Colossians 1:24-29
The word servant seems to show up a few times in this letter. Paul, in the previous section, has called himself a servant of the gospel and in this passage he calls himself the servant of the Church. This indicates Paul's deep humility - the purpose of Christ takes precendent over his own purpose and he will put aside his own agenda in order to make sure that the message of Jesus is given to whoever needs it whenever they need it and to make sure that the Church is operating how Christ intended it to operate.
There is so much in this short passage that could be unpacked and some of those things are very difficult statements (for example, v. 24 seems to indicate that Christ's suffering somehow was lacking and needed Paul's suffering to make it complete but what Paul is actually saying is that Christ's suffering was enough for our redemption and fully satisfied the justice of God but Paul had to suffer in order to take that message to the Gentiles. So, in order for the work of Christ to be complete in the Gentile's life, Paul had to suffer as well). However, the main point of the passage is the mystery that Paul reveals: Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Paul continues that thought when he says that he labours with all his (Christ's) energy which so powerfully works in Paul. The hope that Paul has to see everyone perfected in Christ is Christ at work in him and Christ at work in them. So Paul can labour with confidence knowing that the results do not depend on him but on Christ.
Sometimes I take too much responsibility for the work that Christ has given to me. I don't mean that I should be lazy or work less but that I should labour with all Christ's energy, remembering that my hope for my own sanctification is Christ in me and my hope for the continued growth and maturity of my students is Christ in them. Paul was so clear in his purpose and calling and I feel like mine has become a bit distracted or broad. I need Christ to refine my focus and to remind me that it is not by my strength or power but by the Spirit of God and Christ that the work and will of God will be done.
Showing posts with label calling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label calling. Show all posts
Monday, May 12, 2008
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
this is my offering...
Romans 15:14-16
Paul lists the attributes of his audience: full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent in teaching. The key words are "minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles" and "priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel". These phrases indicate that Paul understood that his work was not just something he decided to do but that he was on a God-ordained mission and his work was as significant to God's glory as the priests of the OT who prepared and offered sacrifices on behalf of the people. The offering that Paul is preparing is the Gentiles - Paul is seeking the glory of God by taking the gospel to the Gentiles so they can respond to his love and goodness. This is so incredibly cool to me! The thing is that Paul worked really hard to present this offering and paid an incredible price to do so.
This convicts me: do I see my role as a God-ordained mission to the youth of Lethbridge? Am I doing everything I can to reach them with the gospel for the glory of God? How much effort am I putting into preparing the offering? Some of the things that I will have to do are really difficult - connect with students that I have a hard time finding anything in common with, remembering people's names (that's so hard for me for some reason - perhaps because I am too self-absorbed?) so they know they are known, cared for and significant, putting hours into preparing an evening that nobody seems to appreciate. I don't want you to get the impression that my job is terrible - the truth is that I love it. But I do need to keep spurring myself on to do all that I can to offer the youth of Lethbridge as an offering to Christ. I can never get comfortable because there are still so many to reach with the gospel.
God, please show me how to best bring you glory as I seek to prepare this offering for you.
Paul lists the attributes of his audience: full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent in teaching. The key words are "minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles" and "priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel". These phrases indicate that Paul understood that his work was not just something he decided to do but that he was on a God-ordained mission and his work was as significant to God's glory as the priests of the OT who prepared and offered sacrifices on behalf of the people. The offering that Paul is preparing is the Gentiles - Paul is seeking the glory of God by taking the gospel to the Gentiles so they can respond to his love and goodness. This is so incredibly cool to me! The thing is that Paul worked really hard to present this offering and paid an incredible price to do so.
This convicts me: do I see my role as a God-ordained mission to the youth of Lethbridge? Am I doing everything I can to reach them with the gospel for the glory of God? How much effort am I putting into preparing the offering? Some of the things that I will have to do are really difficult - connect with students that I have a hard time finding anything in common with, remembering people's names (that's so hard for me for some reason - perhaps because I am too self-absorbed?) so they know they are known, cared for and significant, putting hours into preparing an evening that nobody seems to appreciate. I don't want you to get the impression that my job is terrible - the truth is that I love it. But I do need to keep spurring myself on to do all that I can to offer the youth of Lethbridge as an offering to Christ. I can never get comfortable because there are still so many to reach with the gospel.
God, please show me how to best bring you glory as I seek to prepare this offering for you.
Monday, June 11, 2007
wrath!
Romans 2:5-11
Observe:
God's judgement is righteous. This is in contrast to the hypocritical judgement of humans in the previous section. God's judgement is based on truth (v. 2) and on what each person has done (v. 6). If we do good by seeking glory, honour, and immortality, we receive eternal life. If we are self-seeking, reject truth and follow evil, we will face God's wrath and anger.
What's the difference between wrath and anger?
Interpret:
This passage continues Paul's thought in chapter 1. In chapter 1 God's wrath is being revealed in the present (by abandoning evil doers to their sin) while in chapter 2, Paul makes it clear that there is a day of wrath to come in the future where God will reveal his righteous judgement.
We are storing up wrath for ourselves by judging others, not based on righteousness or truth but based on pettiness and selfishness. We are hypocritical in our judgement of others and because we won't repent of the sin in our own lives, we are facing judgement.
Paul places the Jew first when it comes to judgement and reward because that is the chronological order of God's revelation. God revealed himself to the Jew first through the Laws adn the Prophets and then to the Gentile through the apostles bringing the gospel. I think Paul also places them first because they bear a greater responsibility (at that time) for the revelation they have received.
Apply:
I think that in many ways I have taken the place of the Jews when it comes to responsibility. Because of the advantages God has given me (a Christian family, a Christian community, a free country where Christ is taught without fear), I feel like I have a larger responsibility to respond to Christ in a proper way. Jesus taught that to whom much is given, much will be required. I know that I have been given much and I feel a huge burden to give from that abundance (not just financially but teaching, going, equiping, worshiping, surrendering, etc.). To put in words that Paul uses in chapter 1, I feel the weight of the call of God on my life.
I really like Paul's choice of words in v. 7. I want to be known as someone who seeks glory (for God), honour and immortality! It sounds like the knights in the King Arthur legends.
Observe:
God's judgement is righteous. This is in contrast to the hypocritical judgement of humans in the previous section. God's judgement is based on truth (v. 2) and on what each person has done (v. 6). If we do good by seeking glory, honour, and immortality, we receive eternal life. If we are self-seeking, reject truth and follow evil, we will face God's wrath and anger.
What's the difference between wrath and anger?
Interpret:
This passage continues Paul's thought in chapter 1. In chapter 1 God's wrath is being revealed in the present (by abandoning evil doers to their sin) while in chapter 2, Paul makes it clear that there is a day of wrath to come in the future where God will reveal his righteous judgement.
We are storing up wrath for ourselves by judging others, not based on righteousness or truth but based on pettiness and selfishness. We are hypocritical in our judgement of others and because we won't repent of the sin in our own lives, we are facing judgement.
Paul places the Jew first when it comes to judgement and reward because that is the chronological order of God's revelation. God revealed himself to the Jew first through the Laws adn the Prophets and then to the Gentile through the apostles bringing the gospel. I think Paul also places them first because they bear a greater responsibility (at that time) for the revelation they have received.
Apply:
I think that in many ways I have taken the place of the Jews when it comes to responsibility. Because of the advantages God has given me (a Christian family, a Christian community, a free country where Christ is taught without fear), I feel like I have a larger responsibility to respond to Christ in a proper way. Jesus taught that to whom much is given, much will be required. I know that I have been given much and I feel a huge burden to give from that abundance (not just financially but teaching, going, equiping, worshiping, surrendering, etc.). To put in words that Paul uses in chapter 1, I feel the weight of the call of God on my life.
I really like Paul's choice of words in v. 7. I want to be known as someone who seeks glory (for God), honour and immortality! It sounds like the knights in the King Arthur legends.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
His-story
Romans 1:1-7
Observe
Paul is writing this letter - he doesn't say where he is writing it from but it is clear that he is writing to the Christians in Rome. He repeats the word "called" (v.1, 5, 6, 7) and compares the earthly heritage of Christ (from the line of David) with the spiritual heritage of Christ (Son of God) - both speaking to the fact that Jesus is the Messiah.
Interpret
Paul is reminding his readers that they are part of something bigger than themselves and that ultimately it is God who called them (more than their choosing it). Paul has the sense that he is called to be an apostle who calls others to belong to Christ and be obedient to him. There's a deep sense of responsibility attached.
Paul also has a deep sense of the history of the redemption story: the good news from God was spoken of way before Christ - it is seen in the ancient writings of the prophets. This is not new! The plan of God was being worked out all through human history.
Apply
This shows me that God is sovreign. Sometimes I forget that he rules and that he knows the future - nothing catches him off guard. He doesn't react to situations but knew they were coming even before time began. I can't comprehend this but this passage reminds me that it is true.
Paul has challenged me with a deep sense of belonging and responsibility. This gospel of God that I have been called to goes back all through history. I feel the weight of responsibility to continue to tell and work out the story of redemption in my context. I feel the weight of my spiritual heritage - as if the prophets, apostles and early Christians have handed down the torch of faith through the centuries until it has reached me. I now have the responsibility to shine the light of Christ and bring the message of reconciliation to this world. I have been called!
Observe
Paul is writing this letter - he doesn't say where he is writing it from but it is clear that he is writing to the Christians in Rome. He repeats the word "called" (v.1, 5, 6, 7) and compares the earthly heritage of Christ (from the line of David) with the spiritual heritage of Christ (Son of God) - both speaking to the fact that Jesus is the Messiah.
Interpret
Paul is reminding his readers that they are part of something bigger than themselves and that ultimately it is God who called them (more than their choosing it). Paul has the sense that he is called to be an apostle who calls others to belong to Christ and be obedient to him. There's a deep sense of responsibility attached.
Paul also has a deep sense of the history of the redemption story: the good news from God was spoken of way before Christ - it is seen in the ancient writings of the prophets. This is not new! The plan of God was being worked out all through human history.
Apply
This shows me that God is sovreign. Sometimes I forget that he rules and that he knows the future - nothing catches him off guard. He doesn't react to situations but knew they were coming even before time began. I can't comprehend this but this passage reminds me that it is true.
Paul has challenged me with a deep sense of belonging and responsibility. This gospel of God that I have been called to goes back all through history. I feel the weight of responsibility to continue to tell and work out the story of redemption in my context. I feel the weight of my spiritual heritage - as if the prophets, apostles and early Christians have handed down the torch of faith through the centuries until it has reached me. I now have the responsibility to shine the light of Christ and bring the message of reconciliation to this world. I have been called!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Calling
Romans 1:1-6
Paul is very certain of his calling to be an apostle, specifically called to preach the gospel of God. The hint of the gospel is seen as far back as the OT prophets and speaks about Christ - an earthly decendent of David - who was God's Son as evidences by his resurrection from the dead. It is in/under the authority of Christ that Paul now calls Gentiles to faith and obedience in Christ.
The plan of redemption was not a last minute reaction but was foundational to God's vision for humans. Christ's death did not take him by surprise and at no point did God have to improvise a "solution" to the "disaster." Even Paul's use of the word calling indicates that he is very aware of the sovereign plan of God in everything that is happening. He is called, as a part of God's plan, to call people (specifically the Gentiles) to respond to God's plan.
This echoes what Joanne shared with the staff this morning: where I am is the only place I can be in this moment and therefore it is the place I have been ordained to be. My role is to make the most of that opportunity (or calling, to use Paul's word). Even then, it is not me and my strength but as I rely on the teaching, guiding and reminding of the Holy Spirit.
Paul is very certain of his calling to be an apostle, specifically called to preach the gospel of God. The hint of the gospel is seen as far back as the OT prophets and speaks about Christ - an earthly decendent of David - who was God's Son as evidences by his resurrection from the dead. It is in/under the authority of Christ that Paul now calls Gentiles to faith and obedience in Christ.
The plan of redemption was not a last minute reaction but was foundational to God's vision for humans. Christ's death did not take him by surprise and at no point did God have to improvise a "solution" to the "disaster." Even Paul's use of the word calling indicates that he is very aware of the sovereign plan of God in everything that is happening. He is called, as a part of God's plan, to call people (specifically the Gentiles) to respond to God's plan.
This echoes what Joanne shared with the staff this morning: where I am is the only place I can be in this moment and therefore it is the place I have been ordained to be. My role is to make the most of that opportunity (or calling, to use Paul's word). Even then, it is not me and my strength but as I rely on the teaching, guiding and reminding of the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
On Display
Ephesians 3:7-13
Paul continually expresses his amazement that he was chosen by God in the first place and then called by God to preach the gospel to the Gentiles above that. His humility seems genuine (like I have any reason to doubt it!) but I know that if I spoke those phrases - the chief of sinners, the least of all God's people, etc. - it would not be true humility but reverse pride. I'd be looking for someone to say, "You're not so bad." When I realize how pervasive my pride is, I begin to recognize just how much of a sinner I am.
The verse that blows me away is v. 10. We, the Church, display the manifold wisdom of God to the rulers and authorities of the heavenly realms (which I think are angels and spirits). Specifically, in the context, the wisdom of God is seen in the uniting of Gentile and Jew. I think that we can take the principle and apply it to our context: we display God's wisdom to the degree that we, the Church, are spiritually united. I can't get over this: that the "show" that God decided to put on for the spiritual rulers of the heavenly realms was the church. I wonder how many standing ovations God has received based on the "show" the church puts on. I wonder how many times the spiritual rulers of the heavenly realms have wondered if God really knew what he was doing based on the behaviour of the church. But God has committed himself to this choice. He will reveal the wonders of his wisdom through the Church.
What an amazing responsibility we have! No wonder Paul prays in a different epistle that we would be worthy of the calling that we have received. This calling is not just to represent Christ to the world but to display the wisdom of God to the heavenly realms. This should make me fall to my knees and ask God to help us, his Church, to live up to this. There is no way we can do it on human effort (which is maybe why Paul immediately breaks into prayer for the Ephesian church after this section).
Paul continually expresses his amazement that he was chosen by God in the first place and then called by God to preach the gospel to the Gentiles above that. His humility seems genuine (like I have any reason to doubt it!) but I know that if I spoke those phrases - the chief of sinners, the least of all God's people, etc. - it would not be true humility but reverse pride. I'd be looking for someone to say, "You're not so bad." When I realize how pervasive my pride is, I begin to recognize just how much of a sinner I am.
The verse that blows me away is v. 10. We, the Church, display the manifold wisdom of God to the rulers and authorities of the heavenly realms (which I think are angels and spirits). Specifically, in the context, the wisdom of God is seen in the uniting of Gentile and Jew. I think that we can take the principle and apply it to our context: we display God's wisdom to the degree that we, the Church, are spiritually united. I can't get over this: that the "show" that God decided to put on for the spiritual rulers of the heavenly realms was the church. I wonder how many standing ovations God has received based on the "show" the church puts on. I wonder how many times the spiritual rulers of the heavenly realms have wondered if God really knew what he was doing based on the behaviour of the church. But God has committed himself to this choice. He will reveal the wonders of his wisdom through the Church.
What an amazing responsibility we have! No wonder Paul prays in a different epistle that we would be worthy of the calling that we have received. This calling is not just to represent Christ to the world but to display the wisdom of God to the heavenly realms. This should make me fall to my knees and ask God to help us, his Church, to live up to this. There is no way we can do it on human effort (which is maybe why Paul immediately breaks into prayer for the Ephesian church after this section).
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