QT 28 Dec 10

1 Kings 13:33-34 (NIV) Even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways, but once more appointed priests for the high places from all sorts of people. Anyone who wanted to become a priest he consecrated for the high places. 34 This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its downfall and to its destruction from the face of the earth.

NOTE: Jeroboam is guilty of a number of sins. The foremost was the creation of the two idols on high places. The second is appointing priests incorrectly. At the time, they had to be members of the Levites. One could not just choose to be a priest; they could choose to be a teacher of the law provided they are recognized by two other teachers of the law. By allowing anyone to be a priest, Jeroboam takes the position away from being a sacred duty to a common job. When the position was maintained within a tribe, the tribe self-assessed itself. Now, there is no history of correct activity, but any idea or practice can be added into the worship. And the worship is no longer valid anyway, since it is a worship of idols and demons. To a certain extent, Solomon is also guilty in this result. His wives and his choices at the end confused the people. Jeroboam's leadership in this regard is even worse and he basically throws standards, and the checks and balances out the window for the purpose of power.

We are not under the law, and in fact, we are a kingdom of priests, a holy nation. We have the temple of God within us, and the Spirit of God resides in each believer. In that sense, little of the example of Jeroboam applies. Obviously, we cannot make idols or worship idols. Our idols and our worship of them are much more sophisticated. Rather than an idol on the wall, our homes and possessions have become for many their idol. And like, Jeroboam, many allow any old idea to take up residence in their mind regarding God and worship, rather than taking the thought or idea up against the standard given to us in the word of God. Not all ideas are equal, or even good, despite how they sound. God has given us his word, a mind to think, and the His Spirit within us to discern truth. But, we need to use them! Just having them, does us no good if they are not utilized.

QT 22 Dec 10

1 Kings 12:26-33 (NIV) Jeroboam thought to himself, "The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David. 27 If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. They will kill me and return to King Rehoboam."

28 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." 29 One he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. 30 And this thing became a sin; the people went even as far as Dan to worship the one there.

31 Jeroboam built shrines on high places and appointed priests from all sorts of people, even though they were not Levites. 32 He instituted a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the festival held in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. This he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves he had made. And at Bethel he also installed priests at the high places he had made. 33 On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing, he offered sacrifices on the altar he had built at Bethel. So he instituted the festival for the Israelites and went up to the altar to make offerings.

NOTE: When it is all about me, the decisions made are usually not good ones. Even worse, Jeroboam repeats the worse sin of Israel (the golden calf) that occurred during the Exodus. For that sin, God was ready to abandon his people, except for the pleading of Moses. And even then, it appears that the tabernacle remained outside of the main camp, instead of in the middle. Now Jeroboam doubles down on the sin by creating two golden calves on opposite ends of the nation. Not only is God reduced to an image, but the one God is now two gods. And he creates a new festival for the eight month. Interestingly, the eight month had no festivals, the festivals occurred on the first, third, and seventh month. So, the eight month could properly be termed the month of the golden calf, and rebellion to doing it God's way. Lord, protect me from the sin of Jeroboam, the sin of making it all about me.

QT 20 Dec 10

1 Kings 12:6-11 (NIV) Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. "How would you advise me to answer these people?" he asked.

7 They replied, "If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants."

8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. 9 He asked them, "What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, 'Lighten the yoke your father put on us'?"

10 The young men who had grown up with him replied, "Tell these people who have said to you, 'Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter'-tell them, 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist. 11 My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.'"

NOTE: I don't think the issue is that Rehoboam listened to younger, less wise advice than older, mature wisdom. I think Rehoboam knew what he wanted and he rejected those who did not give him the answer he wanted. He went to the elders first, and would have probably taken their advice if it had been advice he wanted. To loosen the load on the people would have meant a change in income level for Rehoboam. He was not willing to reduce his standard of living. He wasn't interested in serving people but in being served. And finally, he was young and foolish. Quite a contrast for having the wisest father the world would ever know. Your family does not determine your direction. Your desires, your sin, your choices make you into the person you are. We like to blame others for faulty counsel or a bad environment, but really we are covering up our own choices that are to blame.

QT 14 Dec 10

Eph 6:17-18 Take ... and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 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.

NOTE: Five times the Spirit is mentioned, in regards to the Holy Spirit, in the first three chapters of Ephesians. If I shorten these two verses down, I get, "take the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, and pray in the Spirit." As others have mentioned, this is the only offensive weapon, but there is no action prescribed for its use other than praying. And since the author clearly references God's word, the completing thought is that our prayers should be based on promises in the Word of God. As an application, I am going to go back to using "Face to Face" for my prayer times.

QT 1 Dec 10

Eph 6:14-18 (NIV) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 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.

NOTE: Next up is the shield of faith, which is used to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. The word for shield, thureos, is used only here. It is a large, door shaped, shield. Faith, pisteoos, is mentioned in 1:15 "… heard of you faith …," 2:8 "… saved through faith; …," 3:12 "… we have boldness and access with confidence by faith …," and 3:16 "… that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; …" The last passage suggests that faith is required to understand the dimensions of Christ's love for us, and that it is beyond understanding. Eph 4:27 warns against the devil gaining a foothold, specifically referring to anger that continues. Finally, fiery, Greek word puroo, is from a root word meaning to kindle or inflame (with anger, grief, or lust).

What does this all mean? Satan is going to attack us. He will attack our assurance of salvation, our belief in God's great love for us, and our relationship problems. He wants to make mountains out of molehills, and forest fires out of sparks. We are called to extinguish these attacks by faith. God loves us despite our struggles and sins. God forgives us over and over again. What if God only forgave us 7 times or even 7 times 70 times? In many areas we would be out of forgiveness, even using the 490 figure. We need to have faith in his love for us, and emulate in our relationship with others. The shield of faith reminds us of our own worthiness, and our hope in our salvation.

QT 29 Nov 10

Eph 6:14-18 (NIV) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 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.

NOTE: Continuing the discussion on the armor of God: the next armor item is shoes, or more properly, feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Peace is the major message of chapter two -- peace between Gentile and Jew, and peace with God. Readiness, the Greek word hetoimasia, appears only here in the NT. It could also be translated preparation. We need to prepare ourselves to go forth (ie, the feet) and verbally share the message (gospel) of peace to a world desperately need of peace. One of the advantages of shoes is that we can travel far, and that we stay busy. Shoeless-ness restricts our range and activity. God wants us sharing our faith, and -- being ready to share our faith to anyone who calls us to account for the hope that is within us.

QT 27 Nov 10

Eph 6:14-18 (NIV) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 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.

NOTE: I would like to look at each one of these and see if there is some relationship to chapters one to three.

The belt of truth relates back to verse 1:13, the word of truth. In 1:13, the word of truth is what we believed, and as a consequence were sealed by the Holy Spirit. The HS serves as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. Our waist covers a variety of organs, mostly involved in digestion, such as the stomach, intestines, and liver. We need to digest the word of truth in our life, and allow the nutrients of the word to filter through our whole body.

The breastplate of righteousness relates back to verse 4:24, in the application section. Verse 4:24 talks about putting on the new man, created in righteousness and holiness. The word for righteousness, dikaiosune, seems to also refer to the overall character of a man. Because we are new creatures, going back to the main idea in chapter 2 and 3, the mystery of our inclusion in the family of God and the kingdom of God, we are to live as bespeaks our new status. The breastplate protects the very vital organs of the body, heart and lung. Both are critical aspects of life that must always be working. When they stop, our life stops. So we should treat our character. It is not something that we can take a break from living.

I think that is all for now. My character must exhibit the new man; my digestion must be on God's word.

QT 25 Nov 10

Eph 6:13 (NIV) 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.

NOTE: Up to this point, Paul has discussed the application of chapters 1-3, in chapters 4-6 with the term "walk." Now, he says "stand," what is the difference. I would think that 'walk' refers to a way of life, how you live, how you interact, and how you go about life. But 'stand,' especially in the context, is a military term, i.e., "stand your ground." And the passage starts out with a discussion of the enemy and his strength. So these verses are specifically referring to the spiritual warfare that will occur in life, and how we are to defend ourselves, and to not lose ground to the enemy. I think these verses are more personal in nature as opposed to verses concerning the Christian movement. There will come times in a person's life where the enemy will make a frontal assault upon our faith. We are to 'STAND,' and not lose ground. I think many of us think that we can 'shrink back,' because God will accept us when we return to him. But God is not pleased with those who 'shrink back.'

Heb 10:38 But my righteous one will live by faith. // And if he shrinks back, // I will not be pleased with him."

QT 22 Nov 10

Eph 6:10-13 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 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. 13 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.

NOTE: This is Paul's final point, as evidenced by the word "finally." I would call this "walk in power." The power is found in putting on the whole armor of God. My guess is that each of the pieces of armor will relate back to the doctrinal portions of chapters 1-3. So, after telling us to put on the whole armor of God, Paul gives the reason: this is a spiritual battle against evil which you can't even see. Evil is coming and we must be ready to fight against it. I don't know if I truly recognize the evil battle that is occurring around me. Yes, I see the evil, but I don't pay attention to the source. I need to be more serious in my battle against evil. I need to understand each part of the armor and how it helps me in my battle against the forces of evil.

QT 18 Nov 10

Eph 6:9 (NIV) And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

NOTE: Do not threaten them, in other words no bullying. Why is it that bosses bully their employees? It is our sin nature. Some need to control another person's life because of the inner pride or feeling that we are better than them. I so look forward to the millennial kingdom when we will have transformed leadership, when bullying will not be tolerated. We are a society imploding and we don't even realize it.

QT 8 Nov 10

Eph 6:1-3 (NIV) Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"-which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."

NOTE: This is really a lot like a proverb, although it may also have direct spiritual intervention as well. But the reason life goes well for a child who listens to their parent, is that parent has wisdom whereas the child does not. There is always great gain in listening to someone with wisdom. Wise counsel is not found in young friends. And the best counsel is found in those who know God. Those who avoid the counsel of the wise are foolish, and are very likely to make supremely stupid decisions that ultimately could cost them their earthly life. Another interesting aspect of this verse is that the children are told to exercise their will and obey. The parents are not told to make their children obey. Ultimately, all of life is defined by choices that made out of free will. While in general, good parenting is accompanied by good children, there is no guarantee. A bad child can come from good parents as a good child can come from poor parents. A person chooses his course, not a parent, not another person, but him or her alone.

QT 26 Oct 10

Eph 5:1-6 (NIV) Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person — such a man is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

NOTE: What does verse 5 mean? It says that any immoral, impure or greedy person has does not have any inheritance in the kingdom. It also defines immoral, impure or greedy person as an idolater. But since we are all immoral, impure, or greedy -- to some extent, even Paul called himself a wretched man, and the chief sinner -- how does it apply. Since it would apply to all believers in some sense or at some time, it must refer to a way of life. A life characterized by immorality, impurity, or greediness suggests a person who does not worship God but rather sex, lust, and money. His worship is for his idols and consequently, he cannot be a believer. So then, does our struggles with sex, lust, and money have some impact on our inheritance in the kingdom as believers? Quite possibly, since it is the given reason for why an unbeliever (or faker) would not have an inheritance. I'm still not confident with the tidiness of this explanation. This is something I need to investigate further. I don't want to create my own doctrine, but rightfully divide God's word.

QT 18 Oct 10

Eph 4:3-6 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

NOTE: Why is it that Christians, who share the same Holy Spirit, and are part of one universal body, should have to be reminded to pursue unity?  Why isn't unity a natural response to being a believer in Christ?  What is it about our nature, I assume the flesh, that even when we are new creations, must be reminded to pursue unity?  One of the key characteristics of a disciple is "love for each other" and yet, we still struggle with unity.  Paul offers good reasons why unity is essential, and probably expected -- one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.  But somehow, we have to be reminded to pursue peace and unity.  One could argue that the church is an odd mixture of different beliefs and practices, with little obvious unity.  Some of these churches are "so-called" churches because they do not represent true believers.  But others are true believers.  Do we allow our convictions of truth to influence our acceptance of others in areas that are grey?  Do we refuse to acknowledge the grey areas?  Do we, in our pride, believe that no one else can understand God as we understand God?  I don't have answers to these questions, but I do recognize the subtle influences of sin which cause divisions.  Lord, protect me from those attitudes.

QT 12 Oct 10

Eph 4:1-2 (NIV) As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

NOTE: The "calling" is becoming a citizen of the kingdom and a member of God's family, partakers (Gentile and Jew) with the promises of God and an inheritance from God.  It really is an amazing calling, and none of us are worthy of it.  But, if we truly understand and believe that calling, it will affect how we live our lives.  We need to be humble, even though the calling has made us incredibly special.  We need to be gentle, because it is a characteristic of our family name.  We need to be patient, and to bear with others in love, because God has been more than patient with us, and has shown us incredible and amazing love.

QT 6 Oct 10

Eph 3:16-19 (NIV) I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

NOTE: Biblical prayers are most interesting -- mostly because of what you don't see in the prayers.  Paul does not mention the Father's name every other clause.  No prayers for someone who is sick.  No prayers for someone to find a job.  No prayers for the friend of a sister of a church member.  No prayers for undefined blessings.

Rather, Paul's prayers are entirely spiritual.  He prays for the Father to strengthen the readers with power from the Holy Spirit.  He prays that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith.  He prays that they might truly understand the depth of the love of Christ.  He prays that they might be filled with the fullness of God.  

QT 5 Oct 10

Eph 3:14-15 (NIV) For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

NOTE: It is easy to forget that as adopted sons and daughters, we are part of a larger family.  We have an inheritance, but we also inherit a name.  Our new last name is God's.  I'm not sure how it is pronounced or said, but the fact remains, our new name is derived from God.  When people see me, it is not just my name that I represent, but it is God's name.  My actions reflect upon my family, the family of God, the true church, those who share in Christ, Jew and Gentile.  I don't think we are truly captured with that thought or the magnitude of the truth.  If we really let it sink in, it ought to radically affect how we live our lives in this world.

QT 22 Sep 10

Eph 2:19 (NIV) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,

NOTE: It really is hard to understand the depth of our salvation.  I'm not sure that most believers appreciate the significance of having been foreigners and aliens, but now citizens of the kingdom, and members of God's household.  These are glorious honors with fantastic privilege, status, and security.  This is our hope from God.  I am so undeserving of your kindness to me, Lord.  Forgive my lack of gratefulness.  

QT 20 Sep 10

Eph 2:11-13 (NIV) Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

NOTE: Why is it so important to remember where we came from?  I think if we don't realize how undeserving we were of our salvation that we being to take it for granted.  We don’t fully appreciate how lost, helpless, and hopeless we were.  When we don't appreciate, we are not thankful.  When we are not thankful, we live in a manner that reflects our selfish, me-only philosophy of life.  When we are not thankful, we forget God.  When we forget God, we try to live our life in our own power.  Lord, forgive us for our thanklessness and for not remembering all that you have done for us.

QT 16 Sep 10

Eph 2:4-5 (NIV) But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.

NOTE: What initiates our salvation is not us, but God himself. It wasn't our seeking him. It wasn't our behavior. It wasn't anything good about us. The phrase "God, who is rich in mercy" highlights the fact that we needed mercy because what we deserved, was anything but salvation. We were spiritually dead because of our sin. And only by grace, which means an undeserved gift, were we saved. Deserving of death and undeserving of life, God saved us. Of course, we had to respond to the gift, and many today refuse to take the offer of salvation. Thank you Lord, for the gift of life. I know that I was undeserving of life.

QT 14 Sep 10

Eph 2:1-3 (NIV) As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

NOTE: The picture is pretty dismal, and a far cry from how most people view themselves. We see good, and for our definition, we are good. In fact, God made us good. What we don't see is how our rebellion that began is the garden so completely mars the person God created. In God's eyes we are no longer good, in fact, only God is good -- a point Jesus subtly tried to communicate to the rich young ruler. It is true, that by our definition, we are not evil, but by God's definition, we are. By God's definition, we are objects of wrath. We will never truly understand the gospel and the riches of the gospel until we see our condition from God's perspective.

QT 6 Sep 10

Eph 1:15-17 (NIV) For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

NOTE: The first thing to notice is that Paul did not originate the work in Ephesus ("ever since I heard about your faith…"), although he spent considerable time there teaching (3 years). It was a church that he deeply loved and that cared for him as well. It did not have the same struggles as some of the other churches, and that may be related to less wealth and other previous pagan practices -- that is, while existing, may not have been as extreme.

One of the best aspects of prayers in scripture is that we have a pattern that is biblical. The first thing Paul does is to give thanks. While people do give thanks in corporate prayer, oftentimes our private prayer is entirely needs intensive, and usually those needs are personal needs. Paul's first request for the Ephesians is for wisdom and revelation, to know God better. By far, the most important thing that we can ask for any individual is to know God better. Knowing God changes people. Changes don't make people love God or know him better. Laws do not create a new heart or attitude. That is a spiritual work that is an outflow of a relationship to God.

Application: I need to renew my own prayer time with God

QT 27 Aug 10

2 Cor 10:7 (NIV) You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he.

NOTE: I think that too often we forget that, in some disputes, there are very godly individuals on both sides of the aisle. Now it is possible, that only one side is right. And logically, that must be the case where the positions are in contradiction. But in cases where the positions don't contradict, it is possible that both sides are correct, and that God allows for variation, such as in styles of worship. At the very least, the verse reminds us, that when others believers, who represent people with a strong love for the savior, we should not dismiss their views just be they disagree with ours. On the contrary, those contrarian views by godly people should cause us to seek the scriptures even more deeply. It is possible we are wrong, they really are wrong, there is some alternate reason, or the views are not as opposed as we might think. Finally, some things may be unknownable until the end of time, and we can agree to disagree because the point is not critical to salvation. I think the old earth, young earth argument can fall into this realm.

QT 19 Aug 10

2 Cor 8:1-9 (NIV) And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. 6 So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

NOTE: A number of principles for giving come out of this passage.

1. Giving is an act of grace (which differentiates it from something in or out of the law, ie, it can not be compared to tithing)
   
2. Circumstances (wealth or poverty) do not dictate giving
   
3. Giving is sacrificial
   
4. Giving is a personal decision. It is a privilege and not a command
   
5. Giving is between the giver and God (and no one else's business)
   
6. Giving is not commanded
   
7. 
   
   Giving is a measure of our love for others
   The church today is so hung up on tithing and the Ten Commandments, that we forget one of the most essential truths of the new covenant. We are not under the law but grace. Giving is done freely, voluntarily, and between God and the giver. It is a joy and not a burden.
   

QT 18 Aug 10

2 Cor 7:5 (NIV) For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn — conflicts on the outside, fears within.

NOTE: Paul had a very tough life. There were joys but quite often it was difficult. It was far from the health and wealth gospel that some would like to preach. Of course, people make a distinction between troubles that are the result of persecution and non-persecution. It is as if that those who suffer persecution have no rescue from their troubles, but those who face trials not caused by persecution have the promise of healthy bodies and fixed circumstances. So, the really godly, those who are often the victim of persecution are consigned to live lives of pain and suffering, and those who are not persecuted get the good life. How illogical. Why is it we believe such things. Don't we realize that the evil and pain in this world is the result of this world's rebellion to God that started in the garden. This world is not our home. We are aliens and sojourners in it. We are, as the song says, "just a passin through." And, "our treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue." Why is it we must have our reward here and now? Why is it that we cannot wait for our reward?

QT 16 Aug 10

2 Cor 7:5-16 (NIV) For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn — conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it — I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12 So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13 By all this we are encouraged.

In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14 I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. 15 And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 16 I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.

NOTE: Paul is extremely joyful because of the response of the church to a very harsh letter now lost. It hurts when your children, physical or spiritual, make poor choices. And there is no greater joy than seeing them repent and make correct choices. I pray that for my own children. That they would learn to seek God with all of their heart, and that they would learn that what this world offers is not worth the sweat it costs. But knowing God is worth every penny and then more.

Some people wonder how a good God can allow evil in the world. I would offer, how can a good God not allow evil. Evil is a reminder of our rebellion and the only hope that we might turn from our selfish course and pursue God, who created Eden, but has let us experience this life in order that we would repent of our rebellion and return to him. Evil is the proof that life is not the way that God intended, nor the way to a relationship with God that will completely fulfill a person. If God was to take away every evil action or result, what we would learn, what would we do? The one thing it would not do is cause us to seek Him. It didn't work in the garden, it won't work today.

QT 9 Aug 10

2 Cor 5:1-5 (NIV) Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.  

NOTE: Paul repeats, or at least reinforces, his previous argument about the immortality of the heavenly body. In fact, he says that our current mortal existence / body will be swallowed up by life. In other words, what we call life, is not really life, in the full definition of the word. And that makes sense, because in this 'life,' we groan, our bodies decay, we struggle against the flesh, and our 'life' fails. But real life will not fail. We will live forever without decay and groaning and sin and failure. Real life awaits us, this life is not the end or the reward. It is a reminder of our rebellion from God and our need to repent and turn to Him. Otherwise, it really has little to offer us.

QT 7 Aug 10

2 Cor 4:7-18 (NIV) But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

13 It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

NOTE: The last three verses, 2 Cor 3:16-18, may be the most meaningful verses in the bible for me. They have helped me through many hard times of suffering, and just plain difficult times of life. In context, the glory referred to is the glory of the new covenant, the covenant of the Spirit that gives life and righteousness to those who believe. As Paul continues, he remarks that he carries the glorious gospel in a jar of clay, his body, a poor picture of the true glory. In fact, his earthly body is dying, and being attacked from every side. Death is at work in his flesh, although his spirit has life, and someday even, his flesh will be raised from the dead. So, he is not concerned about the difficult suffering he is undergoing, because it is worth it. In fact, it is not even worth comparing. We live for things which are unseen and eternal, not the temporary seen things of this world. Even the most beautiful are only a shadow of the things to come. Thank you Lord for saving me and giving me such a glorious future.

QT 6 Aug 10

2 Cor 3:6-11 (NIV) He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant- — not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

7 Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

NOTE: The contrast between the two covenant cannot be any clearer. First, Paul calls himself a minister of a new covenant. Then he describes one as "of the letter" and the other as "of the Spirit." The latter "kills" but the former "gives life." And then, to make it more clear, he describes the "ministry that brought death" as one that "was engraved on stone." The phrase, engraved on stone, is a clear reference to the ten commandments. Even today, we in the new covenant seem to revere the ten commandments, yet Paul associates it with the ministry that kills, and that brought death. The old covenant did come with glory, which was obvious in its impact on Moses' face. Thought its glory was fading and impermanent. The new covenant of the Spirit is even more glorious because it brings righteousness.

The lesson to us is clear, why do we want to be under the law when a much more glorious covenant is available to us. The ten commandments is a nice set of rules, but the law of the Spirit is a better way to live life.

QT 4 Aug 10

2 Cor 3:1-3 (NIV) Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

NOTE: God provides the results, yet the people, Paul says, are result of Paul's ministry. Their lives, are known and ready by everybody. What is not clearly stated is the role of free will. Since, a person who chooses not to obey Paul's instruction is not an indictment against Paul, then accepting instruction is not an endorsement of Paul either. The fact that anything happens does indicate Paul labored with the people, that he was obedient to the task God gave him. The rejection or acceptance of the message is between the individual and God. That was Paul's point in 1 Corinthians 1. I think the point he is making here is not that his ministry is measured by the performance of the Corinthians, but that their lives are indication that others (including him) have labored among them. Individuals exercise free will and choose to believe; God gives the growth; and laborers toil in obedience to God. The commendation from God, "well done," will be the ultimate reward some day. But until that day comes, our spiritual offspring are an incomplete measure of our obedience (not our ministry -- in my opinion). Likewise, our children will exhibit characteristics of our teaching and influence, but ultimately as individuals with free will, standing before God, the choices they make in life are between them and God, and only, very poorly, a reflection of their parents. People, redeemed by God, can have terrible parents and become godly saints. Do we then say that they reflect their parents? Of course not, but yet we want to say the same thing when children of godly parents become godly saints. Yes, we have an influence -- "train a child in the way he should go, and in the end he will not depart" -- is a proverb incidentally, not a promise or guarantee. It does indicate that parents and spiritual leaders have influence, but the ultimate choices are still made by individuals, before God, and not because of someone else's effort. "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God (John 1:12-13)." The verse is very clear in regard to salvations decisions, why would it not be as clear in sanctification decisions.

QT 30 Jul 10

2 Cor 1:8-11 (NIV) 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. 9 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. 10 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, 11 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.

NOTE: Paul sees a need to explain how hard his life has been, to the point of despairing of life. He is telling the Corinthians, his children in Christ, that his life has not been easy either. And his hard times have taught him a lot as well, they have taught him of his need to rely on God and not on himself. Funny, that lesson seems to always involve hard times. Why is it that we can't learn to rely on God another way? It is so natural to rely on self, I suppose it is part of the curse -- we want to be self-sufficient. We don't want to depend on someone outside of our self. Father, forgive me for my independence and self-sufficiency. Open my eyes, I want to see you more clearly in my everyday life.

QT 29 Jul 2010

2 Cor 1:3-7 (NIV) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 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. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6 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. 7 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.

NOTE: The verse says that God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble. So, one of God's purpose in troubles is to create comforters of us. What does it mean to be a comforter? The comfort we want Is relief, but the best comfort is usually understanding, and emotional support. Troubles have purposes. Sometimes they are to draw us closer to God, or to learn to persevere, or to cleanse us from the love of the world, or to help us be comforters. And most times, it is all of those things. Is there a magic formula to avoid troubles? I wish, although I do suppose a certain lifestyle seems to make troubles less needed. A lifestyle characterized by thankfulness, contentment, a heart after God, a heart for people, an ability to wait, and a recognition of the pain in the world. Well, at least, that is what troubles have shown me thus far.

QT 20 Jul 10

1 Cor 15:9-11 (NIV) For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them — yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

NOTE: It is an interesting way in which Paul words this passage. He says he "worked harder … yet not I, but the grace of God that was within me." Well what is it then? Was it God's grace or his hard work? All the apostles had grace, why was his grace more effective? So, it is not grace alone--in the sense--that no effort is required on our part. We need grace, but we need to work in conjunction with God's grace to achieve the effect desired, spiritual growth (not spiritual salvation, that only requires belief). Could we do it on our own? No. Could we do it just by God's grace inhabiting us? No. We work together with God's grace. Working without it will cause failure. Living without working will cause failure. No, in conjunction with God's grace we work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

Well, the next thing is to figure out what that looks like. Clearly dependence is required. That also suggests prayer. Part of the work is probably prayer. Who we give credit to is also key -- so that we do not fall into the devil's trap.

QT 19 Jul 2010

1 Cor 15:1-8 (NIV) Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

NOTE: The interjection here seems to be different from the others, I need to check that later. I'm not sure this was in the letter from the Corinthians that he is addressing, or he is just changing subjects from his long discussion on the gifts of the spirit, maturity, and worship. The subject of the discourse shows up later in the section -- that some people doubted the resurrection -- I suppose they would be Christian Sadducees. Paul boils the gospel down into a nutshell; Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the day, all in accordance with scriptures. And he appeared to multiple people after his resurrection from the dead. He actually appeared to one of the women first, then to Peter. And the angel spoke to the other women as well, but Paul primarily focuses on the men, which culturally makes the argument less debatable. At the end of the list is Paul. He is a witness of the fact of the resurrection. Later, he will talk about some of the dangers he has faced taking the message to others, and makes it very clear, that if it there is no resurrection, he would have been wasting his time. In fact, he says he would be worse than a fool. The message of the gospel is clear, Jesus died for my sins, and he rose from the dead, and my hope is in my resurrection of the dead as a result of what Jesus did for me.

QT 14 Jul 10

1 Cor 13:1-3 (NIV) If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

NOTE: No matter how spiritual we might consider ourselves, if we do not have love, we are nothing. We have very little value in the kingdom of God, at least as a witness or a force for good. Sure, we have value because Christ died for us, but our usefulness for the kingdom is zilch. It might even be negative, although Paul doesn't say that. Of course, if it was, the advance of the kingdom is better off with us in the grave than living on earth under the title "Christian."

I think many "churchy" people fit in this category. There is no love, there is no reality of the Christian faith in their lives. They are grumblers and complainers. They lash out at service personnel when their order is wrong. They get huffy when they wait. They really are no different than the world -- why should the world even consider their Savior -- he didn't do them any good.

Father, open my eyes to see where my witness fails, and where love is lacking in my own life.

QT 8 Jul 10

1 Cor 12:1-7 (NIV) Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

NOTE: We know that the Corinthians had questions about spiritual gifts, although it is not entirely clear what the questions were or why they would reference there time in pagan belief systems. What I find interesting, is that Paul distinguishes gifts, service, and working. Gifts is the Greek word, charisma, and refers to a divine gratuity or special endowment Service is the Greek word, diakonia, and means attendance, figuratively aid or service. And lastly, working is the Greek word, energema, meaning an effect.

The first, gifts is tied to the Holy Spirit. The second, service, is tied to the Lord, possibly Jesus. The third, effect, is tied to God, possibly the Father. So, the HS gives gifts, we serve the Son in ministry, and God gives the results. In each of the three, there are differences, be they gifts, ministries, or effectual results. So, in the same way one wouldn't compare gifts, one can't compare service, or results, because they are all different.

My place in ministry may not correspond to anybody else, but that does not diminish my unique gifts, ministry, or what God does through my life. My job is to be obedient, not to compare.

QT 1 Jun 10

1 Cor 9:1-6 (NIV)

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? 2 Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

3 This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. 4 Don't we have the right to food and drink? 5 Don't we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas? 6 Or is it only I and Barnabas who must work for a living?

NOTE: It is not completely clear what the issue is here. It does appear to be a response to something in the previous Corinthian letter to Paul since it sits between other responses. It is about financial support to Paul. What is not clear is what their beef was -- did Paul ask for support? Were they considering support? Were they jealous because some people were supporting Paul, and he was accepting their money? I have seen this in the church where some people are upset because the Pastor gets paid more than they do, and they perceive the Pastor's job as easier than theirs, and for that matter, the Pastor's lifestyle easier than theirs. But that is a complete lack of understanding and appreciation for what is truly involved in that lifestyle. Some may have thought that Paul's apostleship gig was a good deal -- lots of travel, light work, celebrity status, etc. May God forgive us for such thinking and for judging our leaders. God will judge his leaders. And God will judge us for how we use the money and the things he has lent us. God protect me from such petty jealousies.

QT 29 Jun 10

1 Cor 8:1-3, 9-13 (NIV) Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But the man who loves God is known by God.

...

9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

NOTE: It appears that the Corinthian letter, to which Paul is responding, contains a dissertation on the freedom we have in Christ, and the non-existence of idols (so-called gods). Paul starts with a gentle reminder of the danger of thinking you know it all, that you have solved all the issues by logic and wisdom. In fact, Paul then goes on to argue two points, the fact that eating food sacrificed to idols should not be an issue, but because of conscience and the weaker brother, you sin against Christ when you eat food sacrificed to idols in the weaker brother's presence. So then, the problem is not quite as easy as their letter seems to suggest it to be. Or in other words, don't be too quick to judge or to rely on human reasoning.

QT 22 Jun 10

1 Cor 7:8-16 (NIV) Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. 9 But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

10 To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. 11 But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

12 To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13 And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. 16 How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

NOTE: Verses 15 and 16 do seem to recognize the marriage of believer and unbeliever. It could be that the person comes to believe after marriage, but it doesn't seem to exclude that possibility of prior. Verses 10 and 11 are commands from God, which basically say that we are not to divorce our believing spouse, although separation may be useful for a time. Verses 12 through 14 are clearly Paul's instructions, and not necessarily God's, which also tell the believer not to divorce, but recognize that one cannot stop the unbeliever from divorce. Clearly there are some cases where divorce is acceptable or at least separation: physical abuse, illegal activity, and sexual immorality. So, Paul's rule and Jesus command are the general rule.

QT 16 Jun 10

1 Cor 5:9-13 (NIV) I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 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. 11 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.

12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."

NOTE: Paul refers to a previous letter, of which, we have no copy today. Apparently, the letter was not worth saving or not inspired. In the letter he tells the readers to avoid sexually immoral people, but he was not referring to the people of this world, but to those inside the church. We are to judge those inside the church, at least in a limited sense. I would not judge a person's motives or a person's convictions or behavior that does exhibit a pattern. We are to judge public sin, doctrine, and a pattern of sin. At least that are the boundaries that scripture suggests. And we are to expel the brother or sister who refuses to repent of their sin.

QT 15 Jun 10

1 Cor 5:1-5 (NIV) 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. 2 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? 3 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. 4 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, 5 hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.

NOTE: The Corinthian church lived in a pagan, wealthy, and highly sexual environment. Possibly, Paul is not surprised that some would struggle with immorality, but he is amazed that it would be sexual immorality which doesn't even happen among pagans. The fact that they are proud suggests that some of the teaching has to do with what is acceptable sexual mores. This is clearly against Paul's teaching and seems to reinforce the view that the leaders were preaching a message that "made people happy." The message was that "God wants you to be happy," and here is a perfect case where "we are free to do what our hearts lead us to do." This sounds much like the health and wealth gospel, as some of the discussion in chapter 4 leads one to believe. Rather than saying this good, their attitude should have been to condemn the activity, to remove the person from the body, in the hope that life outside of the body would bring the person back to the Lord.

QT 9 Jun 10

1 Cor 4:6-7 (NIV) Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. 7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

NOTE: The saying "Do not go beyond what is written" is perplexing. I think Paul is saying that we must be careful to not develop doctrine that is not completely supported by the text of scripture. In which case, what a particular person thinks or doesn't think is not important, only what God says is true. Paul then summarizes in three questions.

"Who makes you different from anyone else?" I suppose Paul is saying that if we are different, which I am not sure we are, at least in authority of statements, then it would be God who made us different. But Paul is saying that we are not different, therefore God's word is our ultimate authority, not a person's interpretation of it.

"What do you have that you did not receive?" The answer is nothing. Everything we have, has been given by God. God has given us his word, and that is our source of truth.

"And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" When God does give understanding, we should give him the credit. It should not be a new thought, but rather what God has clearly revealed. In other words, I don't get to create doctrine. Truth comes from God and is revealed in the scriptures.

QT 2 Jun 2010

1 Cor 1:10-17 (NIV) I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ."

13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? 14 I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel — not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

NOTE: Two things stand out to me. The first is the importance of unity in the body of Christ. Paul appeals to the brethen to agree with one another, and to be perfectly united in mind and thought. Jesus also prayed for unity of the spirit prior to his death. There is an expectation that believers should be able to come to a common agreement about issues that commonly divide any normal group. And so this should be a priority for the body of Christ.

The second thing is that the believers were dividing themselves among famous leaders, as if the leaders taught some different message, or that there is some status in having been trained by so-and-so. First, Paul argues to their commonality, Jesus and him crucified alone. Pride is a dangerous thing, especially in the church, and can be argued was the reason for Lucifer's fall. So, why are we allowing the body to fall in Satan's trap? The message is clear, unity should be the goal, and pride is the weapon Satan uses to divide people.

QT 28 May 10

1 Cor 1:4-6 (NIV) I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way — in all your speaking and in all your knowledge— 6 because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.

NOTE: I'm not sure what comes first. Are the Corinthians enriched because of Paul's testimony? Or is Paul's ministry confirmed because of their enrichment from God? Either way, real life in Christ should show some difference. I look at my navigator friends from college, and I see so many serving God in very different and unique ways. Their work of faith confirms the testimony of those who shared Christ with them. No wonder Paul starts out by saying, "I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus." I feel the same way, so unworthy of the people I helped come to Christ or even to grow in their relationship with the Savior. Why am I? Nobody, but I hope someone that is useful to my savior.

QT 27 May 10

1 Cor 1:1 (NIV) Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

NOTE: It seems a remarkable coincidence that Paul should be writing a letter with Sosthenes to Corinth, when the name Sosthenes is the same as the synagogue ruler who took Paul to court, and then was later beaten by his own brethen for the failure to get Gallio to act on any of the charges, at Corinth. Maybe the beating convinced Sosthenes that he really had no true friends, and the Christians lived much different loving lives. It may be coincidence, but when it comes to the gospel, it really is not unusual at all to find those who fought so hard against it to turn to it in the end. Paul is the proto-typical example. A man determined to snuff it out, becoming the man God used to spread it over the known world.

It really is amazing that God uses imperfect and dirty lumps of clay to accomplish his glorious and majestic work. How unworthy are we to the task that we are called! But our unworthiness is no excuse to not respond to the grace that was showered upon us. Yes, we are sinners, but when God calls us to a task, we must respond. He deserves nothing less than our full attention.

QT 26 May 10

Lev 27:30-33 (NIV) "'A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. 31 If a man redeems any of his tithe, he must add a fifth of the value to it. 32 The entire tithe of the herd and flock — every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod — will be holy to the Lord. 33 He must not pick out the good from the bad or make any substitution. If he does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute become holy and cannot be redeemed.'"

NOTE: This verse does a good job explaining the tithe. It is one-tenth of all the grain and fruit the man produces, and one-tenth of his entire flock and herd. So, it is ten percent of that year's produce, but ten percent of the entire flock. Also, there are three different tithes, which most people conveniently forget. There are two tithes given every year (or 19 percent -- 10 percent plus another ten percent (9 percent) of the remainder (90 percent)). Finally every third year there is a special tithe for the poor, so a person who tithes would give over three years, 19 percent, 19 percent, and 27.1 percent. In the end, a tithe works out to 22-23 percent a year as an average.

In the new convenant, the tithe is never repeated. Paul makes it clear that giving is regular and important but not prescribed. "God is not mocked, a man reaps what he sows." "Each one should give as he has made up his mind to, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful give."

QT 24 May 10

Lev 26:3-13 (NIV) "'If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands,

I will send you rain in its season, ....

Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and

the grape harvest will continue until planting…

"'I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. …

"'I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers,…

I will put my dwelling place among you, ...

I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people…

NOTE: The old covenant's blessings were works-based. Salvation was faith based, as Paul, James, and the writer of Hebrews argue when discussing Abraham's faith and the resulting righteousness. Unfortunately for Israel, they did not enjoy a lot of the blessings because they failed to follow the decrees and were not careful to obey the commands.

The new covenant's blessings are not material but spiritual. While grace is showered on the NC believer, the effects of sin and disobedience do affect the spiritual blessings. Sin separates us from God and closes the door to the spiritual blessings that God wants to shower on us.

QT 20 May 10

Lev 17:3-5 (NIV) Any Israelite who sacrifices an ox, a lamb or a goat in the camp or outside of it 4 instead of bringing it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to present it as an offering to the Lord in front of the tabernacle of the Lord — that man shall be considered guilty of bloodshed; he has shed blood and must be cut off from his people. 5 This is so the Israelites will bring to the Lord the sacrifices they are now making in the open fields. They must bring them to the priest, that is, to the Lord, at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and sacrifice them as fellowship offerings.

NOTE: Two issues are addressed, one is prostitution to goat idols (vs 17:7), but the other issue addresses "private worship." Even today, people avoid public worship, that is church, because their "worship is private." Heb 10:24, 25 addresses the same argument for the new covenant. Here, God makes it very clear that you must come to the tabernacle to sacrifice your offerings. And those offerings, that are not freewill offerings shall be considered fellowship offerings. In other words, fellowship is an important aspect of worship. Private worship in God's economy is an oxymoron when practiced almost exclusively. Private worship, while not wrong, can be used as an excuse to the important task of fellowship and involvement with the larger believing community, in the case of the new covenant, that would be the church.

QT 19 May 10

Lev 13:1-2 (NIV) The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 2 "When anyone has a swelling or a rash or a bright spot on his skin that may become an infectious skin disease, he must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons who is a priest.

NOTE: Chapter 13 and 14 deal with a variety of skin diseases, mold, and mildew. They concern the investigation and cleansing required. Despite the material presented here, no cases of leprosy being healed were ever noted among the people of Israel to which this law would apply (Miriam was before the law, and Naaman was Jewish), therefore it was assumed that the healing of a leper was a Messianic miracle. One of Jesus' earliest miracles was the healing of a leper. In accordance with the law, Jesus sent the healed leper to the Priests.

Lev 14:30-31 (NIV) Then he shall sacrifice the doves or the young pigeons, which the person can afford, 31 one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, together with the grain offering. In this way the priest will make atonement before the Lord on behalf of the one to be cleansed."

NOTE: Even though sickness, disease, and other illnesses are not directly related to sin (Job's boils being one example), all sin is indirectly a result of the fall. Therefore, a sin and burnt offering is required upon the healing of the individual, as a recognition of our rebellion from God as the ultimate reason for this world not being what God intended, that is full of evil and pain.

QT 10 May 10

Lev 1:3 (NIV) … offer a male without defect. ...

Lev 2:1 (NIV) … offering is to be of fine flour. ...

Lev 2:13 (NIV) Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.

NOTE: All the offerings are to be quality offerings. Of course this is for the law and so we must be careful in our application. But I think here is a case where the principle would apply in the NT, our offerings to God must be first class. Jesus set the example, "he did all things well." He calls us "to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." Our ministry should be characterized by first class effort. The phrase "it is good enough for government work" should be anathema in the church, and in the life of any believer. "Whatever you do, do it as if serving the Lord."

Also, God gets rid of the yeast, but adds salt. The yeast symbolizes sin in the OT and NT. The salt symbolizes preservation and things that bring life. Our ministry needs to excise sin, and bring in those things which give life.

Father help me to think through how I live in these two areas. Do I do my best? Have I let sin into my ministry, or do I provide life and preservation for those involved?

QT 4 May 10

Ex 35:20-22 (NIV) Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses' presence, 21 and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. 22 All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.

NOTE: This part is different from the requirements of the OT law regarding tithe. This is a freewill offering and more akin to the NT concept of giving "each one must as he made up his mind … not reluctantly, but cheerfully." Unfortunately, we do seem to confuse the idea of the OT tithe, which is required by the law, and the NT concepts of giving, which are more akin to the freewill offering here, and not to a set amount. Why is it we feel we must reach some "percentage" to be pleasing God? Why are we not comfortable with freewill offerings in all of our giving? Maybe, we are really holding back, and as long as we hit the magic ten percent, we can do what we want. Of course, that is also a misconception, because the Israelites were required to give a tithe twice a year, and every third year, were required to give three tithes, averaging out to about 23 percent of one's income. Lord, free us from rules and man-made conceptions of serving you. Free us to truly serve you in spirit above law.

QT, 29 Apr 10

Ex 32:25 (NIV) Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies.

NOTE: Leadership bears a great responsibility in standing up for truth. The sheep need shepherds, and the shepherds must place responsibility above popularity. Leadership is a lonely job. It is guaranteed to make people unhappy. There will always be tough decisions that will infuriate some portion of the population, if that was not true, there would be no need for the leader, or for decision making, since all decisions would be self-evident. Aaron failed in his role of leading the people. That does not exclude him from God or cause him to be disciplined, but he still failed as a leader. I think teachers have the same role and responsibility today. We must not shrink back from telling people the truth of God's word, even when it is unpopular or not the common view (either of the world or the church-going crowd). Truth is defined by God alone, and not by culture or opinion.

QT 27 Apr 10

Ex 32:1-6 (NIV) When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him."

2 Aaron answered them, "Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me." 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt."

5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, "Tomorrow there will be a festival to the Lord." 6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.

NOTE: Aaron is the ultimate people pleaser. I'm sure 40 days was a long time for Moses to be gone. And without a vision or a purpose, the people sought the wrong things. Also, most people whose faith is weak want something tangible to put their hat on. It is hard to believe when the object of your faith is unseen and does not answer your prayers the way you want them answered. But then, Aaron's actions get out of hand. The people indulge in revelry during their worship time. It is apparent that Aaron isn't involved, but he is the one who declares the golden calf to be the god who brought them out of Egypt. So false teaching can lead indirectly to gross sin. This is why it is so important that teachers study God's word diligently, and do not neglect the work that is required to accurately handle God's word. Father, protect me from relying on my wisdom or knowledge and not seeking your truth above all.

QT 23 Apr 10

Ex 28:1-2 (NIV) Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests. 2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and honor.

NOTE: The garments give dignity and honor, they do not make the person better, holy, or closer to God. The garments are required to serve as Priests in the tabernacle. The garments "cover" the person in a way that God says is acceptable. In that sense, they are holy. But the person is not holy because he wears sacred garments. He has dignity and respect not because he is something special, but because he is called to a special task before God.

But in the new covenant, all believers are priests, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy (1 Peter 2:9-10)." So, we are no different from a Priest in the OT. We should give dignity and honor to other believers, especially those who are serving the Lord well. But they are not better, they are just obedient, and example to all who call themselves by the name of Christ.

QT 22 Apr 10

Ex 21:13 (NIV) However, if he does not do it intentionally, but God lets it happen, he is to flee to a place I will designate.

NOTE: This is an interesting verse from God directly regarding his sovereignty.

Ex 25:40 (NIV) See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.

Ex 26:30 (NIV) "Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.

NOTE: The word "pattern" is not used very often in scriptures; it shows up nine times, five referring to the tabernacle. The word "plan," while occurring often (31 times), only seems to reference the tabernacle once. Planning is a broad term, while pattern is very specific. Planning assumes that the detail or patterns may differ from one plan to another, even when the plan is the same. But pattern is something that is to be followed specifically. One case of the nine cases, Rom 5:14, refers to Adam as pattern of Jesus who was to come. The three other cases are as follows:

Rom 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Phil 3:17 (NIV) Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

2 Tim 1:13 (NIV) What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

NOTE: So we are not to mimic the world in our thoughts. We are to mimic those who live as Paul taught. And, we are to mimic sound teaching, as Paul did. Beyond that, there is a lot of freedom.

QT 14 Apr 10

Ex 20:18-21, 24-25 (NIV) When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."

20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."

21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

24 "'Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. 25 If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it.

NOTE: Two things stand out. One, God does specifically say that the fear of God will keep them from sinning. I think we like to spiritualize that or mollify it by suggesting that the fear of God means respect or awe. But it is very clear from the context that the fear is physical and emotional fear. Actually, we may not like to admit it, but fear can have a very positive effect on our behavior.

Secondly, God wants the altar built out of stones, with no tools of any kind. Now, the tabernacle will have different rules for a different purpose, but I think that the point is that when we come to God, we don't come on our terms or what he have done to deserve his presence. We can't earn a meeting with God. We can't earn an answer to a prayer. We come as we are with nothing to boast about.

QT 13 Apr 10

Ex 20:2-18 "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

3 "You shall have no other gods before me.

4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. . . .

7 "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, . . .

8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. . . .

12 "Honor your father and your mother, . . .

13 "You shall not murder.

14 "You shall not commit adultery.

15 "You shall not steal.

16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 "You shall not covet . . . anything that belongs to your neighbor."

NOTE: So much is written about the Ten Commandments that it is almost hard to make any comment. The first four commands separated Israel from all the other nations around them. They worshipped one God who is unseen and above all other ideas of God. One day was set aside to rest following the example of their creator. These four commands delineated Israel from everyone else at the time. But, the latter six are written on the hearts of every human being. They cross cultures around the world with no exceptions. We know deep down that they are the right things to do. Jesus repeated all of these commands, except the Sabbath, while he was on earth. So, even in the New Covenant which is not ruled by laws written on stone, nine of these laws still apply to us -- the Sabbath is debatable (of course, the Sabbath still stands as a wise principle -- even Jesus said it was for man not for God -- even God the Father said it was for man when he gave the manna).

QT 12 Apr 10

Ex 19:9-14 (NIV) The Lord said to Moses, "I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you." Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said.

10 And the Lord said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, 'Be careful that you do not go up the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13 He shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is to be laid on him. Whether man or animal, he shall not be permitted to live.' Only when the ram's horn sounds a long blast may they go up to the mountain."

14 After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes.

NOTE: This is the ultimate guest for dinner. The people take three days to prepare themselves for the Lord's visit. I'm sure they cleaned up the tents, buried the trash, and washed everything. They took baths and they put on clean clothes. We do somewhat similar things when people visit our home -- well not everyone, but most people do. Why? We want to make a good impression. We want the person to feel comfortable (although one can argue if a dirty house makes someone more comfortable). It does convey importance to the visiting party. But in reality, we now meet with God every day. We can approach the throne of grace with confidence. Worship is, or at least should be, a part of our everyday life. How do we prepare ourselves when the experience is routine? Obviously, confession comes to mind. We need to confess our sins, our attitudes, our failures prior as we come to God. Jesus also suggested making wrongs, right as well. I need to remember that my meeting with God should never be so commonplace as to miss the significance and the importance of it. He is still my creator, my king, my Lord, my ruler, my father, my friend, and my savior.

QT 11 Apr 20

Ex 19:1-6 (NIV) In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt — on the very day — they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.

3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, "This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 'You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."

NOTE: God was looking for a kingdom of priests, a holy (set apart) nation. He was looking for His representatives on earth. Israel failed to obey the covenant, and failed to fulfill God's desire for them. The new covenant has a similar hope and promise. God is looking for ambassadors, a kingdom of priests, a people set apart. He is calling them from every nation, tribe, tongue, and people to represent Him to the world. What kind of representative am I? Am I priest? Do I help people to reach God? Do I bring peace and balm to the hurting? Do I tell them of God's word? Do I give hope?

Father, I pray that as I travel to Bulgaria to share your word, that my Bulgaria, my mission field would be every place I walk. Give my eyes to see the needs and to respond with your power and goodness.

QT 9 Apr 10

Ex 18:18 (NIV) You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.

NOTE: This is good counsel for any man for a number of reasons. One, people business is very wearing. Two, not only can't one person handle it alone, it usually is not good. When one person becomes the supreme voice of justice and reason, it time, it perverts into something very ugly. There is protection in wise counsel of many wise individuals. Unfortunately, too many people prefer to tune themselves in to the voices they want to hear, or tickle their fancy, than to really listen to godly counsel.

Ex 18:19-23 (NIV) Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. 21 But select capable men from all the people — men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain — and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied."

NOTE: Jethro gives many point of wise counsel. First, we need to take things to God. They are not brought to us, but are for God to decide. Even when someone asks me for advice, I need to remember to add the quick prayer for wisdom. Two, we should be always teaching people decrees, laws, and, I would add, principles. Three, we should always have application in our teaching, showing people how to live and the duties they are to perform. Fourth, we must raise up "capable men (and women)" who are honest to lighten the load, and (now I will spiritualize this to my time and culture) to make disciples in the church. Too few people in the body of Christ take their role as a member of the body seriously. Consequently, the body is often not able to stand the strain, nor is the body satisfied.

QT 8 Apr 10

Ex 18:14 (NIV) When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, "What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?"

Ex 18:17 (NIV) Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good.

NOTE: It is always a dangerous thing when one man sits as judge for all others. While the one man may do well at the start, the temptations of pride are great. Jethro's words are correct, (it) is not good. Leadership, good leadership, relies on others. It uses sounding boards and honest men to discuss issues and decisions. Even in a small ministry, it is important to have one or two others to share aspects of the ministry. Pride is a deceptive thing. It builds a person up to the point where the individual does not think he needs any help, and that he knows better anyway. It does not allow a sane estimate of self. Father help me to always rely on others for help in my work and my ministry.