“Famous Last Words”
This is the last letter to Timothy, written by Apostle Paul, before his death in the Roman Prison. His letter was to give final instructions and encouragement to Timothy, the pastor of the church at Ephesus.
The key verse of his letter is this, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15)
In his letter, Paul is giving Timothy advice to remain solidly grounded in Christian service and to endure suffering in the difficult days to come. It is easier for us to serve God for the wrong reasons: because it is exciting, because our friends are there, for the recognition or because it is personally enriching. Without a proper foundation, we find it easy to quit during difficult times. Hence, Paul’s letter covers the main themes of the Foundations of Christian service.
Theme: Boldness
Explanation: Paul urges Timothy to carry out his ministry without fear or shame by using boldly the gifts of preaching and teaching that the Holy Spirit has given him, even in the face of opposition and persecution.
Importance: God honours our confident testimony even when we suffer. To overcome our fear of what people might say or think, we need to take our eyes off of people and look only to God.
Theme: Faithfulness
Explanation: Jesus was faithful to us in dying for our sin; Paul was faithful to God even while he was in prison. Paul urged Timothy to maintain loyalty and endurance.
Importance: As we trust Christ, He will count us worthy to suffer, and He will give us the strength to help us to be steadfast.
Theme: Preaching & Teaching
Explanation: As Paul and Timothy were both active in preaching and teaching the Good News about Jesus Christ, Paul urged Timothy to not just to carry the torch of Truth, and to pass on to others in sound doctrine and enthusiasm for Christ’s mission.
Importance: We must prepare people to transmit God’s word to others so that they in turn might pass it on.
Theme: Error
Explanation: In the last days, there will be false teachers, and backsliders. We need to be ready with a solid program to equip Christians.
Importance: Knowing the Word of God is a sure defense against error and confusion.
Personal Reflection:
Having read this letter by Paul, I am inspired by Paul’s faithfulness to God in the ministry. His life has left a legacy that continues to inspire many Christians till today. I would like for my life to leave behind a legacy that is according to God’s will for my life. For it is God’s call for us to do all we can to keep the gospel message alive for the next generation.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Hebrews 11 - 13 (23rd December) - Xiaowen
Heb 11
Verse 1: “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
Faith is to see in the spiritual realm what you hope for to happen and thereafter claim wad u see and pray with perseverance, believing what you see in the spiritual realm will come to pass in reality. One example is parents’ salvation. See in the spiritual realm what kind of spiritual climate you want in your family and pray and see it come to pass! =)
Seeing is possessing. See and possess the desires of your heart. Of course things of the Lord la=)
Verse 6: “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
In the new King James Version it says ‘diligently’ instead of ‘sincerely’. As long as God knows your heart of desire for Him, He rewards. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists. This is like if you want to come and find me, you must first believe that I exist on this earth because if I don’t exist on this earth, then how do you find me right? This is the same with God.
Examples of various men and women of faith were given. It shows us that when we live a life walking in faith, the Lord will never fail in His promises for us. He fulfills His promises for us slowly, so long as we believe. Let’s hold on to the promises in the bible and walk in faith, believing the Lord will fulfill each and every one of these promises in time to come. He has His reasons and His best timing to fulfill those promises. =) Also, let’s not fail in any of our promises that we made to the Lord because He takes them seriously.
Heb 12
Verse 1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
‘…ESPECIALLY the sin that so easily trips us up….endurance...’ Sin trips us very easily. So let us watch ourselves and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so that we may not sin as sin slows us down in our walk with the Lord. The race is not an easy race. It is not just some 100m dash or a 2metres walk. It is an ongoing race which requires endurance, one that calls for God’s supernatural strength to run. We cannot run this race without God’s strength and help. And it is only with God that we can have the endurance to carry on.
God’s discipline is for our good. He loves us so He disciplines us. If you do not love somebody, then you will not bother to correct that person right? It would probably just be ‘let the person be. It is his/her problem if he/she stays this way.’ But because God loves us, He corrects us and also, because we love each other in this family that we correct one another in love.
God has His best for us. Our earthly fathers discipline us to the best that they can, sometimes uncertain whether they are right. But God is never wrong, He is always certain of what He is disciplining us about. He may also discipline you through your leaders, so obey your leaders when they discipline you.
It is always painful to be disciplined at that particular point in time, and we may either obey or rebel. However, later on, if we had obeyed, we would be thankful that we had obeyed, and if we had rebelled, we would then realized that we should have listened and would understand why we were disciplined at that point in time and would not commit that same mistake again.
Verse 14: “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
Be holy and see the Lord. Also, when we live in peace with everyone, the pre-believers will see Lord within us and among us. We have to WORK to live in peace and be holy. We have to work for it. It is not easy work, but we do it with God’s strength. =)
Heb 13
In verse 2, show hospitality to strangers and who knows you may just be entertaining the angels! I remember some pastor said that we should each and every person like Jesus. Love them like you would love Jesus. When you see them as Jesus, surely you will not judge them, or mistreat them, but you would treat them the way you would treat Jesus.
Jesus died that we may be made holy by His blood that cleanses us. Let’s be thankful.
In verse 17, obey your leaders and be accountable to them. Be accountable to God and to your leaders. Your leaders have to account to God too. Don’t make their work difficult, but make it a joy=) sometimes we account to our leaders but forgot to account to God, assuming that God already knows everything. True, God knows everything that happens in our lives, but He wants us to tell Him ourselves and account to Him. It is the same as how sometimes our parents know certain things about our lives without us telling them but they still want to hear from us personally.
Verse 1: “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
Faith is to see in the spiritual realm what you hope for to happen and thereafter claim wad u see and pray with perseverance, believing what you see in the spiritual realm will come to pass in reality. One example is parents’ salvation. See in the spiritual realm what kind of spiritual climate you want in your family and pray and see it come to pass! =)
Seeing is possessing. See and possess the desires of your heart. Of course things of the Lord la=)
Verse 6: “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
In the new King James Version it says ‘diligently’ instead of ‘sincerely’. As long as God knows your heart of desire for Him, He rewards. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists. This is like if you want to come and find me, you must first believe that I exist on this earth because if I don’t exist on this earth, then how do you find me right? This is the same with God.
Examples of various men and women of faith were given. It shows us that when we live a life walking in faith, the Lord will never fail in His promises for us. He fulfills His promises for us slowly, so long as we believe. Let’s hold on to the promises in the bible and walk in faith, believing the Lord will fulfill each and every one of these promises in time to come. He has His reasons and His best timing to fulfill those promises. =) Also, let’s not fail in any of our promises that we made to the Lord because He takes them seriously.
Heb 12
Verse 1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
‘…ESPECIALLY the sin that so easily trips us up….endurance...’ Sin trips us very easily. So let us watch ourselves and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so that we may not sin as sin slows us down in our walk with the Lord. The race is not an easy race. It is not just some 100m dash or a 2metres walk. It is an ongoing race which requires endurance, one that calls for God’s supernatural strength to run. We cannot run this race without God’s strength and help. And it is only with God that we can have the endurance to carry on.
God’s discipline is for our good. He loves us so He disciplines us. If you do not love somebody, then you will not bother to correct that person right? It would probably just be ‘let the person be. It is his/her problem if he/she stays this way.’ But because God loves us, He corrects us and also, because we love each other in this family that we correct one another in love.
God has His best for us. Our earthly fathers discipline us to the best that they can, sometimes uncertain whether they are right. But God is never wrong, He is always certain of what He is disciplining us about. He may also discipline you through your leaders, so obey your leaders when they discipline you.
It is always painful to be disciplined at that particular point in time, and we may either obey or rebel. However, later on, if we had obeyed, we would be thankful that we had obeyed, and if we had rebelled, we would then realized that we should have listened and would understand why we were disciplined at that point in time and would not commit that same mistake again.
Verse 14: “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
Be holy and see the Lord. Also, when we live in peace with everyone, the pre-believers will see Lord within us and among us. We have to WORK to live in peace and be holy. We have to work for it. It is not easy work, but we do it with God’s strength. =)
Heb 13
In verse 2, show hospitality to strangers and who knows you may just be entertaining the angels! I remember some pastor said that we should each and every person like Jesus. Love them like you would love Jesus. When you see them as Jesus, surely you will not judge them, or mistreat them, but you would treat them the way you would treat Jesus.
Jesus died that we may be made holy by His blood that cleanses us. Let’s be thankful.
In verse 17, obey your leaders and be accountable to them. Be accountable to God and to your leaders. Your leaders have to account to God too. Don’t make their work difficult, but make it a joy=) sometimes we account to our leaders but forgot to account to God, assuming that God already knows everything. True, God knows everything that happens in our lives, but He wants us to tell Him ourselves and account to Him. It is the same as how sometimes our parents know certain things about our lives without us telling them but they still want to hear from us personally.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Hebrews 7 - 10 (22nd December) - Benjamin
In today’s readings, we are constantly being reminded of various things.
Firstly, we are reminded of not God’s forgiveness of our sins and transgressions. Of course, it does not imply that we should continue indulging in the desires of the secular world and keep asking for forgiveness. This will be taking God for granted and testing God. We should constantly check ourselves and watch our words and actions so that we do not go against His will.
Next, we are reminded to live with hope, trusting God to bring us to a wonderful ending in every circumstance. This can be difficult since many a times, we will be impatient, or maybe even scared to live according to His divine plan. We will attempt to move in our own directions which may not be what He has planned. We want a hold on how things in our life happen. But I guess some of us would have experienced how amazing things will eventually work out when we just live by His plan, waiting patiently for everything to fall into place and let the whole picture be crystal clear to us.
Next, the new covenant that the Lord has made with man, where all men will know the Lord. How wonderful that is!
Lastly, we are re-affirmed of God’s visitation again, where in Heb 9:28 it says that Christ will appear a second time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. Let’s hold faith and stand firm according to His word; let’s continue to wait patiently for Him to reveal Himself to us and what His plans are for us; let’s be the child whom He will say ‘Well done’ when He sees us.
Firstly, we are reminded of not God’s forgiveness of our sins and transgressions. Of course, it does not imply that we should continue indulging in the desires of the secular world and keep asking for forgiveness. This will be taking God for granted and testing God. We should constantly check ourselves and watch our words and actions so that we do not go against His will.
Next, we are reminded to live with hope, trusting God to bring us to a wonderful ending in every circumstance. This can be difficult since many a times, we will be impatient, or maybe even scared to live according to His divine plan. We will attempt to move in our own directions which may not be what He has planned. We want a hold on how things in our life happen. But I guess some of us would have experienced how amazing things will eventually work out when we just live by His plan, waiting patiently for everything to fall into place and let the whole picture be crystal clear to us.
Next, the new covenant that the Lord has made with man, where all men will know the Lord. How wonderful that is!
Lastly, we are re-affirmed of God’s visitation again, where in Heb 9:28 it says that Christ will appear a second time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. Let’s hold faith and stand firm according to His word; let’s continue to wait patiently for Him to reveal Himself to us and what His plans are for us; let’s be the child whom He will say ‘Well done’ when He sees us.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Hebrews 1 - 6 (21st December) - Jason Song
A mindful well thought out plan:
In examining Hebrews 2, it seems God was speaking about how mindful He was of us, “What is man that you are mindful of him” (verse 5). As we can see, God was also fully aware of how much He loved his only son. “the son of man that you care for him?” (verse 5).
Perfection though suffering:
The Lord speaks in the preceding scriptures about the suffering that Christ had to go through, and how temptation was critical in perfecting Jesus’ testimony of being an all sufficient Savior.
“10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.”
Temptation’s road a fitting pathway to test true sons of God:
Hebrews 2 speaks about how much Jesus was like his brothers. How He was made to be very much exposed to everything we’ve experienced. It was deliberate, for “He was made a little lower than the angels” (verse 7 & 9). Ironically, Hebrews 1:1-3 speaks about how much greater Jesus was to angels. Here we see how God went way way beyond the call of duty in search of love. Jesus was lowered but for a short time, as in this period, He could then be exposed to the full extent of our sin. Jesus experienced the everyday temptations that we have experienced. How wonderful is it that God is mindful of us each day, He had a plan from the beginning, for He loves us immensely. There is freedom once again from sin as Jesus suffered and gained the right to present to us a pathway to righteousness.
Phillipians 2: 3 “ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in everything consider each other above yourself”. Jesus did nothing out of vain conceit, and considered our lives above His own. He did these things, so that we might be free from sin, He promises freedom.
“18Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
In examining Hebrews 2, it seems God was speaking about how mindful He was of us, “What is man that you are mindful of him” (verse 5). As we can see, God was also fully aware of how much He loved his only son. “the son of man that you care for him?” (verse 5).
Perfection though suffering:
The Lord speaks in the preceding scriptures about the suffering that Christ had to go through, and how temptation was critical in perfecting Jesus’ testimony of being an all sufficient Savior.
“10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.”
Temptation’s road a fitting pathway to test true sons of God:
Hebrews 2 speaks about how much Jesus was like his brothers. How He was made to be very much exposed to everything we’ve experienced. It was deliberate, for “He was made a little lower than the angels” (verse 7 & 9). Ironically, Hebrews 1:1-3 speaks about how much greater Jesus was to angels. Here we see how God went way way beyond the call of duty in search of love. Jesus was lowered but for a short time, as in this period, He could then be exposed to the full extent of our sin. Jesus experienced the everyday temptations that we have experienced. How wonderful is it that God is mindful of us each day, He had a plan from the beginning, for He loves us immensely. There is freedom once again from sin as Jesus suffered and gained the right to present to us a pathway to righteousness.
Phillipians 2: 3 “ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in everything consider each other above yourself”. Jesus did nothing out of vain conceit, and considered our lives above His own. He did these things, so that we might be free from sin, He promises freedom.
“18Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Thursday, December 20, 2007
1 Peter 1-5 (20th December) – Crystal
In Christ, we are given a new birth and a living hope. We should always remember the work done on the cross and through his mercy we are saved. When we suffer in trials, it is faith that holds us on. This faith is one which is greater than gold.
1 Peter 13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."[a]
Simply put it across as God is holy and as His child we should always aim to be like Him. Do not compromise your standards and lifestyle. God’s ways are usually the opposite of the world’s. Be ready to discern for what is right and what is wrong in God’s perspective. We are saved not by silver or gold but of the precious blood of Jesus. Therefore we should live a life that honors God and away from the evil plots and like baby, craving for spiritual milk and taste that the Lord is good.
As living stone, we are chosen out from the rest and special in God’s sight. Once again, God wants us to abstain from the sinful desires and live a good life, pleasing and one that glorifies God. God wants us to also submit to authority given by Him and for His sake. There are times that we feel that we are wronged, but always submit to the authority because God place them above us for a reason. Show proper respect and love to everyone.
It is important that husband and wife live in harmony. In 1 Peter 1Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. 7Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. These verses summarise the gist of a healthy living and a way to protect the relationship.
As we submit to the authorities, we should also clothe ourselves with humility towards one another. God promised that when we humble ourselves, God will lift us up in due time. Be self-controlled and alert of what God want us to do. As much as we want to do our very best for God, the evil one will also not let us off easily, he will try to pull us down every time opportunity arises. But take heart, our God is there for us, He is greater than we can imagine.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Titus 1 - 3 (19th December) - Alvin
A Book of Good Works!!
If you pay careful attention, you would have noticed the words “good works” being repeated many times in the three short chapters of the letter of Paul to Titus. In the NKJV, I counted six “good works”. And when you do Bible study, one of the things to take note is repetitive words as they are a sign that God has something important to say.
First, let’s have some context for this letter. This was a letter written by Paul to his spiritual son, Titus, who was left in Crete to pastor the church that Paul has planted there. The church in Crete is a relatively new church and a church under attack by false doctrines and false teachers.
Hence this was a letter of instruction for Titus to rebuke the false teachers and correct the false teachings; to appoint the leadership to oversee the young church in Crete and to instruct the believers on proper Christian living.
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said:
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”
And James said in James 2:14
26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
The true demonstration of faith is in the doing and the living out of it in our daily lives. And that is the message of God that Paul is teaching the church in Crete. So the whole book is really about how then should a Christian behave, in whatever position one is in; as a young man, as a leader in church, as a citizen, as a slave, as an old man etc.
So go and read this letter again, and re-evaluate our lives in the light of what Christian and Godly living really is, in whatever position God has placed us in. And it’s not too late to start doing the good works!!
One more note: if you read the book of Titus carefully, in the instructions given by Paul, the word “all” and “every” appears many times. It’s a reminder that all Christian living must be evident to all man at all times. May God convict our hearts again to be all that we are meant to be as witnesses of His name and may we not blaspheme God’s name by our conduct.
If you pay careful attention, you would have noticed the words “good works” being repeated many times in the three short chapters of the letter of Paul to Titus. In the NKJV, I counted six “good works”. And when you do Bible study, one of the things to take note is repetitive words as they are a sign that God has something important to say.
First, let’s have some context for this letter. This was a letter written by Paul to his spiritual son, Titus, who was left in Crete to pastor the church that Paul has planted there. The church in Crete is a relatively new church and a church under attack by false doctrines and false teachers.
Hence this was a letter of instruction for Titus to rebuke the false teachers and correct the false teachings; to appoint the leadership to oversee the young church in Crete and to instruct the believers on proper Christian living.
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said:
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”
And James said in James 2:14
26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
The true demonstration of faith is in the doing and the living out of it in our daily lives. And that is the message of God that Paul is teaching the church in Crete. So the whole book is really about how then should a Christian behave, in whatever position one is in; as a young man, as a leader in church, as a citizen, as a slave, as an old man etc.
So go and read this letter again, and re-evaluate our lives in the light of what Christian and Godly living really is, in whatever position God has placed us in. And it’s not too late to start doing the good works!!
One more note: if you read the book of Titus carefully, in the instructions given by Paul, the word “all” and “every” appears many times. It’s a reminder that all Christian living must be evident to all man at all times. May God convict our hearts again to be all that we are meant to be as witnesses of His name and may we not blaspheme God’s name by our conduct.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
1 Timothy 1 - 6 (18th December) - Ivy
Warning Against False Teachers of the Law
Paul commanded Timothy to stay in Ephesus so as to be an influence to the people who gives false teachings. How do we recognize those that give false teachings? They devote themselves to myths and genealogies and promote controversies to the work of God. And Paul also says that the doing the work of God requires faith. The goal of doing God’s work is love. To do the work of love it requires a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
The Lord's Grace to Paul
A lot of us could probably identify with Paul. Although we were sinners, but yet God gave us a new chance. Why would God do so? So that we experience His mercy and grace and would pass it on to others too. So that we can display the love of Christ (unlimited patience) to others too. Paul also encouraged Timothy to hold on to the prophecy released to him so that by following them, he may fight a good fight.
1 Timothy 2 Instructions on Worship
First of all, we are to put forth our ‘requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone’ not forgetting the rulers of the land. Next, we are lift up holy hands without disputes or anger. We need to be dressed modestly. But God don’t need the women to be dressed extravagantly but to be dressed with good deeds as well. Timothy also gave instructions on the conduct woman should have during worship. To be submissive and not overpowering man.
1 Timothy 3 Overseers and Deacons
Timothy gave the qualities of overseers and Deacons. For a more comprehensive study of this phases, see http://www.rbc.net/bible_study/discovery_series/booklets/31071.aspx
1 Timothy 4 Instructions to Timothy
We see that Paul imparts wisdom of discernment to Timothy. He taught Timothy how to recognize false teachings
We can see that Paul loves Timothy and gave him so many encouragements! This is also the very heart of God.
Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 5 Advice About Widows, Elders and Slaves
Paul has given very practical advice on how to treat widows, elders and slaves. Sometimes the social stigma causes us to lose respect for this group of people. Especially in an era like this, in Singapore, we are taught to lookup to talent and not wisdom that comes with experience workers. Are we one of those who ‘despise’ older workers? Paul gave instructions in how to categorise widows. He also encouraged younger widows to remarry so that we give the enemy no chance to blame them.
Take note of this in Verse 22: Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
Do be careful when laying of hands, sins can be passed!
1 Timothy 6 Love of Money
Timothy warns that the love of money cause many to fall away from God. The love of money also brings about much grief.
Paul's Charge to Timothy
Once again, we can really see Paul’s love for Timothy. Paul speaks from the very heart of God to encourage Timothy. Do you need encouragements today? I pray these words of the Lord will encourage you and bring peace in your hearts. I believe this is the same charge God have for those of us who have the desire to serve and love God. Let us ‘guard what has been entrusted to your care’.
Paul commanded Timothy to stay in Ephesus so as to be an influence to the people who gives false teachings. How do we recognize those that give false teachings? They devote themselves to myths and genealogies and promote controversies to the work of God. And Paul also says that the doing the work of God requires faith. The goal of doing God’s work is love. To do the work of love it requires a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
The Lord's Grace to Paul
A lot of us could probably identify with Paul. Although we were sinners, but yet God gave us a new chance. Why would God do so? So that we experience His mercy and grace and would pass it on to others too. So that we can display the love of Christ (unlimited patience) to others too. Paul also encouraged Timothy to hold on to the prophecy released to him so that by following them, he may fight a good fight.
1 Timothy 2 Instructions on Worship
First of all, we are to put forth our ‘requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone’ not forgetting the rulers of the land. Next, we are lift up holy hands without disputes or anger. We need to be dressed modestly. But God don’t need the women to be dressed extravagantly but to be dressed with good deeds as well. Timothy also gave instructions on the conduct woman should have during worship. To be submissive and not overpowering man.
1 Timothy 3 Overseers and Deacons
Timothy gave the qualities of overseers and Deacons. For a more comprehensive study of this phases, see http://www.rbc.net/bible_study/discovery_series/booklets/31071.aspx
1 Timothy 4 Instructions to Timothy
We see that Paul imparts wisdom of discernment to Timothy. He taught Timothy how to recognize false teachings
We can see that Paul loves Timothy and gave him so many encouragements! This is also the very heart of God.
Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 5 Advice About Widows, Elders and Slaves
Paul has given very practical advice on how to treat widows, elders and slaves. Sometimes the social stigma causes us to lose respect for this group of people. Especially in an era like this, in Singapore, we are taught to lookup to talent and not wisdom that comes with experience workers. Are we one of those who ‘despise’ older workers? Paul gave instructions in how to categorise widows. He also encouraged younger widows to remarry so that we give the enemy no chance to blame them.
Take note of this in Verse 22: Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
Do be careful when laying of hands, sins can be passed!
1 Timothy 6 Love of Money
Timothy warns that the love of money cause many to fall away from God. The love of money also brings about much grief.
Paul's Charge to Timothy
Once again, we can really see Paul’s love for Timothy. Paul speaks from the very heart of God to encourage Timothy. Do you need encouragements today? I pray these words of the Lord will encourage you and bring peace in your hearts. I believe this is the same charge God have for those of us who have the desire to serve and love God. Let us ‘guard what has been entrusted to your care’.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Philippians 1 - 4 (17th December) - Sky
If you’ve had trouble seeing how faith can be dressed in everyday work clothes, read Philippians. It puts lofty truths into practical terms.
Philippians 1
In prison, Paul consistently preaches the Gospel thus coming out with the chapter title, Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel.
V6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the days of Jesus Christ
When we trust Christ, we are already fully saved. But GOD’s work in our lives continues until the day of Christ Jesus, the time that he returns or until the time when we die and stand before him. Only than shall we be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Courage can be contagious, but Paul has set an example to the believers to speak up. Even during great hardship, Paul ignored the potential negative consequences to share the message. His example challenges others to be just as bold in telling other the world of GOD.
Philippians 2
We learn a very important lesson from this chapter today, imitating Christ’s humility.
Christ enjoyed complete equality with the Father. Even in human form his essential nature remained unchanged; he was still God. Yet so that he might take away the sins of the world, he voluntarily laid aside the privileges and glory of his heavenly authority.
When people recognize and confess Christ’s lordship they will be saved.
Like a new generation, we are to shine like the stars in the universe. To be someone bright and to shine for our GOD, how is it to you to shine in wherever you are?
Philippians 3
The book Philippians continue to teach us further lessons in our walk with Christ.
Paul has come into a greater understanding in his walk, and that is he has no confidence in his flesh. Nothing good has come and will ever come out from it, and that’s a lesson we should take home. Only the Holy Spirit can tutor and mentor us in our walk in righteousness.
V13 – 14 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize which GOD has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Sometimes we tend to wonder away from the goal, with our hurts, struggles, past. But we forgetting what is behind and straining what is ahead towards the goal.
Philippians 4
We are to think of lovely, pure, right, noble and true thoughts. Paul is not talking about fleeting impressions that invade our thinking. Thoughts of temptations or discouragement can come unannounced. But we can discipline ourselves, making conscious choices to contemplate good things. Reading uplifting Bible verses, for example, listening the Holy Spirit to get us to the right track. Convict yourself to be discipline in your thoughts today.
Philippians 1
In prison, Paul consistently preaches the Gospel thus coming out with the chapter title, Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel.
V6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the days of Jesus Christ
When we trust Christ, we are already fully saved. But GOD’s work in our lives continues until the day of Christ Jesus, the time that he returns or until the time when we die and stand before him. Only than shall we be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Courage can be contagious, but Paul has set an example to the believers to speak up. Even during great hardship, Paul ignored the potential negative consequences to share the message. His example challenges others to be just as bold in telling other the world of GOD.
Philippians 2
We learn a very important lesson from this chapter today, imitating Christ’s humility.
Christ enjoyed complete equality with the Father. Even in human form his essential nature remained unchanged; he was still God. Yet so that he might take away the sins of the world, he voluntarily laid aside the privileges and glory of his heavenly authority.
When people recognize and confess Christ’s lordship they will be saved.
Like a new generation, we are to shine like the stars in the universe. To be someone bright and to shine for our GOD, how is it to you to shine in wherever you are?
Philippians 3
The book Philippians continue to teach us further lessons in our walk with Christ.
Paul has come into a greater understanding in his walk, and that is he has no confidence in his flesh. Nothing good has come and will ever come out from it, and that’s a lesson we should take home. Only the Holy Spirit can tutor and mentor us in our walk in righteousness.
V13 – 14 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize which GOD has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Sometimes we tend to wonder away from the goal, with our hurts, struggles, past. But we forgetting what is behind and straining what is ahead towards the goal.
Philippians 4
We are to think of lovely, pure, right, noble and true thoughts. Paul is not talking about fleeting impressions that invade our thinking. Thoughts of temptations or discouragement can come unannounced. But we can discipline ourselves, making conscious choices to contemplate good things. Reading uplifting Bible verses, for example, listening the Holy Spirit to get us to the right track. Convict yourself to be discipline in your thoughts today.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Ephesians 1 - 6 (16th December) - Vivien
Ephesians 1
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
The first part of chapter 1 is an affirmation that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. And we are CHOSEN before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Then he continued to tell of the rescue plan God has for us, all summarized.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
Apostle Paul did not stop giving thanks for the Ephesians and remembered then in his prayers. 2 things that he prayed for them:
1) Spirit of wisdom & revelation
- To know Him better
2) Enlightenment of the eyes of their hearts
- To know the hope to which He has called them
- To know the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints
- To know His incomparably great power for them who believe
Conclusion: It is ALL ABOUT GOD! Something that we should pray for each other!
Ephesians 2
Made Alive in Christ
Like written in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We are made alive through His grace and mercy. And this came at a price. So we must remember that we live not for ourselves but for the One who has bought us at a price.
So what’s our plan after being made alive? In verse 10 it says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
One in Christ
After reading this passage, we must give thanks that God included the Gentiles in His rescue plan. In the past the division was Jews and Non-Jews. Now, believers of God and pre-believers of God. Jews or not, we have access to the Father by one Spirit and so the promises in the Bible! In verse 19 & 20, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”
Ephesians 3
The mystery of Christ… to reach out to us! And what God refer us as… unsearchable riches of Christ!!! We are His hidden treasure! So now we can approach God with freedom and confidence in Him and through faith in Him.
With that Paul prayed a powerful prayer over us –
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 4 – 5:21
Unity in the Body of Christ
When there is unity, there is power. Remember the story of the tower of Babel? It was God who said this, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them…"
It is important for the Body of Christ to be united and this is not going to be easy, because it is written that we need to be COMPLETELY humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Doesn’t this sound impossible? But with Christ, all things are possible! So, not going to be easy but it is possible!
Living as Children of Light
The day we’ve accepted Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we are a new creation, born again! We should no longer live in our old ways. We need to put off our old self and put on our new self. This is possible because we have God. Don’t upset the Holy Spirit by still harbouring anger, bitterness, unforgiveness and etc… But be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, like Christ has forgiven you.
Be imitators of God, as we are made in His image! Live a life of Love!
Keep away from darkness and being disobedient, but live in the light and found out what pleases God and do them! There are many traps set by Satan, and we need to be careful of how we live.
Ephesians 5:22 – 6:9
Roles in a household:
Wives are to submit to their husbands, and husbands are to love their wives.
Children are to obey their parents in the Lord; parents don’t provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them, but bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord (NLT)
Slaves are to obey their earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart. [This part of the passage also applies to how we obey God]
Masters are not to play favouritism and don’t threaten them.
Ephesians 6:10 – 24
The Amour of God
It is not easy to live in holiness on earth. We definitely need help! Therefore we have the amour of God to put on to help us!
1) Belt of Truth
2) Breastplate of Righteousness
3) Shoes of Gospel of peace
4) Shield of Faith
5) Helmet of Salvation
6) Sword of the Spirit
And all these accompanied with prayers!
We must remember that we are always battling in the spiritual realm. When we are tempted to do something that displeases God, it is when the battle is the fiercest! Strictly speaking there is no grey area, it is either black or white. But either due to ignorance or compromises we make it seems that is it a “grey area”. I believe if we put it in front of God, He will surely tell you whether it is white or black. Or we can do is that the Holy Spirit will always guide us and prompt us to look beyond the grey area. Ignorance is not a good excuse… So always pray for wisdom!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Philemon, Colossians (15th December) - Alvin
Philemon
This is perhaps one of the shortest letters of Paul but yet it has a very powerful message in it that has helped changed the world over the centuries.
The gist of it is Paul writing to Philemon, one of his spiritual sons, to accept Onesimus, a spiritual son of Paul, but a slave of Philemon, as a fellow brother and to remove the master-slave relationship between them.
In this short letter, Paul brought out two very powerful truths which are evident in the other letters that He wrote.
1) In Christ, we are all equal before God, whether Jews or Greek, man or woman, slave or free. We are all brothers and sisters in the family of God.
2) In Christ, our witness must come from our “doing” of scripture.
For point one, Paul wrote to Philemon asking him to regard Onesimus as a partner in the work of Christ.
15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. 20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
To further appeal to Philemon, Paul mentioned that he is a “prisoner of Christ”, describing his sufferings for the Lord, to encourage Philemon also to give up his rights and suffer for God as he understands he is asking Philemon to do a very difficult thing, that is to relinquish his ownership of Onesimus and view him as an equal in the work of the Lord.
For point two, Paul recognises the importance of Philemon demonstrating his faith through actions. The letter suggests that Philemon was one of the leaders of the house church that the believers are attending. Therefore his testimony has great impact on the believers and for the pre-believers. The inward change that Philemon experienced through the grace of God, must now be “worked out” in his life through his example. And the relinquishing of his rights as Onesimus’ master will demonstrate that he truly has experienced the grace of God, which was freely given and so now he must freely give. This will be a powerful display of God’s truth not only to the believers but also to the unbelieving world as it will appear incredible for a slave owner to free the slave without any payment.
This is the scriptural truth that has caused many radical changes in the world which brought about the abolishment of slave trading and other oppressive laws throughout history. And Paul was very serious about Philemon that he asked him to prepare a room for him for his visit.
I believe this is more than a statement of faith by Paul that he will released from prison to visit Philemon, but it is also Paul’s apostolic authority over the church which Philemon is in. In other words, Paul expects to see Philemon’s obedience in this matter when he arrives.
2 more pointers to also take note of when we read this letter of Paul.
1) How do we look at other Christians? Do we judge them by their social status, financial status, spiritual maturity, age? Or we see them as partners in the work of God, fellow brothers and sisters whom God loves and we should too? I guess we know what the answer should be, but upon deeper reflection, sometimes we might really fall short of this.
2) Paul being the spiritual father and leader of Philemon could use his authority to charge him to obey but he chose not to. Instead he appealed to Philemon in love. The end result that matters to Paul is not so much the outward (the abolishment of the master-slave relationship of Philemon and Onesimus), but the inward (reconciliation between two brothers in the family of God and the recognition of the finished work of reconciliation brought about by the Cross of Jesus)
8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ— 10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,
Sometimes, we need to watch that we do not just focus on the results, but also the process and the purpose.
Colossians
Jesus is Lord, and because He is Lord, how then should we live? The book of Colossians is a very similar book to the book of Ephesians, but whereas the book of Ephesians tells us to walk worthy of the calling of God, the book of Colossian wants us to walk worthy of God. Are our lives worthy of God? This is a very serious question to ask as it brings into scrutiny every aspect of our lives, be it our spiritual, our relationships, our testimony before others, our theology etc.
Hence Paul goes into detail many aspects of our lives and how then we ought to walk worthy of God in those areas, fully pleasing God and being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood,[c] the forgiveness of sins.
Paul goes on to describe the pre-eminence of God, His greatness and fullness. And as such, He is to be first in everything, which includes our lives. Is God first in our lives?
Yet the Almighty God who is the Beginning and the End, the first in ALL things would choose to bring us near to Himself and reconcile us to Himself through His sufferings on the Cross, which is why Paul went on to say that he too will suffer for our sake, so long as to present every man perfect in God. That is the true heart of a slave of God and a spiritual Father. There is a saying that a true mark of a disciple is that of suffering. Are we serious enough with God and His work to say that we are WILLING to suffer for Him?
Paul then goes on to deal with the subject of philosophy and rituals. His argument of the matter is not to allow differing thoughts and rituals to replace the centrality of our faith, which is Christ Himself. We are to be careful and discerning in the things we read and hear, even from the pulpit. This is important because, the centrality of our faith MUST be Christ and nothing else. If anyone or anything preaches another gospel or theology apart of Christ, we need to reject it.
Though in comparison to the time of Paul, we have much lesser rituals and ceremonies in the church, we still need to be careful. We need to be careful that the things we do for God, does not replace God Himself. That we do not just get caught up with the works of ministry, be it in church services, cell groups and all, and all the other things we are accustomed to as Christians, and neglect the place of Christ in our lives. It is a subtle thing, but if we are not careful, we might fall into it. Remember the story of Mary and Martha?
Again, the emphasis is the Lordship of Christ. He is Lord, not our theology or customs or even our ministry. Hence walk worthy of God, walk in Him.
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it[b] with thanksgiving”
If Christ is Lord, and we are now His, then we can no longer live and walked like we once did. Since we have been dead to our trespasses, we must now be alive to God. Paul then tells us to put off our worldly nature, and to put on our new nature which is in Christ. I really would encourage us to meditate on the following verses carefully and reflect. Are there things we have yet to put off? And are there things we have yet to put on? Let us work on them that we may walk in God worthy of Him.
“5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,”
“12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Now as we established the fact that Christ is Lord and He shall be first in all that we do, Paul goes into more detail by showing us how we should treat our different relationships in the light of Christ being Lord in Col 3:18-4:1
Lastly if Christ is Lord, He must be made known. As such Paul solicits prayer for open doors to preach the Gospel and for us to redeem the time, which means to make full use of it in the light of the unfinished work of preaching the Gospel. He also admonishes us to walk in wisdom towards the pre-believers and to watch our words, so that we will always appear attractive to them. Is the Gospel attractive to our pre-believing friends and families? If it is not, maybe it has to do with us, whether we have been a good ambassador for God or not.
This is perhaps one of the shortest letters of Paul but yet it has a very powerful message in it that has helped changed the world over the centuries.
The gist of it is Paul writing to Philemon, one of his spiritual sons, to accept Onesimus, a spiritual son of Paul, but a slave of Philemon, as a fellow brother and to remove the master-slave relationship between them.
In this short letter, Paul brought out two very powerful truths which are evident in the other letters that He wrote.
1) In Christ, we are all equal before God, whether Jews or Greek, man or woman, slave or free. We are all brothers and sisters in the family of God.
2) In Christ, our witness must come from our “doing” of scripture.
For point one, Paul wrote to Philemon asking him to regard Onesimus as a partner in the work of Christ.
15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. 20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
To further appeal to Philemon, Paul mentioned that he is a “prisoner of Christ”, describing his sufferings for the Lord, to encourage Philemon also to give up his rights and suffer for God as he understands he is asking Philemon to do a very difficult thing, that is to relinquish his ownership of Onesimus and view him as an equal in the work of the Lord.
For point two, Paul recognises the importance of Philemon demonstrating his faith through actions. The letter suggests that Philemon was one of the leaders of the house church that the believers are attending. Therefore his testimony has great impact on the believers and for the pre-believers. The inward change that Philemon experienced through the grace of God, must now be “worked out” in his life through his example. And the relinquishing of his rights as Onesimus’ master will demonstrate that he truly has experienced the grace of God, which was freely given and so now he must freely give. This will be a powerful display of God’s truth not only to the believers but also to the unbelieving world as it will appear incredible for a slave owner to free the slave without any payment.
This is the scriptural truth that has caused many radical changes in the world which brought about the abolishment of slave trading and other oppressive laws throughout history. And Paul was very serious about Philemon that he asked him to prepare a room for him for his visit.
I believe this is more than a statement of faith by Paul that he will released from prison to visit Philemon, but it is also Paul’s apostolic authority over the church which Philemon is in. In other words, Paul expects to see Philemon’s obedience in this matter when he arrives.
2 more pointers to also take note of when we read this letter of Paul.
1) How do we look at other Christians? Do we judge them by their social status, financial status, spiritual maturity, age? Or we see them as partners in the work of God, fellow brothers and sisters whom God loves and we should too? I guess we know what the answer should be, but upon deeper reflection, sometimes we might really fall short of this.
2) Paul being the spiritual father and leader of Philemon could use his authority to charge him to obey but he chose not to. Instead he appealed to Philemon in love. The end result that matters to Paul is not so much the outward (the abolishment of the master-slave relationship of Philemon and Onesimus), but the inward (reconciliation between two brothers in the family of God and the recognition of the finished work of reconciliation brought about by the Cross of Jesus)
8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ— 10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,
Sometimes, we need to watch that we do not just focus on the results, but also the process and the purpose.
Colossians
Jesus is Lord, and because He is Lord, how then should we live? The book of Colossians is a very similar book to the book of Ephesians, but whereas the book of Ephesians tells us to walk worthy of the calling of God, the book of Colossian wants us to walk worthy of God. Are our lives worthy of God? This is a very serious question to ask as it brings into scrutiny every aspect of our lives, be it our spiritual, our relationships, our testimony before others, our theology etc.
Hence Paul goes into detail many aspects of our lives and how then we ought to walk worthy of God in those areas, fully pleasing God and being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood,[c] the forgiveness of sins.
Paul goes on to describe the pre-eminence of God, His greatness and fullness. And as such, He is to be first in everything, which includes our lives. Is God first in our lives?
Yet the Almighty God who is the Beginning and the End, the first in ALL things would choose to bring us near to Himself and reconcile us to Himself through His sufferings on the Cross, which is why Paul went on to say that he too will suffer for our sake, so long as to present every man perfect in God. That is the true heart of a slave of God and a spiritual Father. There is a saying that a true mark of a disciple is that of suffering. Are we serious enough with God and His work to say that we are WILLING to suffer for Him?
Paul then goes on to deal with the subject of philosophy and rituals. His argument of the matter is not to allow differing thoughts and rituals to replace the centrality of our faith, which is Christ Himself. We are to be careful and discerning in the things we read and hear, even from the pulpit. This is important because, the centrality of our faith MUST be Christ and nothing else. If anyone or anything preaches another gospel or theology apart of Christ, we need to reject it.
Though in comparison to the time of Paul, we have much lesser rituals and ceremonies in the church, we still need to be careful. We need to be careful that the things we do for God, does not replace God Himself. That we do not just get caught up with the works of ministry, be it in church services, cell groups and all, and all the other things we are accustomed to as Christians, and neglect the place of Christ in our lives. It is a subtle thing, but if we are not careful, we might fall into it. Remember the story of Mary and Martha?
Again, the emphasis is the Lordship of Christ. He is Lord, not our theology or customs or even our ministry. Hence walk worthy of God, walk in Him.
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it[b] with thanksgiving”
If Christ is Lord, and we are now His, then we can no longer live and walked like we once did. Since we have been dead to our trespasses, we must now be alive to God. Paul then tells us to put off our worldly nature, and to put on our new nature which is in Christ. I really would encourage us to meditate on the following verses carefully and reflect. Are there things we have yet to put off? And are there things we have yet to put on? Let us work on them that we may walk in God worthy of Him.
“5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,”
“12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Now as we established the fact that Christ is Lord and He shall be first in all that we do, Paul goes into more detail by showing us how we should treat our different relationships in the light of Christ being Lord in Col 3:18-4:1
Lastly if Christ is Lord, He must be made known. As such Paul solicits prayer for open doors to preach the Gospel and for us to redeem the time, which means to make full use of it in the light of the unfinished work of preaching the Gospel. He also admonishes us to walk in wisdom towards the pre-believers and to watch our words, so that we will always appear attractive to them. Is the Gospel attractive to our pre-believing friends and families? If it is not, maybe it has to do with us, whether we have been a good ambassador for God or not.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Acts 27 - 28 (14th December) - Sky
Acts 27
In this chapter, we see that Paul is traveling to Rom for his appeal to Caser. It describes mostly on the journey to Rome.
We see here that Paul giving advice to the centurion not to sail from Crete, but the centurion instead listening to Paul followed the advice of the pilot. As disaster struck, Paul encouraged them to pick up their courage, for God has graciously given him the lives of all who sail with him.
Paul being a prisoner and to be on trial constantly did the work of God, even through disastrous time. Encouraging the man and giving wise advice, this impacted their lives greatly. A scenario happen where the soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to prevent them from escaping. Paul earning the centurion’s favor wanted to spare his life and kept them from carrying out their plan.
Acts 28
It’s humorous in a way that Paul even on trial he was still preaching in Rome under guards. After 3 months, Paul arrived in Rome, being guarded he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets all the way from morning to evening.
V30 – 31
For two whole years, Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about our Lord Jesus Christ
In this chapter, we see that Paul is traveling to Rom for his appeal to Caser. It describes mostly on the journey to Rome.
We see here that Paul giving advice to the centurion not to sail from Crete, but the centurion instead listening to Paul followed the advice of the pilot. As disaster struck, Paul encouraged them to pick up their courage, for God has graciously given him the lives of all who sail with him.
Paul being a prisoner and to be on trial constantly did the work of God, even through disastrous time. Encouraging the man and giving wise advice, this impacted their lives greatly. A scenario happen where the soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to prevent them from escaping. Paul earning the centurion’s favor wanted to spare his life and kept them from carrying out their plan.
Acts 28
It’s humorous in a way that Paul even on trial he was still preaching in Rome under guards. After 3 months, Paul arrived in Rome, being guarded he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets all the way from morning to evening.
V30 – 31
For two whole years, Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about our Lord Jesus Christ
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Acts 24 - 26 (13th December) - Benjamin Low
One thing that I learnt from today’s readings is that when you are doing the will of God, fair judgment will be upon you.
Here we see that the Jews are trying to harm Paul. However, King Aggrippa found that Paul can be released even without having to go to King Caesar for trial. As Paul stood trial before King Aggrippa, he was able to speak with faith firmly because he knew that it was God’s will that he was trialed; he was speaking the truth that Jesus rose from the death and was not afraid to be convicted. We do not see that he was grumbling about being put into prison nor put on trial.
How many times do we complain about things, situations that we are in? Perhaps we are put down, looked down upon, even ostracized by others. But how many a times do we stand firm on our grounds when we know that we are doing God’s will? I suppose some of us will tend to sway from our grounds and choose to take the step towards the position where others will ‘accept’ you instead.
Let’s all know and be assured that when we are doing the will of God, regardless of situations, we should continue to stand firm on our roots and disregard how the general public view our actions. There will be some ‘Festus-s’ lurking around, trying to pin us down so as to gain favour with others. However, you will definitely meet your ‘King Agrippa’ whom will be just and know that you have done nothing wrong and should be set free from all condemnations.
Dear family, let’s continue to stand between the gap, doing what is just and necessary, according to the will of God. At times when we are discouraged by our surroundings, do not despair. Share them with your spiritual family and let us encourage each other, spur each other on as we move into the Year of Sabbath. It is not just to rest and do nothing, but also to grow in the Lord. So brothers and sisters, let’s continue to push on for His Kingdom!
Here we see that the Jews are trying to harm Paul. However, King Aggrippa found that Paul can be released even without having to go to King Caesar for trial. As Paul stood trial before King Aggrippa, he was able to speak with faith firmly because he knew that it was God’s will that he was trialed; he was speaking the truth that Jesus rose from the death and was not afraid to be convicted. We do not see that he was grumbling about being put into prison nor put on trial.
How many times do we complain about things, situations that we are in? Perhaps we are put down, looked down upon, even ostracized by others. But how many a times do we stand firm on our grounds when we know that we are doing God’s will? I suppose some of us will tend to sway from our grounds and choose to take the step towards the position where others will ‘accept’ you instead.
Let’s all know and be assured that when we are doing the will of God, regardless of situations, we should continue to stand firm on our roots and disregard how the general public view our actions. There will be some ‘Festus-s’ lurking around, trying to pin us down so as to gain favour with others. However, you will definitely meet your ‘King Agrippa’ whom will be just and know that you have done nothing wrong and should be set free from all condemnations.
Dear family, let’s continue to stand between the gap, doing what is just and necessary, according to the will of God. At times when we are discouraged by our surroundings, do not despair. Share them with your spiritual family and let us encourage each other, spur each other on as we move into the Year of Sabbath. It is not just to rest and do nothing, but also to grow in the Lord. So brothers and sisters, let’s continue to push on for His Kingdom!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Acts 20:4 – 23:35 (12th December) – Crystal
In Acts, it record the ministry of Paul and how Paul work in and through his ministry partnering the Holy Spirit. Travelling around the world spreading the gospel, Paul performed many miracles, one of which is to raise the dead. Eutychus was raised from the dead at Trous. Not by his own strength, but by the spirit, Paul performed miracles and wonders empowered by God.
Before Paul moved on, he reminded the Ephesians once again to be on guard against those who intend to harm the flock. Paul said in Acts 20: 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
As we ponder upon life and where we are now, in every race, it is different. Are you in God’s will for you? Are you going to complete the task victoriously? Jesus came and saved the world. He forsakes himself. At this point in life, I asked is my life worth more than what has been done on the cross.
Just as Paul mention in Acts 20: 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
God always remind us of helping those who are weak and poor. Even in our busy days, I believe we are able to take time to look around and give a helping hand to the needy. When you serve and give, we will receive more, for it is said in the word of God. It is also when we serve and give freely, we can draw ourselves closer to God’s heart.
As Paul travel to Jerusalem to spread the gospel, the Holy Spirit moved among the people and many turned to Christ. However, this has also created a commotion and stirred up the Jews and eventually, Paul was arrested. Knowing that God is with him, Paul did not fear. When Paul encountered God, God affirmed him of his works and assured him that He will bring him through. God knows fully when and what we needed most at each phrase of our life. Do not give up seeking Him and in every circumstance be sure that God is with you.
Throughout the many travelling, Paul continued to trust God and stand firm in his belief, testify about Jesus. It is because Paul knew full well that God is in control and God’s protection is with him. Although he knew speaking against the Pharisees will cost him his life, he chose to speak as the Spirit leads. At times in life, we choose to keep mum about testifying at the right moment. Of course we have to ask for discernment and wisdom to speak.
God’s protection has always been with Paul, because he is in the centre of God’s will. Even in the mist of all the plotting to kill Paul, God kept him safe. You and I are able to experience God’s protection too. He is always around watching over you, but are you giving him your full attention when He speaks?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Romans 14 - 16 (11th December) - Junming
Romans 14
Verse 4 "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.''
In this chapter Paul tells us not to judge our fellow brothers and sisters-in-christ. Many times we see our fellow brothers and sisters, even our leaders and pastors and we pass a judgement on them. Truth is, unless we know the person full well, we do not know the circumstances and the true intention behind everything that the certain person does. And even if we do know that person fully(which really doesn't happen), God says it is up to Him to judge.
Perhaps some of us, we do not just judge. We pass our judgement on to other brothers and sisters, in other words, gossip and murmuring. God says it is a sin. It doesn't make logical sense to commit a sin just because we suspect a certain someone is doing something that is not right. Eventually, that person may be blameless, but we ourselves would have commited a sin. Not a good bargain at all. So, as hard as it might be, pray for God to give you a non-judgemental heart, eyes that see through His, and a heart that feels through His. Be aware of what we think and speak at all times.
Romans 15
Paul further emphasises on unity within the body of christ.
Verse 5-6 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.''
Through our love for each other, we can actually be a huge testimony of God's love for us! I remembered when i first became a christian, i saw how my cell group were really close to each other, and they were genuinely, sincerely concerned about each other's lives. That actually made me tell myself that i wanted to be in a family like that. So i encourage you to love your brothers as yourselves, like the way Jesus loved you.
Verse 4 "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.''
In this chapter Paul tells us not to judge our fellow brothers and sisters-in-christ. Many times we see our fellow brothers and sisters, even our leaders and pastors and we pass a judgement on them. Truth is, unless we know the person full well, we do not know the circumstances and the true intention behind everything that the certain person does. And even if we do know that person fully(which really doesn't happen), God says it is up to Him to judge.
Perhaps some of us, we do not just judge. We pass our judgement on to other brothers and sisters, in other words, gossip and murmuring. God says it is a sin. It doesn't make logical sense to commit a sin just because we suspect a certain someone is doing something that is not right. Eventually, that person may be blameless, but we ourselves would have commited a sin. Not a good bargain at all. So, as hard as it might be, pray for God to give you a non-judgemental heart, eyes that see through His, and a heart that feels through His. Be aware of what we think and speak at all times.
Romans 15
Paul further emphasises on unity within the body of christ.
Verse 5-6 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.''
Through our love for each other, we can actually be a huge testimony of God's love for us! I remembered when i first became a christian, i saw how my cell group were really close to each other, and they were genuinely, sincerely concerned about each other's lives. That actually made me tell myself that i wanted to be in a family like that. So i encourage you to love your brothers as yourselves, like the way Jesus loved you.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Romans 11 - 13 (10th December) - Xiao Woon
Romans 11
God’s mercy on Israel
6 “And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.”
Like what we learnt in sermon, grace is something we have although we do not deserve it. Works in itself is not able to save us because if works can save us, then there’s no need for God’s grace in our lives.
We are not beyond recovery! Thank God for His mercy for us =)
No matter how bad your past or the things you did, God is always ready to forgive you =)
Be careful not to let unbelief into our hearts or we’ll be broken off from the olive tree, but always trusting the Lord. Just as how the branches trust the roots to provide the nutrients for them to grow, let’s also trust the Lord to provide us the ‘nutrients’ for our growth.
Our God is a God of second chance. Notice that the passage says that God can graft the original branches back onto the olive tree. As we realize our unbelief and repent, God will bring us back to him =) It is His desire for all man to turn to Him.
God’s mercy is for everyone
From the Israelites and the Gentiles, we can see the wisdom of the Lord. How we can never understand fully His ways and decisions! But we know that His ways are good and will never harm us. His ways are much higher than our ways, that is why we should obey Him even when we do not understand why.
Like what Nick Vujicic said, we have a plan, but God has a greater plan. Follow God’s plan and we will never go wrong=)
Romans 12
A Living Sacrifice to God
W must be a living and holy sacrifice for the Lord.
Our God is a God of justice. No worries about revenge or payback time. God will do that in time to come.
All we have to do is to behave like a Christian, doing the right things and obeying God. Cling onto the good and from verse 21,
Rom 12:21---“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Sometimes it’s tough to follow God and 100% do the things perfectly. There’ll be times we may feel like falling. This is where we need the Holy Spirit to counsel us and also God’s supernatural strength to help and bring us through.
Romans 13
All authority comes from God
All authority comes from God, be it your teachers, your bosses, your managers, your leaders, your parents, the government etc…so respect them even if they are unreasonable. It’s our duty to show our respect for the authority, whether or not they are mean to us God will deal with them accordingly=)
Heb 13:17---“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”
God placed the various authorities over us for certain reasons. Though we may not understand or may not like it, we should just obey and slowly God will reveal His reasons for His ways, maybe not fully, but at least bits and pieces of it. He definitely wants us to learn certain things from the authorities =)
Love Fulfills God’s Requirements
Love is the key to all other things.
10 “Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.”
With love for one another, one would not think of hurting the other party in any way to gain any sort of benefits for oneself, which is why loving our neighbour as ourselves is the greatest commandment as it concludes God’s law. The root of all the other commandments is love.
We must live decent lives for all to see.
God’s mercy on Israel
6 “And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.”
Like what we learnt in sermon, grace is something we have although we do not deserve it. Works in itself is not able to save us because if works can save us, then there’s no need for God’s grace in our lives.
We are not beyond recovery! Thank God for His mercy for us =)
No matter how bad your past or the things you did, God is always ready to forgive you =)
Be careful not to let unbelief into our hearts or we’ll be broken off from the olive tree, but always trusting the Lord. Just as how the branches trust the roots to provide the nutrients for them to grow, let’s also trust the Lord to provide us the ‘nutrients’ for our growth.
Our God is a God of second chance. Notice that the passage says that God can graft the original branches back onto the olive tree. As we realize our unbelief and repent, God will bring us back to him =) It is His desire for all man to turn to Him.
God’s mercy is for everyone
From the Israelites and the Gentiles, we can see the wisdom of the Lord. How we can never understand fully His ways and decisions! But we know that His ways are good and will never harm us. His ways are much higher than our ways, that is why we should obey Him even when we do not understand why.
Like what Nick Vujicic said, we have a plan, but God has a greater plan. Follow God’s plan and we will never go wrong=)
Romans 12
A Living Sacrifice to God
W must be a living and holy sacrifice for the Lord.
Our God is a God of justice. No worries about revenge or payback time. God will do that in time to come.
All we have to do is to behave like a Christian, doing the right things and obeying God. Cling onto the good and from verse 21,
Rom 12:21---“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Sometimes it’s tough to follow God and 100% do the things perfectly. There’ll be times we may feel like falling. This is where we need the Holy Spirit to counsel us and also God’s supernatural strength to help and bring us through.
Romans 13
All authority comes from God
All authority comes from God, be it your teachers, your bosses, your managers, your leaders, your parents, the government etc…so respect them even if they are unreasonable. It’s our duty to show our respect for the authority, whether or not they are mean to us God will deal with them accordingly=)
Heb 13:17---“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”
God placed the various authorities over us for certain reasons. Though we may not understand or may not like it, we should just obey and slowly God will reveal His reasons for His ways, maybe not fully, but at least bits and pieces of it. He definitely wants us to learn certain things from the authorities =)
Love Fulfills God’s Requirements
Love is the key to all other things.
10 “Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.”
With love for one another, one would not think of hurting the other party in any way to gain any sort of benefits for oneself, which is why loving our neighbour as ourselves is the greatest commandment as it concludes God’s law. The root of all the other commandments is love.
We must live decent lives for all to see.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Romans 8 - 10 (9th December) - Quanwei
In these chapters, the Lord said that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ because we have been set free from the law of sin & death. For God says that those live in the sinful nature, we can’t please God. If our minds are set on the sinful nature, it will lead to death. But we can find peace & life if our minds are control by the Spirit. And God said that our spirits are alive in Him because we have Christ within us! Therefore we no longer have to be salves of sin but rather living in the freedom of God!
Even as we’re suffering right now in certain areas of our lives, the Lord wants us to wait eagerly for the glory that He will reveal in us in time to come. He wants us to have this hope that is unseen because hope that is seen is no hope at all. This hope doesn’t come from us but rather from God when we wait patiently in Him. Also allow the Holy Spirit to intercede for us when we’re at our weakest & not knowing what to pray.
The Lord also said that we’re to be more than conquerors for the Lord in all situations of our lives & that He will work for the good of those who truly love Him. For if the Lord is for us, nobody can be against us in His name! Most importantly, nothing can separate us from the love of God in our lives!
The Lord Himself also reminded us that He is just & will have compassion & mercy on those He love. Therefore, it’s not our effort or works that caused God to love us more but rather it’s His mercy & grace that enable us to receive His love for us. Just like Paul’s desire for the whole of Israel to be saved, we need to submit to God’s righteousness & realized that Christ is the end of the law. And this righteousness that we’re taking about here is faith itself! This is the same God that we all served & believed in & that whoever calls upon His name, that person will be saved! So we need to believe & have faith in Him!
But when there is unbelief among us, we need to ask God to take it away from us. Just like Israel, we need to ask the Lord to take away the unbelief spirit in our nation & not be a disobedient or obstinate nation for Him!
Even as we’re suffering right now in certain areas of our lives, the Lord wants us to wait eagerly for the glory that He will reveal in us in time to come. He wants us to have this hope that is unseen because hope that is seen is no hope at all. This hope doesn’t come from us but rather from God when we wait patiently in Him. Also allow the Holy Spirit to intercede for us when we’re at our weakest & not knowing what to pray.
The Lord also said that we’re to be more than conquerors for the Lord in all situations of our lives & that He will work for the good of those who truly love Him. For if the Lord is for us, nobody can be against us in His name! Most importantly, nothing can separate us from the love of God in our lives!
The Lord Himself also reminded us that He is just & will have compassion & mercy on those He love. Therefore, it’s not our effort or works that caused God to love us more but rather it’s His mercy & grace that enable us to receive His love for us. Just like Paul’s desire for the whole of Israel to be saved, we need to submit to God’s righteousness & realized that Christ is the end of the law. And this righteousness that we’re taking about here is faith itself! This is the same God that we all served & believed in & that whoever calls upon His name, that person will be saved! So we need to believe & have faith in Him!
But when there is unbelief among us, we need to ask God to take it away from us. Just like Israel, we need to ask the Lord to take away the unbelief spirit in our nation & not be a disobedient or obstinate nation for Him!
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Romans 4 - 7 (8th December) - Stephanie
Chapter 4 is a vital link chapter which introduces the main ideas of the book of Romans. Abraham (Romans 4:1-5) and David (Romans 4:6-8) illustrates the truth that salvation is not by works. All man can do is believe the humanly impossible but divinely credible miracle of grace (Romans 4:16-25).
Chapter 5 shows us that we need to be pardoned by God and indeed, God is willing to offer this pardon that we need. We have all sinned in Adam but through Christ Jesus, man has been justified. Learning about the Law makes one aware of sin and faith upholds the Law. Just take a look at Adam. He didn’t do anything on his own that he could boast about.
Even before God gave him instructions about circumcision to certify the gift of righteousness by faith, God approached Adam, a sinner, promising that he would be the father of many nations. “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:3).
Against all hopes, Abraham believed and hence he became the father of many nations. (Romans 4:18a). Past the age of being able to have children, Abraham and Sarah had their only child. God made Sarah able to have a child when she was unable to. Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully assured that God had the power to do what God has indeed promised Abraham that He would do (Roman 4:20-21).
This relationship between God and Abraham is also available for us who believe in Him who resurrected Jesus after Jesus died for our sins. There is justification through faith, and this justification brings peace with God. Just as Abraham has believed, we must also believe that “the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not though they were” (Romans 4:17b).
Just as Adam’s disobedience led to the condemnation of many, Christ’s obedience led to the justification of many. Christ’s death was God’s plan for gifting faith and righteousness, and reconciling us back to Him. Christ’s death offers a reversal of the Adam’s process of death to all. Sin was in the world before the Law, but isn’t taken into account until there is a Law, which is added so that trespasses are documented. Sin increases from there, but so does God’s grace which reigns through righteousness whereas sin reigned in death.
All of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death. This means that we are buried with him through baptism into death, just as Christ has risen from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:3-4).
In Chapter 5, Christ is crucified for us. In Chapter 6 we are crucified with him (Romans 6:6). The same power which raised Christ from the dead is at work in us to make our deliverance from sin possible (Romans 6:4). When we are baptised in water, and like Jesus, we go down, buried, and back up, resurrected. The old life is finished, dead and a new life begins. When Jesus was on Earth, only a limited number of people could hear, see and touch him. But now our Heavenly Father has made it possible for us to consider ourselves “dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus”. Our evidence for this is faith. Our invitation is to consciously offer ourselves and the members of our body to God daily for His use. We are no longer obligated to offer ourselves to sin – we aren’t under the Law but under grace. But that doesn’t mean we are free to keep on sinning. This means we are free to follow God into righteousness, holiness and eternal life.
But this deliverance seems to involve conflict as well. Paul shares his own experience of the struggle (Romans 7:14-25). There is a battle going on inside of us – “In my inner being, I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body” (7:22-23). And thank God, this is exactly what Jesus Christ has rescued us from.
What are your thoughts after reading these chapters? Consider these points:
• Recognise that we have died to sin. There is no reason for us to sin any longer. When we are baptised into Jesus, we went under, buried our old selves, and rise up again, being resurrected into a new life.
• Recognise that our old selves were crucified with him so that our old body of sin could be done away with. This is Christ’s solution to our sin. We can stop being a slave to sin and quit doing the things we now know we shouldn’t be doing. Anyone who has died and risen again with Christ has been freed from sin. Through believing in Christ’s death and resurrection, we have died and come back to life.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Romans 1 - 3, Acts 20: 1 - 3 (7th December) - Li Juan
1) We should all learn to be like Paul, not ashamed of the gospel as it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
2) Thanksgiving is so important because if we do not give thanks, our thinking will become futile and our hearts will be darkened.
3) The righteous will live by faith. Hence, to have faith, we must lead a righteous life; be it the decisions we make, the words we speak, our actions etc. It is through God’s faithfulness that we can even be righteous, since we are all still sinners without Jesus. Hearing the law does not make us righteous, but obeying it instead does. God will give to each person according to what he has done; He looks at one inwardly rather than outwardly; He looks at the heart. Righteousness and faith are inter-related and one comes with the other.
2) Thanksgiving is so important because if we do not give thanks, our thinking will become futile and our hearts will be darkened.
3) The righteous will live by faith. Hence, to have faith, we must lead a righteous life; be it the decisions we make, the words we speak, our actions etc. It is through God’s faithfulness that we can even be righteous, since we are all still sinners without Jesus. Hearing the law does not make us righteous, but obeying it instead does. God will give to each person according to what he has done; He looks at one inwardly rather than outwardly; He looks at the heart. Righteousness and faith are inter-related and one comes with the other.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
2 Corinthians 10 -13 (6th December) - Weiling
2 Corinthians was Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. Paul’s teaching, character, and motives had been brought under attack by some in Corinth after his first letter. Paul writes to set forth his credentials and vindicate his conduct. From this book, we are offered glimpses into the Apostle Paul’s pre-conversion background, his vision from God, his thorn in the flesh, and his persecution for the cause of Christ.
Paul wrote to the rebellious minority in chapters 10-13 and asserted his authority as a Gospel Minister. Some in Corinth were questioning and doubting him and there were false apostles or “super apostles”. Paul asserted his credentials of being a Hebrew, an Israelite and a descendant of Abraham (pure lineage). He also boasted about his sufferings for Christ. (11:23-29)
Boasting
Paul boasted to get his point across because many were boasting in the way the world does (11:18), and Paul certainly had no lack in the things to boast about. The word “boast” was used 13 times in 2 Corinthians. We often associate boasting with being proud and wanting to seek attention and glory for oneself. However, we see that it was not so with Paul.
Notice who and what Paul was boasting in. “But, ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” (10:17-18) He went on to add that he would only boast in his weakness (2 Cor 10:30; 2 Cor 12:5) so no one will think more of him than is warranted by what he does or say. (2 Cor 12:6) He wanted Christ to take the rightful credit and glory, recognizing that God’s grace is sufficient and that His power is made strong in our weakness; Paul himself made weak because of the thorn in his flesh. (2 Cor 12:7-10)
Paul boasted to prove himself credible to the Corinthians because sometimes, people just get caught up in the physical aspect of things (2 Cor 10:7) but we forget that there is the spiritual aspect of things as well (2 Cor 10:3-5). Thus, we must be careful to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” and that we are not deceived by false teachings and arguments.
Paul wrote to the rebellious minority in chapters 10-13 and asserted his authority as a Gospel Minister. Some in Corinth were questioning and doubting him and there were false apostles or “super apostles”. Paul asserted his credentials of being a Hebrew, an Israelite and a descendant of Abraham (pure lineage). He also boasted about his sufferings for Christ. (11:23-29)
Boasting
Paul boasted to get his point across because many were boasting in the way the world does (11:18), and Paul certainly had no lack in the things to boast about. The word “boast” was used 13 times in 2 Corinthians. We often associate boasting with being proud and wanting to seek attention and glory for oneself. However, we see that it was not so with Paul.
Notice who and what Paul was boasting in. “But, ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” (10:17-18) He went on to add that he would only boast in his weakness (2 Cor 10:30; 2 Cor 12:5) so no one will think more of him than is warranted by what he does or say. (2 Cor 12:6) He wanted Christ to take the rightful credit and glory, recognizing that God’s grace is sufficient and that His power is made strong in our weakness; Paul himself made weak because of the thorn in his flesh. (2 Cor 12:7-10)
Paul boasted to prove himself credible to the Corinthians because sometimes, people just get caught up in the physical aspect of things (2 Cor 10:7) but we forget that there is the spiritual aspect of things as well (2 Cor 10:3-5). Thus, we must be careful to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” and that we are not deceived by false teachings and arguments.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
2 Corinthians 5 - 9 (5th December) - Li Juan
1) We live by faith and not by sight. We should make it our goal to continually please God.
2) Anyone in Christ is a new creation. God sent Jesus Christ to us to reconcile us to himself.
3) Do not put stumbling blocks in anyone’s path.
4) Do not be yoked with unbelievers. One of the most common topics discussed, Christians should never get together with a non-Christian, it is what God says in the Bible (Deut 7:3-4).
5) Generosity is encouraged, as it is written at the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Let men praise God for the obedience that accompanies our confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity in sharing with them and everyone else.
2) Anyone in Christ is a new creation. God sent Jesus Christ to us to reconcile us to himself.
3) Do not put stumbling blocks in anyone’s path.
4) Do not be yoked with unbelievers. One of the most common topics discussed, Christians should never get together with a non-Christian, it is what God says in the Bible (Deut 7:3-4).
5) Generosity is encouraged, as it is written at the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Let men praise God for the obedience that accompanies our confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity in sharing with them and everyone else.
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