Introduction:
WHO AM I?
If we’re honest, most of us struggle with identity issues – significance, security. Parents, peers, school, culture and teachers are just some of the mirrors we look into in our search for who we are. For many, this is painful. There’s a song that came out when I was in high school called “At Seventeen” that most of you won’t know but the words still cut as Janice Ian shares her painful search for identity.
If you are a believer and you struggle with these things, then this letter is for you! The book of Ephesians describes a believer’s position IN CHRIST (Chapters 1-3) and then the results (or application) of that position (Chapters 4-6).
Chapter 1:
The first 14 verses in Ephesians are AMAZING! You could do a good 7-10 studies on these verses but blasted, I have only one! So here goes:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Everything we need to live a life for God, to be restored to fellowship with God and with others has been given us IN CHRIST (this phrase used 10 times in first 13 verses)! The moment we believe, we receive! Then Paul goes on to explain those spiritual blessings:
ELECTION (4-5a, 11-12) – This is a reality, a fact. HE took the initiative. There was nothing about us and He chose us in Him. For what purpose? To be “holy & blameless in His sight.” and “for the praise of his glory.”
ADOPTION (5-6) – Again, there was nothing about us, God did not need you or me, but He wanted to make us His kids (“in accordance with His pleasure and will”) and so He did.
REDEMPTION (7a) – This is a deliverance, a ransom paid by a price. In other words, God bought us back. How? And what was the price? “…through his blood…” Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sins and mine!
FORGIVENESS (7-10) – of our sins! And the qualifier? “in accordance with the riches of God's grace…” Being chose, adopted, redeemed & forgiven has nothing to do with our performance but is all by GRACE!~
SALVATION (13a) – How is a person saved? “…you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed…” When you hear the Word of God and by faith you believe, then you receive!
MARKED/SEALED (13b-14) – This is a guarantee, a pledge, a down payment. The word used speaks of an engagement ring. When I asked Jean to marry me, I gave her an engagement ring. It wasn’t the full wedding band, but a promise, a deposit of what was yet to come. When we believe & receive, God deposits His Holy Spirit in us as a promise that He will finish what He started. And someday in heaven we will be perfected!
INHERITANCE (14) – All we are and will enjoy as children of the King! Being the King’s kid has benefits that are out of this world.
The Father elects & adopts, the Son redeems, forgives, saves & gives an inheritance and the Holy Spirit is our seal – the Trinity at work! WOWSA! This is great stuff!
After all this it should cause us to pray & give thanks and that is exactly what Paul concludes the chapter doing – that we would “know Him better.” Another reason why Knowing Jesus is the first part of my life goal of “Knowing Jesus and Making Him Known.”
SO WHAT?!
*Let’s take some time today and thank God for all the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. Go ahead, list them out – I Double Dog Dare Ya’!
*How do you view yourself, your identity? Often we can compare ourselves with others. And certainly our culture seeks the best looking, smartest, most talented, etc…. But I am so glad that my acceptance before God is NOT based on my performance! IN CHRIST I have been given a new IDENTITY – I am accepted by God and adopted into His family because of faith in Jesus Christ! I’m royalty! I’m the King’s kid! So are ALL who trust in Him alone to be saved from their sins! Now that beats any “self-esteem” talk you or I could ever receive!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
20 Years of Student Ministry in Katy, Texas (June 7, 1990 – June 7, 2010)
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. – 1 Timothy 1:12-15
Ok, so It really doesn’t seem that long ago that I graduated from CCU, packed up a budget rental van with all my stuff (I could have still seat 6) and headed to a small suburb just west of Houston called Katy. WOWSA - It has been the ride of my life!
God didn’t waste much time letting me know I needed help and within a month I began to date the girl I’ve been married to for almost 19 years! Jean – you are my girlfriend, my best friend, my lover, my partner in ministry, my first ministry and tons more – I totally love you and owe you big-time! Drew & Jessica – you both ROCK, crack me up and are my favorite two students in the whole world!
I have been extremely privileged to have worked with some of the best people in the world – pastors, youth workers, elders, deacons, fellow church members, all those who have served in student ministry with me and of course my heroes – each of the students I’ve been able to know!
A lot has changed in Katy since 1990 and yet much is still the same – students continue to need Jesus! I still feel like a rookie in this student ministry league and here are some of the things I’ve learned:
- Love your spouse & family first: If I fail here, I fail.
- Envision the potential of each student: Don’t pull out your adult calculator and tell them something can’t be done. Encourage them to go for it!
- Keep pointing people to JESUS – He is the one who is great, not me.
- If you have a guys night out at a hockey game, be sure it’s not Hooters night.
- Go to the BIBLE for everything. And if you don’t know, don’t snow – just tell ‘em and then find the answer together.
- Character trumps messages every time: Most of us can’t name the top 3 messages we’ve heard but are quick to name the top 3 people who have influenced us.
- Planting your youth professor as a bum at a roadside park, giving him money & a ride and then having him show up at retreat to introduce him as our speaker for the weekend is THE BOMB!
- Be a cheerleader for the outcasts: God is! Students who don’t fit in anywhere else should be welcomed in church & in student ministry!
- Dressing a youth leader in drag will always get you a special meeting with your pastor.
- Be a lifer in student ministry – long-haul benefits are huge for Jesus & students! Trust, stability, etc..
- If you’re gonna’ pass out “safe sex condoms” it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission, and yes, plan on another special meeting with your pastor.
- A cheerful heart is good medicine! Life is too short to be a grumpy poop!
- Remember who we are: I’m not Jesus (you knew that), I’m not a student’s parent (by the way, still their #1 influence), I’m a “significant other” – But BE significant!
- Only two things in life last forever – the souls of men & women and God & His Word. Spend your life in these two!
- Don’t just play with students – my games can’t compete with the Amazing Race, Survivor, etc… So – play games but give them God & His Word because our world can’t compete with these!
- Thief in the Night is still a good flick to literally “scare the hell out of students.”
- Laugh at yourself - “It seemed like a good idea at the time” is almost my motto!
- Be thankful! Each day God gives me is another day I don’t deserve. I woke up this morning deserving punishment forever in hell for my sins but I get heaven instead because of Jesus – it’s a good day!
I could go on & on, but I’ll spare y’all!
LAST NIGHT I was surprised by some sneaky people (my CSI team is still investigating the details) who threw me a 20 year party! Someone also put big facial pics of me on paint stick and they were everywhere – hilarious & scary at the same time! Then they “toasted” me! Friends, family, pastors, youth workers, etc… -it was a small taste of what heaven will be like some day. It will also take me another 20 years to live up to what was said! Honestly, this was truly from God. I had been bumming the past couple weeks, having my own pity party (attended by only me), thinking dumb stuff and wondering if I had made any impact. So I prayed a selfish prayer that God would send some encouragement. Well, He did – and to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine……..to Him I give credit & thanks!
Here's a video of 20 years of group photos!
Ok, so It really doesn’t seem that long ago that I graduated from CCU, packed up a budget rental van with all my stuff (I could have still seat 6) and headed to a small suburb just west of Houston called Katy. WOWSA - It has been the ride of my life!
God didn’t waste much time letting me know I needed help and within a month I began to date the girl I’ve been married to for almost 19 years! Jean – you are my girlfriend, my best friend, my lover, my partner in ministry, my first ministry and tons more – I totally love you and owe you big-time! Drew & Jessica – you both ROCK, crack me up and are my favorite two students in the whole world!
I have been extremely privileged to have worked with some of the best people in the world – pastors, youth workers, elders, deacons, fellow church members, all those who have served in student ministry with me and of course my heroes – each of the students I’ve been able to know!
A lot has changed in Katy since 1990 and yet much is still the same – students continue to need Jesus! I still feel like a rookie in this student ministry league and here are some of the things I’ve learned:
- Love your spouse & family first: If I fail here, I fail.
- Envision the potential of each student: Don’t pull out your adult calculator and tell them something can’t be done. Encourage them to go for it!
- Keep pointing people to JESUS – He is the one who is great, not me.
- If you have a guys night out at a hockey game, be sure it’s not Hooters night.
- Go to the BIBLE for everything. And if you don’t know, don’t snow – just tell ‘em and then find the answer together.
- Character trumps messages every time: Most of us can’t name the top 3 messages we’ve heard but are quick to name the top 3 people who have influenced us.
- Planting your youth professor as a bum at a roadside park, giving him money & a ride and then having him show up at retreat to introduce him as our speaker for the weekend is THE BOMB!
- Be a cheerleader for the outcasts: God is! Students who don’t fit in anywhere else should be welcomed in church & in student ministry!
- Dressing a youth leader in drag will always get you a special meeting with your pastor.
- Be a lifer in student ministry – long-haul benefits are huge for Jesus & students! Trust, stability, etc..
- If you’re gonna’ pass out “safe sex condoms” it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission, and yes, plan on another special meeting with your pastor.
- A cheerful heart is good medicine! Life is too short to be a grumpy poop!
- Remember who we are: I’m not Jesus (you knew that), I’m not a student’s parent (by the way, still their #1 influence), I’m a “significant other” – But BE significant!
- Only two things in life last forever – the souls of men & women and God & His Word. Spend your life in these two!
- Don’t just play with students – my games can’t compete with the Amazing Race, Survivor, etc… So – play games but give them God & His Word because our world can’t compete with these!
- Thief in the Night is still a good flick to literally “scare the hell out of students.”
- Laugh at yourself - “It seemed like a good idea at the time” is almost my motto!
- Be thankful! Each day God gives me is another day I don’t deserve. I woke up this morning deserving punishment forever in hell for my sins but I get heaven instead because of Jesus – it’s a good day!
I could go on & on, but I’ll spare y’all!
LAST NIGHT I was surprised by some sneaky people (my CSI team is still investigating the details) who threw me a 20 year party! Someone also put big facial pics of me on paint stick and they were everywhere – hilarious & scary at the same time! Then they “toasted” me! Friends, family, pastors, youth workers, etc… -it was a small taste of what heaven will be like some day. It will also take me another 20 years to live up to what was said! Honestly, this was truly from God. I had been bumming the past couple weeks, having my own pity party (attended by only me), thinking dumb stuff and wondering if I had made any impact. So I prayed a selfish prayer that God would send some encouragement. Well, He did – and to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine……..to Him I give credit & thanks!
Here's a video of 20 years of group photos!
Romans 16 DEVO: Friends in Ministry & the Gospel
Chapter 16:
The call to follow Jesus is a call to be part of a bigger family – the family of God. God never meant for us as believers to be alone. Type the phrase “one another” into any Bible software and you’ll see all the things we are to be and to do with “one another.” This was certainly true of Paul. He was no Lone Ranger in ministry (even the Lone Ranger had Tonto) and we see that in this final chapter. 13 times in the first 16 verses he says to “greet” someone. Who are these peeps? They were those who faithfully served with Paul in knowing Jesus and making Him known! So here goes:
Phoebe – she is probably delivering this letter, a helpful servant
Pricilla & Aquilla – Paul first met them on his 2nd missionary journey and worked with them in tentmaking. They risked their lives for Paul.
The Church – that meets at P&A home.
Epenetus – the first convert to Christ in Asia (kept track, must have been Baptist – he, he..)
Mary – she put in some hours for the Lord
Andronicus & Junias – They were spiritual relatives in prison with him for the Gospel. They were the best and came to Christ before Paul!
Amphliatus – love this guy!
Urbanus & Stachys – worked together, friend
Apelles – persevered some tough stuff
Aristobulus’ Home – yeah, tell ‘em hi
Herodion – relative
Narcissus – believers
Tryphena & Tryphosa – hard working women (also, a couple good names if you ever have twins)
Persis – another hard worker for Jesus
Rufus & his mom – believers who were like family to me
Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas & all my bro’s with ‘em
Philologus, Julia, Nereus & sis, Olympas & all the saints
One Another – go on, kiss ‘em for me!
Paul then ends with a warning to watch out for peeps who stir up trouble by getting them to believe a false Gospel. He wants them to be “wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” Good advice! Paul then gives greetings from those who are with him and finishes it off with a Gospel Doxology (ok, a praise song about the good news of Jesus)
SO WHAT?
*While serving Jesus, is your tendency to do everything on your own or do you look for ways to get others to serve with you? Independence may be the American way, but Inter-dependence is the Biblical way. It takes more time and energy to do work together but it is how God has designed us (1 Corinthians 12).
*When was the last time you THANKED & ENCOURAGED those with whom you serve Jesus Christ? Today – will you send an email, a text, a facebook message, a card, etc… and let them know?! Whenever I get notes like this, I keep them in a box (my anti-depressant box) and pull them out whenever I get bummed. Maybe that sounds weird, but it works for me, and some of y’all have notes in my box!
*Finally – Knowing Jesus & Making Him Known is a life-long process. And the more we spend time doing these two things, the better we’ll be able to recognize false teachings when they come – and they will come!
The call to follow Jesus is a call to be part of a bigger family – the family of God. God never meant for us as believers to be alone. Type the phrase “one another” into any Bible software and you’ll see all the things we are to be and to do with “one another.” This was certainly true of Paul. He was no Lone Ranger in ministry (even the Lone Ranger had Tonto) and we see that in this final chapter. 13 times in the first 16 verses he says to “greet” someone. Who are these peeps? They were those who faithfully served with Paul in knowing Jesus and making Him known! So here goes:
Phoebe – she is probably delivering this letter, a helpful servant
Pricilla & Aquilla – Paul first met them on his 2nd missionary journey and worked with them in tentmaking. They risked their lives for Paul.
The Church – that meets at P&A home.
Epenetus – the first convert to Christ in Asia (kept track, must have been Baptist – he, he..)
Mary – she put in some hours for the Lord
Andronicus & Junias – They were spiritual relatives in prison with him for the Gospel. They were the best and came to Christ before Paul!
Amphliatus – love this guy!
Urbanus & Stachys – worked together, friend
Apelles – persevered some tough stuff
Aristobulus’ Home – yeah, tell ‘em hi
Herodion – relative
Narcissus – believers
Tryphena & Tryphosa – hard working women (also, a couple good names if you ever have twins)
Persis – another hard worker for Jesus
Rufus & his mom – believers who were like family to me
Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas & all my bro’s with ‘em
Philologus, Julia, Nereus & sis, Olympas & all the saints
One Another – go on, kiss ‘em for me!
Paul then ends with a warning to watch out for peeps who stir up trouble by getting them to believe a false Gospel. He wants them to be “wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” Good advice! Paul then gives greetings from those who are with him and finishes it off with a Gospel Doxology (ok, a praise song about the good news of Jesus)
SO WHAT?
*While serving Jesus, is your tendency to do everything on your own or do you look for ways to get others to serve with you? Independence may be the American way, but Inter-dependence is the Biblical way. It takes more time and energy to do work together but it is how God has designed us (1 Corinthians 12).
*When was the last time you THANKED & ENCOURAGED those with whom you serve Jesus Christ? Today – will you send an email, a text, a facebook message, a card, etc… and let them know?! Whenever I get notes like this, I keep them in a box (my anti-depressant box) and pull them out whenever I get bummed. Maybe that sounds weird, but it works for me, and some of y’all have notes in my box!
*Finally – Knowing Jesus & Making Him Known is a life-long process. And the more we spend time doing these two things, the better we’ll be able to recognize false teachings when they come – and they will come!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Romans 15 DEVO: The Weak, The Strong & How to Get Along – Part 2
Chapter 15:
Ok – same song, different chorus. Paul continues in chapter 15 with:
3) PLEASE GOD BY GETTING ALONG WITH EACH OTHER AS WE FOLLOW CHRIST: (1-13)
HOW DO WE LIVE LIKE THIS?
a. Bear with (1)
b. Please your neighbor (2a)
c. Build up (2b)
d. Follow Christ’s example (3)
e. Seek to glorify God (6)
f. Accept (7)
g. Be a servant (8)
h. Rejoice (9-13)
i. Trust Him (13)
Paul then finishes up with ministry to the Gentiles and his plans to visit Rome.
SO WHAT?!
*So here is how this weak/strong thing looks: GOD lays down a law or a principle. Man comes along and reduces God’s great law to some set of rules that is burdensome, and so people are no longer required to make individual choices! Then man elevates rule keeping as a mark of spirituality and judges himself AND others by it! THIS is hazardous to unity in the body! Luke 12 – “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees!” Why? Their opinions are becoming laws! “Traditions of men” become the standards! Why do we want rules? One reason is because rules make it easy to measure. We also fear that if we don’t have all these rules, people are going to run wildly into sin and do what they want, SO we have these rules to control people! This becomes an attempt to force people to do what is right! Forced compliance IS NOT spirituality & conformity IS NOT sanctification! Often times we don’t believe the Holy Spirit works in people’s hearts and has the power to take the Word of God and direct people into right living… instead we think we’ve got to “help Him.” I am NOT SAYING have no rules – we must, especially in the early years! BUT I WANT my kids/students to LEARN God’s principles & apply them to life!
*So – who is right? Doctrinally the strong are right. BUT BOTH groups need correction in the areas of attitude and conduct! Here are a few additional verses to look at: Hebrews 12:1-3, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Matthew 28:19-20. Which way do you lean?
*Finally, remember that one of Satan’s plans is to get us fighting with each other so we never get involved in our Lord’s work!
Ok – same song, different chorus. Paul continues in chapter 15 with:
3) PLEASE GOD BY GETTING ALONG WITH EACH OTHER AS WE FOLLOW CHRIST: (1-13)
HOW DO WE LIVE LIKE THIS?
a. Bear with (1)
b. Please your neighbor (2a)
c. Build up (2b)
d. Follow Christ’s example (3)
e. Seek to glorify God (6)
f. Accept (7)
g. Be a servant (8)
h. Rejoice (9-13)
i. Trust Him (13)
Paul then finishes up with ministry to the Gentiles and his plans to visit Rome.
SO WHAT?!
*So here is how this weak/strong thing looks: GOD lays down a law or a principle. Man comes along and reduces God’s great law to some set of rules that is burdensome, and so people are no longer required to make individual choices! Then man elevates rule keeping as a mark of spirituality and judges himself AND others by it! THIS is hazardous to unity in the body! Luke 12 – “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees!” Why? Their opinions are becoming laws! “Traditions of men” become the standards! Why do we want rules? One reason is because rules make it easy to measure. We also fear that if we don’t have all these rules, people are going to run wildly into sin and do what they want, SO we have these rules to control people! This becomes an attempt to force people to do what is right! Forced compliance IS NOT spirituality & conformity IS NOT sanctification! Often times we don’t believe the Holy Spirit works in people’s hearts and has the power to take the Word of God and direct people into right living… instead we think we’ve got to “help Him.” I am NOT SAYING have no rules – we must, especially in the early years! BUT I WANT my kids/students to LEARN God’s principles & apply them to life!
*So – who is right? Doctrinally the strong are right. BUT BOTH groups need correction in the areas of attitude and conduct! Here are a few additional verses to look at: Hebrews 12:1-3, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Matthew 28:19-20. Which way do you lean?
*Finally, remember that one of Satan’s plans is to get us fighting with each other so we never get involved in our Lord’s work!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Romans 14 DEVO: The Weak, The Strong & How to Get Along - Part 1
Chapter 14:
In any local church there many different kinds of people - race, culture, backgrounds… = nothing wrong with this! The church was never meant to be a cozy club of like-minded peeps of same race, social, economic, intellect, etc… Christians don’t have to be “clones” of one another, equal & identical in all aspects. BUT this will always be a challenge! Church is made up of young, old, rich, poor, personalities, backgrounds… Other groups not like this – tend to have limitations on membership. NOT so wih the church – variety is good! (1 Cor 12)
HOW THEN do we co-exist when we are different? Because where 2-3 are gathered there will be conflict! First of all, we must define “weak” and “strong”.
The WEAK are the legalists (often new believers) who tend to look at their liberated brother/sister as too loose & undisciplined. Now, legalism is NOT the same as having convictions. God Himself is a God of law, unchanging perfect ones at that! We all have convictions we live by, and we should. But historically man has not been content w/ God’s standards, so we add to them! (Ex: Gen. 3:3 , Gen. 2:16-17) And then we make them a gauge of spirituality..i.e. “keep the rules & you’ll be spiritual” Legalism is “…the tendency to reduce Christianity to a set of rules rather than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” (Truman Dollar) When we put RULES ABOVE RELATIONSHIP! This can be very judgmental & eliminates the eed for people to make Biblical decisions because personal, moral decisions are being made for them. This LEGALISTIC SYSTEM RESULTS in frustration, misery and tends to produce morally weak people who live with guilt because they haven’t lived by some man-made standards!
The STRONG are those liberty/freedom in Christ understanders. They tend to look at their legalistic brothers/sisters as too rigid. Remember, freedom in Christ is not the freedom to do whatever you want. Freedom in Chris is the freedom to choose to do what is right without the “rules” being present. It’s truly understanding GRACE! So – 2 points in chapter 14:
1) ACCEPT DIFERING CONVICTIONS WITHOUT JUDGING: (1-12)
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.” So what are these disputable matters? Well, here are just a few: Facebook, myspace, movies, TV, cards, games, coed swimming, paintball, laser tag, computer games, Dave & Busters, skateboarding, clothes, make-up, jewelry, hair length, earrings, tatoos, parenting, Music – style, beat, etc…,, dating/courting, birth control, home/public/private schooling, language, Bible translations, giving, worship, food, Sunday activities, politics, debt/credit, drinking wine/alcohol, dancing, smoking, environmental issues, cloning, stem cell research, life support, drugs , Disney?, cell phone providers, United Way?, separation, Halloween, Santa Claus, yadda, yadda, yadda…
Why accept him? Because God does! (3b). And why does God? Because it was done as unto the Lord (4-10a) and I will answer to God for MY life, not everyone else’s (10b-12)
2) BE SENSITIVE TO OTHERS CONVICTIONS WITHOUT JUDGING: (13-23)
“Therefore” because of vs 12, we need to stop condemning others and making them jump through legalistic hoops. Why? Because nothing is unclean in itself (14) and when we do so we are no longer acting in love (15). So what is he goal of all of this? “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” “These things” are the disputable matters and we are to keep them to ourselves & God (22). In other words, we are not to push our convictions on disputable matters on others. And remember, “everything that does not come from faith is sin.”
SO WHAT?
*Have Convictions! We need them! What are some of the convictions you have? Maybe write them out. Do they fall under “directly addressed in scripture” or are they “disputable matters?”
In any local church there many different kinds of people - race, culture, backgrounds… = nothing wrong with this! The church was never meant to be a cozy club of like-minded peeps of same race, social, economic, intellect, etc… Christians don’t have to be “clones” of one another, equal & identical in all aspects. BUT this will always be a challenge! Church is made up of young, old, rich, poor, personalities, backgrounds… Other groups not like this – tend to have limitations on membership. NOT so wih the church – variety is good! (1 Cor 12)
HOW THEN do we co-exist when we are different? Because where 2-3 are gathered there will be conflict! First of all, we must define “weak” and “strong”.
The WEAK are the legalists (often new believers) who tend to look at their liberated brother/sister as too loose & undisciplined. Now, legalism is NOT the same as having convictions. God Himself is a God of law, unchanging perfect ones at that! We all have convictions we live by, and we should. But historically man has not been content w/ God’s standards, so we add to them! (Ex: Gen. 3:3 , Gen. 2:16-17) And then we make them a gauge of spirituality..i.e. “keep the rules & you’ll be spiritual” Legalism is “…the tendency to reduce Christianity to a set of rules rather than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” (Truman Dollar) When we put RULES ABOVE RELATIONSHIP! This can be very judgmental & eliminates the eed for people to make Biblical decisions because personal, moral decisions are being made for them. This LEGALISTIC SYSTEM RESULTS in frustration, misery and tends to produce morally weak people who live with guilt because they haven’t lived by some man-made standards!
The STRONG are those liberty/freedom in Christ understanders. They tend to look at their legalistic brothers/sisters as too rigid. Remember, freedom in Christ is not the freedom to do whatever you want. Freedom in Chris is the freedom to choose to do what is right without the “rules” being present. It’s truly understanding GRACE! So – 2 points in chapter 14:
1) ACCEPT DIFERING CONVICTIONS WITHOUT JUDGING: (1-12)
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.” So what are these disputable matters? Well, here are just a few: Facebook, myspace, movies, TV, cards, games, coed swimming, paintball, laser tag, computer games, Dave & Busters, skateboarding, clothes, make-up, jewelry, hair length, earrings, tatoos, parenting, Music – style, beat, etc…,, dating/courting, birth control, home/public/private schooling, language, Bible translations, giving, worship, food, Sunday activities, politics, debt/credit, drinking wine/alcohol, dancing, smoking, environmental issues, cloning, stem cell research, life support, drugs , Disney?, cell phone providers, United Way?, separation, Halloween, Santa Claus, yadda, yadda, yadda…
Why accept him? Because God does! (3b). And why does God? Because it was done as unto the Lord (4-10a) and I will answer to God for MY life, not everyone else’s (10b-12)
2) BE SENSITIVE TO OTHERS CONVICTIONS WITHOUT JUDGING: (13-23)
“Therefore” because of vs 12, we need to stop condemning others and making them jump through legalistic hoops. Why? Because nothing is unclean in itself (14) and when we do so we are no longer acting in love (15). So what is he goal of all of this? “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” “These things” are the disputable matters and we are to keep them to ourselves & God (22). In other words, we are not to push our convictions on disputable matters on others. And remember, “everything that does not come from faith is sin.”
SO WHAT?
*Have Convictions! We need them! What are some of the convictions you have? Maybe write them out. Do they fall under “directly addressed in scripture” or are they “disputable matters?”
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Romans 13 DEVO: Authority & Love
Chapter 13:
In living out Romans 12:1-2, two areas that can easily be abused are submission to authority and love. Authority is a reality of life and our sin nature tends to buck it. But Paul lays out some pretty clear commands in verses 1-7 regarding governing authorities.
First of all, no one is exempt: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities…” secondly, God put ‘em in authority: “…for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Thirdly, you go against them, it’s like you’re up against God – which isn’t good: “he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Finally, these authorities are in place to protect & punish: “he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing.” As a result, we are to give everyone what we owe them!
Paul then uses this transition into the ONE THING we should owe each other: Love!~ Love is the motivation to being a faithful, transformed witness! And time is running out: “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
SO WHAT?!
*So, when was the last time you got busted for something? A traffic ticket? Texting in class? Stealing? How did you respond? Justify your actions or accept the rebuke & change? Transformational living requires change – Lord help us!
*Each day we live is another day we are closer to being with Jesus, and one less day to be His witness. James says our life is like a “mist” – poof it’s gone! Kinda’ sobering huh?! So, what are you & I doing with our “mist”? Lord wake us up and help us to live verses 12-14!
In living out Romans 12:1-2, two areas that can easily be abused are submission to authority and love. Authority is a reality of life and our sin nature tends to buck it. But Paul lays out some pretty clear commands in verses 1-7 regarding governing authorities.
First of all, no one is exempt: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities…” secondly, God put ‘em in authority: “…for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Thirdly, you go against them, it’s like you’re up against God – which isn’t good: “he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Finally, these authorities are in place to protect & punish: “he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing.” As a result, we are to give everyone what we owe them!
Paul then uses this transition into the ONE THING we should owe each other: Love!~ Love is the motivation to being a faithful, transformed witness! And time is running out: “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
SO WHAT?!
*So, when was the last time you got busted for something? A traffic ticket? Texting in class? Stealing? How did you respond? Justify your actions or accept the rebuke & change? Transformational living requires change – Lord help us!
*Each day we live is another day we are closer to being with Jesus, and one less day to be His witness. James says our life is like a “mist” – poof it’s gone! Kinda’ sobering huh?! So, what are you & I doing with our “mist”? Lord wake us up and help us to live verses 12-14!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Romans 12: Metamorphic Living
Chapter 12:
Another incredible chapter! Paul has spent the first 11 chapters laying out a detailed description of salvation in Jesus Christ alone. He begins with “Therefore” and I’ve always learned when I see this word to as “What’s it there for?” Therefore, in other words, because of everything in chapters 1-11…..this is application – the “So What” of Romans. The first thing we’re reminded of is “God’s mercy.” You & I deserve eternal death & punishment for our sins but are offered eternal life in heaven by faith instead. We don’t get what we deserve – that is mercy. Because of this, Paul says we should “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God…” In the Old Testament, God required the sacrifice (death) of animals to cover sin. Now we are urged to offer our bodies to God as LIVING sacrifices – laying aside our own desires to follow Jesus, which is “holy and pleasing to God.” The motivation? “this is your spiritual act of worship.” – i.e. it’s the least we can do for God who has shown us such incredible mercy!
So how do we go about living like this? “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Pretty cool word usage here: conform = “morphe” and transform = “metamorphe’, from which we get our English word metamorphosis. You know, where the caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly – TOTALLY DIFFERENT = transformed. You and I when we put our trust in Jesus are called to be totally different. In a sense we get a heart transplant and are not to be at all like we were before!
And where does this change start? “By the renewing of the mind” – how we think, Thinking always precedes doing. I’ve said it before, actions do speak louder than words, but attitudes speak louder still! Selfish, prideful, self-centered thinking is to be replaced by a selfless, sacrificial and humble thinking: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment…”
Transformational living involves sacrifice, a renewed mind, a sense of humility and in 4-8 in means being a good steward of our “measure of faith.” God has given each of us at least one spiritual gift and He wants us to use it for Him!
Finally, this transformational living is founded on love: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” What follows is a list of commands that will keep us busy the rest of our lives!
SO WHAT?
*What is your motivation for living for God? According to this passage, it should be our appreciation for God’s mercy? Specifically, how has God been merciful to you? Take a moment today and write down the ways and then tell God thanks for each of them. This could be a really cool exercise!
*Is your life different from the life you lived before Jesus? Do you think like God thinks? Love like He loves? Do as He would do? Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we. The problem with life is it is so daily. We must DAILY ask God for help to live a transformed life. Have you asked Him yet today?
*Of the commands in 9-21, which one do you need the most help with? Ask God today to help you to be transformed in that area!
Another incredible chapter! Paul has spent the first 11 chapters laying out a detailed description of salvation in Jesus Christ alone. He begins with “Therefore” and I’ve always learned when I see this word to as “What’s it there for?” Therefore, in other words, because of everything in chapters 1-11…..this is application – the “So What” of Romans. The first thing we’re reminded of is “God’s mercy.” You & I deserve eternal death & punishment for our sins but are offered eternal life in heaven by faith instead. We don’t get what we deserve – that is mercy. Because of this, Paul says we should “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God…” In the Old Testament, God required the sacrifice (death) of animals to cover sin. Now we are urged to offer our bodies to God as LIVING sacrifices – laying aside our own desires to follow Jesus, which is “holy and pleasing to God.” The motivation? “this is your spiritual act of worship.” – i.e. it’s the least we can do for God who has shown us such incredible mercy!
So how do we go about living like this? “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Pretty cool word usage here: conform = “morphe” and transform = “metamorphe’, from which we get our English word metamorphosis. You know, where the caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly – TOTALLY DIFFERENT = transformed. You and I when we put our trust in Jesus are called to be totally different. In a sense we get a heart transplant and are not to be at all like we were before!
And where does this change start? “By the renewing of the mind” – how we think, Thinking always precedes doing. I’ve said it before, actions do speak louder than words, but attitudes speak louder still! Selfish, prideful, self-centered thinking is to be replaced by a selfless, sacrificial and humble thinking: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment…”
Transformational living involves sacrifice, a renewed mind, a sense of humility and in 4-8 in means being a good steward of our “measure of faith.” God has given each of us at least one spiritual gift and He wants us to use it for Him!
Finally, this transformational living is founded on love: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” What follows is a list of commands that will keep us busy the rest of our lives!
SO WHAT?
*What is your motivation for living for God? According to this passage, it should be our appreciation for God’s mercy? Specifically, how has God been merciful to you? Take a moment today and write down the ways and then tell God thanks for each of them. This could be a really cool exercise!
*Is your life different from the life you lived before Jesus? Do you think like God thinks? Love like He loves? Do as He would do? Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we. The problem with life is it is so daily. We must DAILY ask God for help to live a transformed life. Have you asked Him yet today?
*Of the commands in 9-21, which one do you need the most help with? Ask God today to help you to be transformed in that area!
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