In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” - Luke 22:20
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. – Hebrews 12:4
Today, let’s dwell on the blood of Christ. Again, think about what it was like for Jesus at the Last Supper. He passed the cup knowing that in just a few hours, he’d see his own blood splattered on the ground. He knew that scourging (or whipping) and crucifixion were coming – both excruciatingly painful, bloody affairs. Now read Hebrews 12:4. The author reminds us that our struggles aren’t nearly as hard as what Jesus did when he offered his blood for us. His love is that immense; his resolve that firm. So when you look at the cup during communion, realize that Jesus was giving his blood for you – on purpose – so that you could live and have eternal life.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Communion – Day 3
Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again." - Luke 18:31-33
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." - Luke 22:19
Let’s take some time to dwell on the body of Christ. When Jesus broke the bread at the Last Supper, he knew that in the new few hours he’d be severely beaten and tortured. He knew what was coming, and he still offered his body to be broken for us. Think about the immensity of that sacrifice. If you knew you were facing physical harm, not to mention torture, then you’d probably avoid the situation. Jesus didn’t. Instead, he walked into it on purpose, knowing it would cost his very life. He loves you that much. So when we take the bread, we need to remember the magnitude of the sacrifice Jesus made by offering his body to be broken for us.
Spend some time just thinking about what it would take to purposefully offer yourself for someone else.
Thank Jesus for his sacrifice for you.
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." - Luke 22:19
Let’s take some time to dwell on the body of Christ. When Jesus broke the bread at the Last Supper, he knew that in the new few hours he’d be severely beaten and tortured. He knew what was coming, and he still offered his body to be broken for us. Think about the immensity of that sacrifice. If you knew you were facing physical harm, not to mention torture, then you’d probably avoid the situation. Jesus didn’t. Instead, he walked into it on purpose, knowing it would cost his very life. He loves you that much. So when we take the bread, we need to remember the magnitude of the sacrifice Jesus made by offering his body to be broken for us.
Spend some time just thinking about what it would take to purposefully offer yourself for someone else.
Thank Jesus for his sacrifice for you.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Communion – Day 2
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” – Luke 22:14-20
This story may seem all too familiar to us. Even the setting is familiar: A meal with friends. We probably eat with our friends all the time. No big deal, right? Actually, this was a very special thing. In Jewish culture to share a meal was an intimate event. To invite someone to a meal was to say, “You’re one of the closest people in my life.” At his last meal, Jesus didn’t offer a review of his teachings; he reminded the disciples that they were his friends. So when we take communion, realize it’s not just a ritual. God is literally inviting us into the deepest of friendships. God wants to be united with us, so he invites us to his table.
Do you have a close relationship with God or is it more distant? Why?
Imagine what it was like to be part of the communion at the Last Supper.
This story may seem all too familiar to us. Even the setting is familiar: A meal with friends. We probably eat with our friends all the time. No big deal, right? Actually, this was a very special thing. In Jewish culture to share a meal was an intimate event. To invite someone to a meal was to say, “You’re one of the closest people in my life.” At his last meal, Jesus didn’t offer a review of his teachings; he reminded the disciples that they were his friends. So when we take communion, realize it’s not just a ritual. God is literally inviting us into the deepest of friendships. God wants to be united with us, so he invites us to his table.
Do you have a close relationship with God or is it more distant? Why?
Imagine what it was like to be part of the communion at the Last Supper.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Communion – Day 1
In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval. When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. - 1 Corinthians 11:17-29
Yes, people actually got drunk at communion. Crazy, I know, but it’s true. Jesus started communion with his disciples all together, not individually. The Corinthians had missed this, and they were being selfish during communion and ignoring some of the people they didn’t like as much. But communion isn’t just about your relationship with God, it’s about all of us. God means for us to take communion together as a church family. When we do so, we’re being united to Christ and to each other. So when you take communion, examine your relationship with God and your relationship with others in the church. If these aren’t right, then make them right. Otherwise, you’re missing the point – just like the Corinthians did.
Do you ever think about others during communion?
Ask God to show you ways you can become more united to your church family today.
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. - 1 Corinthians 11:17-29
Yes, people actually got drunk at communion. Crazy, I know, but it’s true. Jesus started communion with his disciples all together, not individually. The Corinthians had missed this, and they were being selfish during communion and ignoring some of the people they didn’t like as much. But communion isn’t just about your relationship with God, it’s about all of us. God means for us to take communion together as a church family. When we do so, we’re being united to Christ and to each other. So when you take communion, examine your relationship with God and your relationship with others in the church. If these aren’t right, then make them right. Otherwise, you’re missing the point – just like the Corinthians did.
Do you ever think about others during communion?
Ask God to show you ways you can become more united to your church family today.
Week 36 – Communion: First Letter to the Corinthians
Memory Verse
“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.’” – Acts 2:32
Little cups filled with grape juice. Little pieces of bland bread. Must be communion time again. We’ve all probably participated in communion, but do we actually understand what’s going on? In the early Roman world, some people feared Christians since one of their rituals supposedly included cannibalism – at least that’s what some people thought was going on. They’d heard that to be a Christian you had to eat the body and drink the blood of Jesus. I guess to an outsider it does sound strange, but communion is an intimate and precious thing to a Christian.
Jesus asked us to regularly take part in communion. It’s a continual reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and constant union with us. If we don’t keep this in mind, then we could miss out on the spiritual impact that communion can bring. Paul taught the churches to practice communion, but he had harsh words for those who failed to approach the communion table properly (for example, the Corinthians).
Does communion make sense to you? It’s one of the church’s most intensely personal traditions. This week we’re going to spend some time looking at what happens when we take communion. Why did Jesus tell us to keep doing it? What’s it about anyway? Look deep this week; there may be much more going on than you’ve ever imagined.
“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.’” – Acts 2:32
Little cups filled with grape juice. Little pieces of bland bread. Must be communion time again. We’ve all probably participated in communion, but do we actually understand what’s going on? In the early Roman world, some people feared Christians since one of their rituals supposedly included cannibalism – at least that’s what some people thought was going on. They’d heard that to be a Christian you had to eat the body and drink the blood of Jesus. I guess to an outsider it does sound strange, but communion is an intimate and precious thing to a Christian.
Jesus asked us to regularly take part in communion. It’s a continual reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and constant union with us. If we don’t keep this in mind, then we could miss out on the spiritual impact that communion can bring. Paul taught the churches to practice communion, but he had harsh words for those who failed to approach the communion table properly (for example, the Corinthians).
Does communion make sense to you? It’s one of the church’s most intensely personal traditions. This week we’re going to spend some time looking at what happens when we take communion. Why did Jesus tell us to keep doing it? What’s it about anyway? Look deep this week; there may be much more going on than you’ve ever imagined.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Accountability – Day 1
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.
Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast--as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.
I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people--not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." – 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Sin is serious; but apparently the Corinthians had forgotten that fact. Paul was furious. The church had failed to see the danger in allowing a sinful activity to go unchecked. So now Paul demanded they stop allowing such behavior. He told them to exclude the immoral person from the church. This “handing over to Satan” would hopefully help this person see that his actions were incompatible with godly living and prompt him to repent and return. Sound too harsh? Remember, sin is serious. But the goal was not to have him remain outside. Paul’s love was a tough love, but it was love in its truest form, a love that wouldn’t allow a friend to destroy himself.
Do you know a Christian who is consistently living in an ungodly way?
How would Paul suggest you deal with this person? Are you living in a way that’s consistently ungodly? What can you do to address your sinful actions?
Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast--as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.
I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people--not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." – 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Sin is serious; but apparently the Corinthians had forgotten that fact. Paul was furious. The church had failed to see the danger in allowing a sinful activity to go unchecked. So now Paul demanded they stop allowing such behavior. He told them to exclude the immoral person from the church. This “handing over to Satan” would hopefully help this person see that his actions were incompatible with godly living and prompt him to repent and return. Sound too harsh? Remember, sin is serious. But the goal was not to have him remain outside. Paul’s love was a tough love, but it was love in its truest form, a love that wouldn’t allow a friend to destroy himself.
Do you know a Christian who is consistently living in an ungodly way?
How would Paul suggest you deal with this person? Are you living in a way that’s consistently ungodly? What can you do to address your sinful actions?
Week 35 – Accountability: First Letter to the Corinthians
Memory Verse
“Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you may also be tempted.’” – Galatians 6:1
I never would’ve survived high school without my best friends. Together we had some of the best years of our lives, but we also kept each other from straying from Christ. We were accountable to one another.
In week 9 we figured out that if we’re going to have integrity as a church, then we can’t let sin go unchecked. That’s easy enough when we’re the problem, but it gets a little harder when we have to tell someone else what they’re doing is wrong. That’s where accountability comes in.
As Paul planted churches, he didn’t forget about them once he left. While he traveled, he routinely kept track of them and even made return visits to make sure they stayed healthy. So when Paul found out the Corinthians were allowing sin to go unchecked, he wrote a letter to keep them accountable to their commitment to Christ.
Every now and then we’ll have friends who stray off the path. When that happens, we need to be there to help them get back on the right track, just like we’ll need them to help us. I know it sounds unpleasant, and it can get messy. But when we actually start holding each other accountable, you’ll be surprised how it helps your own spiritual life. Instead of dealing with sin on your own, you can tackle it with the help of your Christian friends. But it starts when we’re honest about our own lives and open to listening to others when they confront us.
Ready? Let’s figure out how we can hold each other accountable.
“Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you may also be tempted.’” – Galatians 6:1
I never would’ve survived high school without my best friends. Together we had some of the best years of our lives, but we also kept each other from straying from Christ. We were accountable to one another.
In week 9 we figured out that if we’re going to have integrity as a church, then we can’t let sin go unchecked. That’s easy enough when we’re the problem, but it gets a little harder when we have to tell someone else what they’re doing is wrong. That’s where accountability comes in.
As Paul planted churches, he didn’t forget about them once he left. While he traveled, he routinely kept track of them and even made return visits to make sure they stayed healthy. So when Paul found out the Corinthians were allowing sin to go unchecked, he wrote a letter to keep them accountable to their commitment to Christ.
Every now and then we’ll have friends who stray off the path. When that happens, we need to be there to help them get back on the right track, just like we’ll need them to help us. I know it sounds unpleasant, and it can get messy. But when we actually start holding each other accountable, you’ll be surprised how it helps your own spiritual life. Instead of dealing with sin on your own, you can tackle it with the help of your Christian friends. But it starts when we’re honest about our own lives and open to listening to others when they confront us.
Ready? Let’s figure out how we can hold each other accountable.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Internal Divisions – Day 5
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. - Romans 12:17
It’s a sad reality that people hurt us occasionally – intentionally or unintentionally. We don’t have any control over that, but we do have control over our responses. Paul reminds us to react as Jesus did, and he even gives us a reason why: God will ultimately deal with all wrongs. So we don’t have to get revenge; God will deal justly with everyone. God’s answer when we get hurt isn’t, “Get over it”; it’s “I’ll take care of it. Just trust me.” Knowing that, it’s easier for us to allow God to resolve situations instead of addressing them ourselves.
Are you refusing to live at peace with someone?
According to this Scripture, what should you do?
Ask God to help you give him control of the difficult situations of your life.
It’s a sad reality that people hurt us occasionally – intentionally or unintentionally. We don’t have any control over that, but we do have control over our responses. Paul reminds us to react as Jesus did, and he even gives us a reason why: God will ultimately deal with all wrongs. So we don’t have to get revenge; God will deal justly with everyone. God’s answer when we get hurt isn’t, “Get over it”; it’s “I’ll take care of it. Just trust me.” Knowing that, it’s easier for us to allow God to resolve situations instead of addressing them ourselves.
Are you refusing to live at peace with someone?
According to this Scripture, what should you do?
Ask God to help you give him control of the difficult situations of your life.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Internal Divisions – Day 4
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 1: 8
The Corinthian church had a lot of issues that Paul tried to tackle. That’s probably why 1 Corinthians is such a long letter. One of the main issues was that the Corinthians they knew it all, and their pride led them to hurt each other. They started to focus on minor things (like being able to eat whatever they wanted) instead of major things (like loving their fellow church members). Paul told them to get off their pedestals and see what was happening. I don’t believe anyone does it on purpose, but we can drift in a prideful direction if we’re not careful.
Are there any ways in which you believe you’re more spiritual than most?
Ask God to reveal any places where your pride is causing you or others to stumble.
The Corinthian church had a lot of issues that Paul tried to tackle. That’s probably why 1 Corinthians is such a long letter. One of the main issues was that the Corinthians they knew it all, and their pride led them to hurt each other. They started to focus on minor things (like being able to eat whatever they wanted) instead of major things (like loving their fellow church members). Paul told them to get off their pedestals and see what was happening. I don’t believe anyone does it on purpose, but we can drift in a prideful direction if we’re not careful.
Are there any ways in which you believe you’re more spiritual than most?
Ask God to reveal any places where your pride is causing you or others to stumble.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Internal Divisions – Day 3
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. - Philippians 4: 2-3
I know this never happens in your church; but apparently in the Philippian church, some women weren’t getting along. Disagreements are a common – yet costly – problem. When people hold grudges, get angry, or refuse to compromise, they end up spending precious time and energy putting out relational fires instead of focusing on the work God has for them. Satan can’t destroy the church, but he can sidetrack us. Prompting fights between church members is an easy way for him to accomplish that. So if you find yourself in a disagreement with someone at church, make every effort possible to resolve the situation quickly by practicing patience and forgiveness. I know that’s easier said that done, but it’s more important than you know. And we can’t afford to put off the work of God.
Are you in a situation like these two women? Why can’t it be resolved today?
Spend some time praying for wisdom, patience, and a spirit of forgiveness.
I know this never happens in your church; but apparently in the Philippian church, some women weren’t getting along. Disagreements are a common – yet costly – problem. When people hold grudges, get angry, or refuse to compromise, they end up spending precious time and energy putting out relational fires instead of focusing on the work God has for them. Satan can’t destroy the church, but he can sidetrack us. Prompting fights between church members is an easy way for him to accomplish that. So if you find yourself in a disagreement with someone at church, make every effort possible to resolve the situation quickly by practicing patience and forgiveness. I know that’s easier said that done, but it’s more important than you know. And we can’t afford to put off the work of God.
Are you in a situation like these two women? Why can’t it be resolved today?
Spend some time praying for wisdom, patience, and a spirit of forgiveness.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Internal Divisions – Day 2
I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that. I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those "super-apostles." I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face. To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!
What anyone else dares to boast about--I am speaking as a fool--I also dare to boast about. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands. – 2 Corinthians 11
Whoa! How’s that for a tirade? If you’ve never read sarcasm in the Bible, then here it is. It seems odd for us, but Paul was actually defending his status as an apostle. Other “super teachers” were trying to put Paul down, saying he wasn’t flashy enough and he didn’t act like the other charlatans who were running around. Translation for today: Paul wasn’t cool/funny/popular enough. But Paul made no apologies for this. He was more interested in telling people about the truth than tickling their ears. We have to be very careful about whom we listen to; otherwise, we’ll end up like the Corinthians who started dismissing Paul – Paul! – for some other guy who made them laugh. We’ve got to be on guard against flashy hypocrites, no matter how cool they seem.
Whom do you follow as a spiritual leader? Why?
Ask God to show you who true spiritual leaders are and how to spot imposters before they lead you astray.
Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face. To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!
What anyone else dares to boast about--I am speaking as a fool--I also dare to boast about. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands. – 2 Corinthians 11
Whoa! How’s that for a tirade? If you’ve never read sarcasm in the Bible, then here it is. It seems odd for us, but Paul was actually defending his status as an apostle. Other “super teachers” were trying to put Paul down, saying he wasn’t flashy enough and he didn’t act like the other charlatans who were running around. Translation for today: Paul wasn’t cool/funny/popular enough. But Paul made no apologies for this. He was more interested in telling people about the truth than tickling their ears. We have to be very careful about whom we listen to; otherwise, we’ll end up like the Corinthians who started dismissing Paul – Paul! – for some other guy who made them laugh. We’ve got to be on guard against flashy hypocrites, no matter how cool they seem.
Whom do you follow as a spiritual leader? Why?
Ask God to show you who true spiritual leaders are and how to spot imposters before they lead you astray.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Internal Divisions – Day 1
Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly--mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men?
What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe--as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. – 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Most of us like to believe we’re more mature than we actually are. Like the time you told your parents you were so ready to drive – at age 13! At times like that, we need a reality check, which is exactly what Paul gave the Corinthians here. For all their lofty opinions of themselves, Paul told them we couldn’t teach them the really deep parts of the faith because they wouldn’t get it. In effect he said, “Telling you deep things is like trying to explain Physics to an eight-year-old; you just aren’t mature enough to understand it.” The Corinthians were capable of maturing so they could hear those things; they just thought they were already mature when they really weren’t. That kind of pride is costly.
Take an honest inventory of your spiritual life. Are you an infant or are you growing steadily?
Ask God to help you grow day by day so you won’t miss out on anything you’re supposed to learn.
What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe--as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. – 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Most of us like to believe we’re more mature than we actually are. Like the time you told your parents you were so ready to drive – at age 13! At times like that, we need a reality check, which is exactly what Paul gave the Corinthians here. For all their lofty opinions of themselves, Paul told them we couldn’t teach them the really deep parts of the faith because they wouldn’t get it. In effect he said, “Telling you deep things is like trying to explain Physics to an eight-year-old; you just aren’t mature enough to understand it.” The Corinthians were capable of maturing so they could hear those things; they just thought they were already mature when they really weren’t. That kind of pride is costly.
Take an honest inventory of your spiritual life. Are you an infant or are you growing steadily?
Ask God to help you grow day by day so you won’t miss out on anything you’re supposed to learn.
Week 34 – Internal Divisions: First Letter to the Corinthians
Memory Verse
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.’” – Romans 12:6
Have you ever felt betrayed – like when you found your best friend was talking behind your back? It’s worse – much worse – than finding out your worst enemy is trashing you. We expect that kind of treatment from our enemies but not from our friends. As Christians I believe we’re ready to fight spiritual forces that are set against us and even people who don’t believe in Christ. But it’s a shock to realize you’ll often end up fighting other people in your church.
Paul experienced this firsthand. While on his third missionary journey, in Ephesus, Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. After wading through angry mobs of pagans in town after town, Paul found out that the believers in Corinth were fighting amongst themselves. The same thing happens today. Almost all of us know of a church that’s split over some trivial matter like the color of the carpet. What’s going on? Satan will never fight fair. If he can sabotage churches, then he’s more than willing to do so.
This wee we’ll look at some internal problems that cropped up in the New Testament Church and see how God wants us to deal with them today. Any conflict can be defeated when we allow Christ and his truth – not our prideful opinions – to be our guide.
Friday, November 27, 2009
A Night’s Vision – Day 5
"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 2:1
At one time this was a confusing verse to me. How can grace make you strong? If I need grace, then doesn’t that mean I need help? So how can needing help make me strong? Paul wasn’t protected because he worked harder or was holier than others. He was protected because God loved him. We don’t need to be strong in our own abilities, but rather strong in God’s amazing and unfailing love for us. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, if you’re a believer, then you can be strong in God’s grace instead of trying to do things on your own. And I guarantee it’s easier to live in the grace of God than trying to live life solo.
What would it look like for you to be strong in the grace of Jesus Christ?
Ask God for help to live in his grace and not in our own abilities.
At one time this was a confusing verse to me. How can grace make you strong? If I need grace, then doesn’t that mean I need help? So how can needing help make me strong? Paul wasn’t protected because he worked harder or was holier than others. He was protected because God loved him. We don’t need to be strong in our own abilities, but rather strong in God’s amazing and unfailing love for us. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, if you’re a believer, then you can be strong in God’s grace instead of trying to do things on your own. And I guarantee it’s easier to live in the grace of God than trying to live life solo.
What would it look like for you to be strong in the grace of Jesus Christ?
Ask God for help to live in his grace and not in our own abilities.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
A Night’s Vision – Day 4
So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. – Acts 18:11
This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. - Acts 19:10
So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. - Acts 20:31
Paul was no fly-by-night preacher. He knew that in order to have an effective ministry, he couldn’t just preach a sermon and expect that to fix all the problems. So he stayed in certain towns for months and even years. But the real fruits of his labors were the churches that lasted for decades and centuries. Sometimes the hard part of ministry is sticking with it. The temptation to quit may not come from a physical threat, but with the day-to-day exhaustion of keeping up. The courageous thing is to keep going. And courage sometimes means refusing to quit and seeing God’s will through to the end.
Have you ever just wanted to quit being faithful?
How can the results of Paul’s ministry encourage you to persevere?
Ask God for strength to continue when you have no strength left.
This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. - Acts 19:10
So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. - Acts 20:31
Paul was no fly-by-night preacher. He knew that in order to have an effective ministry, he couldn’t just preach a sermon and expect that to fix all the problems. So he stayed in certain towns for months and even years. But the real fruits of his labors were the churches that lasted for decades and centuries. Sometimes the hard part of ministry is sticking with it. The temptation to quit may not come from a physical threat, but with the day-to-day exhaustion of keeping up. The courageous thing is to keep going. And courage sometimes means refusing to quit and seeing God’s will through to the end.
Have you ever just wanted to quit being faithful?
How can the results of Paul’s ministry encourage you to persevere?
Ask God for strength to continue when you have no strength left.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A Night’s Vision – Day 3
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD , the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them-to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates-all the Hittite country-to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1: 1-9
Imagine you’ve just been handed the leadership over a million people. Now you’re about to go start a war with 10 other nations, and you have no idea what you’re doing. No pressure, right? No wonder God gave this advice to young Joshua: Don’t fear!
Since we’re being asked to do something we can’t do on our own, having faith and moving forward are always accompanied by at least some fear. But we can never let fear keep us from being faithful. This is courage: Choosing to obey even when we’re uncertain. Following Christ demands courage even if you have a little less responsibility than Joshua did. No one said this would be easy, but God promises to be with us every step of the way.
God gives Joshua two commands and a promise in this passage. What are they?
How are you obeying these same commands that were given to Joshua?
"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1: 1-9
Imagine you’ve just been handed the leadership over a million people. Now you’re about to go start a war with 10 other nations, and you have no idea what you’re doing. No pressure, right? No wonder God gave this advice to young Joshua: Don’t fear!
Since we’re being asked to do something we can’t do on our own, having faith and moving forward are always accompanied by at least some fear. But we can never let fear keep us from being faithful. This is courage: Choosing to obey even when we’re uncertain. Following Christ demands courage even if you have a little less responsibility than Joshua did. No one said this would be easy, but God promises to be with us every step of the way.
God gives Joshua two commands and a promise in this passage. What are they?
How are you obeying these same commands that were given to Joshua?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A Night’s Vision – Day 2
This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. - Jeremiah 9:23-24
Strength and confidence come from many places. Some people are confident because they’re popular, wealthy, or talented. But none of these things is stable enough to be relied upon. We need to always be on guard against false pride. We may feel we’re walking tall with God, but where does that confidence come from? It is because we really know God or because we simply look good to others? In order to walk in courage and humility, we must develop a real relationship with God, not just go through the motions. Any other type of confidence will ultimately fail us. Remember, there’s nothing more important than your personal walk with God.
Where does your confidence come from?
How can you gain real confidence?
What do you learn about God from this passage?
Spend some time talking to God about these attributes.
Strength and confidence come from many places. Some people are confident because they’re popular, wealthy, or talented. But none of these things is stable enough to be relied upon. We need to always be on guard against false pride. We may feel we’re walking tall with God, but where does that confidence come from? It is because we really know God or because we simply look good to others? In order to walk in courage and humility, we must develop a real relationship with God, not just go through the motions. Any other type of confidence will ultimately fail us. Remember, there’s nothing more important than your personal walk with God.
Where does your confidence come from?
How can you gain real confidence?
What do you learn about God from this passage?
Spend some time talking to God about these attributes.
Monday, November 23, 2009
A Night’s Vision – Day 1
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court. "This man," they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law."
Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law--settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things." So he had them ejected from the court. Then they all turned on Sosthenes, the synagogue ruler and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio showed no concern whatever. - Acts 18:9-17
Paul wasn’t paranoid; people really were trying to kill him. It’s one thing to tell others about Jesus. It’s quite another to tell people about God when they might want to kill you afterward. God reassured Paul that he’d be protected. God kept his promise. When the Jews tried to get Paul beaten by the Romans, the Romans didn’t find him guilty. In fact the only one who was beaten that day was one of Paul’s accusers. God promises in Scripture to help us stand firm in the face of opposition. This passage proves that as we obey God, God will do what God promises.
What are some areas of your life in which you’re tempted to back down from doing what you know you need to do?
Which of God’s promises do you rely on to avoid these temptations? Write them here – or find some in Scripture.
Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law--settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things." So he had them ejected from the court. Then they all turned on Sosthenes, the synagogue ruler and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio showed no concern whatever. - Acts 18:9-17
Paul wasn’t paranoid; people really were trying to kill him. It’s one thing to tell others about Jesus. It’s quite another to tell people about God when they might want to kill you afterward. God reassured Paul that he’d be protected. God kept his promise. When the Jews tried to get Paul beaten by the Romans, the Romans didn’t find him guilty. In fact the only one who was beaten that day was one of Paul’s accusers. God promises in Scripture to help us stand firm in the face of opposition. This passage proves that as we obey God, God will do what God promises.
What are some areas of your life in which you’re tempted to back down from doing what you know you need to do?
Which of God’s promises do you rely on to avoid these temptations? Write them here – or find some in Scripture.
Week 33 – A Night’s Vision: Paul in Corinth
Memory Verse
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision; ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and hard you, because I have many people in this city.’” – Acts 18: 9-10
While I was on a mission trip to Mexico, some policeman rounded up a bunch of guys in our worship service and led them outside – they walked right past me. One policeman told me they were some local gang members causing trouble. I asked if they could stay, but I was ignored. Too bad, I thought. I wish they could have heard the gospel. Suddenly I felt God leading me to tell these guys about Jesus. My response to God was that talking to gang members was not my spiritual gift. God didn’t buy it. So, scared to death, I went to the parking lot to chase down 12 gang members and tell them about Christ.
My situation was a cakewalk compared to what Paul endured. As he traveled on his missionary journeys, people routinely wanted to kill him. This always makes me wonder if Paul ever got scared. The answer must be “yes,” since in Acts 18 Paul received a special vision from God reminding Paul that God would always be with him. Armed with that confidence, Paul never wavered as he preached and taught.
God may ask us to do things that are frightening, but he’ll always be with us. And while our fear may not go away completely, we can have faith in God that he won’t let us down. This week we’ll look at how to find courage in the midst of difficult ministry moments.
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision; ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and hard you, because I have many people in this city.’” – Acts 18: 9-10
While I was on a mission trip to Mexico, some policeman rounded up a bunch of guys in our worship service and led them outside – they walked right past me. One policeman told me they were some local gang members causing trouble. I asked if they could stay, but I was ignored. Too bad, I thought. I wish they could have heard the gospel. Suddenly I felt God leading me to tell these guys about Jesus. My response to God was that talking to gang members was not my spiritual gift. God didn’t buy it. So, scared to death, I went to the parking lot to chase down 12 gang members and tell them about Christ.
My situation was a cakewalk compared to what Paul endured. As he traveled on his missionary journeys, people routinely wanted to kill him. This always makes me wonder if Paul ever got scared. The answer must be “yes,” since in Acts 18 Paul received a special vision from God reminding Paul that God would always be with him. Armed with that confidence, Paul never wavered as he preached and taught.
God may ask us to do things that are frightening, but he’ll always be with us. And while our fear may not go away completely, we can have faith in God that he won’t let us down. This week we’ll look at how to find courage in the midst of difficult ministry moments.
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Unknown God – Day 5
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Have you ever started witnessing to someone only to find yourself in a religious debate? It’s frustrating and typically unproductive. We can usually avoid this kind of scene it we stay focused. It not, then we’ll end up talking to people about the problems and consequences or sin without ever getting to the core issue: Their need for Christ. Confronting someone who cheats on his tests without addressing the need for Christ isn’t enough; you point out sin (cheating) but won’t cure the illness (sin nature).
Don’t get sidetracked by secondary issues; instead, make sure the focus is on Jesus. His death on the cross is the answer for all of us. Let Jesus deal with all the issues in his time. We need to stay focused on Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
When you talk to others about Jesus, do you talk more about his rules or his salvation?
Ask Jesus to help you focus on him as you tell others about him today.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Unknown God – Day 4
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. - 1 Peter 2:11-12
Saint Francis once said, “Preach the Gospel; use words if necessary.” When we reach out to those who don’t know God, the first thing they evaluate is our behavior. In fact some may not even listen to our words until our behavior proves that we’re different. Not everyone understands theology; but everyone can see that you’re different when you love at times when other would hate, give at times when others would take, and pray at times when others would curse. Practical acts of love and service are surefire ways of opening doors to tell others why you live the way you live. Does it take longer? Sure, but it works.
Does your lifestyle help or hurt your ability to share the gospel with others?
How can you live today in a way that preaches the gospel without words?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Unknown God – Day 3
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. – Ecclesiastes 3:11
"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' - Acts 17:24-28
“But they’re not going to listen to me!” How many times has this excuse kept you form sharing Christ with others? In this passage Paul is talking to people who are the complete opposite of the God-fearing Jews in the synagogue. Paul is confident that they’ll listen because although they’re different, they’re also human. God has put a longing within every person to seek God. Deep down everyone knows we’re made to be more than mere mortals. So even though people look and sound different, God knows what’s going on in their hearts. No matter whom you’re talking to, you can always bank on this: Although they may not look like it, they may never tell you, and they may not even understand it themselves, everyone you know has a longing for God.
How does this knowledge change how you interpret the reactions of those you share Christ with?
Spend some time thinking about how your non-Christian friends are actually seeking eternal things – whether they know it or not.
"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' - Acts 17:24-28
“But they’re not going to listen to me!” How many times has this excuse kept you form sharing Christ with others? In this passage Paul is talking to people who are the complete opposite of the God-fearing Jews in the synagogue. Paul is confident that they’ll listen because although they’re different, they’re also human. God has put a longing within every person to seek God. Deep down everyone knows we’re made to be more than mere mortals. So even though people look and sound different, God knows what’s going on in their hearts. No matter whom you’re talking to, you can always bank on this: Although they may not look like it, they may never tell you, and they may not even understand it themselves, everyone you know has a longing for God.
How does this knowledge change how you interpret the reactions of those you share Christ with?
Spend some time thinking about how your non-Christian friends are actually seeking eternal things – whether they know it or not.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Unknown God – Day 2
Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
You can never put Paul in a box. As soon as you think you have him figured out, he’ll surprise you. Why? Paul didn’t think of himself all that much. Instead, he thought about the people who needed Christ and how best to reach them. He knew that one approach wouldn’t reach everyone, so he decided to keep changing his approach to reach as many as possible. Reaching out means that we start with others, not ourselves. It means you ask yourself, How can I explain Christ in a way they can hear and understand? The answer will most likely be different for almost everyone you meet. But you’ll also find you have a better audience for your message.
Are you willing to go into someone else’s world in order to share the gospel with them – or do you ask them to come into yours?
What would you look like if you became “all things to all people”?
You can never put Paul in a box. As soon as you think you have him figured out, he’ll surprise you. Why? Paul didn’t think of himself all that much. Instead, he thought about the people who needed Christ and how best to reach them. He knew that one approach wouldn’t reach everyone, so he decided to keep changing his approach to reach as many as possible. Reaching out means that we start with others, not ourselves. It means you ask yourself, How can I explain Christ in a way they can hear and understand? The answer will most likely be different for almost everyone you meet. But you’ll also find you have a better audience for your message.
Are you willing to go into someone else’s world in order to share the gospel with them – or do you ask them to come into yours?
What would you look like if you became “all things to all people”?
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Unknown God, Day 1
Acts 17:16-34
In Athens
16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. 18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. 19 Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.” 21 (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)
How do you talk to people who don't even have a basic, foundational starting point for the God you want to talk about? One idea is to find something they do know and start from there. Witnessing isn't just about spouting recited lines to non-Christians. You can't ask people if they want to be "washed in the blood of the Lamb" if they don't know what you're talking about. They might believe you're a psychotic sheep rancher. Loving people means understanding them first and then explaining the love of Jesus in a way they can grasp. We must start where they are, not where we are. In today's verses Paul did that. He found some men who were very receptive. Before you start witnessing to people, find out more about them. Who are they? What are they like? It can make all the difference.
How would you begin to share Christ with someone who's never been to church?
Write out your testimony without using any church language (in other words, without using terms a non-Christian wouldn't understand).
In Athens
16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. 18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. 19 Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.” 21 (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)
22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill. 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.”
32 When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” 33 At that, Paul left the Council. 34 A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.How do you talk to people who don't even have a basic, foundational starting point for the God you want to talk about? One idea is to find something they do know and start from there. Witnessing isn't just about spouting recited lines to non-Christians. You can't ask people if they want to be "washed in the blood of the Lamb" if they don't know what you're talking about. They might believe you're a psychotic sheep rancher. Loving people means understanding them first and then explaining the love of Jesus in a way they can grasp. We must start where they are, not where we are. In today's verses Paul did that. He found some men who were very receptive. Before you start witnessing to people, find out more about them. Who are they? What are they like? It can make all the difference.
How would you begin to share Christ with someone who's never been to church?
Write out your testimony without using any church language (in other words, without using terms a non-Christian wouldn't understand).
The Unknown God: Paul in Athens
Memory Verse
"For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." (Acts 17:31)
Introduction
Imagine you get a chance to travel back in time and explore your favorite period of history. It sounds great at first, but then try explaining your world to the people living in that time. How would you describe electricity to someone from the Middle Ages? Those people would have a hard time understanding you because they have no frame of reference. Since they've never even imagined some of the things you're describing, they'd probably give you some funny looks.
In Acts 17:16-34 Paul found himself in a similar situation as he tried to explain Christ to the people in Athens, who had no frame of reference for a resurrected Messiah. While some people thought Paul was crazy, Paul got through to the Athenians by finding out what they knew and starting from there.
Witnessing to people isn't easy; but if we love them, then we'll do our best to paint a clear picture for them. There are people around you who have no idea what a personal relationship with Jesus is--or how to have one. And you may be the only person they know who can tell them. What will you say? Like Paul, this week we're going to figure out a game plan so we can meet people where they are and take the gospel to those who may have never heard Jesus' name.
"For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." (Acts 17:31)
Introduction
Imagine you get a chance to travel back in time and explore your favorite period of history. It sounds great at first, but then try explaining your world to the people living in that time. How would you describe electricity to someone from the Middle Ages? Those people would have a hard time understanding you because they have no frame of reference. Since they've never even imagined some of the things you're describing, they'd probably give you some funny looks.
In Acts 17:16-34 Paul found himself in a similar situation as he tried to explain Christ to the people in Athens, who had no frame of reference for a resurrected Messiah. While some people thought Paul was crazy, Paul got through to the Athenians by finding out what they knew and starting from there.
Witnessing to people isn't easy; but if we love them, then we'll do our best to paint a clear picture for them. There are people around you who have no idea what a personal relationship with Jesus is--or how to have one. And you may be the only person they know who can tell them. What will you say? Like Paul, this week we're going to figure out a game plan so we can meet people where they are and take the gospel to those who may have never heard Jesus' name.
Friday, November 13, 2009
A Unified Church – Day 5
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. – Ephesians 4:1-6
One of the reasons it’s so hard to be unified with other believers is that we seem to be so different – different churches, different personalities, and even different opinions on minor issues. So how can we expect to get along? Paul reminds the Ephesians that while they have a lot of differences, they also share a lot of similarities, which are much greater than their differences. We all have the same God, we were baptized into the same body of believers, and we have the same Holy Spirit. No matter who we are or what church we attend, if we’re Christians, then we’re all saved the same way: By the grace of God. No one deserves to be here more than anyone else because we all came through the same door. Once we recognize this fact, it’s a lot harder to put up walls between us because, at our cores, we’re all the same where it really counts: We’re children of God.
What are some of the things that divide you from other believers?
Are they valid reasons for not being unified?
One of the reasons it’s so hard to be unified with other believers is that we seem to be so different – different churches, different personalities, and even different opinions on minor issues. So how can we expect to get along? Paul reminds the Ephesians that while they have a lot of differences, they also share a lot of similarities, which are much greater than their differences. We all have the same God, we were baptized into the same body of believers, and we have the same Holy Spirit. No matter who we are or what church we attend, if we’re Christians, then we’re all saved the same way: By the grace of God. No one deserves to be here more than anyone else because we all came through the same door. Once we recognize this fact, it’s a lot harder to put up walls between us because, at our cores, we’re all the same where it really counts: We’re children of God.
What are some of the things that divide you from other believers?
Are they valid reasons for not being unified?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A Unified Church – Day 4
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." – Revelation 7:9-10
Some people from certain denominations believe they’ll be the only people in heaven; but I have a feeling heaven will be a little more crowded than they expect. God’s plan is for unity among all believers, but how do we unify all the different denominations? It’s a lot of work to maintain unity in just one church, much less all churches. Is it really that big a deal? In this passage, we see the end of time. Here’s a picture of the Church as God intends it to be, with believers from all over the world united and praising God together. If this is the plan, then we should already be working on our small part of that unity, as best we can.
Begin thinking about what it will look like for all of is to finally be worshipping together in heaven.
What’s preventing you from working with other believers from other denominations?
Some people from certain denominations believe they’ll be the only people in heaven; but I have a feeling heaven will be a little more crowded than they expect. God’s plan is for unity among all believers, but how do we unify all the different denominations? It’s a lot of work to maintain unity in just one church, much less all churches. Is it really that big a deal? In this passage, we see the end of time. Here’s a picture of the Church as God intends it to be, with believers from all over the world united and praising God together. If this is the plan, then we should already be working on our small part of that unity, as best we can.
Begin thinking about what it will look like for all of is to finally be worshipping together in heaven.
What’s preventing you from working with other believers from other denominations?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A Unified Church – Day 3
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” - John 17:20-23
How’s this for a startling statement: Jesus prayed that, as believers, we’d have the same kind of unity that exists in God himself. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, yet still one God. It’s a mystery, to be sure, but that’s the model for how unified he wants us to be. If we’re able to live in that kind of unity, then it shows people that something supernatural is present. Disunity is natural – even expected (kind of like how you and your siblings sometimes get on each other’s nerves). So imagine how stunned people would be if Christians all lived in unity. It’s possible through Christ, but only if we’re willing.
If you feel you’re not living in unity with other believers, then what’s holding you back?
What are you doing to clear away the obstacles?
Ask God to enable you to overcome anything that would keep you from having this kind of intimacy with others.
How’s this for a startling statement: Jesus prayed that, as believers, we’d have the same kind of unity that exists in God himself. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, yet still one God. It’s a mystery, to be sure, but that’s the model for how unified he wants us to be. If we’re able to live in that kind of unity, then it shows people that something supernatural is present. Disunity is natural – even expected (kind of like how you and your siblings sometimes get on each other’s nerves). So imagine how stunned people would be if Christians all lived in unity. It’s possible through Christ, but only if we’re willing.
If you feel you’re not living in unity with other believers, then what’s holding you back?
What are you doing to clear away the obstacles?
Ask God to enable you to overcome anything that would keep you from having this kind of intimacy with others.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A Unified Church – Day 2
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:5-11
I like my life. More to the point, I like how I live my life: However I want to. But when you have a family or live with other people, you find out very quickly that you have to make some changes if everyone is going to get along. Compromise is necessary to make life work in community. Jesus thought it was worth the price. See all the things he had to do to bring us into the family? But he believed it was worth laying aside his glory – just for us. If Jesus was willing to do all of that for us, then we need to be willing to make sacrifices for others. It’s not always easy (it certainly wasn’t for Jesus), but it does bring about new life.
What areas of your life will you have to change in order to live in unity with other believers? Are you willing to make those sacrifices?
Ask God to show you how to do that through his power – not your own.
I like my life. More to the point, I like how I live my life: However I want to. But when you have a family or live with other people, you find out very quickly that you have to make some changes if everyone is going to get along. Compromise is necessary to make life work in community. Jesus thought it was worth the price. See all the things he had to do to bring us into the family? But he believed it was worth laying aside his glory – just for us. If Jesus was willing to do all of that for us, then we need to be willing to make sacrifices for others. It’s not always easy (it certainly wasn’t for Jesus), but it does bring about new life.
What areas of your life will you have to change in order to live in unity with other believers? Are you willing to make those sacrifices?
Ask God to show you how to do that through his power – not your own.
Monday, November 9, 2009
A Unified Church – Day 1
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:1-4
Being one in purpose isn’t the easiest thing to do. Most of us would prefer that everyone else agree with us. But Paul didn’t just command the Philippians to be unified; he also told them their unity was a sign that they’d been changed. Like the Philippians, we were unable to experience true unity until Christ changed us. And now our unity is one of the signs that Jesus is moving in us. If we can’t be unified with other believers, then our spirituality is in question. But if we’ve truly experienced Christ, then we should also be changed.
How do you interact with other believers? Can you get along with other Christians?
Is working with other believers a priority for you? The Holy Spirit will help you when this is hard.
Think on all the things mentioned in verse 1 and thank Christ for those gifts. Then pray God would show you how to share those gifts with other believers today.
Being one in purpose isn’t the easiest thing to do. Most of us would prefer that everyone else agree with us. But Paul didn’t just command the Philippians to be unified; he also told them their unity was a sign that they’d been changed. Like the Philippians, we were unable to experience true unity until Christ changed us. And now our unity is one of the signs that Jesus is moving in us. If we can’t be unified with other believers, then our spirituality is in question. But if we’ve truly experienced Christ, then we should also be changed.
How do you interact with other believers? Can you get along with other Christians?
Is working with other believers a priority for you? The Holy Spirit will help you when this is hard.
Think on all the things mentioned in verse 1 and thank Christ for those gifts. Then pray God would show you how to share those gifts with other believers today.
Week 30 – A Unified Church: Letter to the Philippians
Memory Verse
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
It challenges me anytime I see a large group of people coming together for a common purpose. When this happens, it shows that something is more important than their differences – something that transcends personal ambitions.
God is trying to build that same spirit of unity in us. One of the things Paul stressed in the prison epistles of Philippians and Ephesians is the unity of the church. But how do such different people act in concert? By imitating Christ and following the example he set. What an incredible unified body we’d be if everyone in the church were to follow this example. One day this will be a reality, and we’re all going to see it. But until then, God is busy building that unity among us.
We’re going to take a look at the unity of the church and discover that God truly desires for us to put aside our differences and come together as one universal Church. It’s going to require some changes on all our parts. But the result will be a sight that will do more than simply confound divisive politicians; it will change the whole world.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
It challenges me anytime I see a large group of people coming together for a common purpose. When this happens, it shows that something is more important than their differences – something that transcends personal ambitions.
God is trying to build that same spirit of unity in us. One of the things Paul stressed in the prison epistles of Philippians and Ephesians is the unity of the church. But how do such different people act in concert? By imitating Christ and following the example he set. What an incredible unified body we’d be if everyone in the church were to follow this example. One day this will be a reality, and we’re all going to see it. But until then, God is busy building that unity among us.
We’re going to take a look at the unity of the church and discover that God truly desires for us to put aside our differences and come together as one universal Church. It’s going to require some changes on all our parts. But the result will be a sight that will do more than simply confound divisive politicians; it will change the whole world.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Singing in Jail – Day 5
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" - Acts 16:25-30
Just as God never fails to use our trials for good, God also uses our responses to turn a bad situation into a good one. The effect of Paul and Silas’ responses to their torture was so stunning that even when the prison doors flew open, the other prisoners refused to leave. Imagine that! They’d rather stay in jail with the people who could find joy in a prison cell than return to their lives outside their cells. The jailer was so moved by what he saw that he became a Christian moments later. Our trials aren’t just about us. When we see that God is using our trials to help others, it can give us the confidence to continue trusting God even though the pain is still real.
Ask God to show you how he’s used your reactions to problems and trials to help others.
Try to look beyond your own pain and see how God can use you in the midst of it.
Just as God never fails to use our trials for good, God also uses our responses to turn a bad situation into a good one. The effect of Paul and Silas’ responses to their torture was so stunning that even when the prison doors flew open, the other prisoners refused to leave. Imagine that! They’d rather stay in jail with the people who could find joy in a prison cell than return to their lives outside their cells. The jailer was so moved by what he saw that he became a Christian moments later. Our trials aren’t just about us. When we see that God is using our trials to help others, it can give us the confidence to continue trusting God even though the pain is still real.
Ask God to show you how he’s used your reactions to problems and trials to help others.
Try to look beyond your own pain and see how God can use you in the midst of it.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Singing in Jail – Day 4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4
This is one of those verses that most of us just don’t get. Why would anyone rejoice over hard times? James wasn’t some sadistic person who thought we should enjoy pain. Instead, he reminds us to look beyond our circumstances to the fact that God is always using our problems for our ultimate good. Knowing that our struggles aren’t in vain helps us to endure them a little easier. In fact this knowledge becomes a huge source of encouragement when we’re hurting. Remember, nothing that happens to you is wasted. Even if Satan intends it for evil, God will turn it around for good. This bit of truth can’t stop your pain, but it can help you find joy in spite of your pain.
How has God used past hurts to help you know?
Thank God for being present in the midst of your trials and for using them in ways you can’t see…yet.
This is one of those verses that most of us just don’t get. Why would anyone rejoice over hard times? James wasn’t some sadistic person who thought we should enjoy pain. Instead, he reminds us to look beyond our circumstances to the fact that God is always using our problems for our ultimate good. Knowing that our struggles aren’t in vain helps us to endure them a little easier. In fact this knowledge becomes a huge source of encouragement when we’re hurting. Remember, nothing that happens to you is wasted. Even if Satan intends it for evil, God will turn it around for good. This bit of truth can’t stop your pain, but it can help you find joy in spite of your pain.
How has God used past hurts to help you know?
Thank God for being present in the midst of your trials and for using them in ways you can’t see…yet.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Singing in Jail – Day 3
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. - 2 Corinthians 1: 8-11
If Paul had times in his life that made him think he was going to die, then I’m sure we’ll have our own share of difficult days as well. Think about it: Paul was very close to God, but he still had moments in which he wondered what was going on. When you face harsh circumstances, it’s normal to be afraid, to wonder where God is, and to hate the pain. But you still get to choose how you respond. Paul saw the bigger picture; he didn’t need to rely on his own power – but on God’s – to get through trials. It’s easy to try to manage on our own, but God asks us to have faith in him, even in – especially in – the midst of our pain.
Think through your latest trial and note how you responded. Did you rely on God’s power or your own?
Ask God to show you how to respond like Paul in the midst of pain.
If Paul had times in his life that made him think he was going to die, then I’m sure we’ll have our own share of difficult days as well. Think about it: Paul was very close to God, but he still had moments in which he wondered what was going on. When you face harsh circumstances, it’s normal to be afraid, to wonder where God is, and to hate the pain. But you still get to choose how you respond. Paul saw the bigger picture; he didn’t need to rely on his own power – but on God’s – to get through trials. It’s easy to try to manage on our own, but God asks us to have faith in him, even in – especially in – the midst of our pain.
Think through your latest trial and note how you responded. Did you rely on God’s power or your own?
Ask God to show you how to respond like Paul in the midst of pain.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Singing in Jail – Day 2
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7
Never forget this message from verse 3: Our God is the God of all comfort. No matter how you feel, this is God’s nature; God longs to help us and to comfort us when we’re hurting. Sometimes that help doesn’t come in the way we want, but that doesn’t change God’s nature. When you go to God for help, God will provide. Period. But note that Gods wants to comfort us so we can then comfort others. When we’ve been through a rough time and find peace in the midst of strife, we’re able to go to others who are still in the midst of the fight and show them they can survive with God’s help – just like we did. When we do this, it causes us to love those who are hurting. As we comfort others, we’re becoming more like Christ.
How has God been the God of all comfort to you?
How can you help those who are going through struggles similar to yours?
Never forget this message from verse 3: Our God is the God of all comfort. No matter how you feel, this is God’s nature; God longs to help us and to comfort us when we’re hurting. Sometimes that help doesn’t come in the way we want, but that doesn’t change God’s nature. When you go to God for help, God will provide. Period. But note that Gods wants to comfort us so we can then comfort others. When we’ve been through a rough time and find peace in the midst of strife, we’re able to go to others who are still in the midst of the fight and show them they can survive with God’s help – just like we did. When we do this, it causes us to love those who are hurting. As we comfort others, we’re becoming more like Christ.
How has God been the God of all comfort to you?
How can you help those who are going through struggles similar to yours?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Singing in Jail – Day 1
Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.
When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice."
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family. – Acts 16: 16-34
They did what? How in the world do you find the ability to sing your favorite worship chorus when your back is on fire from your latest beating and you can’t get to sleep because of the pain? Yet here they are, responding as Christ would. And that’s really the key here. If you’re saying to yourself, I couldn’t do that, then you may be right. But how can you get to the point where you could? Not by trying really hard to sing whenever you hurt. These guys sang because that was the response that came out of them; it was their character. When we’re really hard-pressed during difficult times, what’s deep inside us will surface. Don’t try to make it happen; ask God to change you so this will be your natural reaction.
How would you have responded in this situation?
Ask God to change who you are deep down, not just on the surface.
When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice."
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family. – Acts 16: 16-34
They did what? How in the world do you find the ability to sing your favorite worship chorus when your back is on fire from your latest beating and you can’t get to sleep because of the pain? Yet here they are, responding as Christ would. And that’s really the key here. If you’re saying to yourself, I couldn’t do that, then you may be right. But how can you get to the point where you could? Not by trying really hard to sing whenever you hurt. These guys sang because that was the response that came out of them; it was their character. When we’re really hard-pressed during difficult times, what’s deep inside us will surface. Don’t try to make it happen; ask God to change you so this will be your natural reaction.
How would you have responded in this situation?
Ask God to change who you are deep down, not just on the surface.
Week 29 – Singing in Jail: Paul and Silas in Prison
Memory Verse
“He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’. They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” – Acts 16: 30-31
Have you ever hit your funny bone? You know what I’m talking about, although I’m sure this isn’t the technical name for it. Often when I hit my elbow, first I feel a shooting pain, but right after I also have a desire to laugh. My arm hurts, but it makes me laugh, too. It’s weird how pain and laughter can coexist. It doesn’t make sense, but it happens.
This week we’re looking at an equally improbable event. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison, but then they led a worship service from their jail cell. How can someone experience such pain yet still sing? Our reaction to bad situations is one way we show a lost world that Christ is real. When we’re able to see Christ in the midst of our pain, we find strength where others find only emptiness and despair.
Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, if we turn our troubles over to God, then we discover that God walks with us in the fire. And when we step out of the flames in one piece, everyone marvels at the fact that God provided help in our time of pain. God can help us become people who react like Paul and Silas did. The bad news is that it usually takes a lot of tough experiences to build that kind of character. But we have to start somewhere. And we don’t have to do it alone.
“He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’. They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” – Acts 16: 30-31
Have you ever hit your funny bone? You know what I’m talking about, although I’m sure this isn’t the technical name for it. Often when I hit my elbow, first I feel a shooting pain, but right after I also have a desire to laugh. My arm hurts, but it makes me laugh, too. It’s weird how pain and laughter can coexist. It doesn’t make sense, but it happens.
This week we’re looking at an equally improbable event. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison, but then they led a worship service from their jail cell. How can someone experience such pain yet still sing? Our reaction to bad situations is one way we show a lost world that Christ is real. When we’re able to see Christ in the midst of our pain, we find strength where others find only emptiness and despair.
Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, if we turn our troubles over to God, then we discover that God walks with us in the fire. And when we step out of the flames in one piece, everyone marvels at the fact that God provided help in our time of pain. God can help us become people who react like Paul and Silas did. The bad news is that it usually takes a lot of tough experiences to build that kind of character. But we have to start somewhere. And we don’t have to do it alone.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Going to Macedonia – Day 5
That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" And they said to each other, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt."
Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the LORD appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites. – Numbers 14: 1-10
I wouldn’t want Moses’ job. Anytime there was a problem, the whole nation talked about going back to Egyptian slavery. Even here, on the verge of entering the Promised Land, the people didn’t want to go because they were going to have to fight for it. These people would’ve settled for living in slavery or wandering in the desert instead of trusting God and moving forward. As silly as it seems, we do this all the time when we’re not willing to follow God in faith. Faith by its very nature is difficult. But when we choose to follow God instead of the status quo, we’ll find ourselves in the land flowing with milk and honey – not out in the cold.
Are there any areas of your life if which you don’t want to follow God in faith? What are they?
Are you complacently settling for the present instead of trusting God with the future?
Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the LORD appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites. – Numbers 14: 1-10
I wouldn’t want Moses’ job. Anytime there was a problem, the whole nation talked about going back to Egyptian slavery. Even here, on the verge of entering the Promised Land, the people didn’t want to go because they were going to have to fight for it. These people would’ve settled for living in slavery or wandering in the desert instead of trusting God and moving forward. As silly as it seems, we do this all the time when we’re not willing to follow God in faith. Faith by its very nature is difficult. But when we choose to follow God instead of the status quo, we’ll find ourselves in the land flowing with milk and honey – not out in the cold.
Are there any areas of your life if which you don’t want to follow God in faith? What are they?
Are you complacently settling for the present instead of trusting God with the future?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Going to Macedonia – Day 4
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:14-19
Remember, Paul didn’t originally want to go to Europe. But he went there anyway because that’s where God wanted him to go. Paul probably went there somewhat reluctantly, especially if he had his heart set on the province of Asia. But look at the results. Philippi was one the first places where Paul planted a church. Not only did it become an amazingly healthy church, but it was also one of Paul’s favorites. In today’s passage we see how this church supported Paul when no other church would. You may find yourself having to give up something you love or enjoy for an uncertain future. Just like moving to a new town, it’s hard to give up the good things you have for the good things you don’t know about. But trust in God is always rewarded. Change is hard; but when God calls us to change, it will always lead to something better.
What would have happened if Paul hadn’t obeyed God but had gone to the province of Asia instead?
Will you obey God even if it means giving up something you love or enjoy?
Remember, Paul didn’t originally want to go to Europe. But he went there anyway because that’s where God wanted him to go. Paul probably went there somewhat reluctantly, especially if he had his heart set on the province of Asia. But look at the results. Philippi was one the first places where Paul planted a church. Not only did it become an amazingly healthy church, but it was also one of Paul’s favorites. In today’s passage we see how this church supported Paul when no other church would. You may find yourself having to give up something you love or enjoy for an uncertain future. Just like moving to a new town, it’s hard to give up the good things you have for the good things you don’t know about. But trust in God is always rewarded. Change is hard; but when God calls us to change, it will always lead to something better.
What would have happened if Paul hadn’t obeyed God but had gone to the province of Asia instead?
Will you obey God even if it means giving up something you love or enjoy?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Going to Macedonia – Day 3
O LORD, you deceived me, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long. But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. - Jeremiah 20:7-9
As a young boy, Jeremiah was called to be a prophet. But fulfilling that calling was easier said than done. In fact Jeremiah lamented so much about the things he had to preach that he’s now called “the weeping prophet.” Why was it so hard for Jeremiah to do his job? Because no one listened to him. We live in a sinful world where God isn’t honored universally. When we do our best to obey God, we’ll almost always face opposition. But opposition doesn’t mean you’re off track. When you struggle for trying to live God’s way, it typically means you’re right where you need to be. Following God’s will isn’t always this hard, but it’s not always easy, either. Don’t judge your place in God’s will by your circumstances or how you feel. Instead, trust God who called you in the first place.
What’s been the hardest thing you’ve had to do to obey God?
Ask God for determination like Jeremiah’s and the ability to obey God even when it’s hard.
As a young boy, Jeremiah was called to be a prophet. But fulfilling that calling was easier said than done. In fact Jeremiah lamented so much about the things he had to preach that he’s now called “the weeping prophet.” Why was it so hard for Jeremiah to do his job? Because no one listened to him. We live in a sinful world where God isn’t honored universally. When we do our best to obey God, we’ll almost always face opposition. But opposition doesn’t mean you’re off track. When you struggle for trying to live God’s way, it typically means you’re right where you need to be. Following God’s will isn’t always this hard, but it’s not always easy, either. Don’t judge your place in God’s will by your circumstances or how you feel. Instead, trust God who called you in the first place.
What’s been the hardest thing you’ve had to do to obey God?
Ask God for determination like Jeremiah’s and the ability to obey God even when it’s hard.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Going to Macedonia – Day 2
From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us. - Acts 16:11-15
Put yourself in Paul’s shoes. All he wanted to do was tell people about Jesus. He even had a personal encounter with Jesus who told him to do just that. But for some reason, God wouldn’t let Paul preach in the province of Asia. Paul had the right motive and the right mission, so what was the problem? Sometimes God’s will just doesn’t make sense to us. Sometimes God will ask us to forego something we really want, even when it’s a godly request. This doesn’t mean that God is angry or that what you requested is wrong. It just means God has a better plan in mind. We have to learn to trust God even when it doesn’t make sense to us.
Has God even denied a request you thought was godly?
How did you respond?
Ask God to give you the faith to obey even when the reasons aren’t apparent.
Put yourself in Paul’s shoes. All he wanted to do was tell people about Jesus. He even had a personal encounter with Jesus who told him to do just that. But for some reason, God wouldn’t let Paul preach in the province of Asia. Paul had the right motive and the right mission, so what was the problem? Sometimes God’s will just doesn’t make sense to us. Sometimes God will ask us to forego something we really want, even when it’s a godly request. This doesn’t mean that God is angry or that what you requested is wrong. It just means God has a better plan in mind. We have to learn to trust God even when it doesn’t make sense to us.
Has God even denied a request you thought was godly?
How did you respond?
Ask God to give you the faith to obey even when the reasons aren’t apparent.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Going to Macedonia – Day 1
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. - Acts 16:6-10
Paul just wanted to preach. He was so passionate to see people saved that he’d have gone anywhere to share Jesus with them. But on occasion God had very specific plans for Paul and company. By pointing them Macedonia (present-day Greece), the gospel penetrated Europe for the first time. Europe later became the center of Christianity for centuries. Of course Paul had no knowledge of this. He simply went where the Spirit led him. We won’t always receive such specific guidance; but when we do, we should always heed it – even if we don’t see the reason why. You probably already knew that. But then why do we rarely listen for God’s direction?
Do you take time to regularly listen for the voice of God?
If God asked you to do something you didn’t completely understand, would you trust God and do it anyway? Why or why not?
Paul just wanted to preach. He was so passionate to see people saved that he’d have gone anywhere to share Jesus with them. But on occasion God had very specific plans for Paul and company. By pointing them Macedonia (present-day Greece), the gospel penetrated Europe for the first time. Europe later became the center of Christianity for centuries. Of course Paul had no knowledge of this. He simply went where the Spirit led him. We won’t always receive such specific guidance; but when we do, we should always heed it – even if we don’t see the reason why. You probably already knew that. But then why do we rarely listen for God’s direction?
Do you take time to regularly listen for the voice of God?
If God asked you to do something you didn’t completely understand, would you trust God and do it anyway? Why or why not?
Week 28 – Going to Macedonia: Paul’s Vision
Memory Verse
“During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” – Acts 16: 9-10
Wouldn’t it be great if we had road signs for life, such as COLLEGE, TURN HERE or CHARACTER WORK NEXT FOUR MONTHS? They might not make life easier, but we’d be a little more confident about which choices to make. These signs would be helpful in our spiritual lives as well. But unfortunately, there are no such signs.
Some people believe following God is easy; it’s usually anything but easy. One of the frustrating aspects of following God is that we often don’t know where we’re going. We may have one idea about how to serve God, only to discover God wants us to do something else. This can be frustrating and even discouraging if we’re not careful.
So often we can see only the next step in our journey. And our limited perspective means we don’t always know what’s best for us. God, on the other hand, can see our entire journey. Therefore, when God asks us to make sacrifices or change our plans, it’s always in our best interest to obey. The result honors God and brings us to the best possible place in our own lives.
Don’t think you’re alone in this. Even the apostles had experiences like ours. Acts 16 records a story of how Paul went through some frustrations before he finally discovered God’s will concerning the next phase of his ministry. This week we’re going to look at how Paul dealt with this change of plans and see what resulted. So put on your traveling shoes; we’re about to make a detour.
“During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” – Acts 16: 9-10
Wouldn’t it be great if we had road signs for life, such as COLLEGE, TURN HERE or CHARACTER WORK NEXT FOUR MONTHS? They might not make life easier, but we’d be a little more confident about which choices to make. These signs would be helpful in our spiritual lives as well. But unfortunately, there are no such signs.
Some people believe following God is easy; it’s usually anything but easy. One of the frustrating aspects of following God is that we often don’t know where we’re going. We may have one idea about how to serve God, only to discover God wants us to do something else. This can be frustrating and even discouraging if we’re not careful.
So often we can see only the next step in our journey. And our limited perspective means we don’t always know what’s best for us. God, on the other hand, can see our entire journey. Therefore, when God asks us to make sacrifices or change our plans, it’s always in our best interest to obey. The result honors God and brings us to the best possible place in our own lives.
Don’t think you’re alone in this. Even the apostles had experiences like ours. Acts 16 records a story of how Paul went through some frustrations before he finally discovered God’s will concerning the next phase of his ministry. This week we’re going to look at how Paul dealt with this change of plans and see what resulted. So put on your traveling shoes; we’re about to make a detour.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Preaching & Teaching – Day 5
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:10-18
Spiritual warfare is a reality. That doesn’t mean you’re going to have to speak weird prayers to cast horned demons out of your locker. But it does mean that invisible battles are happening around you daily. How do we get into the fight? Paul talks about arming ourselves with God, and then he speaks of a weapon: The sword of the Spirit. It’s the only offensive weapon in the list. The Word of God is our weapon for attacking Satan’s schemes and protecting ourselves. But you have to know how to use it. Reading the Bible, attending Bible studies, and doing what you’re doing right now will help you learn how to use Scripture. Learning that skill is crucial to winning the spiritual battle we’re all fighting.
Do you make time for Bible study each week?
How can you use what you’re learning to help others?
Spiritual warfare is a reality. That doesn’t mean you’re going to have to speak weird prayers to cast horned demons out of your locker. But it does mean that invisible battles are happening around you daily. How do we get into the fight? Paul talks about arming ourselves with God, and then he speaks of a weapon: The sword of the Spirit. It’s the only offensive weapon in the list. The Word of God is our weapon for attacking Satan’s schemes and protecting ourselves. But you have to know how to use it. Reading the Bible, attending Bible studies, and doing what you’re doing right now will help you learn how to use Scripture. Learning that skill is crucial to winning the spiritual battle we’re all fighting.
Do you make time for Bible study each week?
How can you use what you’re learning to help others?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Preaching & Teaching – Day 4
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. – 1 Peter 2: 1-3
Growing up is something you don’t really have any control over. You go to bed one height and wake up two inches taller. Weird, I know. Spiritual grow doesn’t work the same way, though. People don’t automatically grow up spiritually. Some people become Christians but stay spiritual infants their whole lives. Can you imagine being a baby for 20, 30, or 40 years? Peter encourages his church to dig into Scripture because he knows that’s the best way for believers to grow in their faith. Without the Word in our lives, we’ll never be able to grow up to enjoy all the blessings of walking with God. Don’t settle for being saved; that’s just the beginning. Make it a habit to drink in God’s Word. You’ll be surprised at how much it helps you.
Is Scripture a chore or a blessing for you to read?
Ask God to give you a hunger for the Bible. Keep praying for that until it happens.
Growing up is something you don’t really have any control over. You go to bed one height and wake up two inches taller. Weird, I know. Spiritual grow doesn’t work the same way, though. People don’t automatically grow up spiritually. Some people become Christians but stay spiritual infants their whole lives. Can you imagine being a baby for 20, 30, or 40 years? Peter encourages his church to dig into Scripture because he knows that’s the best way for believers to grow in their faith. Without the Word in our lives, we’ll never be able to grow up to enjoy all the blessings of walking with God. Don’t settle for being saved; that’s just the beginning. Make it a habit to drink in God’s Word. You’ll be surprised at how much it helps you.
Is Scripture a chore or a blessing for you to read?
Ask God to give you a hunger for the Bible. Keep praying for that until it happens.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Preaching & Teaching – Day 3
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. – Philippians 3:12-16
Have you ever read something in Scripture and thought, I just don’t understand? Me, too. In fact in happens to everyone at times. Look at this passage. Paul know that not everyone understood him at first. But he was confident that if his readers would keep working at it, then God would help them understand. Sometimes it takes time for us to grasp things; but don’t worry, we’re not on our own. Even if you don’t feel very good at thinking about certain biblical things, remember the Holy Spirit will help you understand everything you need to know. Our job is to make sure we don’t give up after one try. Studying takes time. So don’t get discouraged if it’s hard at first. It does get easier. Keep at it!
How you react when you don’t understand something the first time?
Go back to a passage you found hard to comprehend and ask God to help you understand it. Spend time really thinking about it.
All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. – Philippians 3:12-16
Have you ever read something in Scripture and thought, I just don’t understand? Me, too. In fact in happens to everyone at times. Look at this passage. Paul know that not everyone understood him at first. But he was confident that if his readers would keep working at it, then God would help them understand. Sometimes it takes time for us to grasp things; but don’t worry, we’re not on our own. Even if you don’t feel very good at thinking about certain biblical things, remember the Holy Spirit will help you understand everything you need to know. Our job is to make sure we don’t give up after one try. Studying takes time. So don’t get discouraged if it’s hard at first. It does get easier. Keep at it!
How you react when you don’t understand something the first time?
Go back to a passage you found hard to comprehend and ask God to help you understand it. Spend time really thinking about it.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Preaching & Teaching – Day 2
The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. - Acts 4:1-4
Many people today say that if you believe something, then it’s “true for you”. As a result you can’t tell people they’re wrong. But this makes absolutely no sense. How can everyone be right all the time? The truth is they can’t. Someone is right, and someone is wrong. Peter stood before the leaders of the Jewish faith claiming the only way to be saved is Jesus – the only way. One of the reasons we have to be serious about hearing good teaching is that a lot of people believe false things. There aren’t 18 or 80 or 800 equally correct ways of living. There’s only one. So it’s important that we make sure we’re right. By studying the Bible, listening to good teachers, and challenging bad teaching, we stay on track and avoid silly beliefs – such as whatever anyone believes is right “as long as they sincerely believe it.”
Is learning the truth important to you, or do you listen only to those people who tell you what you want to hear?
Ask God to help you find the truth and show you any lies you’re believing.
Many people today say that if you believe something, then it’s “true for you”. As a result you can’t tell people they’re wrong. But this makes absolutely no sense. How can everyone be right all the time? The truth is they can’t. Someone is right, and someone is wrong. Peter stood before the leaders of the Jewish faith claiming the only way to be saved is Jesus – the only way. One of the reasons we have to be serious about hearing good teaching is that a lot of people believe false things. There aren’t 18 or 80 or 800 equally correct ways of living. There’s only one. So it’s important that we make sure we’re right. By studying the Bible, listening to good teachers, and challenging bad teaching, we stay on track and avoid silly beliefs – such as whatever anyone believes is right “as long as they sincerely believe it.”
Is learning the truth important to you, or do you listen only to those people who tell you what you want to hear?
Ask God to help you find the truth and show you any lies you’re believing.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Preaching & Teaching – Day 1
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. - 2 Timothy 4:1-5
“Uh, I’m not a minister.” As a student that was my first reaction to this passage. Isn’t Paul taking to a preacher? So what does this have to do with me? Realize that although Paul wrote this to Timothy, he meant for it to be read aloud to everyone in Timothy’s church. And God apparently intended the same thing since he made sure Paul’s letter to Timothy became a part of the Bible. Even those of us who aren’t ministers have a responsibility to tell people about Jesus. Paul reminds us that our culture may one day stop listening, so we have to take every opportunity to preach and teach – no matter where it happens. Keep your eyes open for a chance to talk about your faith, to correct someone if they speak incorrectly about Christ, or to encourage someone with Scripture.
If God gave you an opportunity to talk about Christ today, what would you do?
Ask God to help you speak about him in some way today.
“Uh, I’m not a minister.” As a student that was my first reaction to this passage. Isn’t Paul taking to a preacher? So what does this have to do with me? Realize that although Paul wrote this to Timothy, he meant for it to be read aloud to everyone in Timothy’s church. And God apparently intended the same thing since he made sure Paul’s letter to Timothy became a part of the Bible. Even those of us who aren’t ministers have a responsibility to tell people about Jesus. Paul reminds us that our culture may one day stop listening, so we have to take every opportunity to preach and teach – no matter where it happens. Keep your eyes open for a chance to talk about your faith, to correct someone if they speak incorrectly about Christ, or to encourage someone with Scripture.
If God gave you an opportunity to talk about Christ today, what would you do?
Ask God to help you speak about him in some way today.
Week 27 – Preaching & Teaching: Second Letter to Timothy
Memory Verse
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12
When you say the word preaching, images of ministers spitting out messages about hellfire and brimstone may come to mind. If it doesn’t, then realize for a lot of people in our culture, that’s the only image of preaching they know. Examples of bad preaching are numerous; Televangelizing crooks, sandwich-board-wearing prophets, and finger pointing bigots. But the preaching and teaching of the Church is much, much different. At the heart of the Church lies the gospel – the message of grace and new life through a relationship with Jesus.
God chose to reveal this message of hope to world through you and me, followers of Christ. There’s no plan B. We’re it! So the preaching and teaching of the Church is a top priority – not just for preachers, but for all of us. Paul knew this, and he wrote to young disciples, like Timothy, to make sure they understood the importance of the teaching of the Church. Paul wouldn’t be around forever, so he made sure to pass on that message to others who could faithfully preach it to a new generation.
We need to make sure we’re receiving good teaching and passing it in to others. Without the teaching of the Church, our beliefs would be reduced to the opinions of the latest charismatic leader.
The true message of the Church stands the test of time and isn’t changed by the ideas of our culture. This week we’ll look at why this is important and how we fit into the task of preaching and teaching today.
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12
When you say the word preaching, images of ministers spitting out messages about hellfire and brimstone may come to mind. If it doesn’t, then realize for a lot of people in our culture, that’s the only image of preaching they know. Examples of bad preaching are numerous; Televangelizing crooks, sandwich-board-wearing prophets, and finger pointing bigots. But the preaching and teaching of the Church is much, much different. At the heart of the Church lies the gospel – the message of grace and new life through a relationship with Jesus.
God chose to reveal this message of hope to world through you and me, followers of Christ. There’s no plan B. We’re it! So the preaching and teaching of the Church is a top priority – not just for preachers, but for all of us. Paul knew this, and he wrote to young disciples, like Timothy, to make sure they understood the importance of the teaching of the Church. Paul wouldn’t be around forever, so he made sure to pass on that message to others who could faithfully preach it to a new generation.
We need to make sure we’re receiving good teaching and passing it in to others. Without the teaching of the Church, our beliefs would be reduced to the opinions of the latest charismatic leader.
The true message of the Church stands the test of time and isn’t changed by the ideas of our culture. This week we’ll look at why this is important and how we fit into the task of preaching and teaching today.
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Bible – Day 5
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O LORD ;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word. – Psalm 119:9-16
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, topping out at 176 verses. (Don’t worry; you don’t have to read it all now.) The author wrote a stanza for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. And every bit of it is about the Bible. Throughout the psalm the author talks about how knowing God’s Word helps him to live, to be righteous, to honor God, and to live wisely. That’s why he spent so much time thinking about it, meditating on it, and memorizing it. The Word of God was obviously a huge part of his life. Studying the Scriptures led to a passion for God’s Word. The more you study the Word, the more you’ll find this passion as well.
What place does the Bible have in your life?
Do you take it with you to school? Do you read it when you’re not at church?
Are you studying it? The more you study God’s Word, the more you’ll be able to experience the joy the psalmist described.
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O LORD ;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word. – Psalm 119:9-16
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, topping out at 176 verses. (Don’t worry; you don’t have to read it all now.) The author wrote a stanza for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. And every bit of it is about the Bible. Throughout the psalm the author talks about how knowing God’s Word helps him to live, to be righteous, to honor God, and to live wisely. That’s why he spent so much time thinking about it, meditating on it, and memorizing it. The Word of God was obviously a huge part of his life. Studying the Scriptures led to a passion for God’s Word. The more you study the Word, the more you’ll find this passion as well.
What place does the Bible have in your life?
Do you take it with you to school? Do you read it when you’re not at church?
Are you studying it? The more you study God’s Word, the more you’ll be able to experience the joy the psalmist described.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Bible – Day 4
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Jesus answered him, "It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test." 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only." Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. - Matthew 4:1-11
We’ve all been tempted before – even Jesus. But look at how he responded in this situation. In each place where Satan tempted him, Jesus replied with Scripture. Remember, the Bible is living and active. There’s power when you fight back, not with just your own opinion, but with the unchanging Word of God! A friend of mine at a secular college told me that people always respond differently when you quote Scripture in a discussion. It’s one thing to talk as a person; it’s another to speak the words that God wrote.
Do you know some verses you could use when you’re tempted, or when you’re sharing the gospel with someone? It’s more powerful than you know.
Write down five verses you could quote right now.
What are some verses you need to memorize? As you read the Bible, ask God to show you some Scripture verses you should commit to memory.
We’ve all been tempted before – even Jesus. But look at how he responded in this situation. In each place where Satan tempted him, Jesus replied with Scripture. Remember, the Bible is living and active. There’s power when you fight back, not with just your own opinion, but with the unchanging Word of God! A friend of mine at a secular college told me that people always respond differently when you quote Scripture in a discussion. It’s one thing to talk as a person; it’s another to speak the words that God wrote.
Do you know some verses you could use when you’re tempted, or when you’re sharing the gospel with someone? It’s more powerful than you know.
Write down five verses you could quote right now.
What are some verses you need to memorize? As you read the Bible, ask God to show you some Scripture verses you should commit to memory.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Bible – Day 3
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. - Psalm 19:7-12
Why do we read the Bible and try to live by it? I believe most people assume we do so we can be more righteous. But verses 7 and 8 challenge that assumption. Look at all the benefits you get from living according to God’s Word: It restores your soul, makes you wise, and brings joy to your heart. Following God doesn’t just make you holy; it also makes you happy. David gave us a reason why he got up every day for his prayer time: It made his life work. That’s what most people miss about righteousness: It’s the best way to live the most joyful life imaginable. And that’s what God wants for you, too. Reading and obeying the Bible each morning is a huge part of that.
Think about how living God’s way can make your life work better.
Do you have a daily plan for reading and obeying God’s Word?
Why do we read the Bible and try to live by it? I believe most people assume we do so we can be more righteous. But verses 7 and 8 challenge that assumption. Look at all the benefits you get from living according to God’s Word: It restores your soul, makes you wise, and brings joy to your heart. Following God doesn’t just make you holy; it also makes you happy. David gave us a reason why he got up every day for his prayer time: It made his life work. That’s what most people miss about righteousness: It’s the best way to live the most joyful life imaginable. And that’s what God wants for you, too. Reading and obeying the Bible each morning is a huge part of that.
Think about how living God’s way can make your life work better.
Do you have a daily plan for reading and obeying God’s Word?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Bible – Day 2
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4: 12
“God told me…” Have you ever heard people talk as if God speaks to them personally? Maybe you’ve wondered why God doesn’t do that for you. To be honest, God doesn’t tell me audible things either. But God is talking to you. God speaks through his Word. This passage tells us the Bible doesn’t just give us facts about God; rather, God uses it to help us in our present circumstances. In this chapter the author quotes some passages from the Old Testament and shows how God uses them to speak to those reading his letter. In the same way, the Holy Spirit will use these ancient texts to speak to you now. That’s why reading the Word of God is so important.
What could God be trying to tell you through the verse you just read?
Do you ever expect God to speak to you while you’re reading the Scripture? Why or why not?
“God told me…” Have you ever heard people talk as if God speaks to them personally? Maybe you’ve wondered why God doesn’t do that for you. To be honest, God doesn’t tell me audible things either. But God is talking to you. God speaks through his Word. This passage tells us the Bible doesn’t just give us facts about God; rather, God uses it to help us in our present circumstances. In this chapter the author quotes some passages from the Old Testament and shows how God uses them to speak to those reading his letter. In the same way, the Holy Spirit will use these ancient texts to speak to you now. That’s why reading the Word of God is so important.
What could God be trying to tell you through the verse you just read?
Do you ever expect God to speak to you while you’re reading the Scripture? Why or why not?
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Bible – Day 1
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings - what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3: 14-17
And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. – 2 Peter 1: 20-21
It’s time for another reality check. You may have been reading the Bible for most of your life, or maybe you just picked it up. Either way, here’s the question: Do you really believe it’s God’s word and not just rules, not just someone’s opinion, and not just an old book full of stories? If you really believe it’s God’s word, then do you obey it? If we believe in it, then we should be striving to do what the Bible says. But you need to know for yourself. This really is God’s Word, but you’ll never make it a part of your life unless you firmly believe it is what it says it is. Put it to the test and you’ll discover that it really is a firm place to put your faith.
How would you respond to someone who says the Bible is just another book?
Think about an experience you’ve had when you knew God spoke truth to you through the Bible.
And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. – 2 Peter 1: 20-21
It’s time for another reality check. You may have been reading the Bible for most of your life, or maybe you just picked it up. Either way, here’s the question: Do you really believe it’s God’s word and not just rules, not just someone’s opinion, and not just an old book full of stories? If you really believe it’s God’s word, then do you obey it? If we believe in it, then we should be striving to do what the Bible says. But you need to know for yourself. This really is God’s Word, but you’ll never make it a part of your life unless you firmly believe it is what it says it is. Put it to the test and you’ll discover that it really is a firm place to put your faith.
How would you respond to someone who says the Bible is just another book?
Think about an experience you’ve had when you knew God spoke truth to you through the Bible.
Week 26 – The Bible: Second Letter to Timothy
Memory Verse
“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Authority is one of those words we don’t particularly like. Who wants to obey people in authority? But think about what life in our country would be like without it. With no laws, people would do whatever they wanted. Imagine driving without traffic lights or stop signs. It would be chaos.
We also need a foundation – something solid to stand on, something that won’t break in the midst of our problems. Our culture asks Christians, “What makes you right and everyone else wrong?” It’s an honest question. The answer is we don’t base our lives on our opinions or our desires. We base our lives on the word of God. As Paul trained leaders for his churches, he spelled out why Scripture is so important for Christians. The Bible is God’s unchanging foundation that shows us what truth is. It’s the authority of our lives.
When God tells us through Scripture that something is right, it’s right. We know this because God inspired his Word and made sure it was passed down to us accurately and unchanging for thousands of years. The foundation of the Church is also the foundation of our lives. This week were going to look at the place Scripture has in our daily lives.
“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Authority is one of those words we don’t particularly like. Who wants to obey people in authority? But think about what life in our country would be like without it. With no laws, people would do whatever they wanted. Imagine driving without traffic lights or stop signs. It would be chaos.
We also need a foundation – something solid to stand on, something that won’t break in the midst of our problems. Our culture asks Christians, “What makes you right and everyone else wrong?” It’s an honest question. The answer is we don’t base our lives on our opinions or our desires. We base our lives on the word of God. As Paul trained leaders for his churches, he spelled out why Scripture is so important for Christians. The Bible is God’s unchanging foundation that shows us what truth is. It’s the authority of our lives.
When God tells us through Scripture that something is right, it’s right. We know this because God inspired his Word and made sure it was passed down to us accurately and unchanging for thousands of years. The foundation of the Church is also the foundation of our lives. This week were going to look at the place Scripture has in our daily lives.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Qualified Leaders – Day 5
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. – Galations 6:6
As a kid I often forgot about the giver once I got the gift. As soon as that wrapping paper was off, I was totally focused on the new toy; but I wasn’t being very grateful. God has been good to provide us with lots of teachers and leaders to show us how to follow him. God also wants those leaders to be encouraged as they teach us. One of the ways we can encourage our leaders is to make sure we let them know how much we appreciate their leadership in our lives. Telling them how we’re growing, reminding them that they’re really helping us, and respecting their leadership are all ways we can give something back to those who give leadership to us. Let’s not forget the ones who so much to us.
How can you encourage your pastor and other church leaders today?
Spend some time praying for them and asking God to bless their ministries.
As a kid I often forgot about the giver once I got the gift. As soon as that wrapping paper was off, I was totally focused on the new toy; but I wasn’t being very grateful. God has been good to provide us with lots of teachers and leaders to show us how to follow him. God also wants those leaders to be encouraged as they teach us. One of the ways we can encourage our leaders is to make sure we let them know how much we appreciate their leadership in our lives. Telling them how we’re growing, reminding them that they’re really helping us, and respecting their leadership are all ways we can give something back to those who give leadership to us. Let’s not forget the ones who so much to us.
How can you encourage your pastor and other church leaders today?
Spend some time praying for them and asking God to bless their ministries.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)