Paul's ministry to the Thessalonians (2:1-16)
Paul's desire to see them againg (2:17-20)
Paul's heart for the gospel and for God's work in peoples lives is clearly evident in this chapter. It gives us a glimpse into his devotion to the gospel and gives me a great example of what it means to be sold out for Christ and wholly committed to ministry. He makes it clear that his purposes are not for the praise of men, so he doesn't come to the Thessalonians with flattery or a pretext for greed (v. 5), but rather to share the gospel of God and to share his own self (probably referring to his service, energy, relationship, v. 8). This reminds us all of the imparative need for vision and correct direction in relationships, ministries, and conversation. They are not for us to build us up among men, to make us feel good, or promote ourselves. The gospel is for people whom God has called (v. 12), to bring the sinner to repentance, and to walk in a manner worthy of God.
Paul also praises them for accepting the word "not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers." (13)
Paul also mentions at the beginning and the end the treatment of Christians in Judea and also in Phillipi-- Christians suffered and were shamefully treated by the people around them. Nevertheless, they maintain gospel pronouncement in spite of conflict. Do you do this? Do you continue to lift high the name of Christ and the glory of God even in conflict? Does your life burn hotter in devotion to God when times are tough? Hard questions to answer honestly. Let's be able to answer postively...first by asking for His strength and boldness like Paul did (2).
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
1 Thessalonians 1
Well, I'm guilty for not posting for a good two weeks. And, to make it worse, my daily studies have not been where I want them to be. Nevertheless, the next book to blog on is 1 Thessalonians.
Will begin posting tomorrow when I'm somewhat awake.
Will begin posting tomorrow when I'm somewhat awake.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
TEXT: I Corinthians 16
The Collection for the Saints (16:1-4)
Plans For travel (16:5-11)
Final Instructions (16:12-18)
Greeting (16:19-24)
OBSERVATIONS:
This chapter could be considered hard to apply since most of it has to do with "inside" relations between the Corinthians and Paul. But, I see this chapter in light of what this book is...a letter. This is Paul's closing words in a personal way to this church. It proves more the authenticity of Paul's letter to the Corinthians. This wasn't a fake letter written to start a religion. This was a real letter to real people concerning life lived before a real God; and, furthermore testifies of a real resurrected Savior Jesus Christ. Paul does give exhortation and instruction in this chapter ie verse 13..."Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."
Could you imagine receiving the actual letter from Paul with his own signature?
What did you think of I Corinthians? For more on I Corinthians check out Mars Hill Church...Mark Driscoll does a series on I Corinthians: Christians Gone Wild.
Next book: II Corinthians.
The Collection for the Saints (16:1-4)
Plans For travel (16:5-11)
Final Instructions (16:12-18)
Greeting (16:19-24)
OBSERVATIONS:
This chapter could be considered hard to apply since most of it has to do with "inside" relations between the Corinthians and Paul. But, I see this chapter in light of what this book is...a letter. This is Paul's closing words in a personal way to this church. It proves more the authenticity of Paul's letter to the Corinthians. This wasn't a fake letter written to start a religion. This was a real letter to real people concerning life lived before a real God; and, furthermore testifies of a real resurrected Savior Jesus Christ. Paul does give exhortation and instruction in this chapter ie verse 13..."Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."
Could you imagine receiving the actual letter from Paul with his own signature?
What did you think of I Corinthians? For more on I Corinthians check out Mars Hill Church...Mark Driscoll does a series on I Corinthians: Christians Gone Wild.
Next book: II Corinthians.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
TEXT: I Corinthians 13
LOVE
Paul wants the Corinthians to direct their attention not on gifts but on something higher: Love. (12:31b)
He then proceeds with a beautiful poetic description of what love is, looks like, and behaves like.
I'd like to memorize this section. This concept is further development on the selfless qualities Paul describes in earlier chapters. It's not about me (even after God). It's about others and the love we can show them. Both in the church and out in the world. Revolutionary thinking. It really is God thinking. If we truly understand the love of God for His creation, enough to die for it, then we will be loving in its truest form: patient, kind, truthful, hopes, believes...
This attitude and behavior can only come from being transformed by God. We will resort to our unloving selves if we attempt on our own--and we'll come up empty handed. Seek God-from whom comes all righteousness, faith, hope, and love.
If my pursuit is after spiritual gift alone, I am a noise maker, annoying to all around. (13:1)
Memorize this chapter.
LOVE
Paul wants the Corinthians to direct their attention not on gifts but on something higher: Love. (12:31b)
He then proceeds with a beautiful poetic description of what love is, looks like, and behaves like.
I'd like to memorize this section. This concept is further development on the selfless qualities Paul describes in earlier chapters. It's not about me (even after God). It's about others and the love we can show them. Both in the church and out in the world. Revolutionary thinking. It really is God thinking. If we truly understand the love of God for His creation, enough to die for it, then we will be loving in its truest form: patient, kind, truthful, hopes, believes...
This attitude and behavior can only come from being transformed by God. We will resort to our unloving selves if we attempt on our own--and we'll come up empty handed. Seek God-from whom comes all righteousness, faith, hope, and love.
If my pursuit is after spiritual gift alone, I am a noise maker, annoying to all around. (13:1)
Memorize this chapter.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
TEXT: I Corinthians 12
Spiritual Gifts (12:1-11)
One Body with many members (12:12-31)
OBSERVATIONS:
The spiritual gifts are given by the same Spirit who "apportions to each one individually as he wills." (11) The manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Paul reminds the Corinthians and us that the Church is the body of Christ. We do not reject one member, we do not give more favor to one, we do not try to be separate from the body. These are all things that are easy to slide into. More or less out of comfort. But, all believers constitute the body of Christ and have been given certain gifts to make the body complete. The example of the physical body not dividing itself is perfect. We need the body of Christ. But we are all to willing to try life apart from the imperfection that comes along with the Church. I think it should be this way---that a person should do this---or change there personality---or whatever, because I am selfish. Let's get past our selfishness and become a member of the moving body of Christ, ministering to those around us pointing others to God and His glory.
Spiritual Gifts (12:1-11)
One Body with many members (12:12-31)
OBSERVATIONS:
The spiritual gifts are given by the same Spirit who "apportions to each one individually as he wills." (11) The manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Paul reminds the Corinthians and us that the Church is the body of Christ. We do not reject one member, we do not give more favor to one, we do not try to be separate from the body. These are all things that are easy to slide into. More or less out of comfort. But, all believers constitute the body of Christ and have been given certain gifts to make the body complete. The example of the physical body not dividing itself is perfect. We need the body of Christ. But we are all to willing to try life apart from the imperfection that comes along with the Church. I think it should be this way---that a person should do this---or change there personality---or whatever, because I am selfish. Let's get past our selfishness and become a member of the moving body of Christ, ministering to those around us pointing others to God and His glory.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
TEXT: I Corinthians 11
Head coverings (11:1-16)
The Lord's Supper (11:17-34)
I'll skip head coverings...
In verses 27-30, Paul speaks of a circumstance in which the Corinthians were coming to the Lord's Supper remembrance without discerning the body. This body being the broken body of Christ for atonement of sin. It may have happened, as this passage alludes, that Christians were coming to supper without having eaten or drank...and doing so forgetting what they are doing (remembering Christ' shed blood and broken body.) But a broader application is that we as Christians should come to this remembrance as it is intend: TO REMEMBER. To remember what Christ did for us in dying. The alternative is eating and drinking judgement on oneself.
(29). Nevertheless, the circumstances around which Paul speaks to are interesting: divisions, cultural meals, discipline from the Lord...
How are you doing with your personal walk with God? Are you pursuing Him? Are you studying His Word to you?
Head coverings (11:1-16)
The Lord's Supper (11:17-34)
I'll skip head coverings...
In verses 27-30, Paul speaks of a circumstance in which the Corinthians were coming to the Lord's Supper remembrance without discerning the body. This body being the broken body of Christ for atonement of sin. It may have happened, as this passage alludes, that Christians were coming to supper without having eaten or drank...and doing so forgetting what they are doing (remembering Christ' shed blood and broken body.) But a broader application is that we as Christians should come to this remembrance as it is intend: TO REMEMBER. To remember what Christ did for us in dying. The alternative is eating and drinking judgement on oneself.
(29). Nevertheless, the circumstances around which Paul speaks to are interesting: divisions, cultural meals, discipline from the Lord...
How are you doing with your personal walk with God? Are you pursuing Him? Are you studying His Word to you?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
TEXT: I Corinthians 10
Warning against Idolatry (10:1-22)
Doing all for God's glory (10:23-33)
OBSERVATIONS: Verse 4 interests me because it is one of the NT references that speaks of Christ being clearly present in OT times.
One purpose of the judgements on Israel is to be an example for us today. (6) Idolatry is something we can easily fall into. Israel serves as an anti-example--don't follow their lead.
God is great! He provides the way out of temptation! He provides the strength and power to overcome sin.
QUESTIONS:
Do we really live verses 31-33? Trying at all circumstances to please God and others before ourselves? I think not. Unfortunately, self is at the forefront. Maybe we try to put God first and then self and then others. The biblical instruction is to please God first, then others, then others, then others.
Warning against Idolatry (10:1-22)
Doing all for God's glory (10:23-33)
OBSERVATIONS: Verse 4 interests me because it is one of the NT references that speaks of Christ being clearly present in OT times.
One purpose of the judgements on Israel is to be an example for us today. (6) Idolatry is something we can easily fall into. Israel serves as an anti-example--don't follow their lead.
God is great! He provides the way out of temptation! He provides the strength and power to overcome sin.
QUESTIONS:
Do we really live verses 31-33? Trying at all circumstances to please God and others before ourselves? I think not. Unfortunately, self is at the forefront. Maybe we try to put God first and then self and then others. The biblical instruction is to please God first, then others, then others, then others.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
TEXT: I Corinthians 8
Food offered to idols
Summary
1. The difference between knowledge and love. (8:1-3)
2. The true God versus "made up" gods. (8:4-6)
3. The influence (understood or misunderstood) of our actions upon others. Specifically the eating of food offered to idols. (8:7-10)
4. Causing a brother to sin=sinning against Christ (8:11-13)
Questions
1. Obviously this issue is contextualized in culture. What issues in your culture are similar to what Paul is talking about in chapter 8?
2. Are you concerned about the actions of your Christian friends? Sometimes it's easy to forget that our lives affect every person around us, both for the good and the bad. This text shows just how important it is to look out for our Christian brothers and sisters. To live a life void of sin and a life that does not lead anyone else to sin either. It truly is a high calling--but important. It requires the immediate help and intercession of God every day.
Feel free to discuss these questions on this blog.
Food offered to idols
Summary
1. The difference between knowledge and love. (8:1-3)
2. The true God versus "made up" gods. (8:4-6)
3. The influence (understood or misunderstood) of our actions upon others. Specifically the eating of food offered to idols. (8:7-10)
4. Causing a brother to sin=sinning against Christ (8:11-13)
Questions
1. Obviously this issue is contextualized in culture. What issues in your culture are similar to what Paul is talking about in chapter 8?
2. Are you concerned about the actions of your Christian friends? Sometimes it's easy to forget that our lives affect every person around us, both for the good and the bad. This text shows just how important it is to look out for our Christian brothers and sisters. To live a life void of sin and a life that does not lead anyone else to sin either. It truly is a high calling--but important. It requires the immediate help and intercession of God every day.
Feel free to discuss these questions on this blog.
The purpose of this blog is primarily for me. I have trouble applying myself to the daily study of God's Word. My hope is that by blogging daily about my study text, observations, questions and the like, I will begin to have a "system" that helps me pursue the things of God every day. And secondly, I hope this may inspire some to do the same. All pursuit of God is brought about first and foremost by God; nevertheless, the nature of pursuit constitutes a desire within the person to continue pursuing. Hopefully and prayerfully this will happen for me and for you.
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