Titus 1

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, Feb. 29: Titus 1

Titus 1 is a good chapter to read as a follow up to yesterday’s reading in 1 Peter 5. The majority of this chapter is devoted to the role of overseers in the church.

But Paul’s introduction is chock full of theological content. Paul identifies himself as a “servant” in v1, but the word is often used even more descriptively for “slave”. As God’s servant / slave, Paul speaks on the authority of his master, the Source of truth, godliness, and hope (verses 1-2). Paul holds up the unfading promises of God, “who never lies” (1.2). Paul sees the ministry of the church occurring at this “appointed season” (1.3) under the sovereignty of God Himself.

The shepherds over God’s flock should seek to emulate the same qualities as God the Father, summarized in the phrase “above reproach”. Such a man demonstrates faithfulness: to his wife, to his children, and to the Lord’s body. He leads his family in the faith, refusing to indulge either his temper or his fleshly passions. He shows hospitality, models self-control, and encourages others through teaching soundly.

Although these characteristics are directed to Titus as qualifications for overseers / elders, there is also a general application to all who would follow the Lord. If God has determined that these are the kinds of qualities He seeks in His shepherds, I think we would all do well to try and live by these same characteristics. Since these qualities are important to God, we should aspire to have these same traits formed in our character. Am I a man or a woman who could be characterized as being “above reproach”? Do I manage my family well? Am I showing hospitality? What message do I teach?

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1 Peter 5

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, Feb. 28: 1 Peter 5

Peter’s exile language calls to mind Israel’s wilderness experience. Just as God called Moses from the flocks of Midian to shepherd His people toward the Promised Land, so too has God called for shepherds over His flock in the church. These shepherds (also called “elders”, 1 Peter 5.1) serve under the leadership of “the Chief Shepherd” (5.4), the Overseer of their souls (2.25). In his book “Shepherds After My Own Heart”, Timothy Laniak coins the phrase “under-shepherds” to describe the work of these men. They exercise pastoral leadership and care for the flock, never losing sight of the fact that this occurs under the broad overarching umbrella of the Lord’s shepherding. Under-shepherds understand that they are stewards of God’s flock, serving eagerly and willingly.

In the same way, Peter calls the young men to submission to the older men. As we’ve said a few times now, submission is a significant theme in Peter’s writing. God’s leaders are, first and foremost, followers. They are people who have humbled themselves before God (5.6), trusting Him to lift them up. This is the Gospel, this is faith, this is baptism, this is life with God — the humble death of the old man; the glorious resurrection of the new creation.

Peter closes with a call to awareness. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour,” (5.8). The forces of evil are at work in our world all the time and we would be wise to be on guard against wickedness. Peter encourages self-control (5.8) and perseverance (5.9) in this struggle against evil. But God’s exiles also move forward armed with this final promise: “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (5.10)”

Amen.

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1 Peter 4: Exiles or Ethnos?

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Monday, Feb. 27: 1 Peter 4

In the early part of the letter, Peter has been reminding the people of God of their identity. “Exiles”, “strangers”, “sojourners”, “foreigners” and “aliens” are used interchangeably to locate God’s people as a displaced group. Peter seems to be envisioning a new wilderness experience for the people of God, a nomadic experience of longing for our true home. Whether the context is perseverance through suffering, submission to authority, or the call to emulate God’s holy character, Christians are called to live as exiles in the flesh.

Peter uses another word in ch4 to describe those who indulge their sinful desires: “pagans” (NIV, v3) or “ethnos” in Greek. If exiles are characterized by their submission to the Chief Shepherd, then the ethnos bow only to their own fleshly impulses. They do not understand why exiles refuse to engage in their vices: “debauchery, lusty, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry,” (v3). But the day will soon arrive when exiles and ethnos alike “will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead,” (v5). Live as exiles, Peter says, not as ethnos.

The exile’s life is distinguished by self-control, clarity of mind, hospitality and, above all, abounding love, which covers a multitude of sins (v8). “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms,” (v10). God uniquely gifts His exiles and asks for faithful stewardship in the employment of these gifts that His grace might be properly administrated. What is your gift? And how are you using it?

Exiles also possess a reoriented mind, finding joy even in the midst of suffering. This theme was teased out in 1.6-7 and Peter returns to it here at the end of ch4. Peter’s words must have been a tremendous encouragement to the first century exiles who faced opposition at every turn from the Jewish religious institution, the Roman empire, as well as their neighbors and family members. But his teaching would have reminded them of the words of Jesus: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you,” (Matt. 5.10-12).

Brothers and sisters, may you live today as exiles in a foreign land. May you employ your gift to bring glory to our Father God, wherever you might be and whatever you might do. And may we face our trials and challenges with the knowledge that God’s spirit of power and glory rests fully upon us (1 Pet. 4.14).

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1 Peter 3

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, Feb. 24: 1 Peter 3

Sorry I’m a little late in posting the comments for today’s reading. Got in late from Honduras last night and I’ve been running around all day trying to get some things done! But I’ve been looking forward to this and now I finally have a free moment to post.

I think it’s important to remember Peter’s comment in 2.25 as we read through the rest of this letter: “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” Peter sees submission to Christ as the most formative experience of life. This was certainly true in Peter’s life. When he first meets Jesus, Simon is a sweaty, swearing fisherman, a man’s man who goes his own way. But he meets Jesus and everything changes: his livelihood, his purpose, even his own name. In one of his final encounters with Jesus on earth, the Lord tells Peter, in John 21:18-19:

“I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

I doubt Peter ever forgot these words. He understands that his entire life is meant to be lived in submission to Christ. Even his death — being dressed and led by another — is an outward demonstration of his interior submission of spirit.

This is helpful context for Peter’s teaching on husbands and wives. Wives are instructed to live in submission to their husbands (v1), full of inner beauty (v4). Peter refers to Sarah, a woman known for her physical beauty (Gen. 12.11). Yet, Peter praises her for her interior qualities, specifically her submission to Abraham. Peter implores Christian wives to strive to be Sarah’s daughters by doing what is right and refusing to give way to fear (v6).

In the same way, husbands are to deal respectfully and graciously with their wives (v7). This is reminiscent of Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 5 and his contextual framework for the Christian home: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ,” (Eph. 5.21). Though husbands are to exercise spiritual leadership in the home and in the church, this occurs under the broader umbrella of submission to the Chief Shepherd.

The second half of chapter 3, though more general in focus, teases out the same thought. Living in harmony with one another; loving as brothers in compassion and humility; repaying evil with blessing — these are all qualities becoming of Christ’s flock. A key verse is v15: “But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord.” The Greek word for “set apart” here is “hagiazo” — make holy. As Peter has reminded us, our call as followers of Christ is to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1.16). But this isn’t achieved through moral perfection on our part. Rather, it occurs in the context of a life of constant affirmation of Christ’s lordship. As Christians, our standard of life should prompt questions. “Why do you live the way you do? Why is your speech different than those around you? Why do you live with such compassion and humility?” To these questions, we stand ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3.15). This is part of the “set apart” life.

Peter closes with more theological reflection on suffering and salvation. The people of God have always wrestled with questions of theodicy and Peter makes no attempt to explain other than to encourage believers to persevere. “It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil,” (3.17). He rightfully points out that the Chief Shepherd suffered for doing good, leading to our salvation. This salvation is mediated to the believer through baptism (3.21, “which now saves you also”) and culminates in the promise of resurrection.

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1 Peter 2

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, Feb. 23: 1 Peter 2

V2 alludes to one of my favorite refrains from the Psalms: “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” (Psalm 34.8). Peter reminds us that if we have indeed tasted the goodness of God, we should willingly put away bitter tasting indulgences such as malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander (2.1).

In verse 9, Peter gives us one of the most beautifully descriptions of the people of God in the Scriptures: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” In the ancient world, priests were mediators of the divine, showing the world what their god looked like. Under God’s New Covenant with humanity, He calls for Himself a kingdom of priests to bear witness to his holiness. The church is identified as God’s “new” chosen people — a people who were once alienated FROM God who now live as aliens and strangers FOR God (2.11).

Toward the end of chapter 2, Peter turns to a familiar theme: the role of submission in the life of the believer. He begins with an exhortation to “be subject” or “submit to every authority instituted among men,” (2.13), a point we covered in our discussion of Romans 13 last week. V15 reminds us that we can overcome the “ignorant talk of foolish men” by simply doing good. In freedom, we should strive to show proper respect to others, loving our brothers in Christ, fearing God, and honoring our governing authorities (2.17).

The submissive example of Christ is held up for us in v21, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” As in all things, Jesus demonstrates the ultimate example of submission, even to the point of suffering. As He prays in the Garden, “Father, not my will but yours be done.” I believe our lives are determined by whether or not we’re able to pray that same prayer. Will I submit myself to God and His will for my life? Or will I continue to go my own way?

Peter closes this chapter by referring back to Isaiah 53, both in the reference in v22 (“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth,” Isa. 53.9) and in v24 (“…by his wounds you have been healed,” Isa. 53.5). With each of these references, Peter reminds us of the atoning sacrifice of Christ — the ultimate demonstration of submission to the will of God. This submissive spirit and subsequent death qualifies Jesus to be the “Shepherd and Overseer of your souls,” (1 Peter 2.25).

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1 Peter 1

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, Feb. 22: 1 Peter 1

Today we start a new study of 1 Peter that will take us into next week. Peter seems to be writing to encourage Christians who are discouraged by their suffering. He emphasizes the “living hope” (1.3) believers enjoy, demonstrated most fully through the resurrection of Jesus.

Peter begins by addressing his letter to “those who are elect exiles of the dispersion” — other translations use the words “strangers”, “foreigners”, and “sojourners.” But each of these words positions God’s people in transit, journeying toward a final destination: “eternal glory in Christ” (5.10). Until then, Peter envisions the church as an outpost of God’s Kingdom in the present.

Verse 2 gives us a glimpse at the early chuch’s Trinitarian views as God the Father, the Spirit, and Jesus Christ are all grouped collectively in Peter’s introduction.

Verses 3-12 comprise one long sentence in the Greek manuscripts. The key theme is the power of resurrection inheritance as motivation for Christian endurance. Peter identifies our inheritance as “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1.4). It pains us when family heirlooms rust or become broken. But the inheritance we enjoy in Christ is imperishable, just as the source of our hope is alive today.

Verses 6-7 have been particularly important to me over the years. After my mother passed away my Junior year of high school, I struggled with doubt and anger. I went through a period of severely questioning God: His character, His love, even His existence. But Peter’s teaching in these verses helped me understand the role trials can play in testing our faith. When we persevere through difficult circumstances, Peter says our faith is proved genuine and results in “praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” (1.7). Peter is VERY interested in our perseverance in the face of trying circumstances.

Finally, Peter closes the last half of this chapter with a call to holiness. Quoting Leviticus 11 & 19, Peter applies God’s command, “Be holy as I am holy,” to the church in her exiled condition. God’s standards have been constant: God has always desired a people to embody His covenantal faithfulness. And yet, sin stands in the way of our obedience, necessitating atonement in the form of “the precious blood of Christ” (1.19). Now, our souls may be purified through obedience to the truth (1.22). As Peter says, “this word is the good news that was preached to you,” (1.25).

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Romans 16: Jon Stacy

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Jason

As I said yesterday, I’m sending this week in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras. I’ve asked my friend Jon to write a guest commentary for today’s Bible study on Romans 16. I know you’ll be blessed by reading his thoughts.

We left Huntsville, AL, but more significantly our church home at Mayfair, on September 25, 2011 and headed for the unknown in Santa Rosa de Copán. Before we left we had a time to be able to speak to the teens as a group and to the church as a whole and acknowledge those who have loved us and have let us love them, those who have cried with us and those whom we have cried with. We were able to speak to the teens, not only as Huddle Leaders and a deacon, but as friends and co-heirs in the promises of God. We were able to tell them how much we loved them and how much they have changed our lives and our children’s lives.  We have been here for 4 1/2 months and in some ways it seems like we got here last weekend and in some ways it seems like it’s been 4 1/2 years.

We spent 9 years at Mayfair working alongside our brothers and sisters there. I vividly remember, and all ways will, the Sunday we announced to the church that we were heading to the mission field and were greeted and hugged on by so many who wanted to encourage us. I wonder what it will look like here when the time comes to return to the states. Who will I be able to acknowledge as my friends? Who will I be able to say was there for me, sustained me with prayer, encouraged me with words or just by their presence? Who will God place in my life that will make it a rich and full life? Who has God placed in your life? Will that person find out in a letter after your life is over? How much richer will your life be if you would be able to say to them – Thank you for being there when … or I was able to get up the next and keep on living because you…? How blest would your children be to know of these friends?

In the last part of this chapter Paul has some words of encouragement and words of warning. I spoke with the teens before we left and I was able to speak to them as one who loved and cared for their souls. I shared some things from my life and challenged them to change those similar things that I saw in their lives. I was able to encourage them with these words “God doesn’t call the qualified, God qualifies the called.” What will I say to my brothers and sisters here? What would I say to Rene or Jorge, these men, these these pillars of faith in the church here in Santa Rosa. Will I echo Paul’s sentiments in Ch. 15 v. 13-14? What will I say to the teens that we work with here; these teens in which I see so many characteristics of the teens at Mayfair? I pray that I will be able to leave here encouraging mature active brothers and sisters. I pray that I can write to them and say what Paul says “Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you;”

Paul spends his closing remarks to the saints in Rome by acknowledging those who have sustained, helped, lifted him up in prayer, and labored alongside him. He closes with warnings and admonishments of love and faith in Jesus Christ. At first glance this chapter seems to be lumped in with the chapters that contain lists of genealogies or lists of items needed to construct the temple. Basically not a very interesting chapter, but it is and it is a rich chapter because in it Paul praises and acknowledges those who have sustained him through all of his trials. We would all be so lucky to have a list like Paul’s. We would all be so blest to be able to rejoice with the brothers and sisters that labor with us in the vineyard of the Lord when we hear of their obedience to Christ. We are blessed and we do have this list if we would just take a little time to realize just how richly God has blest our lives.

To the saints at Mayfair, “The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you, to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen!”

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Romans 15

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Jason
Reading for Monday, Feb. 20: Romans 15
Verse 5 serves as a perfect summary of chapters 14&15: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus…”. Verse 7 fleshes out this “spirit of unity” more clearly: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you.” As we’ve said a few times in our study, Paul is writing to a church struggling with living together as one body. How do we reconcile our differences as Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians? How do we sort out the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols? What about the group that keeps preaching the necessity of circumcision? These kinds of questions are always brimming below the surface in Paul’s writings. And we could easily substitute our current debatable issues that swirl around in our churches today. But Paul’s teaching to these Roman Christians is the same instruction for our context: As the body of Christ, strive for unity. Follow the example of Jesus, who legitimately accepted us, despite the gulf of difference that separates us from the divine. And allow His command to love others guide you forward as you live out the Gospel together.
I’m writing this week from Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras. I’m here visiting some of my best friends, encouraging them in the work they’re doing for the Lord in this place. I’m also working with the local preachers to encourage them in their ministry. Yesterday, I spent some time with a young man, Juan Carlos, a preacher in one of the local villages. Juan Carlos is 24 years old, a young man well versed in Scripture and full of passion for teaching. I watched him share the story of David and Goliath to a group of 25 young children yesterday morning and the children were enrapt, eating from the palm of his hand. It would be easy to look at our differences as insurmountable barriers to communion: we don’t speak the same language; we don’t share the same ethnic or economic background; by all outward appearances, Juan Carlos and I seem to have very little in common. But I count him as my brother in Christ, a fellow laborer in the Lord’s vineyard, and this brings us a unity and a brotherhood that is great enough to trump all our differences. As you strive for unity today with your brothers and sisters, may v13 bless you and serve as your encouragement: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
May we overflow with the hope of Christ today.
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Romans 14

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, Feb. 17: Romans 14

Romans 14 is central to Paul’s correspondence with these early Christians. I’m convinced this is one of the major issues Paul had in mind when he sat down to write to these believers in the first place. As with Corinth, the Christians in Rome seem to be divided over what passes for acceptable and unacceptable dining practices. But for Paul, the issue runs much deeper. For Paul, this issue is a matter of faith.

Paul understands that for the “strong” in faith, these matters aren’t nearly as important as they once were. Paul himself sides with those who no longer regard certain foods as “unclean” according to the Levitical Code (Rom. 14.14). The “weak” have chosen to eat only vegetables (v2) and they pass judgment on those whom they presume to be permissive and, thus, in error.

But Paul isn’t content to simply weigh in with his own opinion on the issue: he writes to discourage judgment and stumbling (Rom. 14.13) in light of our common place before the judgment seat of God. Quoting one of his favorite verses (Isa. 45.23), Paul reminds these feuding believers that every knee will bow and tongue swear allegiance to God; therefore, we will be held accountable for our actions. With our previous chapters in mind, we would do well to ask ourselves:
Am I fulfilling the law to love (Rom. 13.10)?
Are my actions a reflection of genuine love (Rom. 12.9)?
Am I making every effort to live peaceably (Rom. 12.18)?

This is what “living sacrifice” looks like.

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Romans 13

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, Feb. 16: Romans 13

In this chapter, Paul continues with practical application of Christian theology. Specifically, he turns his attention toward Christian engagement in the civic arena.

As difficult as it might have been for these Christians to see, Paul argues that governing authorities are “established by God” (v1); therefore, they are “God’s servants” (v6). Paul understands civic rulers to function, in a way, as God’s proxies: rebelling against these authorities is to rebel against what God has instituted, invoking judgment (v2). The question here is one of sovereignty: if God is sovereign, then He establishes the kingdoms of men for His high purposes. According to Paul, our part to play is to submit to these authorities. This submission is expressed through payment of taxes, revenue, respect, and honor (v7).

Romans 13 should serve as a caution to those of us who would seek to dishonor our governing authorities. Although we may disagree quite strongly with a particular administration’s policies and legislation, our civic duty as Christians is to follow Paul’s instruction of submission, respect, and honor. It’s interesting that Paul never makes his appeal on the basis of the moral fiber of a particular governing authority. We all know Roman emperors were a pretty unsavory lot; yet, Paul encourages Christian citizens to be just that: CHRISTIAN CITIZENS, embodying the kind of character and behavior that demonstrates Christ’s lordship over their lives.

Why is this part and parcel to Christian ethics? I think the answer is simple: because Jesus demonstrated submission throughout his life. Speaking of Jesus in his childhood, Luke says in Luke 2.51, “And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them.” Luke bookends this with the prayer of Jesus before his arrest: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22.42). And of course, Jesus also teaches the importance of rendering to Caesar that which is due him while yielding ultimate allegiance to God (Luke 20.25).

Using the economic language of v1-7 as a springboard, Paul instructs us to leave no debt outstanding, “except the continuing debt to love one another (v8).” Paul’s summation of the OT Law distills the commandments to a singular focus: love – the fulfillment of the law (v10). Since Christ is the “end” (telos: goal, aim, fulfillment) of the law (Rom. 10.4), we can make the following link: in Christ, we see the fullest expression of love. Christ’s loving relationship with the Father is manifest through His complete obedience to the Law. In turn, we take our cues from Jesus, who guides us in loving submission to the Father as well. This is why we “behave decently” (v13), refusing to “gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (v14): because this is what loving submission looks like.

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