12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
STANDING FIRM
Falling away from the faith is a serious danger to all Christians. The Evil One is intent on devouring us, and he is happy when he can lead us to become indifferent, apathetic, or passive about our faith in Christ.
In modern society, some of his favorite tools to use are:
1) Busy-ness. He wants to get us so wrapped up in our work and in our play that we truly believe we have no time for God.
2) Things. The Enemy loves to capture our heart by getting us entangled in the things of this world. He is well-pleased when we devote our heart to our possessions and find our identity in what we have.
3) Fun. The Tempter loves to make us think that life is all about pleasure -- that we deserve to do what tickles our passions.
There are many other tools that he uses. And that's why we need to keep our guard up, so that he does not get a foothold to lead us away from our relationship with God.
Fortunately, we also see in this passage the promise that God will not allow him to tempt us beyond what we can bear -- that God always provides a way of escape no matter what Satan tries to use against us. His faithfulness in Christ is stronger than any temptation the Enemy can bring.
But be careful. Stay in the Word. Make regular and frequent use of the Holy Supper. Pray constantly. The Holy Spirit has promised to guide you, and He will arm you for your temptations with His wall of strength.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Tuesday, July 30. 1 Corinthians 9
FREE OF CHARGE
St. Paul is clearly defending himself, in this chapter, against those who consider him greedy. Their thinking is that since Jesus' rescue is a free gift, that it should also be proclaimed without charge and without remuneration. Hence, since Paul was receiving material support, he must be a "money-lover."
All those who work full-time for the Lord struggle with this issue. They have a passion for the Gospel, but they also have physical and material needs. They don't want to "charge" for the Gospel, but they also are called to support their families.
How wonderful it is when God's people recognize the value and importance of ministry and offer their voluntary and intentional support so that others can devote themselves full-time to this work. Without such folk, the Gospel proclamation would be hindered, with fewer pastors, missionaries, teachers, evangelists, and the like.
Unfortunately, some abuse this dedication and take advantage of the faithful generosity of God's people by truly becoming "money-lovers." May God preserve His Church by protecting us from such folk! Instead, may His workers be faithful in ministry and, through the generous support of those who love The Lord, help fulfill Jesus calling to "make disciples of all nations!"
Monday, July 29, 2013
Monday, July 29 - 1 Corinthians 8
Knowledge
Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. (1 Corinthians 8:1 ESV)
While knowledge can be a wonderful thing, sometimes knowledge can make people prideful and overrule compassion and gentleness. In this passage, Paul is dealing with the theoretical issue of eating meat which had been sacrificed to idols. Paul agrees that eating such food does not make a Christian impure, but he encourages the Corinthians that they should be careful, in employing this freedom, not to blatantly trample on one another's consciences simply because they have the knowledge. Instead they ought to deal gently and patiently with their brothers who disagree and honor their faith by abstaining until such time as their conscience is clear.
Sometimes in the church there are endless discussions about issues which affect our life together. It is important for us, as God's people not to let our knowledge puff us up and scornfully look at others whose faith practices differ from ours. Instead we should discuss reverently and patiently, and honor one another as brothers and sisters in the Lord.
This does not mean that we compromise our belief, but rather that we not become self-righteous and prideful in standing up for the truth.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Friday, July 26 - 1 Corinthians 7
SINGLE OR MARRIED -- SERVING THE LORD
In this oft-misunderstood chapter, St. Paul discusses the Christian's need for companionship, struggles with sexual desire, and difficulties within marriage. He commends those who are able to devote themselves fully to the work of the Lord, and remain unmarried. These, he says, are specially gifted. Their minds and hearts, consequently, are not weighed down by the concerns of family, and they can run the race with unbridled passion for the Gospel. (see v. 32)
However, Paul also recognizes that not all have this gift. In fact, probably most are designed by God to be in relationship with another. And so he offers some guidelines for living faithfully as husband/wife. These guidelines discourage easy and quick divorces, encourage sexual self-control /faithfulness to one's spouse, and call God's people to serving Him faithfully in whatever their station in life.
In short, married or single, we are here on this earth not just to spend our time and treasure in aimless wandering or selfish action. We are here to serve the Lord -- to be a light for Him. For husbands and wives, we do this within the context of our home, loving each other and serving one another to witness to God's love. For the single individual, we do this within the context of our life in the world, as we reach out to make a difference in the lives of those we encounter.
In this oft-misunderstood chapter, St. Paul discusses the Christian's need for companionship, struggles with sexual desire, and difficulties within marriage. He commends those who are able to devote themselves fully to the work of the Lord, and remain unmarried. These, he says, are specially gifted. Their minds and hearts, consequently, are not weighed down by the concerns of family, and they can run the race with unbridled passion for the Gospel. (see v. 32)
However, Paul also recognizes that not all have this gift. In fact, probably most are designed by God to be in relationship with another. And so he offers some guidelines for living faithfully as husband/wife. These guidelines discourage easy and quick divorces, encourage sexual self-control /faithfulness to one's spouse, and call God's people to serving Him faithfully in whatever their station in life.
In short, married or single, we are here on this earth not just to spend our time and treasure in aimless wandering or selfish action. We are here to serve the Lord -- to be a light for Him. For husbands and wives, we do this within the context of our home, loving each other and serving one another to witness to God's love. For the single individual, we do this within the context of our life in the world, as we reach out to make a difference in the lives of those we encounter.
Thursday, July 25 - 1 Corinthians 6
JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE
St. Paul, in this chapter, encourages the Corinthian Christians to separate themselves from worldly ways and to be a light to the nations. Specifically, they should not mistreat one another through lawsuits, be connected to the sexual sins, be greedy, drunkards, slanderers or swindlers. Instead, they should recognize that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and consider themselves on display to the world as representatives of Christ Himself. (see v. 15)
As Paul shares these words, it occurs to me that there are two modern errors that echo in his thinking.
1) First, is the error of hypocrisy. That is, believing that the salvation Christ won for us is assured, and therefore, we can live however we want and do whatever we please. In other words, that the words we profess with our mouth do not have to match the life we live -- intentionally. We see this in the Christian who "checks his faith at the door of the sanctuary" and goes into the world to live immorally. Lying, cheating, gossip, slander, drunkenness, pride, sexual sin are freely practiced with the idea that ultimately there is nothing that can separate us from God.
2) But there is also an opposite error. It is the error of translating faith into morality -- thinking that living faithful, godly lives is what Christianity is all about. In truth, Christianity is about a relationship which God Himself created with sinful humanity (US), through Christ. It is about His rescue and deliverance of sinners like us. Our godly living does not earn us merit badges or propel us to some greater status before God. Instead, we live holy lives because His Spirit dwells in us and in gratitude for all that He's done for us.
St. Paul, in this chapter, encourages the Corinthian Christians to separate themselves from worldly ways and to be a light to the nations. Specifically, they should not mistreat one another through lawsuits, be connected to the sexual sins, be greedy, drunkards, slanderers or swindlers. Instead, they should recognize that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and consider themselves on display to the world as representatives of Christ Himself. (see v. 15)
As Paul shares these words, it occurs to me that there are two modern errors that echo in his thinking.
1) First, is the error of hypocrisy. That is, believing that the salvation Christ won for us is assured, and therefore, we can live however we want and do whatever we please. In other words, that the words we profess with our mouth do not have to match the life we live -- intentionally. We see this in the Christian who "checks his faith at the door of the sanctuary" and goes into the world to live immorally. Lying, cheating, gossip, slander, drunkenness, pride, sexual sin are freely practiced with the idea that ultimately there is nothing that can separate us from God.
2) But there is also an opposite error. It is the error of translating faith into morality -- thinking that living faithful, godly lives is what Christianity is all about. In truth, Christianity is about a relationship which God Himself created with sinful humanity (US), through Christ. It is about His rescue and deliverance of sinners like us. Our godly living does not earn us merit badges or propel us to some greater status before God. Instead, we live holy lives because His Spirit dwells in us and in gratitude for all that He's done for us.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Wednesday, July 24 - 1 Corinthians 5
LEAVEN
Paul warns the Corinthians that tolerance of public sin in their midst can only bring trouble to the Church as a whole. He urges them to deal with the immorality of their brother not by ignoring it, but by warning him of the dangers of his unfaithfulness. Paul's comparison is to the tiny bit of leaven which can cause the whole loaf to rise. Similarly, the tolerance of sin can compromise the integrity of the entire congregation.
In today's world, the idea of "toleration" has become almost an idol for us. It seems that those who wish to speak of right and wrong, good and bad, truth and error, are called evil for considering their truth to be universal and not relative. All religions, all behaviors, all opinions, according to modern philosophy, must be accepted as valid options or we have turned to "the dark side."
In contrast, Jesus declares Himself, "THE way, THE truth, and THE life." True love of neighbor, then, is not indifference to his erring beliefs or actions, but sharing with him the truths of God.
So don't be fooled by the world's idea that "all things are good." God's Word is our standard. His Son is the Savior. And we honor Him when we speak of His actions and live according to His standards.
Paul warns the Corinthians that tolerance of public sin in their midst can only bring trouble to the Church as a whole. He urges them to deal with the immorality of their brother not by ignoring it, but by warning him of the dangers of his unfaithfulness. Paul's comparison is to the tiny bit of leaven which can cause the whole loaf to rise. Similarly, the tolerance of sin can compromise the integrity of the entire congregation.
In today's world, the idea of "toleration" has become almost an idol for us. It seems that those who wish to speak of right and wrong, good and bad, truth and error, are called evil for considering their truth to be universal and not relative. All religions, all behaviors, all opinions, according to modern philosophy, must be accepted as valid options or we have turned to "the dark side."
In contrast, Jesus declares Himself, "THE way, THE truth, and THE life." True love of neighbor, then, is not indifference to his erring beliefs or actions, but sharing with him the truths of God.
So don't be fooled by the world's idea that "all things are good." God's Word is our standard. His Son is the Savior. And we honor Him when we speak of His actions and live according to His standards.
Tuesday, July 23 - 1 Corinthians 4 (Sorry I forgot to post this yesterday)
PRIDE
The Corinthians were fiercely divided with the various factions claiming superiority. They were losing their spirit of humility and self-sacrifice, considering themselves even greater than the apostles. Paul here reminds them that to be a follower of Christ is not about one-upping each other, it is about faithfulness to God and sharing His Word among the nations. Paul declares to them not to "go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another." (v. 6)
Paul then uses some biting sarcasm, poking fun at how great the Corinthians think they are. And then he shows how the Apostles, in contrast, often were considered fools, hungered and thirsted, were reviled, persecuted, slandered and mistreated -- all for the sake of Christ.
The long and short of this chapter is that we must be careful not to let our pride get the better of us, promote division, and seek to justify our blessings as "well-deserved" above others who seem "less-blessed." The Gospel is not about glory nor about prosperity.
Instead, our joy is in the grace of God which He desires to be preached and modeled to all peoples. Our "greatness" is found in humbling ourselves and yielding to His will, not in trying to upstage the other guy.
The Corinthians were fiercely divided with the various factions claiming superiority. They were losing their spirit of humility and self-sacrifice, considering themselves even greater than the apostles. Paul here reminds them that to be a follower of Christ is not about one-upping each other, it is about faithfulness to God and sharing His Word among the nations. Paul declares to them not to "go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another." (v. 6)
Paul then uses some biting sarcasm, poking fun at how great the Corinthians think they are. And then he shows how the Apostles, in contrast, often were considered fools, hungered and thirsted, were reviled, persecuted, slandered and mistreated -- all for the sake of Christ.
The long and short of this chapter is that we must be careful not to let our pride get the better of us, promote division, and seek to justify our blessings as "well-deserved" above others who seem "less-blessed." The Gospel is not about glory nor about prosperity.
Instead, our joy is in the grace of God which He desires to be preached and modeled to all peoples. Our "greatness" is found in humbling ourselves and yielding to His will, not in trying to upstage the other guy.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Monday, July 22 - 1 Corinthians 3
INSTRUMENTS
5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
St. Paul makes it quite clear that the Church of Jesus Christ is not built on the foundation of its leaders and evangelists, but on Christ alone.
Unfortunately, it can be both the error of the clergy and the error of the laity to focus on personalities and to believe that the Church revolves around the hard work and persistence of its people. The Corinthians were doing just that. Some gravitated to Paul, others to Apollos, and it was causing division among them.
While it is true that we are His instruments and that God relies on His people to carry out His work in the world, it is also true that the more we rely on ourselves and our leaders, rather than on Christ, the more we will lose focus and possibly get off-track. That's why its important for every Christian congregation to humbly approach the cross of Jesus Christ and ask for HIS vision and HIS plans to guide our leaders and our people to the paths where they should go.
In that spirit, I ask you to pray for Beautiful Savior -- that God might help all of us to be in step with His plans and to yield to His purposes, so His will might be done among us.
5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
St. Paul makes it quite clear that the Church of Jesus Christ is not built on the foundation of its leaders and evangelists, but on Christ alone.
Unfortunately, it can be both the error of the clergy and the error of the laity to focus on personalities and to believe that the Church revolves around the hard work and persistence of its people. The Corinthians were doing just that. Some gravitated to Paul, others to Apollos, and it was causing division among them.
While it is true that we are His instruments and that God relies on His people to carry out His work in the world, it is also true that the more we rely on ourselves and our leaders, rather than on Christ, the more we will lose focus and possibly get off-track. That's why its important for every Christian congregation to humbly approach the cross of Jesus Christ and ask for HIS vision and HIS plans to guide our leaders and our people to the paths where they should go.
In that spirit, I ask you to pray for Beautiful Savior -- that God might help all of us to be in step with His plans and to yield to His purposes, so His will might be done among us.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Friday, July 12 - Romans 13
GOVERNING AUTHORITIES
"He is God's servant for your good."
St. Paul lived in the days of ungodly and immoral rulers. He lived during a time when some emperors were worshiped as gods and acted like it. And yet Paul declares that such men are instruments of God for good.
The only explanation one can offer for such an attitude is to recognize that God uses not only godly and faithful rulers to accomplish His purposes, but also even those who act selfishly and may even have evil intent.
I guess it's a bit like a game of chess. Some offensive pieces are powerful and important because they are doing exactly what the player intends. Others also accomplish his intent simply by blocking something else, being sacrificed to obtain something greater, or in stopping something worse from happening.
If God is the author of the "game," and is all-knowing, then we need to recognize that He can use "all things together for the good of those who love Him."
So God doesn't call us to have an easy life or even a blessed nation -- He calls us to love Him whether the governing authorities are good or evil.
Let us pray fervently for those who lead that His will might be accomplished through them whether we like them or not.
"He is God's servant for your good."
St. Paul lived in the days of ungodly and immoral rulers. He lived during a time when some emperors were worshiped as gods and acted like it. And yet Paul declares that such men are instruments of God for good.
The only explanation one can offer for such an attitude is to recognize that God uses not only godly and faithful rulers to accomplish His purposes, but also even those who act selfishly and may even have evil intent.
I guess it's a bit like a game of chess. Some offensive pieces are powerful and important because they are doing exactly what the player intends. Others also accomplish his intent simply by blocking something else, being sacrificed to obtain something greater, or in stopping something worse from happening.
If God is the author of the "game," and is all-knowing, then we need to recognize that He can use "all things together for the good of those who love Him."
So God doesn't call us to have an easy life or even a blessed nation -- He calls us to love Him whether the governing authorities are good or evil.
Let us pray fervently for those who lead that His will might be accomplished through them whether we like them or not.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Wednesday, July 10 - Romans 11
THE ISRAEL OF GOD
When the Chosen People of Israel hardened their hearts and rejected Christ, the Word of God was shared with those outside the household of Israel. These folks, (Gentiles) who were not originally "children of Abraham" by ethnic origin, were "grafted into" the Chosen People because they came to believe in the same Messiah (Jesus) in whom Abraham also believed.
Consequently, Christians, who are not ethnically descendants of Abraham, now are considered part of Abraham's household. And those who do not believe in Jesus as Messiah, be they ethnic Jews or Gentiles, are no longer (or not) a part of God's Chosen because they have rejected the descendent of Abraham who would bless all peoples. (see Genesis 12)
In short, the Chosen People (or Israel) are now no longer defined by ethnicity, but by faith. "Children of Abraham" or the "Israel of God" are now defined by trusting in His Messiah.
A lesson we can learn from this chapter is that we, like the ethnic descendants of Abraham, must always be careful that we do not mistakenly think that we are God's people just because of our history, our heritage, our name or our lineage. Being a Christian is about faith -- our faith. Our salvation is based solely on what Jesus did for us, and we are God's people when we are connected to such faith.
Are you a Lutheran? Why? What does that mean to you? How are you living it?
When the Chosen People of Israel hardened their hearts and rejected Christ, the Word of God was shared with those outside the household of Israel. These folks, (Gentiles) who were not originally "children of Abraham" by ethnic origin, were "grafted into" the Chosen People because they came to believe in the same Messiah (Jesus) in whom Abraham also believed.
Consequently, Christians, who are not ethnically descendants of Abraham, now are considered part of Abraham's household. And those who do not believe in Jesus as Messiah, be they ethnic Jews or Gentiles, are no longer (or not) a part of God's Chosen because they have rejected the descendent of Abraham who would bless all peoples. (see Genesis 12)
In short, the Chosen People (or Israel) are now no longer defined by ethnicity, but by faith. "Children of Abraham" or the "Israel of God" are now defined by trusting in His Messiah.
A lesson we can learn from this chapter is that we, like the ethnic descendants of Abraham, must always be careful that we do not mistakenly think that we are God's people just because of our history, our heritage, our name or our lineage. Being a Christian is about faith -- our faith. Our salvation is based solely on what Jesus did for us, and we are God's people when we are connected to such faith.
Are you a Lutheran? Why? What does that mean to you? How are you living it?
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Tuesday, July 9 - Romans 10
HOW CAN THEY HEAR?
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Recently, when I was teaching some of our Karenni friends about the Ten Commandments, I asked them if the commandments were familiar to them. Some of them shook their heads up and down, but one woman very candidly declared, "Please tell us. We want to learn what God wants from us and we do not have the Commandments written in our language."
"Wow," I thought, "even the Ten Commandments are new material for many of these foreign brothers and sisters." And I wondered how many people throughout the world do not have the opportunity, like we do, to read God's Word as translated for us by scholars and linguists.
And suddenly I began to pray for these types of workers to be sent into the harvest field. Because, while my words of instruction are valuable, there is no substitute for having the Bible to refer to and enjoy.
Do you take the Bible for granted? I know I often do. People out in the world are hungry to have the Word, and, so often, mine is underused. For many the Bible sits on the shelf and merely gathers dust.
Please take the time today to pray for Bibles to be made available to all who wish to have them, and for linguists to make it possible for all people to read the Word of God in their own tongue. And also, please pray that more and more Christians who have the Word on their bookshelves might take the time to use it regularly and frequently.
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Recently, when I was teaching some of our Karenni friends about the Ten Commandments, I asked them if the commandments were familiar to them. Some of them shook their heads up and down, but one woman very candidly declared, "Please tell us. We want to learn what God wants from us and we do not have the Commandments written in our language."
"Wow," I thought, "even the Ten Commandments are new material for many of these foreign brothers and sisters." And I wondered how many people throughout the world do not have the opportunity, like we do, to read God's Word as translated for us by scholars and linguists.
And suddenly I began to pray for these types of workers to be sent into the harvest field. Because, while my words of instruction are valuable, there is no substitute for having the Bible to refer to and enjoy.
Do you take the Bible for granted? I know I often do. People out in the world are hungry to have the Word, and, so often, mine is underused. For many the Bible sits on the shelf and merely gathers dust.
Please take the time today to pray for Bibles to be made available to all who wish to have them, and for linguists to make it possible for all people to read the Word of God in their own tongue. And also, please pray that more and more Christians who have the Word on their bookshelves might take the time to use it regularly and frequently.
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