timothy chapter 2. Paul's message that women should be silent in church is, in my opinion, culturally based. I believe there is a time and place for women to be in leadership, simply because the bible also says that there is neither male nor female, slave nor free, etc. We're all the same in Christ, at least in terms of human equality. My personal take is that men should be the head, as it often says in scripture, but that in no way limits women from participating in some form of church leadership.
Women in leadership... that's a hot topic! Check out the last bit of 1 Timothy chapter 2. Paul's message that women should be silent in church is, in my opinion, culturally based. I believe there is a time and place for women to be in leadership, simply because the bible also says that there is neither male nor female, slave nor free, etc. We're all the same in Christ, at least in terms of human equality. My personal take is that men should be the head, as it often says in scripture, but that in no way limits women from participating in some form of church leadership.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Endless genealogies
1 Timothy
1 Timothy1:4 mentions 'endless genealogies'. Paul warns against false teachers who devote themselves to these 'endless genealogies'. What's so wrong with genealogies? Apparently the Jewish bloodlines had become so intricate that tracing lineage back to the twelve tribes really did make for endless genealogies. The importance of keeping the twelve tribes separate really disappeared after Jesus, the Messiah, came to save the whole world, rather than just the Jewish nation. Devotion to these genealogies wasn't necessary, and was likely a sign that the false teacher was, well, false, and insistent on still following the Jewish law rather than God's grace. So in this case, I guess genealogies really aren't that great after all.
1 Timothy1:4 mentions 'endless genealogies'. Paul warns against false teachers who devote themselves to these 'endless genealogies'. What's so wrong with genealogies? Apparently the Jewish bloodlines had become so intricate that tracing lineage back to the twelve tribes really did make for endless genealogies. The importance of keeping the twelve tribes separate really disappeared after Jesus, the Messiah, came to save the whole world, rather than just the Jewish nation. Devotion to these genealogies wasn't necessary, and was likely a sign that the false teacher was, well, false, and insistent on still following the Jewish law rather than God's grace. So in this case, I guess genealogies really aren't that great after all.
Monday, May 30, 2011
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded
Luke
Luke 12:48 says "But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." I took this to mean that some people, if they haven't heard about Jesus, would still be able to get to heaven. This verse reminded me of the passage in 1 Corinthians 3 where Paul said that those people who build on a foundation other than Christ will suffer loss, although they themselves will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. So there would be a bit of harm, but in the end they are saved.
Here's a question for you - the more you know, the more you're able to avoid sinning, but the more you are punished if you do sin, which is really inevitably since we are fallen individuals. Is it better to know more or less?
Luke 12:48 says "But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." I took this to mean that some people, if they haven't heard about Jesus, would still be able to get to heaven. This verse reminded me of the passage in 1 Corinthians 3 where Paul said that those people who build on a foundation other than Christ will suffer loss, although they themselves will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. So there would be a bit of harm, but in the end they are saved.
Here's a question for you - the more you know, the more you're able to avoid sinning, but the more you are punished if you do sin, which is really inevitably since we are fallen individuals. Is it better to know more or less?
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.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Connection with the Head
Colossians
We can see in the second half of chapter 2 of Colossians that the people to whom Paul was writing had a somewhat Gnostic and very heretical view of Jesus. They thought that they could commune with God through spiritual beings who came from Christ, and that they had to follow a very ascetic and rule-bound lifestyle. Thankfully, Paul set them straight. We can find our reality in Christ himself. We'll see in the coming days in reading Colossians just how much we can rely on Christ, rather than some cheap man-made imitations.
We can see in the second half of chapter 2 of Colossians that the people to whom Paul was writing had a somewhat Gnostic and very heretical view of Jesus. They thought that they could commune with God through spiritual beings who came from Christ, and that they had to follow a very ascetic and rule-bound lifestyle. Thankfully, Paul set them straight. We can find our reality in Christ himself. We'll see in the coming days in reading Colossians just how much we can rely on Christ, rather than some cheap man-made imitations.
Monday, May 9, 2011
The dead son
Luke
Have you ever seen a dead person raised to life? I certainly haven't! But imagine what it would have been like for the people in Nain watching Jesus raise this man to life. And the joy of the mother, who was a widow and had no other sons. Her last hope was being carried out in a casket in front of her. Jesus then came along and raised him to life! The crowds were in awe and praised God (see Luke 7:11-17 for this story).
I guess my point here is that if Jesus cared enough about this woman that he raised her son to life, I think we can trust him in work in our lives too.
Colossians
Paul had such a powerful ministry, even when he was under house arrest. He wrote many letters, not just to the Colossians, and his letters have had a last effect on the world, far beyond his time. Granted, Paul did a lot of stuff before he was in prison, but still, you don't have to go too far to extend God's kingdom here on earth.
Have you ever seen a dead person raised to life? I certainly haven't! But imagine what it would have been like for the people in Nain watching Jesus raise this man to life. And the joy of the mother, who was a widow and had no other sons. Her last hope was being carried out in a casket in front of her. Jesus then came along and raised him to life! The crowds were in awe and praised God (see Luke 7:11-17 for this story).
I guess my point here is that if Jesus cared enough about this woman that he raised her son to life, I think we can trust him in work in our lives too.
Colossians
Paul had such a powerful ministry, even when he was under house arrest. He wrote many letters, not just to the Colossians, and his letters have had a last effect on the world, far beyond his time. Granted, Paul did a lot of stuff before he was in prison, but still, you don't have to go too far to extend God's kingdom here on earth.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Righteousness through faith
Philippians
I have copied below a passage from today's reading in Philippians. It is a powerful passage because of the strength of the language Paul uses to describe worldly accoutrements versus heavenly treasures. It really puts life into perspective, for me. Consider the verses below and just see what you can learn from them.
Phil 3:7-11: "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
*I included verses 10 and 11 even though they are in tomorrow's reading simply because you can't stop at verse 9!
I have copied below a passage from today's reading in Philippians. It is a powerful passage because of the strength of the language Paul uses to describe worldly accoutrements versus heavenly treasures. It really puts life into perspective, for me. Consider the verses below and just see what you can learn from them.
Phil 3:7-11: "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
*I included verses 10 and 11 even though they are in tomorrow's reading simply because you can't stop at verse 9!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The armour of God
Ephesians
I was reading a commentary by William Wiersbe on the last chapter in Ephesians. He said something that was so true, and yet often forgotten. In the last chapter in Ephesians, Paul talks about putting on the armour of God so that we can wage war against the forces of evil. We always have to be on our guard. Wiersbe said that, "as believers, we do not fight for victory - we fight from victory." That is to say, victory is already ours in Christ! We just need to keep walking in that truth. How do we do this? We wear the armour of God. Check out Ephesians 6:13-18 for Paul's description of the armour.
I was reading a commentary by William Wiersbe on the last chapter in Ephesians. He said something that was so true, and yet often forgotten. In the last chapter in Ephesians, Paul talks about putting on the armour of God so that we can wage war against the forces of evil. We always have to be on our guard. Wiersbe said that, "as believers, we do not fight for victory - we fight from victory." That is to say, victory is already ours in Christ! We just need to keep walking in that truth. How do we do this? We wear the armour of God. Check out Ephesians 6:13-18 for Paul's description of the armour.
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.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Once we were far away
Ephesians
"Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world." That's Ephesians 2:12. What a bleak picture that paints! Without God in the world...
Fortunately, God didn't leave us in that predicament. Verse 13 says "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ." That is a good reminder for me to live in the truth that I am near to God. That should change how I live; without hope, life is bleak. With this hope in Christ, I can live every day in confidence and joy.
"Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world." That's Ephesians 2:12. What a bleak picture that paints! Without God in the world...
Fortunately, God didn't leave us in that predicament. Verse 13 says "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ." That is a good reminder for me to live in the truth that I am near to God. That should change how I live; without hope, life is bleak. With this hope in Christ, I can live every day in confidence and joy.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Faith and works
Ephesians
Here it is, right in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. We are saved by grace, not works (Ephesians 2:8-10). And yet, it also says that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works! So while we are not saved by what we do, we need to demonstrate our complete faith and trust in God by joining him in expanding his kingdom on earth, by doing good works.
Here it is, right in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. We are saved by grace, not works (Ephesians 2:8-10). And yet, it also says that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works! So while we are not saved by what we do, we need to demonstrate our complete faith and trust in God by joining him in expanding his kingdom on earth, by doing good works.
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?
Thursday, April 7, 2011
A matter of the heart
Galatians
After following the commandments of the Old Testament, I think some of the Jews may have been scared to follow Jesus and put all those laws aside. It seemed to be ingrained in them to follow the laws, or else. To give that up and live in freedom - it would be freeing indeed, but also difficult to become accustomed to. I'm not too surprised that Paul had to tell some of the Galatians to ignore the old laws and live by the spirit instead. Sometimes, it might even seem like legalism is the easier way, rather than having to struggle with maintaining a right relationship with God. In the end though, the new testament brought in through Jesus Christ is far more fulfilling, and ultimately the only effective way to meet with God.
After following the commandments of the Old Testament, I think some of the Jews may have been scared to follow Jesus and put all those laws aside. It seemed to be ingrained in them to follow the laws, or else. To give that up and live in freedom - it would be freeing indeed, but also difficult to become accustomed to. I'm not too surprised that Paul had to tell some of the Galatians to ignore the old laws and live by the spirit instead. Sometimes, it might even seem like legalism is the easier way, rather than having to struggle with maintaining a right relationship with God. In the end though, the new testament brought in through Jesus Christ is far more fulfilling, and ultimately the only effective way to meet with God.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Be weak, and therefore strong
2 Corinthians
I'm focusing on 2 Corinthians again today. Paul has a lot of good things to say. In today's reading in chapter 12, he said that "when I am weak, then I am strong" (verse 10). He delights in his weakness, because that is where Christ can shine through the strongest. What a different mindset than most of us! I usually try to hide my weaknesses and my ignorance because I want to seem as strong, smart, and put together as I possibly can. Unfortunately, relying on our own 'strength' in this way can keep us from discovering and experiencing the strength of God, which is infinitely better than anything we could conjure up on our own. By withholding ourselves from others and refusing help, relying on our own power and not submitting to God, or reaching out to those around us, we are truly missing out on the life that God desires for us. Community with him and with the rest of his children. Our way may seem to be the better way, but really, if we are all pretending to be competent when we aren't, what kind of relationships are we living in? I don't think we need to broadcast our weaknesses and inexperience to the world, but realizing that we need help, and being open to receiving it, will help us live a fuller, stronger life.
I'm focusing on 2 Corinthians again today. Paul has a lot of good things to say. In today's reading in chapter 12, he said that "when I am weak, then I am strong" (verse 10). He delights in his weakness, because that is where Christ can shine through the strongest. What a different mindset than most of us! I usually try to hide my weaknesses and my ignorance because I want to seem as strong, smart, and put together as I possibly can. Unfortunately, relying on our own 'strength' in this way can keep us from discovering and experiencing the strength of God, which is infinitely better than anything we could conjure up on our own. By withholding ourselves from others and refusing help, relying on our own power and not submitting to God, or reaching out to those around us, we are truly missing out on the life that God desires for us. Community with him and with the rest of his children. Our way may seem to be the better way, but really, if we are all pretending to be competent when we aren't, what kind of relationships are we living in? I don't think we need to broadcast our weaknesses and inexperience to the world, but realizing that we need help, and being open to receiving it, will help us live a fuller, stronger life.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
A servant of Christ
Today's key verse is 2 Corinthians 11:23 - "Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more."
Paul is writing to the Corinthians, explaining why they should not listen to the false brothers coming in preaching a bad message but purporting to be Christians. Instead, they should listen to Paul, because he brings the message of life and truth. I appreciate Paul's approach to convincing the Corinthians that he is more reliable than the others. Normally, he wouldn't bother mentioning his credentials, and as brothers and sisters in Christ, we shouldn't have to do that, as we are all equal under Christ. But in order to reach these Corinthians, Paul meets them at their level, giving them the information that they would understand and respond to. As he does this, however, he makes sure that they realize that what they are looking for is not what is truly important. They're looking at appearance and outward show, not at the actual message.
In the end, we should take a cue from Paul and refrain from boasting about what we do and instead, just go out and extend God's kingdom on earth, as he did. But if we've got to meet people at their level, we should do it with humility and not let ourselves become feel more important than we are.
Paul is writing to the Corinthians, explaining why they should not listen to the false brothers coming in preaching a bad message but purporting to be Christians. Instead, they should listen to Paul, because he brings the message of life and truth. I appreciate Paul's approach to convincing the Corinthians that he is more reliable than the others. Normally, he wouldn't bother mentioning his credentials, and as brothers and sisters in Christ, we shouldn't have to do that, as we are all equal under Christ. But in order to reach these Corinthians, Paul meets them at their level, giving them the information that they would understand and respond to. As he does this, however, he makes sure that they realize that what they are looking for is not what is truly important. They're looking at appearance and outward show, not at the actual message.
In the end, we should take a cue from Paul and refrain from boasting about what we do and instead, just go out and extend God's kingdom on earth, as he did. But if we've got to meet people at their level, we should do it with humility and not let ourselves become feel more important than we are.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Godly sorrow
2 Corinthians
Sometimes, sorrow and grief are necessary. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 7, we need to feel the pain of our mistakes in order to correct our behaviour and move on. The key is that this sorrow comes from God's Spirit in us. Sometimes we can feel bad for no reason and try to change ourselves, or we feel bad because we got caught. With godly sorrow, God's Spirit in us will work on our conscience and we'll be grieved because we disobeyed God. When the Holy Spirit is involved, we have a far better chance at repentance and new life than we would on our own.
When you experience grief, sorrow, or guilt over your actions or lifestyle, ask God to work in your heart and he can renew you.
Sometimes, sorrow and grief are necessary. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 7, we need to feel the pain of our mistakes in order to correct our behaviour and move on. The key is that this sorrow comes from God's Spirit in us. Sometimes we can feel bad for no reason and try to change ourselves, or we feel bad because we got caught. With godly sorrow, God's Spirit in us will work on our conscience and we'll be grieved because we disobeyed God. When the Holy Spirit is involved, we have a far better chance at repentance and new life than we would on our own.
When you experience grief, sorrow, or guilt over your actions or lifestyle, ask God to work in your heart and he can renew you.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Olive shoots and salvation
Consider this passage from Romans: Paul is talking about grafting in wild and cultivated olive shoots. Gentiles are the wild shoots and the cultivated ones are the Jews, who have grown up with a belief in God. Paul says that they were cut out of the tree because of unbelief (in Jesus) and we were grafted in, but we shouldn't take pride in this fact, because they can easily be re-grafted into the tree (of faith in Christ). Romans 11:30-32 states "Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all."
That last sentence always confused me because of the word 'bound'. But we have to understand it not as an involuntary sinfulness, but as voluntary. God has allowed us to be disobedient (by our own choice), but in our sin he comes near and provides a way out - salvation by grace through Christ - and thereby shows his glory and majesty to all men.
That last sentence always confused me because of the word 'bound'. But we have to understand it not as an involuntary sinfulness, but as voluntary. God has allowed us to be disobedient (by our own choice), but in our sin he comes near and provides a way out - salvation by grace through Christ - and thereby shows his glory and majesty to all men.
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