Ephesian's 4:17-24
Paul describes the moral condition of the gentiles as being hardened hearts that have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and then he reminds the church to put off there old selves, described above, and put on their new selves in Christ. Their new selves is a change in attitude to become like Christ in righteousness and holiness.
In vs. 20 I am confused as to how Paul arrives at this point. I don't understand what he means when after he describes the gentiles he says that they "did not come to know Christ that way." How would they have. Is this rhetorical? Meant to illustrate the deep divide between their old selves and new selves? Or is he saying that the following of our desires is not the way to know God, but rather being taught the truth is the way to the "new self". I am honestly looking for your thoughts and ideas to put this passage together.
I think that this battling hardening hearts, and struggling to put on a new attitude of the heart is one of our central lifelong challenges. I don't see how it ends or how there is one all-time cure that allows to never have to struggle with a hardening heart.
I can use the hardening heart, and the previously mentioned marks of maturity again to measure myself and my life by. This could create a set of questions that I regularly ask myself, in prayer, and use as a barometer of where I am at. Unfortunately they are not just yes or no questions and will require some work.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Seeing the forest around the trees
Ephesian's 4:9-16
Paul lays out why, after Jesus Christ ascended, he gave out gifts and what there purpose is. There is purpose is to build us up in unity, and knowledge towards maturity.
Paul's definition of maturity gives me marks to measure my life by. Am I attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ? He then goes on to add some descriptions of what that looks like. I must have the knowledge the measure the words of men, be able to speak the truth in love, and be growing up into the Head of the church, Jesus Christ. I begin to put together the character traits in the first couple of verses with what happens in the church. Many different gifts, ideas, and levels of maturity all mixed in together requires that we act with humility, gentleness, patience making every effort to keep the unity. In a place where diverse gifts are working together, and diverse levels of maturity interact it will require grace. It is very easy to be critical, to be short, and to be saddened at moments in this process. The antidote is to respond with the characteristics mentioned and keep the end sight in mind. We are growing into the fullness of Jesus Christ, and as we do our part this will be true for the entire body. It is great to keep that big picture in mind so that we don't get lost in the, at moments, ugly messy day to day process of this.
Paul lays out why, after Jesus Christ ascended, he gave out gifts and what there purpose is. There is purpose is to build us up in unity, and knowledge towards maturity.
Paul's definition of maturity gives me marks to measure my life by. Am I attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ? He then goes on to add some descriptions of what that looks like. I must have the knowledge the measure the words of men, be able to speak the truth in love, and be growing up into the Head of the church, Jesus Christ. I begin to put together the character traits in the first couple of verses with what happens in the church. Many different gifts, ideas, and levels of maturity all mixed in together requires that we act with humility, gentleness, patience making every effort to keep the unity. In a place where diverse gifts are working together, and diverse levels of maturity interact it will require grace. It is very easy to be critical, to be short, and to be saddened at moments in this process. The antidote is to respond with the characteristics mentioned and keep the end sight in mind. We are growing into the fullness of Jesus Christ, and as we do our part this will be true for the entire body. It is great to keep that big picture in mind so that we don't get lost in the, at moments, ugly messy day to day process of this.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Truth by the Word,not by experience
Ephesian's 4:1-6
Paul just finishes praying the the church in Ephesus would know God's love and be changed by that knowledge, and then he launches into how we should respond. He has spent a great amount of time discussing how the Church is the fullness of His wisdom primarily in its unity and so now their are specific actions to back that up.
I want to take a moment to step back and consider the structure of the book, which is similar to many other epistles, in that it begins with a theological lesson and from that gives us actions to follow. We start by learning who God is and what he has done and then we move into how we should respond to that. I think of two good reasons why this is a good idea. First, you could not read the initial lesson without your outlook being changed. I am ready to respond after spending time chewing on what lessons Paul has give us. Secondly it is a great reminder that Truth is over and above my personal experience. I am not to take what I see in this world as my guide on how to respond to it, but I respond to eternal Truth's laid out in the Word even when my experience appears to not match up to these based on my limited perception of reality. This causes me to realize I need to take my study seriously and then base my actions on that rather than do, base my actions on how that goes and then study as an addition. In our church culture we at times are tempted to just understand the basics of Christianity and then the more important part of it is to "do". This clearly doesn't match up to Paul's idea of discipleship. I love reading biographies and I see in past church figures this love of learning truth, to the point where it seems to be innocuous details yet these lives produce rich and profound ministry while we sometimes expect that those that engage the study at that level will end up with no ministry and just bickering over insignificant points.
Paul just finishes praying the the church in Ephesus would know God's love and be changed by that knowledge, and then he launches into how we should respond. He has spent a great amount of time discussing how the Church is the fullness of His wisdom primarily in its unity and so now their are specific actions to back that up.
I want to take a moment to step back and consider the structure of the book, which is similar to many other epistles, in that it begins with a theological lesson and from that gives us actions to follow. We start by learning who God is and what he has done and then we move into how we should respond to that. I think of two good reasons why this is a good idea. First, you could not read the initial lesson without your outlook being changed. I am ready to respond after spending time chewing on what lessons Paul has give us. Secondly it is a great reminder that Truth is over and above my personal experience. I am not to take what I see in this world as my guide on how to respond to it, but I respond to eternal Truth's laid out in the Word even when my experience appears to not match up to these based on my limited perception of reality. This causes me to realize I need to take my study seriously and then base my actions on that rather than do, base my actions on how that goes and then study as an addition. In our church culture we at times are tempted to just understand the basics of Christianity and then the more important part of it is to "do". This clearly doesn't match up to Paul's idea of discipleship. I love reading biographies and I see in past church figures this love of learning truth, to the point where it seems to be innocuous details yet these lives produce rich and profound ministry while we sometimes expect that those that engage the study at that level will end up with no ministry and just bickering over insignificant points.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
By Faith Enter In
Ephesians 3:7-12
This passage gives me perspective. Paul, who calls himself "less than the least of all God's people", is a servant of the gospel which is displaying the manifold wisdom of God to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. In vs. 12 he says that, through faith, we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Imagine the thought that a Holy God who is displaying his wisdom, might, love, and holiness for all the rulers of all realms to see could invite one of us to be part of it! Then not only are we allowed to be a part of it, but He offers the ability to approach Him with confidence.
I struggle with this idea. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve, yet to encounter Him with boldness and confidence seems too much. I am often taken aback at the language David uses in His talk with God. I am waiting for the proverbial lightning bolt to hit because he dares to be so bold in my eyes. I recognize that I have a long ways to go to begin to plumb the depths of His love. The magnitude of love He has for me should put to rest all fears of my future that I hold, and begin to embolden me to engage Him in prayer, and wrestle through what is happening.
This passage gives me perspective. Paul, who calls himself "less than the least of all God's people", is a servant of the gospel which is displaying the manifold wisdom of God to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. In vs. 12 he says that, through faith, we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Imagine the thought that a Holy God who is displaying his wisdom, might, love, and holiness for all the rulers of all realms to see could invite one of us to be part of it! Then not only are we allowed to be a part of it, but He offers the ability to approach Him with confidence.
I struggle with this idea. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve, yet to encounter Him with boldness and confidence seems too much. I am often taken aback at the language David uses in His talk with God. I am waiting for the proverbial lightning bolt to hit because he dares to be so bold in my eyes. I recognize that I have a long ways to go to begin to plumb the depths of His love. The magnitude of love He has for me should put to rest all fears of my future that I hold, and begin to embolden me to engage Him in prayer, and wrestle through what is happening.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Ephesian's 3:1-6
In this passage Paul explains that by the Grace of God the mystery's of Christ were opened up to him so that he could share with the Gentiles that they were co-heirs with the nation of Israel in the promise of Christ Jesus.
As Paul clearly lays out that his knowledge of the "mysteries of Christ" was a gift of grace I am again reminded of another of God's graces he showers down on me. The opportunity to continue to grow in knowledge of Him is by His grace. Not only did I come to him through Faith which he granted me by His Grace, but my continued growth and knowledge of Him is an insight into His mystery laid open by Paul and others. I am humbled that my studying and growth I have experienced are all gifts of God's Grace. I love to study and revel in the richness and beauty of His word which is a gift of grace. My hunger for His word is a gift of grace only dampened by my sinful nature I wrestle with. Thanks be to God, I am constantly reminded of what a debt I owe to Him.
In this passage Paul explains that by the Grace of God the mystery's of Christ were opened up to him so that he could share with the Gentiles that they were co-heirs with the nation of Israel in the promise of Christ Jesus.
As Paul clearly lays out that his knowledge of the "mysteries of Christ" was a gift of grace I am again reminded of another of God's graces he showers down on me. The opportunity to continue to grow in knowledge of Him is by His grace. Not only did I come to him through Faith which he granted me by His Grace, but my continued growth and knowledge of Him is an insight into His mystery laid open by Paul and others. I am humbled that my studying and growth I have experienced are all gifts of God's Grace. I love to study and revel in the richness and beauty of His word which is a gift of grace. My hunger for His word is a gift of grace only dampened by my sinful nature I wrestle with. Thanks be to God, I am constantly reminded of what a debt I owe to Him.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Hold the Chips
Ephesian's 2:1-7
We were "objects of wrath" without Christ, and then the great news that because God is rich in mercy he has raised us up with Christ. I notice that Paul talks about unbelievers he often talks about those that gratify the cravings of their sinful nature as a key characteristic. This is certainly not the only place I see that and Romans comes to mind quickly. This causes me to rethink the way I seek out pleasure, and the way that I eat. I am not saying that upon immediately pursuing our pleasure we are therefore sinning, but perhaps just the way we go about it should be rethought. I think that every time I can delay gratification, and thank God for his satisfaction I am building my spiritual and strengthening the idea that he is my satisfaction and every time I quickly accept a quick fix solution to my desires I am weakening myself because what I am doing is going back to my previous character when I was without Christ.
We were "objects of wrath" without Christ, and then the great news that because God is rich in mercy he has raised us up with Christ. I notice that Paul talks about unbelievers he often talks about those that gratify the cravings of their sinful nature as a key characteristic. This is certainly not the only place I see that and Romans comes to mind quickly. This causes me to rethink the way I seek out pleasure, and the way that I eat. I am not saying that upon immediately pursuing our pleasure we are therefore sinning, but perhaps just the way we go about it should be rethought. I think that every time I can delay gratification, and thank God for his satisfaction I am building my spiritual and strengthening the idea that he is my satisfaction and every time I quickly accept a quick fix solution to my desires I am weakening myself because what I am doing is going back to my previous character when I was without Christ.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
The Ever Abounding Feast
Ephesians 1:18-21
What?
Paul tells the Ephesians that his prayer for them is that they would know the fullness of the hope they have in Christ, and the fullness of the power of God which was demonstrated in that he conquered all powers as he raised Christ from the dead and exalted him above all.
So What?
God is so much more than we can ever fathom, or experience. The depths of His love, His power and majesty, and the inheritance he has in store for us exceed all we can imagine.
What Now?
At moments I feel as if I somehow have God figured out, or a sense of pride that I have a good basic understanding of the scriptures, and our Faith, and so there is limited purpose for me in getting into the Word and growing. Then I read a passage like this, and at moments just catch a bit more of a glimpse of our God and I know that I will never plumb the depths. This is exciting yet it is also scary because I know that it will require sacrifices. The sacrifices that really scare me come in terms of my standard of living. I hold onto dreams of wanting more and I recognize that I need to constantly reorder my priorities and make changes to know more of God. When I sit and meditate on this passage I recognize the foolishness of my concerns, and I am excited at the possibilities. Praise our Might God!
What?
Paul tells the Ephesians that his prayer for them is that they would know the fullness of the hope they have in Christ, and the fullness of the power of God which was demonstrated in that he conquered all powers as he raised Christ from the dead and exalted him above all.
So What?
God is so much more than we can ever fathom, or experience. The depths of His love, His power and majesty, and the inheritance he has in store for us exceed all we can imagine.
What Now?
At moments I feel as if I somehow have God figured out, or a sense of pride that I have a good basic understanding of the scriptures, and our Faith, and so there is limited purpose for me in getting into the Word and growing. Then I read a passage like this, and at moments just catch a bit more of a glimpse of our God and I know that I will never plumb the depths. This is exciting yet it is also scary because I know that it will require sacrifices. The sacrifices that really scare me come in terms of my standard of living. I hold onto dreams of wanting more and I recognize that I need to constantly reorder my priorities and make changes to know more of God. When I sit and meditate on this passage I recognize the foolishness of my concerns, and I am excited at the possibilities. Praise our Might God!
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Just To Think
Ephesians 1:11-14
What?
Paul gives us assurance of our salvation, in that we were chosen, or predestined, and then he tells us why twice in this passage. He adds that " we, who were the first to hope in Christ might be for the praise of his glory."(vs.12)
So What?
God's sovereignty is so evident throughout this passage. Paul repeatedly links God's salvation of us to his final plans for all the world in this chapter. The Westminster Confession of Faith gives the result of this truth better than I can. (In regards to the doctrine of Predestination) "So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise. reverence, and admiration of God: and humility, diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the gospel." Just think I am me to bring praise to his abundant glory, and he loves it as I do. He invites to know him in order to praise him more because I will know his Majesty and Power in a fuller way.
What Now?
I am again humbled, and look back on my concerns, my fears, my anxiousness, and am humbled when I reflect on this truth. My trouble is planning, and working through problems. I enjoy being puzzled, and trying to use "rational" thought (I know none of us is at all free from bias's) to work at solutions and make attempts to plan for the future. I'm not sure where the line is that I have stopped trusting in God and starting to trust in my own planning as if he didn't have plans. God gave me those senses to use, yet I know I get so wrapped up in them that I forgot to trust in his sovereignty. The flip side is I don't think trusting in his sovereignty means that I simply flip coins to make decisions all the day and trust the outcome. I think it is a matter of where my heart is at as I go about these things, but I'm still hazy on where to go with this.
What?
Paul gives us assurance of our salvation, in that we were chosen, or predestined, and then he tells us why twice in this passage. He adds that " we, who were the first to hope in Christ might be for the praise of his glory."(vs.12)
So What?
God's sovereignty is so evident throughout this passage. Paul repeatedly links God's salvation of us to his final plans for all the world in this chapter. The Westminster Confession of Faith gives the result of this truth better than I can. (In regards to the doctrine of Predestination) "So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise. reverence, and admiration of God: and humility, diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the gospel." Just think I am me to bring praise to his abundant glory, and he loves it as I do. He invites to know him in order to praise him more because I will know his Majesty and Power in a fuller way.
What Now?
I am again humbled, and look back on my concerns, my fears, my anxiousness, and am humbled when I reflect on this truth. My trouble is planning, and working through problems. I enjoy being puzzled, and trying to use "rational" thought (I know none of us is at all free from bias's) to work at solutions and make attempts to plan for the future. I'm not sure where the line is that I have stopped trusting in God and starting to trust in my own planning as if he didn't have plans. God gave me those senses to use, yet I know I get so wrapped up in them that I forgot to trust in his sovereignty. The flip side is I don't think trusting in his sovereignty means that I simply flip coins to make decisions all the day and trust the outcome. I think it is a matter of where my heart is at as I go about these things, but I'm still hazy on where to go with this.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
My Small God
Ephesians 1:3-9
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us [2] for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight (ESV)
This passage to me is clearly another expression of God's Love for me. It is Paul again expressing how much care and thought God has put into loving us. I have been reading a John Eldridge book called "The Way of the Wild Heart". In it he often mentions God's blessings in opportunities for him to do things like hunting, mountain biking trips, etc... These at first startled me as relatively selfish events that he took license in labeling them as "blessings." I looked into my own heart, and I have realized that somewhere deep inside I don't believe God really wants to offer me blessings. I look into my own heart, and at my past track record and recognize such ugliness, so much that doesn't match up with God, and how I ignored God to take part in sin, and I return like the prodigal son. I return asking only for a place in the servant's quarter, but then somehow my heart misses the rest of the story. I often imagine it as being a lowest rung foot soldier in a huge army, cannon fodder if you will, yet I am just thankful they let me wear the uniform no matter how unfit I was. My head knows the truth but my heart struggles. When I look at it I recognize that this sells God short. My words will line up with Truth, but somehow something is missing in me. How can my heart enjoy him fully with such a narrow view.
I recognize that Paul specifically uses the word "spiritual blessings" in vs.3 so I am not purporting to read this as being a part of the prosperity gospel. The examples were directly attributable to the book. (Jeremy I know you have put some thought into this recently.)
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us [2] for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight (ESV)
This passage to me is clearly another expression of God's Love for me. It is Paul again expressing how much care and thought God has put into loving us. I have been reading a John Eldridge book called "The Way of the Wild Heart". In it he often mentions God's blessings in opportunities for him to do things like hunting, mountain biking trips, etc... These at first startled me as relatively selfish events that he took license in labeling them as "blessings." I looked into my own heart, and I have realized that somewhere deep inside I don't believe God really wants to offer me blessings. I look into my own heart, and at my past track record and recognize such ugliness, so much that doesn't match up with God, and how I ignored God to take part in sin, and I return like the prodigal son. I return asking only for a place in the servant's quarter, but then somehow my heart misses the rest of the story. I often imagine it as being a lowest rung foot soldier in a huge army, cannon fodder if you will, yet I am just thankful they let me wear the uniform no matter how unfit I was. My head knows the truth but my heart struggles. When I look at it I recognize that this sells God short. My words will line up with Truth, but somehow something is missing in me. How can my heart enjoy him fully with such a narrow view.
I recognize that Paul specifically uses the word "spiritual blessings" in vs.3 so I am not purporting to read this as being a part of the prosperity gospel. The examples were directly attributable to the book. (Jeremy I know you have put some thought into this recently.)
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