Open Up the Flood Gates (Part 3)

I Cor. 12:28, Eph. 4:11 & I Pet. 4:9

Apostles (I Cor. 12:28 & Eph. 4:11)

     A messenger.  One that is sent, a delegate.  An Apostle is a God ordained individual who fills the role of being a special messenger.  Generally this was restricted to the immediate followers of Jesus Christ, but was later extended to other Christians who were actively proclaiming the Gospel message (Paul).  In a nutshell an apostle is an authorized agent of God who is responsible for explaining and spreading the Good News.  Currently many define an Apostle as an individual who has the ability to lead or oversee multiple churches or has the calling and God given gift of developing church plants through the declaration of this special messenger.

·         This is considered a more controversial gift since some argue that it is not a gift (Which I believe it is because it is listed with other Spiritual gifts) and is instead an appointed position in the Church which this is as well.

·         Scriptural Example:  There is a widely held belief that the gift/calling of Apostles was only appointed to the 12 disciples and Paul and no longer exists.  I disagree because Paul refers to various individuals throughout his letters as Apostles (Romans 16:7).  Luke calls Paul’s travel companion Barnabas an Apostle in Acts 14:14.

·         Caution:  There are many “self appointed” Apostles in the body that use this title as a means of gaining control over churches and individuals for their personal gain.  An Apostle is only concerned with spreading the Gospel and furthering the Kingdom of God.

Teaching/Teachers (I Cor. 12:28)

     The God-given gift of giving instruction and communicating biblical truths in ways that is clear and relevant.   People with this gift enjoy giving clear instruction in to Gods Word so people can more easily understand and apply it in their own lives.  A teacher also enjoys study, research and “digging deeper” into the Word of God.  He/she can in turn communicate his/her discoveries and insights to others with relative ease because they are empowered by the Spirit.

·         This is one of the gifts that I scored very high.  I attribute my ability to communicate the Word of God to those I teach to the Holy Spirit and it is through his power I am able to give clarity and instruction.

·         Scriptural example(s) – Act 18:24 – 26… Acquilla and Prescilla explained more clearly to Apollos the teaching of God.  He spoke with boldness and was accurate in his teaching but the two took him aside to give him further understanding.  He probably had not either heard of the resurrection or maybe the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

·         Caution – This is a gift given by God.  Just because your occupation may be teaching (school teacher, college professor, on job instruction) does not necessarily mean you have the gift.  But it also does not mean you don’t.  The gift of teaching is in the area of teaching God’s Word and always given by God. 

Administrating (I Cor. 12:28)

     To steer a ship, to guide.  This is the God given gift to give guidance and direction especially when determining where God is leading and what we should be investing our time, talents and resources.  It could include the ability to organize and help things run more efficiently and orderly.  It is not uncommon for one with this gift to be able to handle finances well and has a God-given talent to use God’s resources in ways that benefit the body and expand the Kingdom.  This person probably has the ability to take care of details (probably detail oriented) and is good at problem solving.

·         Scriptural example - Titus 1:5: Paul explains to Titus that the reason he left him in charge in Crete so he could exercise his gift of administration by organizing elders and bring order.

·         Caution – We are not to confuse a person who is nitpicky, a cheapskate and a control freak.  Individuals like this need to be in charge of the situation so they can control the outcome and have things function the way they think they should function.  Someone with the gift of administration has the gift to bring organization to a church or group of individuals so it may run more effectively for God’s glory and not for his/her need to be in control.

Evangelists (Eph. 4:11)

     One who announces the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  This is the God-given gift where the Spirit empowers or directs a believer to boldly proclaim the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to unbelievers.  Individuals with this gift have a strong concern for unbelievers and have a passion and desire to speak the truth of the Gospel to them.  An individual with this gift is usually drawn to unbelievers rather than repulsed by or condemning them.

·         Scriptural example – Acts 21:8 mentions Philip who was an Evangelist and Paul encourages Timothy to do the work of an evangelist in 1 Tim. 4:5.

·         Caution – Not everyone has the gift of evangelism but all Christians are called to evangelize (share Jesus with unbelievers) at some point in their lives… Actually more people have the gift of pushing people away from Jesus by constantly badgering them to accept Jesus.  I knew one person who used to stand on the chair in the high school cafeteria and would begin preaching at people.  He was ineffective because he was working more out of the idea of what he thought evangelism was instead of being sensitive to the Holy Spirits direction in sharing the Gospel. 

Pastors/Shepherd/Teachers (Eph. 4:11)

     One who is put in charge to care for and can give guidance to a congregation.  These individuals have the God-given gift to teach sound doctrine and be able to expound the word of God and give a defense of the faith, and to admonish when necessary.  A Pastor/shepherd is one who is an overseer and is willing to protect, guide, teach and watch over his people.

·         Scriptural example – I Timothy 3:1 – 7 gives a great definition of what a Pastor/Shepherd and his qualifications.

·         Caution – Many are willing but few are called.  Some view Pastor/Shepherds as an occupation or career instead of a calling and divinely appointed position.  When both individual Pastors and churches start viewing their Pastor/Shepherd as an employee or occupation then the Spirit has very little room to move.  There are many talented individuals who can play the part of a Pastor/Shepherd but this gift is not based on natural talent but is based upon God’s call on an individual.

Hospitality (I Peter 4:9)

     The God-given gift to welcome strangers and/or entertain individuals in your home and doing it with delight and kindness.  Individuals with this gift love to have guests to their homes and welcome them with kindheartedness and joy.  They often welcome strangers into their midst and make them feel at home.  These people often have a home that is welcoming and warm.

·         Hospitality is more than having people over for a nice dinner (which is certainly part of it) and then shoving them out the door so you can clean your house.  It is more about sharing who you are and what you have with others.  People will often feel comfortable in your home (no matter how organized or disorganized it may seem… People who are more concerned about cleanliness of home rather than those who just have an inviting warm and open home).  It is inviting people into your life and letting them live alongside you during your time together.

·         This was top on my spiritual gifts inventory.

·         Scriptural example – Matthew 8:14, 15 Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law and once she is healed she serves them. 

·         Caution – 2 John 10, 11 says not to offer hospitality or open your home to false teachers.

As we round the corner bringing us closer to the conclusion of this series I really hope and pray these past few weeks have been insightful and challenging to you. I personally believe that as we each begin to discover our own individual gifts we will start becoming empowered to use them for the benefit of the body of Christ and grow in your relationship with Christ. I encourage you all to continue in this journey and ask God how He wants to use you in this body.

Open Up the Flood Gates (part 2)

1 Corinthians 9b - 11

Continued from yesterday

Healing (verse 9b)

     This is the God given gift to an individual to lay hands on and pray for an individual to be healed apart from human or natural means.  The work is always Gods doing and is always according to his will.  This gift can be used by an individual who God has chosen to administer divine healing to individuals who are in need of healing and God uses this individual according to his grace. 

• Example:  There are times when individuals fall ill and God decides to supernaturally intervene and heal someone of their sickness, physical ailment or mental disorder.  He will use individuals that he gifts for the specific purpose of being the human agent of dispensing God’s grace upon someone to heal him/her specifically for his glory.
• Scriptural example:  There are numerous examples of Jesus healing individuals so God may be glorified.  The apostles healed individuals for the glory or God.  Paul also tells Christians that if anyone is sick among you to call upon the elders of the church to anoint and pray over them in the name of the Lord (James 5:14)
• Caution:  A person with this gift is not to be considered a person with super powers and has the ability to always heal.  The healing must always be in accordance to God’s will and the person with this gift must be sensitive to God’s leading and directing.  Even Jesus himself did not heal everyone who was ill around him.  I should also note that praying for healing should never replace going to see the doctor.  Sometimes ailments can be healed by human means and some people in their zeal refuse to see a doctor, this is not a good idea.

Miracles (verse 10)

     This is the God given gift to individuals to perform acts of supernatural power or mighty deeds.  It could include healing and other gifts that could be considered miraculous or unable to be explained by human means.

• Example:  I have personally spoken to individuals who were present or part of a prayer time where individuals who have seen deformed limbs restored or handicapped individuals restored to good health.  I personally have never witnessed a miracle like this but this certainly does not mean it can’t happen.  I am actually envious of people who have witnessed something like this.
• Biblical Example:  Acts 20:9 Eutachys sits in a window and falls asleep during sermon and dies.  Paul prays over him and he is brought back to life.
• Caution:  Sometime individuals place more faith in the miracle than they do God.  Sometimes when God does not respond with a miracle people with this gift may have a faith shaking moment.  Other individuals can cause a false hope in a believer or sometimes they are quick to blame the individuals who do not receive the miracle and tell them it is their lack of faith is the reason a miracle did not manifest.  This gift should never be used to tear down or punish a believer.

Prophecy (verse 10)

     This is a specific message God gives at a specific time surrounding a specific event or occurrence.  It can be given to an individual or to a group of people.  Ultimately it is God making known (divinely or supernaturally) something that is/was unknown.  It is one who receives revelation from God.

• People with this gift often are able to give specific Words that have been spoken to them by God in relation to a past, current or future event.  These individuals are often able to communicate supernaturally (verbally, dreams or through his Word) something from God.  One of the primary ways (not the only) God speaks to believers is through the written Word of God.
• Biblical Example - The Apostle John and the Book of Revelation.
• Caution:  Unfortunately there is a lot of abuse with this gift.  There are individuals making claims that God spoke to them something and in reality He did not.  Sometimes people will manipulate others by forcing their will on someone just by claiming that God told them to tell them something.  When you receive a “word” or prophecy from someone is it best to take it before the Lord and ask him to help you determine whether it is from Him or not.

 

Discernment (verse 10)

     A God given ability to be able to distinguish between what is from God and what is not.  Especially in the case of prophecy one who has the gift of discernment will have the supernatural ability to discern if a prophecy was given by God, man or evil spirit. 

·         People with the gift of discernment have an ability given to them by God to be able to know what is good and from above and what is not.  These individuals usually can sense (and usually without a reason) when God is behind something and when he is not.  I have met people (my wife in particular) who have like a fifth sense (for lack of better terms) in reading various people and often will say, “I don’t have a good reason as to why I believe this person is not of God but there is something about him or her that doesn’t sit well with me.”

·         Biblical Example:  I John 4:1 – 3 (Test the spirits)

·         Caution:  Often people will claim to have discernment because they want to control people.  My personal example… I have had individuals use their “gift” to try to control the way I would do something or they are trying to push their agenda on me.  I.E. “I don’t think you should hang out with this person because they will be poison to you.  You should instead be with other like minded individuals.

Tongues (verse 10)

     A God given ability to speak in another languages or unknown languages and is in need of interpreting by the empowering of God to build up and edify the church.  Often times individuals will pray in tongues (either privately or corporately) so that God would be glorified. 

• This is probably one of the most common gifts that is manifested in a believer’s life.  This gift is always used to praise God and glorify his name.  Often a person with this gift will be speaking or praying in a language he or she does not know or understand.
• Biblical Example:  Acts 2:1 – 4 (Pentecost)
• Caution:  Some denominations will say that speaking in tongues is required for one to be saved.  They believe the manifestation of the Spirit is the evidence that one has become a believer.  There is no clear scriptural text to back this up.  When someone speaks in tongues out loud, an interpreter should be present and able to interpret. 

Interpretation of Tongues (verse 10)

     The God given ability to interpret when someone is speaking in tongues.  God gives individuals the understanding to interpret the unknown words the person with the gifts of tongues proclaims.

• One with the gift of interpretation must always work with someone who has the gift of tongues.  He/she will be able to proclaim to those listening what the person under the influence of the Spirit is saying.
• Biblical Example: 1 Cor. 14:5 – If someone prays in tongues there must be interpretation.
• Caution:  One can easily trick people into believing they are interpreting.  Listen to the interpretation and if it does not build up and edify the body of Christ then you should be very wary of the interpretation.

(Verse 11)
All gifts are given by God to every individual as He wills. 

Open Up the Flood Gates

1 Cor. 12:8, 9a

What Now? 

You’ve taken inventory, prayed about it, & sought the counsel of others; now let's look at some of the gifts found in I Corinthians.  Today we will only look at three.

Wisdom (verse 8)

     Utterance or message of wisdom.  This is the God given gift to understand and as a result act wisely.  This could mean you have the ability to speak wisdom and give divine insight or to speak or disclose the mind of God in specific situations.  A person with this gift has an ability (given by God) to give wise counsel, spiritual insight, revelation (the mind of God) and to problem solve (including conflict resolution) within the body of Christ.

• Example:  A person faces situations where decisions must be made and there is no possible way, in the natural, to receive all the facts or information needed to make the right decision or to give the proper advice.  The Holy Spirit exercises this gift through anointed individuals to give them special insights into the situation. ^[1]
• Scriptural example Luke 21:1- 19
• Does not mean you are an intellectual, have various degrees, and have keen insights as to how things should be done (without consulting God).
• Caution – look out for individuals who claim this gift and use it to push through their agenda.  An individual with this gift will have a humble and a servants heart.  He/she will desire God’s will to be done over his/her will.

Knowledge (verse 8)

  Utterance or message of knowledge.  This is the God given gift to reveal information about someone/thing that could not be naturally known.  This could be a situation where someone is able to reveal something about you that someone could not know unless it was divinely given by God himself.  These individuals use this gift sometimes to convict or encourage a believer.

• Scriptural example 2 Samuel 12:7 – 9
• Caution – Sometimes individuals who claim to have this gift use it to spiritually abuse others as a means of control.  Sometimes a person will see something someone else is doing that he/she does not like and they will try and tell someone God told them to tell you to stop doing it. 

Faith (Verse 9a)

    A God-given unswerving confidence in God especially in situations where one would not have the ability in their own strength to believe things will be OK.  It is basically a divine given trust in God for His provisions in all aspects of life.  It is not necessary just in financial matters but also in believing God will accomplish his will regardless of the circumstances.

• Example:  A person with this gift has a faith that is unshakable.  He/she has no problem believing God for healing, provisions, & protection.
• Scriptural Example the Apostle Paul (in prison)
• Caution – It is important for us to recognize that every Christian has been given a portion of faith.  We are saved by grace through faith.  Every believer has faith.  The Spiritual gift of faith goes beyond having a saving faith in Jesus.  We must also note the Spiritual gift of faith is not the same as positive thinking or having a positive attitude.  Just because someone is always positive and sees the silver lining in all situations does not constitute the gift of faith.  As humans we can mentally change our attitude in how we respond in times of crisis and difficulty.  The gift of the faith is a portion of faith that is given by God.  One may not be able to explain why they have a positive outlook in a negative situation and they can only attribute it to God.

Continue to pray as you are on your journey to discover your Spiritual gift(s).  How can you use your gift(s) for the common good of the Body of Christ?  Are there ways you can use your gift(s) to help build up and encourage the Body?  

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^[1] Hayford, J. W., & Rosenberger, H. (1994). Appointed to Leadership: God's Principles for Spiritual Leaders. Spirit-Filled Life Kingdom Dynamics Study Guides. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Gifts and Presence

Do you like to receive gifts? I won’t lie, I do; especially when it is one that I can use or have wanted for a long time. I think we all enjoy receiving gifts because it lets us know people are thinking about, value and want to bless you.

Have you ever received a gift that you didn’t ask for, couldn’t use or just wonder what the person was thinking when he gave it to you? I remember as a younger teenager my grandma (who was a wonderful woman and had a great heart) gave me one of those gifts. She had been to Arizona I believe and she brought me back a gift. I was excited and when I opened the box it was this huge silver belt buckle that had a bunch turquoise stones embedded in it.  Let's just say it wasn't my style... I mean I wasn't much of a belt buckle guy anyhow.  I remember when I opened it I was shocked because the first thing I thought was, “I will never in a million years wear this thing… EVER!” Unfortunately I have no idea where that buckle is today. Maybe it was sold at a garage sale and some individual bought is and is proudly displaying it. I loved my grandma with all my heart but unfortunately she was not a very good gift giver. I wish I could say this was the only interesting gift I received from her but it wasn’t.

Today I would like to begin a series of posts where we look at the diverse gifts God has given to his body.  Before I do this I would like to answer a few questions...

How Many Gifts Are There?  It is debatable as to how many gifts there are.  There are at least 18 gifts listed in Corinthians, Ephesians & Romans.  However there are believed to be many more.

Is a Spiritual Gift the same as a talent?

A Spiritual gift is not to be confused with talent; there may (and usually is) a relationship between the two, but a talent is an ability you may have from birth and develop over time whereas a Spiritual gift is a gift given by God supernaturally.

What’s the difference between Spiritual fruit and a Spiritual gift?

I also should note Spiritual fruit is not the same as Spiritual gift.  The fruit of the Spirit describes the character of a believer and the gift(s) of the Spirit describe the service of the believer.

Aside from a Spiritual inventory, what are some other practical ways to discover your gift(s)?

Other Ways of Knowing Your Gift.  

• Prayer/Ask – Desires of your heart (James 4:2, Psalm 37:4)

-          We know the gifts are given as God wills.  However when you pray for the gift(s) you want or desire, it may affect (in some way that I am uncertain) the Holy Spirit’s desire to give you the gift(s).

-          Psalm 37:4 tells us, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”  God does not hold good things back from us when we ask for them.  When we find complete satisfaction and joy in the Lord, He will then give us those things our hearts truly desire.

• Counsel of others (Proverbs 15:22)

-          Someone cannot tell you what your gift is, but they certainly can assist you in your discovery process.

• Try it out  

-          Sometimes when you are unsure of some specific gifts (prophecy, tongues, healing etc.) it doesn’t take anything more than just trying it out and seeing what happens.

-          Be in a community of believers who also practice their gifts.  You cannot be afraid of failure or of making s fool of yourself.  You can use your failures and your uncomfortable feelings as growth opportunities or confirmation that you do or do not have a specific gift(s).

The Kid's Are Alright

Ephesians 6:4

Vs 4: Now Paul turns his attentions to parents (he speaks mainly to fathers but it is implied that mothers are included as well). Do not provoke your children to wrath. What does this mean? Does it mean we never get upset with our children OR does it mean that we should never discipline our children because it may ultimately get them angry with us?  No.  I like how H.A. Ironside writes in his commentary on Ephesians, “As Christian parents, have in mind your children’s well-being. Do not be needlessly demanding of them, do not lay upon them burdens that are too hard for them to bear, for remember, as children have the Lord Jesus as their example, you have God himself as yours.”[i] It calls for the parent (more specifically fathers) to be even tempered with their children. We are to never discipline out of anger and rage. We are not to be abusive or violent in discipline.  We are not to be so overly critical of our children that we tear them down and crush their spirit. We are to lovingly discipline and instruct, encourage and build up our children in the Lord. I can get frustrated with my children at times but I will never physically harm them but this is not to say that I won’t correct them lovingly either. Ambrosiater gives another great reminder to parents, “Parents ought to teach their children by showing them an example of moderation, so children will choose what is best for them. Parents ought to remember that they were once children themselves and did not want to be provoked by their own parents… so each of them should treat the other in the way they want to be treated themselves.” [ii]  

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[i] Ironside, H.A. (1981). Galatians & Ephesians (In The Heavenlies),  p. 294. Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers

[ii] Bray, Gerald L., (2009) Ancient Christian Texts:  Commentaries on Galatians – Philemon (Ambrosiaster), p. 60.  Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press Academic.

Mommy's Alright... Daddy's Alright... They Just Seem a Little Weird.

Ephesians 6:1 - 3

Children are a blessing from God and the responsibility of parenting is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. I love my children so much and as their father I pray for, love, discipline and instruct them in the ways of the Lord. As a father to my children these are the joyous responsibilities I have. Is it easy? Not always. Am I always faithful in parenting the proper way? Unfortunately I am not. I am human and flawed but I do rely the power and the grace of the Holy Spirit in my life to help me to be the best parent God intends for me.

I remember back in 2000 when my first daughter was born and I experienced a special kind of love and connection with another human that I had never experienced before. The idea of being a parent scared the daylight out of me and I had no clue what to expect in raising a daughter . I did and do know, however that I alongside my wife we have the joyful responsibility to raise our children to be respectful, kind and followers of Jesus Christ. We as parents also have the privilege of being our children’s provider, protector, instructor and examples. Ultimately I (nor can any person) force my children to love God and become followers of Jesus Christ. The only thing I can do is instruct, pray and show them by example Jesus in my life.

Parenting can be one of the most difficult and rewarding jobs in life. If any of you are parents you know exactly what I am talking about. Unfortunately Children do not come with instruction manuals. There are certainly numbers of books, workshops and programs that can help a person to parent but we ultimately know there is no one specific way to parent a child because each child is unique.

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 'Honor your father and mother' (this is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.'"

Have you ever quoted this passage to your children? I know I have. I usually say it when my children are being naughty, disrespectful or disobedient. This is probably one of the most quoted passages in the Bible concerning the relationship between a parent and a child. It is a challenging passage to teach because it says so little about parenting but we like to use it as the foundation of our parenting; but beneath the surface we can see (with a little digging) that it does have a lot to say about the parent child relationship. What I have found is that it can point us in the right direction as to what parenting can and should look like.

Vs 1 - 3: In the  previous passage Paul established the order of the marriage relationship. He spoke to both husbands and wives and gave them instructions on the roles each plays in marriage. In the passage today he continues his instruction as he talks about the family unit and he speaks directly to children and parents.

He begins by addressing children and commands them to obey and honor their fathers and mothers. Why is a child to be obedient to his parents? Obedience is necessary because “it is right”. From a Christian perspective God commands children to obedience because it is a sign of their relationship with Jesus. At ground level a child must be obedient simply because as the anonymous ancient author who goes by the name Ambrosiaster writes, “(children) must obey their parents because they derive their existence from them. It is therefore just that they should show respect to the people from whom they originate.”[i] However we can see at a deeper level Paul is not only speaking to children but also to parents as well. It is important to point out that before our children can be obedient they need to be instructed. As fathers and mothers we have the responsibility to bring children up in the Lord and it is equally important that both father and mother be united in effort to bringing up our children. In Proverbs 6:20 – 21 children are exhorted “keep their father’s commandments” and “not forsake their mother’s teaching.” This ultimately leads to the parent leading a child in the ways of God; to teach and instruct in the ways of the Lord (the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom). As parents our role is not to be a slave driver imposing our will on our children. We are called to love, instruct, pray and lead our children in the ways of the Lord. As we lovingly lead as parents the response of a child should be obedience because as the parents are allowing Christ to lead as the head of them they trust that they as parents are leading them in truth in love.

Not only should this result in obedience but also honor. Honor basically means that you are ascribing to you respect and worth. Now I know in modern time’s obedience and honor is not something that kids seek to show to their parents. In fact it seems the opposite is true. I have heard how some children speak to or treat their parents and I am appalled. If you don’t believe me I would invite you to come to the school someday and observe as I pick up my children. I hear children swearing at their parents, hitting them, talking back in a disrespectful manner and basically walking all over them with the parent doing little to nothing in response (I have also witnessed parents doing the same to their children and it is no wonder they act the way they do). Maybe I would be considered old fashioned but this is not how God established the parent/child relationship.

Kids, God has established your parents over you and He has entrusted you to them to bring you up in the ways of the Lord. I know there are times when you may think your mom or dad is just trying to make your life miserable (and that they actually enjoy this) but God has clearly given them the responsibility to train and instruct you in the ways of God. We may be fallible (or sinners) but God has given us the mandate to be the ones to help you to grow into young men and women who know Jesus and walk according to his ways. Like I said, we can’t impose this relationship with Jesus on you, this is your decision to make. We can only point you in the direction you need to go.

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[i]  Bray, Gerald L., (2009) Ancient Christian Texts:  Commentaries on Galatians – Philemon (Ambrosiaster), p. 59.  Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press Academic.

Better Man

Ephesians 5:22 -32

Vs 22: – I am not going to beat around the bush, this topic/passage has been a source of tension for many people when they read it.  There are varying opinions as to how it is translated.  One of the unfortunate things is that so much emphasis is put on the word and meaning of submit.  Many feminists will use this passage as proof that Christianity is archaic, irrelevant and oppressive to women.  When in fact this passage is not so much about wives submitting and husbands ruling as it is about Jesus Christ and the love he has shown to his bride (the church) through his example of love and marriage.
“Wives submit to your husbands” – When some women hear this it is almost like fingernails scraping the chalkboard.  When some men hear this you may stand up and say, “PREACH IT!”  But let’s not put the cart before the horse because there is a lot to follow in this passage.  In fact I am going to push pause right here and go down to verse 25 so this passage could be looked at in its proper context.

Vs 25 – 26:  “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,”  Did you hear this men?  You are to love your wife as Christ loved the church…  Did Christ love the church selfishly?  Nope.  Did Christ love the church because she submitted to him?  Nope.  Does Jesus love the church because we love him back?  Nope.  Does Jesus love the church because she makes him feel good about himself?  Negative.  Does Jesus love the church because we do things for him?  He loves the church sacrificially and unconditionally as he gave himself for her.  He gave himself for the church regardless of what the church did for him (this is grace).  You see men, we have an obligation and a responsibility to our wives to love them sacrificially and to serve them lovingly and to lead them as a loving shepherd like Jesus did for his bride.  It is time husbands stop spending time demanding their wives submit and start focusing on loving their wives and seeking Jesus in their lives so they can love and lead their wives the way Christ loves and leads the Church.  Husbands/men when we can fully grasp the love Christ showed to humanity through his sacrifice and death we will then know how to love our wives the proper way.  Husbands we are called to be spiritual leaders, protectors and providers for our wives.  We are to treat our wives the way Christ treats the church.  Husbands who are filled with the Spirit will serve their wives and lift them up and take on the role of a servant leader who lovingly leads his home but selflessly serves the needs and desires of his wife.  This is not rocket science.

Submission
Back to submission.  I do like John Piper’s definition of this word, “Submission is the divine calling of a wife to honor and affirm her husband’s leadership and help carry it through according to her gifts.”
One of the best ways to clarify this is by stating what submission is not.

1)     You are not obligated to agree with your husband in everything.

2)     Does not mean you cannot think for yourself, offer advice or talk things through with your husband.

3)     Does not mean you are meek, weak and never speak.

4)     Does not mean you put your husbands will before God’s will.

5)     Does not mean you act out of fear or intimidation.

6)     Submission does not follow a husband into sin.

What men fail to realize is that submitting doesn’t just fall on the shoulders of the wife.  Submission is intended to be a gloriously beautiful act.  It is not intended to oppress or enslave; it is intended to be freeing so a woman can love serve and respect her husband in the way she loves serve and respects Jesus.  As men we are to submit to the headship of Jesus and we are to mutually submit to and respect our wives out of reverence for Christ.  Here is how I see this passage is supposed to work.

a)     Spirit filled husbands and wives are to submit to Jesus Christ because he is the head.

b)     Wives are to submit to their husbands because he is the head of the family like Christ is the head of the church.  Not out of fear and slavery but in freedom and joy.  It is important to note that the husband is not Christ; he is to model his life after Jesus.  Ultimately Jesus is the head of the wife as well.

c)      Headship is not a right to control or to abuse or to neglect.  It is the incredible joy and privilege for husbands to love their wives in the same way Jesus loves the Church (by providing, protecting and through servant leadership).  Jesus loves his bride so much he gave himself to the point of death for her.  Men this is our calling.  Wives you have the freedom to allow your husband to protect, provide and lead but you also have the joy in being a mutual partner in the marriage relationship. 

When A Man Loves A Woman

Marriage

What is marriage? Is it and I quote from the classic film Princess Bride, “Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday. Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam...: And wuv, tru wuv, will fowow you foweva.” Is marriage truly just about love, attraction and living a fairy tale marriage that is easy and magnificent? Certainly love and attraction have roles in the union of two individuals and we all strive for a wonderful marriage. But is that the glue that holds it all together? Is the key to a successful marriage found in finding the “right partner” that will make you happy forever and ever? I would suggest it is more than this. 

Over the years I have counseled a good number of men and women before they entered into "wedded bliss."  Some of the couples I have married are still flourishing and others came to an abrupt end. One question I ask when counseling is… “Why do you want to get married?” Usually (not always) the answer is, “We want to get married because we love each other and want to be happy and spend the rest of our lives together.” Who doesn’t right? Timothy Keller writes very early in his book THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE, “While marriage is many things, it is anything but sentimental. Marriage is glorious but hard. It is a burning joy and strength, and yet it is blood sweat and tears, humbling defeats and exhausting victories. No marriage I know more than a few weeks old could be described as a fairy tale come true… At times, your marriage seems to be an unsolvable puzzle, a maze in which you feel lost.” John Piper in his book THIS MOMENTARY MARRIAGE writes, “Marriage is not mainly about being or staying in love. It’s mainly about telling the truth with our lives. It’s about portraying something true about Jesus Christ and the way he relates to his people. It is about showing in real life the glory of the gospel… Marriage is meant by God to put the gospel reality on display in the world.” Keller and Piper do not suggest that love has no part to play in marriage because it does; they are saying that true marriage is not rooted in romanticism, or keeping that “feeling” of love burning bright because there are times when romance and high school love is not present and we face difficulties in marriage. This is why ultimately the sacrament or institution of marriage is rooted in Jesus (which always results in true love). We will see (tomorrow Lord willing) in the end marriage is a profound mystery and it is a mystery that can only be understood when we see the foundation is in Jesus Christ.

Watching You

Ephesians 5:15

Vs 15:  In verse 15 Paul gives a warning to the believers, “Be careful, then how you walk…”  Or watch carefully how you walk.  He means to give close attention to the way you conduct your life.  Believers are to walk with purpose and walk with the understanding that we are indeed representatives of God and Jesus Christ. 

Here is the truth… People are watching Christians in general and many are not impressed. It's a sad thing when I hear the reason someone does not want to be a Christian or attend church is because "they are all a bunch of hypocrites." They look at us and see we don't always practice what we preach. Our response is often, "Hey don't look at the actions of God's people, look to God." This is unfortunate that the people who supposedly represent Christ here on earth say, "Don't look at us, we are merely human and imperfect" (which is true). However we must strive to be imitators of Christ; not only for our benefit but ultimately for his glory

As Disciples of Christ we are to model our lives after our master.  This means we try to the best of our ability and from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to live as Jesus lived.  So we need to take into consideration that is we want to live as Jesus Christ commands us then we need to walk in His footsteps and theses steps are to be people of

1. Compassion
2. Prayer
3. Love
4. Evangelism
5. Servanthood

May you be challenged today to model your life after Jesus?  He is the true representation of God and you as his child must imitate him.  Live a life that is worthy of the calling by being imitators of God and be very careful how you live, not as unwise, but as wise because a disciple of Christ (a child of God) who is fully alive lives a life imitating God.

Walk This Way

Read Ephesians 5:1

Mimic

Do as I say and not as I do. Unfortunately this has become the mantra of modern times even in the church of Jesus Christ. This should not be the case because the Bible does not teach this philosophy. Today we pick up in Ephesians 5:1 and look more specifically and practically how one lives the new life. Since the old nature is been shed and the new is put on and you are now living the new life I will take an even deeper look at what the Christian life is intended to look like.  You now live opposite to the old sinful ways this means you begin living the 180 degree life by speaking the truth to one another, being angry yet not sinning and living the completely new life (opposite of the old ways). Today we continue looking at the new life and the challenge that Paul makes for believers to imitate God or walk the walk. What does this mean? How do you do this and how does this affect the way you live daily and in the world? These are some questions I aim to answer this morning.

Vs 1:  Paul tells his readers to imitate God as beloved children and walk in love. On the surface we can say, “Ok, I can do that.” But when we take a deeper look at the passage the questions I ask are “What does it really mean to imitate God?” “How am I to imitate him?” and “what does walking in love, as Christ loved us look like?” Imitating God and walking in love are certainly connected because Jesus being God in flesh is the perfect representation of God and our perfect example to follow and imitate. Since I talked about living the new life or the 180 degree life in the last blog we can now flesh out what it means to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving to one another by looking at the life of Jesus and imitating him.  Followers of Jesus imitate God when we purpose in our lives and hearts to live as Jesus lived. When you and I are able to imitate Jesus (by the power of the Spirit) we can truly walk the walk of the Christian life.

Paul tells me to be an imitator of God as beloved children of God. Imitators – To mimic or to do what is seen or done by someone else. Have you ever played “Simon Says”? This is a game of imitation and mimic. When Simon says to do something you do what you are told to do or shown. Of course the game is meant to be a game of trickery and deceit and this is not what imitating God looks like, but the idea of copying what is said and done is the same. When we look at the life of Jesus we can learn a lot about how to walk the walk or imitate God as his beloved children.

Imitate God

Jesus was a man of compassion: (Kindness, caring) 

• Jesus was always concerned with the needs of those around him. So many times in the New Testament we see Jesus showing compassion to individuals and large groups. 
• Matthew 15:29 - 34 
• In what way did Jesus show compassion in these instances? Healing and teaching them the ways of God. W
• What can you do to apply compassion to people in your life? 

Jesus was a man of prayer 

• There are numerous times we see Jesus praying in the Bible. He valued prayer and it was his life line. He prayed for his disciples, for future believers, for his enemies, before enduring the hardships and during times when He just wanted to be alone with God (Sometimes all night long). 
• Read John 17:14 - 21
• What specifically did Jesus pray for in this prayer? What does this tell you about your own prayers? What should you pray for? 

Jesus displayed and showed true love 

• Peter tells me to walk in love as Christ loved us. 
• How did Christ love me? Sacrificially.
• Read John 15:13, 14 

Jesus was a man of evangelism 

• The thirty three years Jesus Christ walked this earth was for one purpose… to share the “good news” of the kingdom of God. 
• Read Matthew 9:35 - 38 
• What is the “good news of the Kingdom”? God has come in the flesh to offer life to those who believe. Eternal life and life with God here on earth is available to all who believe. 

Jesus was a servant

• Jesus put others before Himself. We never read that He didn’t do something because He didn’t feel like it or it didn’t help him advance in life. He was always putting the needs of others before Him.
• Read John 13:1 - 7 
• What is it that Jesus wanted his disciples to learn? What does it teach you? 

What I have described today is the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. The disciples in the Bible were followers of Jesus and His representatives. When we do what the leader (Jesus) says; to imitate and emulate Him we are living as disciples of Christ. This is what being a disciple is all about! It’s about living your life worthy of the calling and imitating Jesus! If you don’t know how the Leader lives, then how can you imitate Him?

New World Man

THE 180 LIFE

Vs 28 - 30:  This is the passage that defines or describes what I call the 180 degree life. Since we are a new creation in Christ we now walk contrary to the way of the old man. Paul uses the example of a thief who once stole for a living who has been transformed and is now working hard for his wages in order to make a living for himself. This kind of person would have made a 180 degree turn in his life.

The new life affects all aspects of your life. You no longer do what you did before.  Paul points out that the new life affects the way we speak. He says you no longer use corrupt talk but instead words that are edifying and build others up. The NET bible translates the word corrupt as “unwholesome”. The "unwholesome means “to cause decay”. These are words that destroy or tear down. This includes negative or harsh criticism, words spoken in anger, bullying, lying, and verbal regurgitation. Believers are to be careful and must allow the power of the Spirit in your life to use the words you speak carefully.  Words can be more dangerous and harmful than physical weapons or beatings. A person who is not a new creation in Christ does not bridle his tongue (as James talks about). He/she uses his/her words as a weapon to tear down and harm others. Since you are a new creation use your words for good... to build up and edify; not tear down and destroy.

The new life also does not grieve the Holy Spirit. Grieving the Holy Spirit I take to mean that I do not hinder the work of the Spirit by living contrary to the Spirit-filled life.  When one proclaims Jesus as Lord and lives a life contrary to his claims (hypocrisy) will cause division in the church, he will dishonor Christ, he will use his words to hurt others and he will live a sin flaunting life and this grieves the Spirit.

Vs 31:  Put aside or put away or take off the following…

1. Bitterness – Anger that is harbored. This is someone who is cynical, sarcastic, mocking or resentful.
   
2. Anger – Bottled up emotions of rage. The actual word here is indignant which means to boil over or well up. This is someone who explodes very easily and releases all their pent up anger at one time and causing a lot of damage.
    
3. Wrath – Anger that is exhibited in punishment. This word could also mean someone who is vengeful or finds pleasure in harming others while punishing them
   .
4. Quarreling – This is the person who goes looking for ways to cause problems. He is always ready to fight and is always ready to stir up dissension. She also can be an instigator who causes fights to erupt from two or more differing parties.
   
5. Slanderous talk – Someone who gossips, speaks negatively about, and lying about someone.
   
6. Malice - Someone who is bitter, spiteful and hateful.

All of these characteristics can cause division and ultimately hurt the body of Christ thus grieving the Holy Spirit. They are not supposed to be part of the new life in Christ. These are all part of the old life.

Vs 32:  The person who has the new life in Christ is kind. He/she treats people with kindness, dignity and serves other’s needs. She is tenderhearted, or gentle, patient and sympathetic with others. She is quick to forgive which means she won't hold on to the wrongdoings that have been done to her.  She is  willing to show forgiveness to those who seek it from her. God has forgiven us (even when we didn’t deserve it) so we must learn from his example and forgive those who don’t necessarily “deserve” our forgiveness.

When you become a new creation in Christ you become absolutely new by living the 180 degree life. I want to challenge you today to evaluate your life as a new creation in Christ. Are you living as a new creation? Another challenge is to allow the Spirit of God to work through you and be intentional by showing kindness to people around you; by being tenderhearted to your coworkers and family; and by showing forgiveness to those who seek your forgiveness. The last part may be difficult because there may be people God is calling you to forgive that you may not want to or think you can forgive (this is why it is important to allow the Spirit to give you the strength to do it). It may not come right away but continue to ask God to help you become the person who is new in Christ who is intentionally living a fully alive life for Jesus Christ. The new you or the 180 degree life is truly a freeing way to live and the way God intended for us to live.

Angry Chair

Ephesians 4:25 - 27

Be Angry and Do Not Sin

Today we pick up in Ephesians 4:25 – 27 and begin to look at what the new life in Christ looks like. If indeed the old man is shed and the new man is put on; what does this really mean for us? In the passage today Paul gives us sort of a primer of what the new life in Christ looks like.

Vs 25:  “Therefore” (What is it there for?) Since you are now alive in Christ, brought near to God by the blood of Jesus, you have renewed your mind in the spirit and shed the old nature (no longer walking in the former ways) and put on the new self you are now called to put aside falsehood and speak the truth to one another. We are now (in Christ) people of the truth so we must speak it to one another. This includes refraining from speaking lies and living in lies because we are one body and should not deceive one another. You must be upright, have integrity, be open and honest with one another and not hide behind the mask of deceit and deception. This is hard for many of us to do. On one hand it requires us to be sort of transparent and vulnerable with one another (and this does not come easy for many) and on the other hand there should be genuine concern and care for each other regardless of our life situations.

Vs 26, 27:  Not only are we to be truthful and transparent but also angry yet not sinful in our anger. That statement seems like a paradox. Can one be angry and still not sin? Or better yet what is Paul implying we do here? Some have suggested that this statement is more of a warning from Paul than it is a command. D.A. Carson writes, “It is not an encouragement to righteous anger (indeed all anger is condemned in 5:31); it is a warning, ‘If you become angry, beware! You are at sin’s door!’[1]

On the other hand though as followers of Jesus we must hate sin; it should in fact anger us because it is the one thing that separates us from God. Sin is the wedge that has been driven between God and man and when we see others enslaved to sin it should anger us.

If indeed we are to be angry and sin not what does this look like? I think the best example would be found in John 2:14 – 16 when Jesus cleanses the Temple of God. He was angered by what was going on in the synagogue because sin was happening in the house of God and this would not be tolerated. We see the divisive nature sin has on our unbelieving loved ones and it should anger us that their sin is what is keeping them from becoming alive in Christ and drawing them near to God.

Being angry and not sinning is definitely a fine line to walk. Anger can be and usually is unhealthy and unrighteous because it is directly related to the old self and should not rule the true believer’s life. I like how John Walvoord writes, “The way to prevent such sin is to “keep short accounts,” dealing with the anger before the sun goes down. The reason is that the devil would like to intensify a Christian’s righteous anger against sin, causing it to become sin itself. This then gives the devil a foothold (lit., “a place”), an opportunity for leading that Christian into further sin. Then anger begins to control the believer rather than the believer controlling his anger.”[2] We all know that unchecked or unresolved anger is dangerous and can lead to full blown bitterness and eventual hatred. We must control our anger and this is done through the power of the Holy Spirit in us.




[1] New Bible commentary: 21st century edition. 1994 (D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer & G. J. Wenham, Ed.) (4th ed.) (Eph 4:25–5:2). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.


[2] Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Eph 4:26–27). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Old Man Take A Look At Me Now

Ephesians 4:23,24, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Vs. 23, 24:  “be renewed by the Spirit… and put on the new self.” The transformation process is when we shed the old man and put on the new. The new life is crafted after the likeness of God in righteousness and holiness. The transformation process is also described in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This is one of the most beautiful illustrations of the new life in Christ. Paul writes to the Corinthians that if anyone considers themselves to be a follower of Jesus then He has become a new creation. The old ways of living are gone and behind and the new has come. What I find most beautiful about transformation is we become a NEW CREATION. Not a better version of the old self. I did not become Jeff 2.0, I am a completely new creation transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Jesus now becomes evident in the believer. A person who has truly been transformed by the power of the Spirit is indeed a changed individual. People will notice you are different by the way you act, talk and treat others. I often hear people say things like, “Do you know if so and so is a Christian?” The usual response is, “I don’t know. They have never said they made a commitment to Jesus.” Well the true litmus test for the Christian is evident in their transformation. If there is no transformation then there is no new life in Christ.

I always find it funny when I talk to someone who remembers me the way I used to be before I became a believer. They notice that I still have the semblance of the old Jeff; I am still the same person they knew many years ago but I have something drastically different about me. I have the new life in Jesus Christ which brings joy, contentment, and true faith in God.

I think what may linger in so many minds is, “If the old has passed away does this mean the old or former life will no longer affect or haunt me?” The answer is no. No matter what has happened in our past our "old man" will always be etched into our lives. There is no way we can make the past not be part of our lives. Who we are at the core is deeply connected to our past. However the past no longer has control over you. You have been freed from the old self and you are now made alive in Jesus Christ.

I remember when I became a Christian, one of the hardest things as a new believer was to “put to death the sinful things of the past”. The old self was still haunting me. I struggled daily (and continue today) with the sins of my life as a non-Christian. The Bible constantly reminds me that I am a “new creature” and the sinful things I used to do have passed away. I really try to keep reminding myself this, but it was very hard to live this way. I pray every day that God will deliver and protect me from this battle, so I can continue to live a life of purity and holiness. In Colossians 3:5 the Apostle Paul tells the Christians in Colosse to put to death all the sinful things that lurked in them. The words “put to death sinful things” also means to mortify or kill the sinful things in our life. Matthew Henry, a Bible commentator, wrote this, “(We must) mortify them (sinful things), kill them, suppress them, as a weed or vermin which spread and destroy all about them… It is necessary to mortify sins, because if we do not kill them then they will kill us.” These are strong words, but I believe them to be effective in getting the point across. Our battle against sin is a battle that must be fought daily. We cannot just pray a prayer and God will take all sin out of our lives. He will, however, give to you help or resources to endure and win the daily battle. “The Spirit provides us with energy and power to continually and gradually be killing our sins, a process never completed in this life.” The old and new self are constantly battling one another. Yet we must be encouraged because the new self is empowered by the Spirit of God that can and will mortify the old self so we can live in the power of his Spirit.

Are you struggling with the old self? Do you find that the new you doesn’t really feel like a new you? Have you even put off the old self and put on the new you? These are deep questions that I believe need to be answered and prayed through. I challenge you today to take these questions to the Lord and ask him to empower you through the Spirit to live the new life and put away the former ways of life so you can live as a fully alive child of God.