I Corinthians 12:12-27
Last week our reading in the book of I Corinthians discussed spiritual gifts, and we learned that everyone has been given at least one gift to use to help build up the Church. Today we continue reading from I Corinthians, and we’ll look at what Paul has to say further on the topic. When you look around at other Christians do you ever feel like you just aren’t that important to the Church? Maybe you have no musical talents to serve in that ministry. Perhaps you are a quiet type, and aren’t gifted to teach or speak publicly. You might feel like your church could get along quite fine without you. Then there are those who feel just the opposite. They feel that their gifts and abilities are spectacular, and the church would fall apart without them.
Let me share a story I read about an orchestra that had gathered to practice for an upcoming concert to be given. All the instruments were summoned to practice. However the piccolo player decided to stay away, thinking he was just too insignificant to matter. No one will notice, he thought. As practice got underway, a few minutes later the conductor motioned everyone to stop, and called out, “Where is the piccolo? Get the piccolo player in here immediately!” You see, the conductor noticed that this instrument was missing. Every instrument is important, not just the violins and trombones. Everyone, including the piccolo and bassoon, is important.
This is the same message that Paul is giving the Corinthians, and to us today. Paul uses the analogy of the human body (vs. 12-24). Each part of the body is important. Each has a specific job to do. The hand, the ear, and the eye are equally important. So also are the body parts that we don’t see, that we don’t think about very often. How often does one think about their gallbladder or pancreas, or think they are that important? However, just let either organ have a problem, and you sure start thinking they are important! Each part of the body has a specific function that is necessary to the whole body. Each part is different for a purpose, and they must work together.
Each part of the Body of Christ is as important as the other. The Church is composed of many types of people from different backgrounds, gifts, and abilities. However, we are all part of the Body of Christ, and are one in Him. We all have, and should be working for the same goal, which is to spread the Gospel message, and bring praise and glory to God. We need to use our different gifts together to spread the Gospel message of salvation.
Christians should not look down on those who seem unimportant, nor be jealous of those who have seemingly more important gifts. Would anyone really chop off a part of their body because they didn’t like it? Not likely. So also we should not reject anyone in the church, either (vs. 25). Use the gifts and talents that you’ve been given, and encourage others to, as well.
How do we act when someone is honored? Are we jealous or happy for them? How about when someone is weeping? Are we apathetic or comforting? When one suffers in the Body of Christ we all suffer (vs. 26). That is why Paul says in Romans 12:15 to rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. We all belong to each other, so we should desire and work for each other’s benefit, as if we are doing it for ourselves (Matthew 22:39). When one part of our physical body is hurt or aching, our whole body notices, and we take whatever steps we can to make that one part feel better. That is the way it should be among fellow Christians.
The human body needs eyes, heart, and gallbladder and pancreas. The orchestra needs violins, trombones, and piccolos and bassoons. The Church needs the musicians, and Sunday School teachers, along with the one who dusts the window sills, and the one who provides the pastor with a glass of water at the pulpit each Sunday.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Monday, January 28, 2019
Going From Rags To Royalty
Psalm 113
Today’s psalm is a short one, and another of the many praise psalms that proclaim praise and glory to our God and King. There are two verses in this psalm that I would like to focus on, verses 7 and 8. Let’s take a look at them today.
In verse 7, we read how God raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap. The picture that comes immediately to my mind is that of the children’s folk tale of Cinderella. Many of you will remember how Cinderella was made to work as a lowly servant in her household by her stepmother and stepsisters. She had to dress in rags and would get dusty and dirty with ashes. By the end of the tale, the prince has rescued her from the life of servitude, lifting her from the ash pile and changing her rags into royal dresses.
When God created Adam and Eve, they were the pinnacle of His creation. They were created as noble beings, made to rule for God in the Garden of Eden. However, after Adam and Eve gave in to Satan’s temptations and fell into sin, that favored position was lost. In its place was one of servitude to sin, the royal robes replaced with rags, glory replaced by dust and ashes. God does not want to leave us in that condition. He sent His only begotten Son to pay our sin-debt and rescue us from the power of Satan. God promises to raise up out of the dust and ashes whoever accepts Jesus as their Savior.
The world frequently looks down on the poor and needy. If one is not dressed in the latest fashion and designer clothes, drive the latest model car, and have a nice bank account and financial portfolio, we may as well be Cinderella toiling in the coal pile! We may be scorned by the world, but not by God. He comes to raise and lift us up from that condition.
Verse 8 continues on and tells us where God lifts us to. At the end of the folk tale Cinderella, the prince seeks her out, lifts her from the ashes, and brings her back to the palace. God does the same for us. He takes us from the ashes and sets us with princes, with royalty. What is it like to be seated with princes, with royalty? Being with princes is a place of select society. Not everyone gets such an honor. However those who have called upon Jesus have this position. Princes also have direct and immediate access to the King. They don’t have to wait like common folk, or stand far off. Through Jesus we have direct access to the God of all creation. Princes have abundant wealth, and they have special honor. Through our relationship with Jesus, God has promised to meet every one of our needs, and we have the honor of being called His children.
In God’s eyes a person’s value has no relationship to their wealth or position on the social ladder. Many of God’s chosen saints have come from poverty or humble backgrounds. God often chooses His workers from those society would consider outcasts. Do we treat certain people as though they have no value? Everyone is valuable and useful in God’s eyes. As Jesus clearly taught, God exalts the humble and humbles the proud (Matthew 20:16).
Are you tired of being in the ash pit of life? Are you tired of being like Cinderella? You do have a better place just waiting for you. Let’s turn to God, calling upon His Son, Jesus, as our Savior, and allow Him to lift us up from the dust and ashes Satan has keep us in for too long. For those who already are believers, don’t continue to reside in the ashes. Wouldn’t it have been ridiculous if Cinderella had returned to her rags and servitude in the dust? Let’s allow Jesus to take us and place us with the princes and live a life of victory through Him!
Today’s psalm is a short one, and another of the many praise psalms that proclaim praise and glory to our God and King. There are two verses in this psalm that I would like to focus on, verses 7 and 8. Let’s take a look at them today.
In verse 7, we read how God raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap. The picture that comes immediately to my mind is that of the children’s folk tale of Cinderella. Many of you will remember how Cinderella was made to work as a lowly servant in her household by her stepmother and stepsisters. She had to dress in rags and would get dusty and dirty with ashes. By the end of the tale, the prince has rescued her from the life of servitude, lifting her from the ash pile and changing her rags into royal dresses.
When God created Adam and Eve, they were the pinnacle of His creation. They were created as noble beings, made to rule for God in the Garden of Eden. However, after Adam and Eve gave in to Satan’s temptations and fell into sin, that favored position was lost. In its place was one of servitude to sin, the royal robes replaced with rags, glory replaced by dust and ashes. God does not want to leave us in that condition. He sent His only begotten Son to pay our sin-debt and rescue us from the power of Satan. God promises to raise up out of the dust and ashes whoever accepts Jesus as their Savior.
The world frequently looks down on the poor and needy. If one is not dressed in the latest fashion and designer clothes, drive the latest model car, and have a nice bank account and financial portfolio, we may as well be Cinderella toiling in the coal pile! We may be scorned by the world, but not by God. He comes to raise and lift us up from that condition.
Verse 8 continues on and tells us where God lifts us to. At the end of the folk tale Cinderella, the prince seeks her out, lifts her from the ashes, and brings her back to the palace. God does the same for us. He takes us from the ashes and sets us with princes, with royalty. What is it like to be seated with princes, with royalty? Being with princes is a place of select society. Not everyone gets such an honor. However those who have called upon Jesus have this position. Princes also have direct and immediate access to the King. They don’t have to wait like common folk, or stand far off. Through Jesus we have direct access to the God of all creation. Princes have abundant wealth, and they have special honor. Through our relationship with Jesus, God has promised to meet every one of our needs, and we have the honor of being called His children.
In God’s eyes a person’s value has no relationship to their wealth or position on the social ladder. Many of God’s chosen saints have come from poverty or humble backgrounds. God often chooses His workers from those society would consider outcasts. Do we treat certain people as though they have no value? Everyone is valuable and useful in God’s eyes. As Jesus clearly taught, God exalts the humble and humbles the proud (Matthew 20:16).
Are you tired of being in the ash pit of life? Are you tired of being like Cinderella? You do have a better place just waiting for you. Let’s turn to God, calling upon His Son, Jesus, as our Savior, and allow Him to lift us up from the dust and ashes Satan has keep us in for too long. For those who already are believers, don’t continue to reside in the ashes. Wouldn’t it have been ridiculous if Cinderella had returned to her rags and servitude in the dust? Let’s allow Jesus to take us and place us with the princes and live a life of victory through Him!
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Actively Listening To God
Nehemiah 8:2-10
The Old Testament reading from the Lectionary this week takes us to the Book of Nehemiah. As a little background to the book, the Israelites had spent approximately the last 70 years in captivity in the country of Babylon due to their sins. Now with the coming of the Persian Empire, they were allowed to return to their homeland, and many of the people did so, coming back with Ezra. Nehemiah had been the Persian Emperor’s cup-bearer, and when he heard that the city walls of Jerusalem were in ruins, he received permission to travel there and assist in the rebuilding, and teaching the people God’s Word.
As our passage opens, Ezra, who was a priest and scribe or Bible scholar, had called all of the people to come together while he read from the Bible to them (vs. 2-6). These people knew why their parents and grandparents had gone into captivity, that it was because of their turning to false gods and worshipping them, and also refusing to obey God’s Word. Now they did not want to make the same mistakes of their ancestors, and were eager to hear and learn the Scriptures.
As we read in verse 3, “the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.” There are times when we hear what’s being said, but aren’t really listening, we watch but don’t really see. We can be present physically, but our mind is elsewhere. How often does that happen in church when we hear the pastor preaching, but we aren’t paying attention. Are we attentive when we hear God’s Word being read and explained? How about when we read it at home for personal devotions? Do we just go through the motions, or hurry through to get on with our day, the words being so familiar we don’t even hear them anymore. We need to listen carefully to each verse, and let the Holy Spirit speak to us, asking how God’s Word applies to our life right now. These people were attentively listening to Ezra and the others read and explain the Bible. Nothing deserves more of our attention than God’s Word if we want to avoid falling into sin and its consequences.
Not only did the people give careful attention to the reading of the Scriptures, they also showed great humility to the Lord God (vs. 6). They “bowed their heads and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” That is a position of humility before God. God is King, we are His subjects. God is sovereign. We are not.
The people wept when they realized how they had failed to obey God’s Word (vs. 9). They had failed to obey God, not just individually, but also as a nation. Are we grieved to the point of weeping when we know how we fail God? When we know how much He has done for us, especially in sending His only begotten Son to die for our sins, it should grieve us to not love, obey, and follow Him.
God punishes sin, but He blesses repentance and obedience. That is a reason to celebrate (vs. 10). What is God’s joy? It is in forgiving and saving us. He has joy in showing love to all who believe on His Name. Do we need some extra strength to get through a difficult time? When we feel weak and helpless, remember that God loves to step in and deliver us. Remembering and meditating on that will bring us joy. The level of our joy determines the level of our strength. That was the message Nehemiah gave to the people when they needed encouragement following the reading of the Scriptures. When we attentively listen to God’s Word, His joy will be our strength.
The Old Testament reading from the Lectionary this week takes us to the Book of Nehemiah. As a little background to the book, the Israelites had spent approximately the last 70 years in captivity in the country of Babylon due to their sins. Now with the coming of the Persian Empire, they were allowed to return to their homeland, and many of the people did so, coming back with Ezra. Nehemiah had been the Persian Emperor’s cup-bearer, and when he heard that the city walls of Jerusalem were in ruins, he received permission to travel there and assist in the rebuilding, and teaching the people God’s Word.
As our passage opens, Ezra, who was a priest and scribe or Bible scholar, had called all of the people to come together while he read from the Bible to them (vs. 2-6). These people knew why their parents and grandparents had gone into captivity, that it was because of their turning to false gods and worshipping them, and also refusing to obey God’s Word. Now they did not want to make the same mistakes of their ancestors, and were eager to hear and learn the Scriptures.
As we read in verse 3, “the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.” There are times when we hear what’s being said, but aren’t really listening, we watch but don’t really see. We can be present physically, but our mind is elsewhere. How often does that happen in church when we hear the pastor preaching, but we aren’t paying attention. Are we attentive when we hear God’s Word being read and explained? How about when we read it at home for personal devotions? Do we just go through the motions, or hurry through to get on with our day, the words being so familiar we don’t even hear them anymore. We need to listen carefully to each verse, and let the Holy Spirit speak to us, asking how God’s Word applies to our life right now. These people were attentively listening to Ezra and the others read and explain the Bible. Nothing deserves more of our attention than God’s Word if we want to avoid falling into sin and its consequences.
Not only did the people give careful attention to the reading of the Scriptures, they also showed great humility to the Lord God (vs. 6). They “bowed their heads and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” That is a position of humility before God. God is King, we are His subjects. God is sovereign. We are not.
The people wept when they realized how they had failed to obey God’s Word (vs. 9). They had failed to obey God, not just individually, but also as a nation. Are we grieved to the point of weeping when we know how we fail God? When we know how much He has done for us, especially in sending His only begotten Son to die for our sins, it should grieve us to not love, obey, and follow Him.
God punishes sin, but He blesses repentance and obedience. That is a reason to celebrate (vs. 10). What is God’s joy? It is in forgiving and saving us. He has joy in showing love to all who believe on His Name. Do we need some extra strength to get through a difficult time? When we feel weak and helpless, remember that God loves to step in and deliver us. Remembering and meditating on that will bring us joy. The level of our joy determines the level of our strength. That was the message Nehemiah gave to the people when they needed encouragement following the reading of the Scriptures. When we attentively listen to God’s Word, His joy will be our strength.
Friday, January 25, 2019
A Wedding In Cana
John 2:1-11
Most people enjoy attending weddings. They are a happy and festive occasion. Jesus was no exception. In our passage today from the Gospel of John we read that Jesus and a few of His disciples were invited to a wedding. Let’s look at the passage together and see what we can learn from this account.
Weddings in Biblical days were big affairs. Though weddings today can often be very expensive, costing many thousands of dollars, they generally last only one day. In Biblical days weddings lasted several days, often up to a week, with every possible friend and relation invited. To refuse the invitation was insulting. These weddings were very festive occasions, with a lot of music, dancing, much food and wine. A lot of planning went into preparing weddings, and as we’ll see, to run out of wine was a huge and embarrassing faux pas, breaking the rules of hospitality.
Though not as common a belief today as it once was, there are still some who do not believe Christians should relax, have a good time, and enjoy themselves. That’s not what Jesus thought, as we see here when He attended the wedding of some friends. I don’t believe that He sat at the sidelines with His arms crossed and a sour look on His face, either! I believe that He was enjoying Himself. One does not need to get drunk or high on drugs, nor tell dirty jokes to have a good time.
At some time during the festivities the family ran out of wine. The financial responsibility for weddings in this culture lay with the groom and his family. To run out of something like wine was of the utmost of embarrassment. Jesus’s mother, Mary, was probably a good friend of the groom’s family, and she knew about this problem. Instead of going into panic-mode, Mary knew to take the problem to Jesus (vs. 3).
When Mary came and told Jesus about the problem of no wine, she was probably not specifically asking for a miracle. Mary was probably just asking if Jesus could help, no knowing what He would do. However, she explicitly trusted Him to know and do what was best. Mary brought her problem to Jesus and left it in His hands. Mary didn’t tell Jesus what to do, rather she submitted the problem to Jesus and allowed Him to deal with it as He saw best. We need to do that with all of our problems.
When we read verse 4, and see Jesus calling His mother, “woman”, we might think Jesus was being rude or disrespectful to her. He was not being disrespectful, as that would not be His character. It was probably more like our term “Ma’am”. Jesus was also gently letting Mary know that their relationship was now a changed one. It was no longer a mother-son one, but now that Jesus was starting His ministry, it was as the Messiah, the Son of God.
The water jars in verse 6 were used for ceremonial washing, and held 20 - 30 gallons each. These water jars were ordinary items. There was nothing special about them. The water in them was ordinary, too. However, when given to Jesus, He turned that water into wine, and not just ordinary wine, but the best there was (vs. 10). When we give ourselves to Jesus, to do with us as He desires, He will turn our ordinary into something wonderful for His use. This miracle showed Jesus power over nature, and how His ministry was about loving and helping people.
Just as Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do (vs. 5), we need to do the same. Whatever Jesus says for us to do, we need to do that in order for Him to work in our lives. If the servants had ignored Him, thinking what He said was nonsense, they would have missed out on the miracle. Whatever Jesus says for us to do, do it. Don’t miss out on what He wants to do in your life!
Most people enjoy attending weddings. They are a happy and festive occasion. Jesus was no exception. In our passage today from the Gospel of John we read that Jesus and a few of His disciples were invited to a wedding. Let’s look at the passage together and see what we can learn from this account.
Weddings in Biblical days were big affairs. Though weddings today can often be very expensive, costing many thousands of dollars, they generally last only one day. In Biblical days weddings lasted several days, often up to a week, with every possible friend and relation invited. To refuse the invitation was insulting. These weddings were very festive occasions, with a lot of music, dancing, much food and wine. A lot of planning went into preparing weddings, and as we’ll see, to run out of wine was a huge and embarrassing faux pas, breaking the rules of hospitality.
Though not as common a belief today as it once was, there are still some who do not believe Christians should relax, have a good time, and enjoy themselves. That’s not what Jesus thought, as we see here when He attended the wedding of some friends. I don’t believe that He sat at the sidelines with His arms crossed and a sour look on His face, either! I believe that He was enjoying Himself. One does not need to get drunk or high on drugs, nor tell dirty jokes to have a good time.
At some time during the festivities the family ran out of wine. The financial responsibility for weddings in this culture lay with the groom and his family. To run out of something like wine was of the utmost of embarrassment. Jesus’s mother, Mary, was probably a good friend of the groom’s family, and she knew about this problem. Instead of going into panic-mode, Mary knew to take the problem to Jesus (vs. 3).
When Mary came and told Jesus about the problem of no wine, she was probably not specifically asking for a miracle. Mary was probably just asking if Jesus could help, no knowing what He would do. However, she explicitly trusted Him to know and do what was best. Mary brought her problem to Jesus and left it in His hands. Mary didn’t tell Jesus what to do, rather she submitted the problem to Jesus and allowed Him to deal with it as He saw best. We need to do that with all of our problems.
When we read verse 4, and see Jesus calling His mother, “woman”, we might think Jesus was being rude or disrespectful to her. He was not being disrespectful, as that would not be His character. It was probably more like our term “Ma’am”. Jesus was also gently letting Mary know that their relationship was now a changed one. It was no longer a mother-son one, but now that Jesus was starting His ministry, it was as the Messiah, the Son of God.
The water jars in verse 6 were used for ceremonial washing, and held 20 - 30 gallons each. These water jars were ordinary items. There was nothing special about them. The water in them was ordinary, too. However, when given to Jesus, He turned that water into wine, and not just ordinary wine, but the best there was (vs. 10). When we give ourselves to Jesus, to do with us as He desires, He will turn our ordinary into something wonderful for His use. This miracle showed Jesus power over nature, and how His ministry was about loving and helping people.
Just as Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do (vs. 5), we need to do the same. Whatever Jesus says for us to do, we need to do that in order for Him to work in our lives. If the servants had ignored Him, thinking what He said was nonsense, they would have missed out on the miracle. Whatever Jesus says for us to do, do it. Don’t miss out on what He wants to do in your life!
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Spiritual Gifts
I Corinthians 12:1-11
Have you ever been given an assignment at work, school, or maybe from your parents, and you felt that you just didn’t have all the tools or equipment to do the job satisfactorily? That is not the case with the job that the Lord Jesus has given us to do, that of building His Church, bringing the lost to Christ, along with training and edifying believers. Jesus equips the Church with spiritual gifts to do the work we need to. In our passage today from Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, he lists some of these gifts which we’ll take a quick look at.
The Holy Spirit distributes His gifts in some measure to all believers. They are to be completely under His control, and used for the building of His Church to Christ’s glory. The early church in Corinth had some questions and issues about spiritual gifts, and Paul wished to set this issue straight with them. One thing he wished to clear up was any confusion with demonic manifestations that pagan unbelievers sometimes exhibited. A true believer will affirm the lordship of Jesus (vs. 3). What a person believes and says about Jesus Christ is a test of whether he is speaking from the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not natural talents or abilities. They are supernaturally given by the Holy Spirit as He wills. They will enable us to spiritually edify each other and honor the Lord.
In addition to this passage, Paul also lists the gifts in Romans 12:6-8, I Corinthians 12:28, and Ephesians 4:11. There are the speaking or verbal gifts - prophecy, knowledge, wisdom, teaching, exhortation, and tongues. Then there are the serving gifts - leadership, helps, giving, mercy, faith, healing, miracles, and discernment. Their purpose is to edify the Church and glorify God.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of these gifts. Wisdom is the ability to understand God’s Word and His will, and to apply that understanding to life. The word of knowledge is the ability to understand and speak God’s truth with insight. It is grasping the meaning of God’s truth (vs. 8).
Another spiritual gift is that of faith. The faith that Paul is talking about here is different from saving faith or persevering faith. It is a strong trust in God in the midst of difficult circumstances (vs. 9). Prophecy is another gift (vs. 10). Prophecy is not just speaking of an event in the future. That was only a small portion of the Old Testament prophets messages. Here it is exclusively meaning speaking forth or proclaiming publicly God’s message and truth with power. The gift of prophecy is proclaiming what has already been revealed in God’s Word. The Scriptures are complete, and there is no new revelation.
There are a few gifts that good and sincere believers have had honest disagreement over, and those are the gifts of healing, miracles, and tongues (vs. 9-10). Some have said that these were temporary gifts that ended after the days of the apostles were over, others state that they are still active today. These gifts were definitely used by God in the days of the early church to accredit the Messiah Jesus, and authenticate and validate the Gospel being preached.
One important gift is that of discerning of spirits (vs. 10). Satan is a great deceiver (John 8:44). He and his demons counterfeit God’s message and works. The gift of discernment is the ability to recognize lying spirits and identify deceptive and erroneous doctrines (I John 4:1). Those with this gift are the guardians and watchmen of the Church, protecting it from false doctrine, cults, and demonic lies. To effectively use this important gift requires diligent study of the Word of God.
In conclusion let us realize that the Holy Spirit is the singular source of these gifts (vs. 11). They are not something to seek out, picking and choosing what one wants, but to be received from the Holy Spirit “as He wills”. He gives the gifts as He chooses. Whichever gifts the Lord has seen fit to bestow on us, let us use them to His praise and glory.
Have you ever been given an assignment at work, school, or maybe from your parents, and you felt that you just didn’t have all the tools or equipment to do the job satisfactorily? That is not the case with the job that the Lord Jesus has given us to do, that of building His Church, bringing the lost to Christ, along with training and edifying believers. Jesus equips the Church with spiritual gifts to do the work we need to. In our passage today from Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, he lists some of these gifts which we’ll take a quick look at.
The Holy Spirit distributes His gifts in some measure to all believers. They are to be completely under His control, and used for the building of His Church to Christ’s glory. The early church in Corinth had some questions and issues about spiritual gifts, and Paul wished to set this issue straight with them. One thing he wished to clear up was any confusion with demonic manifestations that pagan unbelievers sometimes exhibited. A true believer will affirm the lordship of Jesus (vs. 3). What a person believes and says about Jesus Christ is a test of whether he is speaking from the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not natural talents or abilities. They are supernaturally given by the Holy Spirit as He wills. They will enable us to spiritually edify each other and honor the Lord.
In addition to this passage, Paul also lists the gifts in Romans 12:6-8, I Corinthians 12:28, and Ephesians 4:11. There are the speaking or verbal gifts - prophecy, knowledge, wisdom, teaching, exhortation, and tongues. Then there are the serving gifts - leadership, helps, giving, mercy, faith, healing, miracles, and discernment. Their purpose is to edify the Church and glorify God.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of these gifts. Wisdom is the ability to understand God’s Word and His will, and to apply that understanding to life. The word of knowledge is the ability to understand and speak God’s truth with insight. It is grasping the meaning of God’s truth (vs. 8).
Another spiritual gift is that of faith. The faith that Paul is talking about here is different from saving faith or persevering faith. It is a strong trust in God in the midst of difficult circumstances (vs. 9). Prophecy is another gift (vs. 10). Prophecy is not just speaking of an event in the future. That was only a small portion of the Old Testament prophets messages. Here it is exclusively meaning speaking forth or proclaiming publicly God’s message and truth with power. The gift of prophecy is proclaiming what has already been revealed in God’s Word. The Scriptures are complete, and there is no new revelation.
There are a few gifts that good and sincere believers have had honest disagreement over, and those are the gifts of healing, miracles, and tongues (vs. 9-10). Some have said that these were temporary gifts that ended after the days of the apostles were over, others state that they are still active today. These gifts were definitely used by God in the days of the early church to accredit the Messiah Jesus, and authenticate and validate the Gospel being preached.
One important gift is that of discerning of spirits (vs. 10). Satan is a great deceiver (John 8:44). He and his demons counterfeit God’s message and works. The gift of discernment is the ability to recognize lying spirits and identify deceptive and erroneous doctrines (I John 4:1). Those with this gift are the guardians and watchmen of the Church, protecting it from false doctrine, cults, and demonic lies. To effectively use this important gift requires diligent study of the Word of God.
In conclusion let us realize that the Holy Spirit is the singular source of these gifts (vs. 11). They are not something to seek out, picking and choosing what one wants, but to be received from the Holy Spirit “as He wills”. He gives the gifts as He chooses. Whichever gifts the Lord has seen fit to bestow on us, let us use them to His praise and glory.
Monday, January 21, 2019
Does Our Walk Match Our Talk?
Psalm 101
Many schools and businesses have a code of conduct that they want their students or employees to abide by. They know that a person’s behavior will reflect back upon the school or the company. Families know that bad behavior on the part of a member will tarnish the family name in public, whereas good conduct will raise the family’s esteem in people’s minds. Today’s psalm was written by King David, probably near the beginning of his reign as king. It records the standards of conduct that he wanted to follow. Let’s take a look at this psalm and see the keys given in God’s Word for leading a godly life.
One of the first things David mentions in his compilation of godly standards of conduct is a desire for himself to behave wisely (vs. 2). So often our mistakes come because we just weren’t thinking, we didn’t take the time to think before we acted. David knew there would be less problems in life if he would only think and act wisely first.
Next he cautions himself to act properly, not only out in public, but also at home (vs. 2). It is one thing to walk in a godly way when we are out in public, and we know people are watching us. It’s another to behave righteously and godly at home, where only family sees us. God wants us to do both. This is sometimes one of the reasons why it is difficult to witness about the Lord Jesus to our unsaved family members. They see how we act at home, and think we are hypocrites. Our behavior at home and in public should be honoring to the Lord.
David then counsels himself not to look upon anything that is wicked or worthless (vs. 3). It is the Lord’s desire that we avoid entertainment that glorifies or romanticizes immorality, whether it’s movies, the internet, books, etc. All it takes is a quick, seemingly harmless look to start us on the downhill path into some sin, be it adultery, theft, etc. We need to stay away from any situation that could cause us to stumble if we want to avoid evil. Our entertainment should be uplifting.
Next David cautions himself and us to avoid evil associates (vs. 4-7). He knew that those we keep close company with will definitely contribute to shaping our character. If they are of low character, they are going to bring us down, as well. Their language, bad habits, and shady behavior will quickly rub off onto us. Instead, we should choose as role models and friends those who are godly and truthful. It is very clear that our friends and associates can have a profound influence on our lives. In light of that, the people we associate with should be those who are faithful to God and His Word.
David tells us that he doesn’t want anyone around him who has a perverse, corrupt, or evil heart (vs. 4). He wants no part with those who plot devious or wicked acts. David also shares with us that if someone talks slander against others, as the king he will not tolerate their behavior (vs. 5). Slander, or defamation of one’s character, is a big part of gossip, which so many like to take part in. God is not happy when we tear each other apart, especially when the lies destroys another’s character.
Another group David doesn’t want around in his company are those who have a proud heart (vs. 5). The proud feel no need for God, and have little or no regard for their fellow man. David doesn’t wish them around him. He also doesn’t want liars or the deceitful as part of his associates (vs. 7). By consorting with liars, one can easily be tempted and drawn into their ways. Truth should be a foundation stone in our life.
King David instead chose for his companions those who were faithful to the Lord God, and those who sought to be perfect and blameless in their behavior (vs. 6). He knew, as we all do, that no one is perfect. We are all sinners. However, he sought out those who were faithful to God, and who desired to follow in His ways. Just as an archer aims his arrows towards the bullseye, David wanted his companions and himself to be people of integrity, who aim to follow God, who desire to obey His Word. Like David, we should be motivated to godly standards of conduct, both for ourselves and for those we choose to surround ourselves with.
Many schools and businesses have a code of conduct that they want their students or employees to abide by. They know that a person’s behavior will reflect back upon the school or the company. Families know that bad behavior on the part of a member will tarnish the family name in public, whereas good conduct will raise the family’s esteem in people’s minds. Today’s psalm was written by King David, probably near the beginning of his reign as king. It records the standards of conduct that he wanted to follow. Let’s take a look at this psalm and see the keys given in God’s Word for leading a godly life.
One of the first things David mentions in his compilation of godly standards of conduct is a desire for himself to behave wisely (vs. 2). So often our mistakes come because we just weren’t thinking, we didn’t take the time to think before we acted. David knew there would be less problems in life if he would only think and act wisely first.
Next he cautions himself to act properly, not only out in public, but also at home (vs. 2). It is one thing to walk in a godly way when we are out in public, and we know people are watching us. It’s another to behave righteously and godly at home, where only family sees us. God wants us to do both. This is sometimes one of the reasons why it is difficult to witness about the Lord Jesus to our unsaved family members. They see how we act at home, and think we are hypocrites. Our behavior at home and in public should be honoring to the Lord.
David then counsels himself not to look upon anything that is wicked or worthless (vs. 3). It is the Lord’s desire that we avoid entertainment that glorifies or romanticizes immorality, whether it’s movies, the internet, books, etc. All it takes is a quick, seemingly harmless look to start us on the downhill path into some sin, be it adultery, theft, etc. We need to stay away from any situation that could cause us to stumble if we want to avoid evil. Our entertainment should be uplifting.
Next David cautions himself and us to avoid evil associates (vs. 4-7). He knew that those we keep close company with will definitely contribute to shaping our character. If they are of low character, they are going to bring us down, as well. Their language, bad habits, and shady behavior will quickly rub off onto us. Instead, we should choose as role models and friends those who are godly and truthful. It is very clear that our friends and associates can have a profound influence on our lives. In light of that, the people we associate with should be those who are faithful to God and His Word.
David tells us that he doesn’t want anyone around him who has a perverse, corrupt, or evil heart (vs. 4). He wants no part with those who plot devious or wicked acts. David also shares with us that if someone talks slander against others, as the king he will not tolerate their behavior (vs. 5). Slander, or defamation of one’s character, is a big part of gossip, which so many like to take part in. God is not happy when we tear each other apart, especially when the lies destroys another’s character.
Another group David doesn’t want around in his company are those who have a proud heart (vs. 5). The proud feel no need for God, and have little or no regard for their fellow man. David doesn’t wish them around him. He also doesn’t want liars or the deceitful as part of his associates (vs. 7). By consorting with liars, one can easily be tempted and drawn into their ways. Truth should be a foundation stone in our life.
King David instead chose for his companions those who were faithful to the Lord God, and those who sought to be perfect and blameless in their behavior (vs. 6). He knew, as we all do, that no one is perfect. We are all sinners. However, he sought out those who were faithful to God, and who desired to follow in His ways. Just as an archer aims his arrows towards the bullseye, David wanted his companions and himself to be people of integrity, who aim to follow God, who desire to obey His Word. Like David, we should be motivated to godly standards of conduct, both for ourselves and for those we choose to surround ourselves with.
Saturday, January 19, 2019
A New Name
Isaiah 62:1-5
Have you ever wished you could change your name? Perhaps you have a name from a hurtful past, or maybe a sinful past, that you would like to be rid of. In our Scripture passage today from the prophet Isaiah, we read how God can take a negative name that has been attached to us and give us a new, beautiful one.
God had chosen the people of Israel to be His special people, and bring His message to the world, and also to be the line from which the Messiah, the Savior of the world would come from. They weren’t chosen to just be a special pet of God, but instead, they were to be a light with which the Gentiles would see and be drawn to the Lord God (vs. 1-2). Throughout the Old Testament God had spoken of and used the analogy of the people of Israel being married to Him. One of the requirements of a marriage is that both parties are to be faithful to the other. God had espoused Israel to Himself, yet instead of being faithful to Him and worshipping only Him, the people of Israel were constantly running off and worshipping the false gods and pagan idols of the Canaanites and other nations around them. They were unfaithful to God, despite His faithfulness to them. Their unfaithfulness to Him led to many nations conquering their country, and finally their captivity to the Babylonians.
During this time, the people, especially in the city of Jerusalem, felt that their name was now “Forsaken” and “Desolate”. They felt like a wife who had been cast off, even though it was through their own fault. When the people turn to Him, when they accept the coming Messiah, God will give them a new name (vs. 2). The old name of “Forsaken” will be exchanged by Him for the name of “Hephzibah”, which means “My delight is in her”. The old name of “Desolate” will be exchanged for the new name of “Beulah”, which means “married” (vs. 4).
Sometimes when people make a big change in their lives they like to be called by a new name. We see this in the New Testament with both the Apostles Peter and Paul. Peter was originally named Simon. When he accepted the Lord Jesus, and His call upon his life, when Simon left his job as a fisherman and became His follower, Jesus gave him a new name, that of Peter. Paul was originally named Saul, and he was a devout Jew who violently persecuted the early church. On the road to Damascus the Lord Jesus came to Saul in a vision, and he accepted Him as his Lord and Savior. From that day forward he changed his name to that of Paul.
Occasionally today people who have been heavy into drugs or alcohol, or involved in gangs, when they come to Jesus and turn their back on their past lifestyle, they take a new name, one that is not associated in anyway with their past life. Sometimes if a person comes from a family with a rather infamous last name, they might choose to take a new, different last name, so as not to be associated with an infamous ancestor or other relative. In either case, it is a break with the past and the person they once were, or a relative they want no part of.
In the book of Revelation we see a reference to God giving believers that overcome sin and Satan a new name (Revelation 2:17). When we come to Jesus, and accept Him into our lives, we are now a new person. Most people still continue with their given names, but in the Lord’s eyes we are no longer “forsaken” or “desolate”. To Him we have become “Hephzibah” and “Beulah”. God says that we are also a crown of glory and a royal diadem (vs. 3). When I see photos of the Royals with the sparkling diadems upon their heads, I don’t think of myself as valuable or priceless like that. However, that is what God calls us here. We are His delight, His married one, like crown jewels to Him.
There is an old-time gospel hymn, written many years ago, that speaks of our getting a new name when we come to Jesus for salvation. The chorus goes: “There’s a new name written down in glory, and it’s mine, oh yes, it’s mine!” I can sing that song, and mean it. Can you?
Have you ever wished you could change your name? Perhaps you have a name from a hurtful past, or maybe a sinful past, that you would like to be rid of. In our Scripture passage today from the prophet Isaiah, we read how God can take a negative name that has been attached to us and give us a new, beautiful one.
God had chosen the people of Israel to be His special people, and bring His message to the world, and also to be the line from which the Messiah, the Savior of the world would come from. They weren’t chosen to just be a special pet of God, but instead, they were to be a light with which the Gentiles would see and be drawn to the Lord God (vs. 1-2). Throughout the Old Testament God had spoken of and used the analogy of the people of Israel being married to Him. One of the requirements of a marriage is that both parties are to be faithful to the other. God had espoused Israel to Himself, yet instead of being faithful to Him and worshipping only Him, the people of Israel were constantly running off and worshipping the false gods and pagan idols of the Canaanites and other nations around them. They were unfaithful to God, despite His faithfulness to them. Their unfaithfulness to Him led to many nations conquering their country, and finally their captivity to the Babylonians.
During this time, the people, especially in the city of Jerusalem, felt that their name was now “Forsaken” and “Desolate”. They felt like a wife who had been cast off, even though it was through their own fault. When the people turn to Him, when they accept the coming Messiah, God will give them a new name (vs. 2). The old name of “Forsaken” will be exchanged by Him for the name of “Hephzibah”, which means “My delight is in her”. The old name of “Desolate” will be exchanged for the new name of “Beulah”, which means “married” (vs. 4).
Sometimes when people make a big change in their lives they like to be called by a new name. We see this in the New Testament with both the Apostles Peter and Paul. Peter was originally named Simon. When he accepted the Lord Jesus, and His call upon his life, when Simon left his job as a fisherman and became His follower, Jesus gave him a new name, that of Peter. Paul was originally named Saul, and he was a devout Jew who violently persecuted the early church. On the road to Damascus the Lord Jesus came to Saul in a vision, and he accepted Him as his Lord and Savior. From that day forward he changed his name to that of Paul.
Occasionally today people who have been heavy into drugs or alcohol, or involved in gangs, when they come to Jesus and turn their back on their past lifestyle, they take a new name, one that is not associated in anyway with their past life. Sometimes if a person comes from a family with a rather infamous last name, they might choose to take a new, different last name, so as not to be associated with an infamous ancestor or other relative. In either case, it is a break with the past and the person they once were, or a relative they want no part of.
In the book of Revelation we see a reference to God giving believers that overcome sin and Satan a new name (Revelation 2:17). When we come to Jesus, and accept Him into our lives, we are now a new person. Most people still continue with their given names, but in the Lord’s eyes we are no longer “forsaken” or “desolate”. To Him we have become “Hephzibah” and “Beulah”. God says that we are also a crown of glory and a royal diadem (vs. 3). When I see photos of the Royals with the sparkling diadems upon their heads, I don’t think of myself as valuable or priceless like that. However, that is what God calls us here. We are His delight, His married one, like crown jewels to Him.
There is an old-time gospel hymn, written many years ago, that speaks of our getting a new name when we come to Jesus for salvation. The chorus goes: “There’s a new name written down in glory, and it’s mine, oh yes, it’s mine!” I can sing that song, and mean it. Can you?
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