Verse: Ephesians 2:18
Context: Ephesians 2:11-18
"For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit."
Paul is speaking to the non-Jewish believers and discussing how Christ's sacrifice abolished the law and commandments dividing Jews from Gentiles. He follows to say that all believers can access God in prayer through the Holy Spirit. This promise carries significant meaning since Jews were commanded in Mosaic law to appoint a high priest who is the only one with access to the Holy of Holies. Gentiles were thought to be lawbreakers since they did not follow Mosaic law.
God did not change, but the way that he permitted us to interact with him did. All believers, Jews and Gentiles, can approach God as a Father as Christ did. Prayer is not intended to be performed only through sacred people on sacred days or set times. We are urged to pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and request (Eph. 6:18). We may not always pray for the right thing or for what God has planned, but we will grow nearer to him by making it a regular practice. We are promised that the Spirit will intercede for us when we do not know what we ought to pray (Rom. 8:26).
This promise is encouraging to know that we have access to God as easily as we have access to those on whom we rely, whether friends or family, only God is ultimately dependable. We may not always receive an answer or receive one we want, but we know he is listening and cares. I think about how I wanted a sports car in high school. It might have achieved some of my goals at least partially by increasing my coolness factor, but in retrospect it wouldn't have helped me become more self-suffient or motivated. Even more importantly it wouldn't have been the safest choice; this carries more gravity as I have known people who flipped cars in high school or college and one who did not survive. I do not know the situation of the latter, but in my case, driving a sportier car with my limited driving experience would not have been wise. We may think we know what we need and want, but God ultimately will provide if we take initiative and live as we should.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
All things through Christ
Verse: Phillipians 4:13
Context: Phillipians 4:10-20
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phillipians 4:13 offers a powerful promise to believers when taken in context.
Paul writes this letter of thanks to the Phillipians from prison (Phil. 1:13-14). Paul was charged and imprisoned for preaching the gospel throughout the Roman empire, and it is thought that Phillipians was written while he was under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28). Paul writes that he has learned to be content in hunger and in plenty.
Paul's mission was to preach, serve and live for God in the Roman empire. Our mission as believers is to do the same seeking for our words, actions, and thoughts to glorify him though we are still imperfect in this life. In this context, we can know that God will give us the strength to live for him and will provide for all our needs during our life though our circumstances are not always easy. The promise in Phillipians 4:6-7 is a promise of peace during times of anxiety, and Phillipians 4:13 goes further to promise God's strength to support our actions in doing his will.
Context: Phillipians 4:10-20
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phillipians 4:13 offers a powerful promise to believers when taken in context.
Paul writes this letter of thanks to the Phillipians from prison (Phil. 1:13-14). Paul was charged and imprisoned for preaching the gospel throughout the Roman empire, and it is thought that Phillipians was written while he was under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28). Paul writes that he has learned to be content in hunger and in plenty.
Paul's mission was to preach, serve and live for God in the Roman empire. Our mission as believers is to do the same seeking for our words, actions, and thoughts to glorify him though we are still imperfect in this life. In this context, we can know that God will give us the strength to live for him and will provide for all our needs during our life though our circumstances are not always easy. The promise in Phillipians 4:6-7 is a promise of peace during times of anxiety, and Phillipians 4:13 goes further to promise God's strength to support our actions in doing his will.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving
Verse: Phillipians 4:19
Context: Phillipians 4:10-20
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus."
The Phillipians had consistently given to support Paul's mission to Gentiles. Paul recalls their generosity at a couple earlier times, when he first left Macedonia and when he was in Thessalonica. Paul thanks them for their continued support in his letter and equates their giving to missions with the sacrificial offerings required by the Old Testament law. His thanks ends with a promise that God will provide for the needs of the believers at Phillipi.
In the context of this letter, the believers are given a promise that their faithful giving will not leave them high and dry. God has ample supply and will meet all their needs.
In 21st century America our culture tells that we 'need' a lot of things - freedom to live self directed life, sexual satisfaction, new clothes or shoes to match the latest style, the latest phone and apps, etc. If we really look at our lives, most of us would realize that our needs, and many wants, are being met, yet we can still be frustrated or unsatisfied because we have confused wants with needs.
Paul speaks earlier in these verses about being content whatever the circumstances. As I think about how this applies to my own life, I realize that being thankful to God is a first step towards trusting him more. Being thankful helps us remember what God has provided. Then we can trust that he will continue to provide in the future - a great message for Thanksgiving 2011!
Context: Phillipians 4:10-20
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus."
The Phillipians had consistently given to support Paul's mission to Gentiles. Paul recalls their generosity at a couple earlier times, when he first left Macedonia and when he was in Thessalonica. Paul thanks them for their continued support in his letter and equates their giving to missions with the sacrificial offerings required by the Old Testament law. His thanks ends with a promise that God will provide for the needs of the believers at Phillipi.
In the context of this letter, the believers are given a promise that their faithful giving will not leave them high and dry. God has ample supply and will meet all their needs.
In 21st century America our culture tells that we 'need' a lot of things - freedom to live self directed life, sexual satisfaction, new clothes or shoes to match the latest style, the latest phone and apps, etc. If we really look at our lives, most of us would realize that our needs, and many wants, are being met, yet we can still be frustrated or unsatisfied because we have confused wants with needs.
Paul speaks earlier in these verses about being content whatever the circumstances. As I think about how this applies to my own life, I realize that being thankful to God is a first step towards trusting him more. Being thankful helps us remember what God has provided. Then we can trust that he will continue to provide in the future - a great message for Thanksgiving 2011!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Peace
Verse: Philippians 4:6-7
Context: Philippians 4:1-9
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (NIV 84).
This promise is one of my favorite ones and one which I have memorized and remind myself regularly. Showing concern for others welfare or concern over how we have acted is often appropriate. Concern for ourselves can also be appropriate as it helps us take care of ourselves. Here, I am discussing inappropriate anxieties that lead us away from trusting God and stem from the feeling of not having control of situations. We can often dismiss anxiety as a character flaw or natural due to our circumstances. However, letting anxiety or fear guide our decisions leads us away from God's will and can be harmful to our lives and relationships.
Acting on this promise has often given me a sense of peace and perspective that rises about the situation. We often can be thankful or anxious in the same situation depending on our focus. The immediate change of heart and focus I have had while worrying or disappointed about an issue can only be attributed to God.
I know a friend who often can be anxious about money issues. Often when their spouse brought up the need to purchase something it would cause them to become angry and complain. Their spouse would then often respond in turn with frustration and anxiety, which hindered honesty and trust in that relationship. The situation was caused by a deep-seated anxiety over money. Without this anxiety, this person would be free to respond more calmly whether to make the purchase or not, and the trajectory of the relationship would be very different.
Context: Philippians 4:1-9
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (NIV 84).
This promise is one of my favorite ones and one which I have memorized and remind myself regularly. Showing concern for others welfare or concern over how we have acted is often appropriate. Concern for ourselves can also be appropriate as it helps us take care of ourselves. Here, I am discussing inappropriate anxieties that lead us away from trusting God and stem from the feeling of not having control of situations. We can often dismiss anxiety as a character flaw or natural due to our circumstances. However, letting anxiety or fear guide our decisions leads us away from God's will and can be harmful to our lives and relationships.
Acting on this promise has often given me a sense of peace and perspective that rises about the situation. We often can be thankful or anxious in the same situation depending on our focus. The immediate change of heart and focus I have had while worrying or disappointed about an issue can only be attributed to God.
I know a friend who often can be anxious about money issues. Often when their spouse brought up the need to purchase something it would cause them to become angry and complain. Their spouse would then often respond in turn with frustration and anxiety, which hindered honesty and trust in that relationship. The situation was caused by a deep-seated anxiety over money. Without this anxiety, this person would be free to respond more calmly whether to make the purchase or not, and the trajectory of the relationship would be very different.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Every tongue confess
Verse: Philippians 2:9-11
Context: Philippians 2:1-11
We are reminded in this passage that every knee will bow to Christ and every tongue confess that he is Lord to the glory of God. Certainly, many will not confess Christ is Lord while they are alive, but this promise reminds us that they too will ultimately realize that he is king over heaven and earth after their days on earth.
This passage is an encouragement to believers as we walk in this world. It can be discouraging to see people living proud lives disregarding others and disregarding God yet living comfortable lives and meanwhile seeing believers struggling, especially for the name of Christ. Our sense of fairness is appalled, but we can be confident that our faith during this life will not go unrewarded.
The passage also is a motivator for us to glorify God's name that those around us will not be able to question why we never spoke to them about Christ. God must move in people's lives to believe, and for better or worse, I take that truth and expect people to ask questions from me. May this verse motivate me to be prepared to give an account of what God has done in my own life when the situations arise.
Foreign missionary
While in Russia I was surprised to learn that a pastor I met there had an engineering degree from Estonia. I think everyone else at our table tuned us out during our conversation about Fortran and punch cards. He sacrificed a great deal by returning to Russia and ministering to the next generation of orphans, but he did not regret it. He spoke about how he could make more of an impact despite the greater challenge of working with people's lives versus programming. His life decisions are centered around knowing that everyone will recognize that Christ is Lord one day.
Context: Philippians 2:1-11
We are reminded in this passage that every knee will bow to Christ and every tongue confess that he is Lord to the glory of God. Certainly, many will not confess Christ is Lord while they are alive, but this promise reminds us that they too will ultimately realize that he is king over heaven and earth after their days on earth.
This passage is an encouragement to believers as we walk in this world. It can be discouraging to see people living proud lives disregarding others and disregarding God yet living comfortable lives and meanwhile seeing believers struggling, especially for the name of Christ. Our sense of fairness is appalled, but we can be confident that our faith during this life will not go unrewarded.
The passage also is a motivator for us to glorify God's name that those around us will not be able to question why we never spoke to them about Christ. God must move in people's lives to believe, and for better or worse, I take that truth and expect people to ask questions from me. May this verse motivate me to be prepared to give an account of what God has done in my own life when the situations arise.
Foreign missionary
While in Russia I was surprised to learn that a pastor I met there had an engineering degree from Estonia. I think everyone else at our table tuned us out during our conversation about Fortran and punch cards. He sacrificed a great deal by returning to Russia and ministering to the next generation of orphans, but he did not regret it. He spoke about how he could make more of an impact despite the greater challenge of working with people's lives versus programming. His life decisions are centered around knowing that everyone will recognize that Christ is Lord one day.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
A good work
Verse: Philippians 1:4-6
Context: Philippians 1:1-11
As I begin the study of God's promises, I see there are many promises that we may not recognize initially as promises. The promises do not always have an obvious structure of instruction followed by a promise resulting from obedience. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a clear example of such a clear one. Rather some promises are truths regarding the nature of faith or character of God.
Early in Paul's letter to the Philippians he greets them by telling them how he remembers them in his prayers and is thankful for them. Paul states his faith that God who began a good work in the believers in Philippi will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. This is a promise regarding the nature of God's gift of faith to us that is real today.
A first highlight from this passage is that God is the one who begins his good work in our lives. We may remember a moment when we trusted him with our life as Lord, but ultimately only his grace was sufficient to bring us to the point of repentance and faith. The promise that follows is a powerful encouragement to all believers.
God did not author our faith for it to be devoid of any value. Regardless of the state of our lives, whether in health or illness, wealth or need, clear purpose or uncertainty, we can be sure that he has a purpose for our lives that interweaves with the tapestry of his will for humanity. He will carry on his purpose in our lives until completion when we meet him.
Personally, this is a great reassurance. I may make plans, many of which seem good in my eyes and in line with God's will, yet even those do not always turn out as planned. The failure of our plans to become reality does not negate God's will in our lives.
Russia trip
The reality of this promise hit close to home when I went on a mission trip to Russia. I began feeling ill on the 8 hour bus ride from the airport to our destination. I couldn't help but struggle with questioning why after I spent much money and time to do what seemed to be right and good could I become ill. The illness did prevent me from joining the group one day; I lay in bed that day wondering this thought. The obvious answer came to me. I am wasting energy questioning why I became ill and missed that day. I am only responsible for being obedient and prepared to act when possible, but ultimately God's will happens and supercedes any plans of ours. The promise applies that even when we cannot understand our current situation God is working to make us into a good work.
The story has a good ending. I became well quickly and was active during the rest of the trip. The visit created many memories with the locals.
Context: Philippians 1:1-11
As I begin the study of God's promises, I see there are many promises that we may not recognize initially as promises. The promises do not always have an obvious structure of instruction followed by a promise resulting from obedience. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a clear example of such a clear one. Rather some promises are truths regarding the nature of faith or character of God.
Early in Paul's letter to the Philippians he greets them by telling them how he remembers them in his prayers and is thankful for them. Paul states his faith that God who began a good work in the believers in Philippi will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. This is a promise regarding the nature of God's gift of faith to us that is real today.
A first highlight from this passage is that God is the one who begins his good work in our lives. We may remember a moment when we trusted him with our life as Lord, but ultimately only his grace was sufficient to bring us to the point of repentance and faith. The promise that follows is a powerful encouragement to all believers.
God did not author our faith for it to be devoid of any value. Regardless of the state of our lives, whether in health or illness, wealth or need, clear purpose or uncertainty, we can be sure that he has a purpose for our lives that interweaves with the tapestry of his will for humanity. He will carry on his purpose in our lives until completion when we meet him.
Personally, this is a great reassurance. I may make plans, many of which seem good in my eyes and in line with God's will, yet even those do not always turn out as planned. The failure of our plans to become reality does not negate God's will in our lives.
Russia trip
The reality of this promise hit close to home when I went on a mission trip to Russia. I began feeling ill on the 8 hour bus ride from the airport to our destination. I couldn't help but struggle with questioning why after I spent much money and time to do what seemed to be right and good could I become ill. The illness did prevent me from joining the group one day; I lay in bed that day wondering this thought. The obvious answer came to me. I am wasting energy questioning why I became ill and missed that day. I am only responsible for being obedient and prepared to act when possible, but ultimately God's will happens and supercedes any plans of ours. The promise applies that even when we cannot understand our current situation God is working to make us into a good work.
The story has a good ending. I became well quickly and was active during the rest of the trip. The visit created many memories with the locals.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Promises of God
Trusting that God knows better than we do in our humanity and limited power must be central in the thoughts and minds of believers. James says that we must sincerely believe God and not doubt when we pray if we should expect any blessing or answer from God (James 1:5-7). Proverbs promises that God will 'make our paths straight' if we trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).
This leads to questions about the basis of this trust in God. Should we believe that God will answer every request we have as we requested? Should we always expect a clear answer? In my own life I have seen prayers answered as I requested, and I have seen prayers that are yet unanswered after years. This leads me to pray knowing that the answer may be silent, may not be answered, or may take time and patience before an answer. In what way then should believers pray with trust knowing that the answer may be contrary to our prayer or seem unanswered?
Praying with confidence must begin with knowing what God has promised to believers, and He has promised much. I have been asked before if I was more connected to God through prayer or reading the Word. My answer is when I am doing both. I pray for guidance when I read it and also read it to pray with the right frame of mind.
The need to know God's promises motivates me to begin this study on the promises of God. I will study and discuss all the promises in each book of the Bible. I am starting with Phillipians since it is one of my favorite books primarily due to God's promises in it relevant to our lives in modern day.
As I study promises in each book, I will accompany reading the promise verses with several other tools: read the adjacent chapter and consider context; memorize the promise verses; and discuss practical applications and examples.
This leads to questions about the basis of this trust in God. Should we believe that God will answer every request we have as we requested? Should we always expect a clear answer? In my own life I have seen prayers answered as I requested, and I have seen prayers that are yet unanswered after years. This leads me to pray knowing that the answer may be silent, may not be answered, or may take time and patience before an answer. In what way then should believers pray with trust knowing that the answer may be contrary to our prayer or seem unanswered?
Praying with confidence must begin with knowing what God has promised to believers, and He has promised much. I have been asked before if I was more connected to God through prayer or reading the Word. My answer is when I am doing both. I pray for guidance when I read it and also read it to pray with the right frame of mind.
The need to know God's promises motivates me to begin this study on the promises of God. I will study and discuss all the promises in each book of the Bible. I am starting with Phillipians since it is one of my favorite books primarily due to God's promises in it relevant to our lives in modern day.
As I study promises in each book, I will accompany reading the promise verses with several other tools: read the adjacent chapter and consider context; memorize the promise verses; and discuss practical applications and examples.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)