“Son, Remember”

Neal Pollard

Communities began days of remembrance shortly after the Civil War to commemorate their fallen soldiers. Some of the first commemorations are said to have been held by former slaves in South Carolina. However, Waterloo, New York, was named the official birthplace of Memorial Day because it hosted an annual, community-wide event where businesses closed and the graves of the fallen were decorated with flowers and flags (more here). To me, it is one of the nobler holidays as it expresses appreciation for those who sacrificed so much for our freedom and continued existence in this nation. 

God knows humanity needs remembrance. The rainbow was His first memorial for man (Gen. 9:12-17). In Deuteronomy, Moses repeatedly exhorts Israel to remember the covenant and commands of the Law. Later generations were in trouble when they forgot and blessed when they remembered.

In the New Testament, there are a couple of words for “remember.” One, mnēmoneuō, “Denotes the action of keeping in mind or thinking of something or someone; it can also mean to mention something in the past or future” (Jones, Lexham Theological Wdbk, np).  The other, mimnēskomai, means to recall information from memory, think of and call attention to something, and give careful consideration to (BDAG, 652).

Walk through the New Testament and see all the circumstances where God wants us to remember. This is far from exhaustive, but God urges us to:

  • Remember an offended brother (Matt. 5:23)
  • Remember the words of Jesus (John 15:20; Acts 20:35)
  • Remember important spiritual influences in your life (Acts 20:31)
  • Remember Christ in the Supper (1 Cor. 11:24-25)
  • Remember the poor (Gal. 2:10)
  • Remember past spiritual defeats as motivation to serve (Eph. 2:11-12)
  • Remember the hurting (2 Tim. 1:4)
  • Remember past spiritual victories as motivation to keep serving (Heb. 10:32)
  • Remember the ill-treated for the cause of Christ (Heb. 13:3)
  • Remember the faith of your spiritual leaders (Heb. 13:7)
  • Remember the words of the prophets and apostles (2 Pet. 3:2; Jude 17)
  • Remember from where you are fallen (Rev. 2:5)

There are literally dozens of uses of these Greek words calling for us to remember. Age and disuse may rob us of remembering all the details of everything, but some things must be retained and reviewed for our own spiritual good. Abraham once told a rich, negligent man in torment, “Son, remember…” (Luke 16:25). For him it was too late, but for us it is not.

There are some things worth remembering. In fact, some things are essential. It is admirable and healthy to remember those who died fighting for our nation. What a price! In our daily, spiritual battle, memory is key to our ultimate survival! May God sharpen our minds to remember the things He values as most important to Him (and us)! 

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1 Timothy: Behaving In God’s House (III)

The Power Of Prayer (2:1-8)

Neal Pollard

Paul’s use of the word “then” connects his instruction to Timothy about false teachers at the end of chapter one with the sound doctrine that follows here. “First of all” appears to highlight that what he was about to say was of utmost importance. What is so vitally important? What true doctrine was Paul urgent to share? He is addressing the essential act of prayer. There is such tremendous potential power when God’s people take advantage of this blessing, but how neglected and forsaken prayer is among His people only He truly knows. God wants us to understand that He wants His children communicating with Him frequently and meaningfully in His house. What makes prayer so powerful?

Consider what prayer is (1). Some say Paul is simply pulling out as many synonyms as possible to urge Christians to pray. But as each word is God-breathed, each carries a particular dimension of importance. “It can be seen from this brief summary that prayers is the generic word for prayer; thanksgivings is expressing gratitude and thanks to God; supplications is asking God to supply the needs of the Christian community; and intercessions is praying to God on behalf of other people, particularly those who are not yet members of the community of faith” (Arichea and Hatton, UBS Handbook, 45). God wants us found petitioning Him, speaking to Him and making requests of Him. As such, He desires our expressions of gratitude for blessings given, our begging and pleading for His help, and our speaking on behalf of others. This is a great measuring stick for our prayer lives. Do they look like this?

Consider who prayer benefits (1-2).  This is a discipline which is practiced by the spiritually mature. Sometimes, those who do pray lavish them only on themselves and selfish interests. There is none of that in this imperative. Paul calls for prayers for all people, for governmental and other authorities. It produces a good benefit for us when we pray for them, but God desires such prayers. Don’t miss that God is pleased with such prayers. It is “very welcome,  being gladly received with great pleasure” (Brannan, Lexham Lexicon, np). Can we not say that prayer benefits the subjects, the Object, and even the offerer of prayer? What do we get from offering such prayers? Peace and quiet and dignified lives.

Consider who prayer is addressed to (3-7). First, it is addressed to the Savior (3-4). Second, it is addressed to God (3-5). It is prayed through the perfect Mediator, the “God-Man” (Jesus). But what does Paul say here about the One to whom we bring our prayers? He desires all men to be saved, and He proved it beyond all doubt by giving His Son as a ransom to pay our sin debt (a message delivered at the proper time–see Gal. 4:4; Ti. 1:2). He wants all to know the truth, proven by His appointing men like Paul as preachers and apostles to teach the truth (7). These verses have been summarized as one God, one Mediator, and one mission (Robinson, Opening Up Commentary, 38). 

Consider who prayer is to be led by (8). Again, so that we do not miss the point stressed in context, Paul says “I desire then that in every place the men should pray” (8a). How pleased He is when Christians, discussing a matter of any importance with each other, pause in the discussion to say, “Let’s pray about this.” When elders, who are visited by members or who discuss the vital work of the church, cannot close the discussion without saying, “Let’s pray about this.” When friends, spouses, families, and other Christians cannot but insert prayer into whatever is happening. 

But do not miss that something more specific is being instructed here. Paul is talking about public prayer and who God wants leading it. The word for “men” is the gender-specific “male.” Paul is about to teach that women are not to lead in the acts of worship (11-12); the men are. Which men? Those whose hands are holy (Ps. 24:4; Js. 4:8). How can we tell? Angry, quarrelsome men do not have holy hands. Any man who is living his life in defiance of God’s will has impure hands and is not suited to lead us in this sacred act. What about the man who can only manage to get to worship every few weeks or month or so? What about the man known to the community for his foul mouth, his hot temper, his sexually suggestive speech, his indiscretion with the opposite sex, and the like? The exercise of prayer is so eternally vital that God demands righteous Christian men be the ones leading it.

How powerful is prayer? Ask Solomon (1 Ki. 3:3-9). Ask Jabez (1 Chron. 4:9-10). Ask Jehoshaphat (2 Chron. 20:6-12). Ask Hezekiah (Isa. 38). Ask the saints in Jerusalem (Acts 4:24-31). Ask Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25). How powerful is prayer? Think back to the countless times and ways God has responded in infinite wisdom and power to your entreaties, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings. It will make you spontaneously declare, “God is so good to me!”

1 Timothy: Behaving In God’s House (II)

Being Faithful To Our Appointment (1:12-20)

Neal Pollard

Having laid out for Timothy the who, what, and why of teaching God’s Word, Paul turns more personal. He makes it clear that one does not have to have a spotless past or even be free of present struggle to be useful to God. One does have to be “faithful” (12). The word “faithful” means “being worthy of belief or trust; trustworthy” (BDAG, 820). What does Paul say is involved in that? 

Being faithful means serving (12). The word translated “service” here is from the word that gives us “deacon” (found in 1 Timothy 3:8) and is also translated “ministry” (2 Tim. 4:5). Notice it is His service and He provides the resources like strength to do what He appoints us to do. God opens the doors and, through His Word, guides us in how to walk through them.

Being faithful means being an example (13-17). While one needs more of a testimony than “I once was horrible but now I’m saved,” there is obviously value in having the humility to share with others the transforming power of God and His gospel. As Paul describes Him in verse 17, His perfect attributes make Him the only one worthy of eternal “honor and glory.” Paul points to his pre-Christian life as one that was the opposite of faithfulness. He was faithful to his flawed fanaticism, but in so doing was unfaithful to God’s will. He “was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent” (13). He was the foremost of sinners (15). But through His obedient submission to Jesus’ command (cf. Acts 22:16), in Paul Jesus Christ could then “display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life” (16). Let people see the change Christ has made in your life, your speech, your attitude, your deeds, your life. They will come to understand that this is a power beyond your own ability to produce, as you remain faithful to your work and role in His house.

Being faithful means reliable (18-20). As implied above, faithfulness is synonymous with reliability. Paul illustrates that here. Timothy was entrusted with a charge concerning service from Paul (18). He was to be a dependable soldier on the spiritual battlefield (18). How? Reflecting back to what he said in verse 5, Paul admonishes Timothy to be “holding faith and a good conscience” (19). Then, he illustrates faithfulness through contrast. Hymenaeus and Alexander rejected faithfulness and “made shipwreck of their faith” (19). Apparently, they misused their words (their ministry?) to do what was characteristic of Paul’s pre-Christian life. They spoke evil against the faith (20). God is depending on you to be trustworthy, one He can count on to promote His cause. 

Each of us possess a gift (Rom. 12:6-8) for the good of the kingdom (Eph. 4:16). It is essential for one entrusted to be trustworthy (1 Cor. 4:2). That’s Paul’s message to his spiritual son. 

1 Timothy: Behaving In God’s House (I)

Teachers Of The Law (1:1-11)

Neal Pollard

1-2 Timothy and Titus are collectively known as the “Pastoral Epistles,” primarily because for the last few centuries they have been designated as ecclesiastical (i.e., church and preacher) guidelines for “pastors” (by which they mean preachers). Though we can see that there are actually instructions for the men who serve as pastors (shepherds, elders, overseers)(3:1-7; Titus 1:5-11), the bulk of these letters are helpful in preparing men to “fulfill their ministry” (2 Tim. 4:5). 

The first of these letters, 1 Timothy, is authored, like the other two epistles, by Paul, who appeals to the authority both of his apostleship and the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope (1). His is a heavenly message, written to one he considers his spiritual offspring (2). Notice the heavy emphasis on Deity in the first paragraph of the letter. He references God by name four times, noting His salvation (1), creation (2), delegation (4), and disposition (11). Notice that Paul references “Christ” three times in His first sentence (1), as Man, hope, and Lord! 

With the power of divine authority behind his message, he sets out on a purpose he will fully disclose in 1 Timothy 3:15. It is one of the Bible books with an explicit purpose statement (see John 20:30-31; 1 John 1:4). The purpose of this first letter to Timothy is to give his “true child in the faith” infallible instructions for how one should conduct himself or herself as a member of God’s household, the church. That begins with instruction about who should teach, why one should teach, and what should be taught.

WHAT SHOULD BE TAUGHT (3-4)

In verse 3 and verse 10, Paul references “doctrine.” This word means to provide instruction, both formally and informally. It can refer either to the act of teaching or what is taught. Notice the contrast between “sound doctrine” (10) and “strange doctrine” (3). Strange doctrines are described as devoted to myths, genealogies and speculations. These matters appeal to fleshly pedigrees and suggest academic power. As Knute Larson notes, “There were teachers who used the Old Testament as a ‘happy hunting ground’—to use John R. W. Stott’s description—for invented allegories and frivolous spiritualizing. Every truth was turned to symbol, every event became a metaphor so that soon they had “proof texts” for their own ideas, biases, and desires” (Holman, Vol. 9, 145-146). They claim superiority.

By contrast, Paul suggests their message was directly from God and the faithful teacher would manage the responsibility of sharing that most seriously. They would not “wander away” from it for any reason (6). Their message would be the “gospel” (11) rather than the Old Law (7-9). It should be “by faith” (4). 

WHY ONE SHOULD TEACH (5)

Along with the content of the message, Paul addresses the intent. There should be three propelling forces behind sharing sound doctrine–a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (5). When these are present and one seeks to cultivate them, we will effectively communicate the truth even if it is not always cordially received. For the teacher, the aim and effort is to remove unseemly ulterior motives (money, acceptance, manipulation), sinful motives (allowing themselves to be unfazed by the source and power of their message), and pretentious motives (hypocrisy, insincerity). Any time one shares God’s word, he or she should ask the “why” question. This can help eliminate sharing it with favoritism, flattery, or falseness. 

WHO SHOULD TEACH (6-11)

Essentially, Paul says much here about who should not teach. He has a particular group in mind, these already-identified “teachers of the law” who have swerved from proper motives into vain discussions (6). They were ignorantly and unlawfully using the Old Law out of unrighteous desires (7), ignorance (7), and arrogance (7)–really, the opposite of what Paul said drives the faithful teacher (5). They misused God’s Word for self-serving purposes, hurting themselves as well as their hearers. God’s statutes are essential, warning about the various immoralities catalogued in verses 9-10 and summarized as behavior opposed to “sound doctrine.” Who should teach? Those who understand the things Paul explains to Timothy here. Those who are devoted to sharing the right message for the right reason, who “handle aright” God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15). Does the message I share deflect the glory to God and reflect the good news of grace (11)? 

The Unimpressed Judge: A Warning Against Lawlessness

Brent Pollard

On January 21, 2004, a state trooper pulled over the renowned folk musician Art Garfunkel for speeding in upstate New York. During the stop, the trooper discovered marijuana in Garfunkel’s jacket, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Despite Garfunkel’s protests, the trooper issued him a ticket, seemingly unfazed by the musician’s celebrity status.

This anecdote raises an intriguing question: how many people will react similarly to Garfunkel on the Day of Judgment, expecting their earthly accomplishments to be significant? Jesus Christ himself addressed this issue by saying:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7.21-23 NASB95)

Jesus’s words reveal a sobering truth: many will attempt to leverage their reputation among people to impress Jesus, but their efforts will be in vain. Even if they have performed remarkable deeds, they will face the consequences of their actions if they do not align with God’s will.

Are you consistently doing good deeds in the name of Jesus throughout the week? The important question is: are you truly fulfilling God’s will? It’s easy to get caught up in our responsibilities and forget the duties God expects us to carry out. For example, the Pharisees were careful to tithe on herbs like anise, mint, and cumin, but they neglected the more important aspects of the Law, as mentioned in Matthew 23.23. The Mosaic Law required tithing on agricultural produce (see Deuteronomy 14.22), but it didn’t require tithing on herbs. So, we could see the Pharisees’ actions as self-imposed, stricter rules meant to enhance their status among people. However, Jesus was not impressed because their actions disregarded God’s will.

May you stand before the Judge of mankind (as referenced in Romans 14.12) with unwavering confidence, knowing that your actions were guided by God’s will. Otherwise, be prepared to hear Him say, “Depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.”

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XIX)

Expressing Concern (13:1-14)

Neal Pollard

Paul brings his second epistle to the Corinthians to a close by summarizing and making appeals. He shows that a major impetus in writing this letter was to give them “proof of the Christ who” spoke in him (3). His hope is that this letter will help them realize that they didn’t fail the test of faithfulness (6) and that their motives were pure (8). He wanted to use his position to build them up and not tear them down (10). That’s why he fills his last words with expressions of concern about them, wanting them to overcome their spiritual challenges and shortcomings.

His Concern Is For Them To Be In The Faith (5)

Mixed in with his defending his character and work (6), Paul turns it around by challenging them: “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” The word “test,” used twice in this verse, means “to try to learn the nature or character of someone or something by submitting such to thorough and extensive testing” (Louw-Nida, 331). “Examine” means “to make a critical examination of something to determine genuineness” (BDAG, 255). The laboratory where this testing and examination was to be conducted was in their living out their faith in their daily lives. They would be put to the test and others would be examining their faith. Paul wants them to pass!

His Concern Is For Them To Do Right (7)

What a basic, simple way to put it! As he shows in his first letter, he is willing to address wrongdoing. This follow up is to make sure they had put that behind them and that they were progressing in their faith. His primary concern, despite his robust self-defense, was not his own approval (which he knew he had with God) but theirs. 

His Concern Is For Them To Be Complete (9)

Obviously, we are all always a work in progress. Complete doesn’t mean sinlessly perfect, but completion is the goal of every Christian who wishes to ultimately overcome. This word means to function well or put in order. It also carries with it the idea of mending one’s ways, so the idea of repentance (cf. 7:10-11). He anticipated a future visit to them, and he hoped that they would have reached completion in these matters (10). 

His Concern Is For Them To Be Spiritually Healthy (11)

He ends the letter by expounding on what being made complete looks like. It includes to “be comforted,” “be like-minded,” and “live in peace.” This could be achieved by how they treated each other (12-13) and by a strong relationship with God (11,14). Those horizontal qualities take work, but they produce fortification in the most trying times. Those vertical qualities, with divine promises like grace, love, and fellowship, will guard us against absolutely any trial. 

So, we weren’t the primary recipients of this letter, but imagine for a moment that this was Paul’s summary exhortation to us. Is there a better summary to equip us for our spiritual battle than this? Be in the faith! Do right! Be complete! Be spiritually healthy! There will be those who try to plant seeds of doubt in our hearts, denying God’s truth. There will be internal spiritual struggles that bombard us. Hang on to this four-fold charge from Paul and you can overcome any challenge! 

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XVIII)

Weak, Foolish And Afraid (12:7-21)

Neal Pollard

It’s hard to miss the unique tone of 2 Corinthians, a letter full of self-disclosure  and self-defense and written in such an intimate way. Paul’s apostleship has been questioned and his extensive work with the Corinthians undermined. But, he was willing to “spend and be spent” for them (15). A man who has given so much for the cause of Christ chooses not to boast, but to humble himself in an effort to persuade and encourage these brethren in their spiritual progress.

WEAKNESS (7-10)

Due to the “surpassing greatness of the revelations” (7) Paul had received (1-6), he was given a “thorn in the flesh.” It’s useless to speculate about what this specific “thorn” was–poor eyesight, physical pain from being stoned at Lystra, some unspecified temptation, etc. Perhaps it is better for us, not knowing exactly what it was, since many of us as Christians may have to wrestle a thorn in our own flesh. It’s interesting to note how Paul describes it: “humbling” (to keep me from exalting myself), “Satanic” (a messenger of Satan), “tormenting,” “persistent” (8), “perfecting” (9), and “empowering” (10). Is there some physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual struggle in your life that you might describe in some or all of these ways? Perhaps we’re quick to identify the negative aspects, but what about the potential positives that can come out of it? It can perfect and empower us to live a better Christian life and make us content with reverses suffered “for Christ’s sake” and say, with Paul, “when I am weak, then I am strong” (10). 

FOLLY (11-19)

Paul returns to a theme he has touched on several times throughout the letter (5:13; 11:16-19; 12:6). He resorted to defending his motives, position, decisions, and authority against the aforementioned charges. But, Paul points out that this was more for their “upbuilding” than for his own defense (19). He’s not some insecure preacher or missionary whose feelings have been hurt by some perceived slight; he’s fighting for the hearts and souls of relatively new Christians influenced by the culture and false teachers. He wants them to understand that neither he or his co-workers, like Titus, have taken advantage of them. They have loved and served the Corinthians, willing to bear insults, condescension, and rejection in order to help them be saved. As preaching is called “foolishness” (1 Cor. 1:21), those who preach and teach it must be willing to be thought fools for Christ. 

FEAR

It’s hard to find a man more courageous than Paul. What did he fear? First, he feared failure. The time and the teaching he had done would be wasted, if they were given over to “strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances” (20). Read through the two letters Paul wrote to them and notice how he addresses all these matters. Second, he feared emotional trauma (21). His mourning over their past sins would be compounded if they had not repented. Neither of these fears was irrational. Have you ever invested a lot of time, energy, and emotion into someone only to see them teetering on the ledge of apostasy and unfaithfulness? 

God wants and needs faithful Christians who care about the church. He needs us to fully invest ourselves, to “spend and be spent” for others. The great news (and Paul not only understood this; He wrote about it) is that God gives strength for our weakness, wisdom for our folly, and courage for our fear. He will help pull us out of such figurative valleys as we hold onto His capable hands. Let us do our part and devote ourselves to one another. 

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2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XVII)

Why Paul Defended Himself (Part 3)(12:1-6)

Neal Pollard

Before moving on to discussing an enigmatic “thorn in the flesh,” Paul talks about an event that may have helped precipitate the giving of such a “thorn.” Paul briefly “boasts” in defense of himself, to establish further proof of his apostleship. As he will say now and later in the chapter, the thing he boasted most in was his weakness, that the power of Christ could be in him and be seen in him (5,9). However, for the moment, he shares with them something that happened to him that proved him to be God’s genuine man–he speaks of himself in third person in this paragraph (1-6), but what he says in the next paragraph shows us that he was that “man in Christ” (2). 

WHAT HAPPENED?

Paul received visions and revelations (1). He was “caught up to the third heaven” (2), “into Paradise and heard inexpressible words” (2,4). He experienced something of such a nature that he was not permitted to share it (4). Can you imagine being privy to such insight? He was shown something that proved God was with him. 

WHERE DID IT HAPPEN?

Paul says “such a man…was caught up into Paradise” (2,4). “Paradise” is a word only found in three New Testament passages. In the first, Jesus says He will be with the penitent thief there (Luke 23:43). The last is an allusion made by Jesus as an incentive to the church at Ephesus to persevere. He says, “To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God” (Rev. 2:7). These two instances appear to be the place where Christ has gone to dwell after death. Paul apparently went there and is more impressed by what he hears (4) that what he might have seen in this vision. 

WHY DID IT HAPPEN?

Paul does not seem to know what God’s intention was, beyond revealing truth to him in a vision. For a man who would be called on to suffer so much (see 11:17-33), this had to incentivize him to keep persevering. It armed him and emboldened him to keep on keeping on.

So, how do we make application of this? None of us have had this kind of experience. Yet, as Christians, how many of us have had our eyes opened to the way God is at work in our world and our lives today? You’ve seen God answer prayers in amazing ways. You’ve seen evidence of what seems to be His providence at work in your life. You have seen incredible doors of opportunity that bear His fingerprints. You’ve seen the marvels of His creation, in the heavens and on earth. You’ve seen promises in His Word, including some shared by the apostle Paul, fulfilled in your faithful service to God. You even have privy to this incident which happened to Paul to build your own faith. God has so abundantly blessed us with evidence of not just His existence, but the splendor and majesty of His character and nature. You can use this to persuade believers and answer and persuade unbelievers, just like Paul did. Make sure your eyes are open to His ways and your ears are open to His Word. 

From The Mountain Of Victory To The Cave Of Despair

Neal Pollard

Have you ever experienced a spiritual mountaintop moment only to have it followed by a deflating feeling of letdown? That was certainly Elijah’s story. Following the resounding victory over sin, where God displayed His power through him, he suddenly became a man on the run. While his circumstances were more dramatic than ours, we can see both the cause and cure for the spiritual letdowns we experience while trying to serve God by reading 1 Kings 19.

HE FACED BACKLASH (1-3). We call it “blowback.” His triumph over the false prophets caused Jezebel to erupt in vengeful hate. She put a bounty on his head, and he had to flee. Sometimes, by doing good and right, you may face some sort of persecution (1 Pet. 2:19-20; 4:15-16). That’s deflating!

HE WAS FILLED WITH FEAR (3). If the queen’s threat was the cause, fear was certainly the effect. He runs for his life. Elijah was a spiritual giant, but he was only human. Doing right and suffering can make us terrified, but God encourages us not to “fear their intimidation and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts…” (1 Pet. 3:14b-15a). That’s the proper solution, but we may initially respond like Elijah and choose flight over fight. 

HE WAS DRAINED AND DEPRESSED (4). In those first two symptoms, Elijah tries to cope on his own. It’s finally in this stage of his discouragement that he calls out to God. He cries out to the Lord. It’s interesting that he’s basically telling Him, “I’ve had enough, I’m done.” But he’s still calling out to him. He does so from utter physical and mental fatigue. He wants God to take his life and end his misery. We cannot call him suicidal, looking at the text, but he does ask God to end his life. That’s discouragement! 

HE WAS PHYSICALLY SPENT (5-9). As soon as he appeals to God, we see God go to work. What a great God we serve! God begins to provide the remedy. His most immediate issue is that he’s fatigued and famished. So he rests and eats until he’s able to go on. God brings one to Elijah to satisfy these needs. In His providence, God continues to do that for us today. 

HE FELT ALONE (10-14). Elijah’s fundamental issue, feeling alone in standing for God, is still unresolved in his mind. The people he’s ministering to are unrighteous. No one is standing alongside him in fighting evil. He also felt threatened and targeted. Today, we call it the “Elijah complex.” God gently, but firmly, corrects Elijah’s misconception. But, notice from God’s response in the rest of the chapter that God listens and hears His servant. Take comfort in that today!

HE LOST A SENSE OF PURPOSE (15-21). Elijah needed a new Mount Carmel, a new mountain to climb and conquer. God graciously supplies that threefold. He sends him to anoint Hazael king over Aram (15), Jehu king over Israel (16), and Elisha prophet in his place (16). God will recompense the evil of the land through these three appointments (17). He also encouraged Elijah with the truth that there were 7,000 faithful Israelites still in the land (18). With that, He corrects Elijah’s distorted view of reality. Discouragement distorts our proper view of things. 

This chapter has helped me many times over the years in trying to serve God. It’s easy to succumb to self-pity and want to give up. It can skew our picture of reality. It can make us withdraw and stop working for Him. But this account is so helpful to showing us how we get into those caves of despair and also how to return to the mountaintop again. The next time you get down trying to do God’s will, have a visit with Elijah and remind yourself of all the ways God can get you “back in the game.” Then, do it! 

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XVI)

Why Paul Defended Himself (Part 2)(11:16-33)

Neal Pollard

Bible writers wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20), so Paul’s words here are not simply the empty boasts of a bitter preacher. God wanted Corinth (and us) to know the proof of Paul’s ministry, and one way He does so is through Paul’s boasts and boldness (16-21). The validity of Paul’s message was at stake, and it is hard to think of a more effective way to reinforce the defense he has made than by showing these unparalleled battle scars. He will add one more point to his defense at the start of what we call 2 Corinthians 12, but what was simply the next paragraph of Paul’s epistle. For now, consider how Paul’s sacrificial service provides a strong support for his allegations against those deceitful, disguising false apostles (13-15).

HIS PEDIGREE (22)

It’s interesting that Paul both potentially identifies his attackers as Jewish and appeals to his past to show that pedigree doesn’t automatically make one trustworthy. Whatever they had to boast about in Judaism, he had more so. This would have been written not long before Paul is making his defense before various Roman officials, contending that he is a “Pharisee and son of a Pharisee” (Acts 23:5), “the strictest sect” (Acts 26:5) and “a Hebrew of Hebrews” (Phil. 3:5). He could not be “one-upped” by absolutely anyone in this regard. 

HIS PHYSICAL PERILS (23-27)

When it comes to what toll preaching Christ had taken on his body, Paul is in a class by himself. There were the labors (23), imprisonments (23), beatings (23-25), stoning (25), shipwrecks (25), journeys (26), multitudinous dangers (26), labors (27), hardships (27), and various deprivations (27). Luke records several of these in Acts. This spiritual slave of the Savior could emphatically state, ” From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus” (Gal. 6:17). Can you imagine?!

HIS PSYCHOLOGICAL PRESSURES (27-33)

As bad as the physical torture was, he reserves this category of hardship for last. While the sleepless nights could have been from uncomfortable lodging, how often did he go to bed with weighty things on his mind? He had the daily pressure of concern for the churches, churches he had established and worked to ground in the faith (28). He empathetically treated others’ weaknesses and sins (29). How many additional moments of duress and uncertainty could be added to the one he specifically mentions in Damascus (32-33), where he escaped with his life under the cover of darkness concealed in a large basket (Acts 9:25). He often lived under threat of imminent danger, all for preaching Jesus.

I don’t expect any of us to be able to relate to the type or extent of sacrifices made by Paul in his effort to share Jesus with the world. Maybe it will motivate us to go further and do more in our Christianity. But, it should also move us to never stop sharing Christ and living our faith. Surely, no criticism, physical sacrifice, or mental or emotional strain that accompanies it will be enough to cause us to give up. Idle gossip, small-minded criticism, vicious, unethical ploys, and dishonesty and deceit against us seems comparatively minuscule next to Paul, doesn’t it? As Paul himself would tell us, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Gal. 6:9). 

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XV)

Why Paul Defended Himself (Part 1)(11:1-15)

Neal Pollard

Have you ever felt the need to defend yourself? It can be very unpleasant, especially when you know you have done nothing wrong and your critic appears to have some ulterior motive. Jesus, a perfect man, was not immune to such criticism during His public ministry (Mat. 12:10; Mark 3:2). Why does Paul go to this trouble and potential humiliation?

HE FEARED THE CORINTHIANS WERE BEING LED ASTRAY (1-4)

Paul had done so much to try and build their relationship with Christ. He had worked with them in person  for 18 months (Acts 18:11) and had already written them a lengthy letter doing further teaching. It had been emotionally-heavy in nature, and now someone was “preaching another Jesus” (3-4). If you have ever won a soul to Christ, you know the concern you feel when he or she seems to be slipping away from faithfulness. When you have close relationships with other Christians and you see them being led away into false teaching or immorality, you think about the time and energy you have put into encouraging and influencing them for good. It will (or should) move you to do everything you can to fortify them against error and ungodliness. 

HE FELT THAT HIS CHARACTER WAS BEING SINFULLY MALIGNED (5-11)

It can be a tough balance to maintain between letting your character and actions speak for themselves and having the courage to respond to unjust criticism. It seems that the difference-maker was that by having his character maligned, the character of Jesus would be made to suffer in the eyes of the Corinthians. So, Paul defends his credentials (5), knowledge (6), means of support (7-9), and love for them (11). If these things could be successfully impugned, it threatened to undo his work among them. This was not about ego or pride. It was about maintaining the force and weight of the Word and work of Christ.

HE WAS FIGHTING SOME UNGODLY INFLUENCES (12-15)

Paul fires back at these unnamed critics. They were passing themselves off as Christian authorities when they were not (12). They were religious imposters, whom Paul calls “false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ” (13). They were servants of Satan disguising themselves as servants of righteousness (14-15). They faced eternal consequences (15b). The stakes are high. These folks were working against Christ while claiming to represent him. Corinth stood to be the casualties of their influence. Truth had to be distinguished from error, so Paul is willing to do every right thing to combat that.

As we will see in the remainder of the chapter, Paul was willing to go to any lengths for Jesus and His people. He suffered, sacrificed, and struggled to advance His cause. Paul was willing to take one for the team when it was just himself that would suffer, but when criticism of him meant harming faith in His Master Paul went on the defensive. That distinction should help us know when we must respond to criticism and when we just let our actions and character speak for themselves. 

Are You Feeding Your Soul?

Jeremy Waddell

We all go through phases in life. Several of us have entered the same phase in life over the past few months with our families…

  • This phase that has challenged
    • our honesty, 
    • our health, 
    • our time & money, 
    • it’s taken up space in our house,
    • it’s even challenged our marriage vows to a certain degree…”in sickness and in health, for better or worse.”

-Sourdough Bread-

  • All jokes aside, with every phase and experience in our life there is always a lesson to learn. 
  • Just so everyone knows Ashley makes the BEST sourdough bread…now anyway! 

When making bread:

  • You can have the greatest recipe.
  • Use the right ingredients and follow the directions perfectly.
  • But if we aren’t feeding that starter daily, which is the base of the bread, then the bread is not going to come out right.  
  • It’s a living thing that needs to be fed everyday regardless of when we plan to use it. 
  • Sometimes Ashley will take a “bread break”, put it in the refrigerator and doesn’t plan to use it for a few days…
  • It’s still living without being fed, for a while anyways, but it’s not as strong or good as it could be. 

So how can we learn a spiritual lesson from sourdough bread?

We can say all the same things about our souls!

  • We need to feed our souls daily with reading our Bible, with prayer, with fellowship if we want to be and remain strong Christians. 
  • Just because we know the recipe of salvation and have followed all the steps perfectly doesn’t mean that it just stops there.
  • Our souls are living and need feeding daily! 
  • 2 Peter 3:17-18– “beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with error of the wicked; but grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
    • Not reading the word daily can make us weak and unprepared for when wicked things creep into our lives.

Acts 17:11— “they searched the scriptures daily.”

1 Timothy 4:13– “till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”

There are many verses in the Bible telling us to read it and use the scriptures every day. 

There are verses we all know by heart and lean on all the time: 

  • 2 Timothy 3:16– “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction in righteousness.”
    • It’s useful for us and for others. 
  • 2 Timothy 2:15- “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
    • God expects us to work hard in knowing the scriptures and understanding them so we can grow and can teach others.
  • Hebrews 4:12- “For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  

Being in the word, reading daily, feeding our soul the knowledge of God through His inspired writers will keep our hearts and lives on the right path! It will help us grow closer to God and to be ready to teach others about Him. 

As it says in Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4 “…man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”  We need the meat of the word to keep our souls strong! 

If you struggle with studying and being in the word, as I know I do and probably all of us do, then now is the time to make a change.  Put out the distractions in life that keep you from it, try harder to read daily!  

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XIV)

Preachers Are People, Too (10:1-18)

Neal Pollard

Of course, we know that preachers are people but sometimes some may have a picture that preachers have super-spiritual abilities when tempted or troubled or that preachers don’t face the same challenges everyone else does. Paul reverses focus from Corinth (chapters eight and nine) to himself in what we identify as chapter ten. His words serve as a good reminder, first for preachers themselves but also for others who view the preacher. What important truths does Paul reveal here?

PREACHERS WONDER HOW THEY ARE COMING ACROSS (1-2)

Paul sought to urge them with Christ’s meekness and gentleness, but he appears to wonder if that was how they perceived him (1). He was concerned about what tone he would have to take when he saw them, between having some unnamed critics and risking his relationship with the church as a whole (2). While some preachers appear to relish the rebuke and scold approach, they are a distinct minority. Yet, every preacher labors under a divine order to “not shrink from declaring…anything…profitable” (Acts 20:20) and “not shrink from declaring…the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). That includes some challenging subjects, and preachers want to be faithful to that while obeying Paul’s instructions to be kind rather than quarrelsome, correcting with gentleness (2 Tim. 2:24-25).

PREACHERS ARE AT WAR WITH THE DEVIL (3-6)

I know preachers who served in the military, and they no doubt have greater personal appreciation for Paul’s military metaphor. Our warfare is not against the flesh, but our weapons mighty before God (3-4). Part of our work is destructive (4-5) and aggressive (5-6). There is a readiness and activeness as a part of this work (5-6). We are not at war with members or other preachers. Paul will say in verse eight that his God-given work was for building them up and not tearing them down (8). But, when we stand against the devil, we know that we may have to stand against those who are ignorant of his schemes (2:11) and led astray by his craftiness (11:3). Yet, we should never relish this part of our work!

PREACHERS WANT TO BE UNDERSTOOD & ACCEPTED (7-11)

Paul knew what his critics said about him. They attacked not only his “preaching style” (cf. 11:6) but even his appearance (10). But, Paul hoped his writing and his words would help these brethren see his heart and better understand where he was coming from and who he was trying to be. I think the vast majority of preachers want that same thing. Each of us has plenty of quirks and flaws, in style and even personality, that become crosses we bear. However, our confidence is that most brethren are so charitable and can see past those impediments (4:7) and allow God to work through our imperfections to his glory.

PREACHERS WILL BE JUDGED AGAINST WHAT IS RIGHT, NOT AGAINST OTHER PREACHERS OR CHRISTIANS (12-18)

It is apparently an ancient practice for preachers to measure their own success by what others have accomplished. Who’s had more influence, baptisms, speaking engagements, local church growth, debates, books and articles published, recognition, etc.? It sounds pretty petty when read in print, doesn’t it? How much does God care about that? 

Paul writes, “We are not so bold to class or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding” (12). “But he who boasts is to boast in the Lord (Jer. 9:24; he also quotes this in 1 Cor. 1:31). For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends” (17-18). Let that resonate and sink down into my heart. God is the only measuring stick that matters. Our consuming obsession must be with being good stewards of the opportunities He puts in our laps (13).

Most preachers do not enter preaching for financial gain, fame and glory, or as an outlet for some frustration. We love the church, love God, love the lost, and love His Word. But, it is easy for anyone to lose their way or forget their original intentions. After all, we have our own struggles in the flesh and deal with our own humanity (12:7; Rom. 7:14ff). Some of God’s people may need the reminder of 2 Corinthians 10, and even more preachers may need it. Thank God for His wisdom, who was “pleased… through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). 

A Call To Joyful Worship And Thankful Praise

Brent Pollard

Psalm 100 is a joyful prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God. Psalm 100 encourages everyone to worship the Lord and joyfully recognize His sovereignty and goodness. It highlights several important reasons for praising God and offers a framework for approaching Him in worship.

Reasons to Praise God:

  1. God is the Creator and Sustainer (v. 3). The psalmist reminds us that God Himself is our Creator and made us. We do not create or sustain ourselves; we owe our existence to God, our Creator. As His creation, we have a compelling reason to praise Him and recognize His authority over our lives.
  2. We are God’s people (v. 3). The psalm also confirms that we are God’s flock, sheep in His pasture. This imagery shows God as a loving and caring Shepherd who diligently cares for His flock. As His people, we have a special relationship with Him, and we can approach Him confidently, knowing He cares about us and meets our needs.
  3. God’s character (verses 4–5) The psalm praises God’s goodness, lovingkindness, and faithfulness. These characteristics are everlasting and extend to future generations. God’s character deserves our praise and thanksgiving because He is always good, loving, and faithful to us.

How to Worship God:

  1. Shout joyfully (verse 1). The psalm begins with the command to “shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.” Celebrating God’s greatness and goodness joyfully through worship is important, rather than keeping it somber or subdued. Our praise should be loud, exuberant, and full of joy.
  2. Serve with gladness (v. 2). True worship includes praising and serving God. We are to “serve the Lord with gladness,” indicating that we dedicate our lives to Him. Service should not be burdensome but rather a joyful response to God’s love and grace.
  3. Sing joyfully (verse 2). The psalmist urges us to “come before Him with joyful singing.” Singing is a powerful way to worship, allowing us to express our praise and love for God through our voices and hearts.
  4. Enter with thanksgiving and praise while blessing His name (verse 4). The psalmist encourages us to “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” as we approach God’s presence. Gratitude and praise should be at the forefront of our worship, acknowledging God’s goodness and thanking Him for His blessings. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit instructs us to “thank Him” and “bless His name.” Blessing God’s name entails honoring His greatness, holiness, and worthiness through our worship. This verse captures the attitude of gratitude, adoration, and reverence that should guide our approach to God in worship.

Psalm 100 is a beautiful reminder of why we should praise God and how to worship Him with joy, gladness, and thanksgiving. Reflecting on God’s character, creation, and love for us should inspire us to approach Him with hearts full of praise and gratitude, actively expressing our devotion to Him.

…

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XIII)

Words Associated With The “Money Ministry” (9:1-15)

Neal Pollard

Paul hasn’t changed the subject from what we have just read in chapter eight.  He builds on his confidence in Corinth’s readiness and zeal to give, encouraging them to follow through. His encouragement includes some integral components of our contribution which should encourage us to be generous and cheerful givers. 

“GOD” SHOULD MOTIVATE US IN THIS MINISTRY

With such a spiritual service as contributing from our means, you would expect a heavy dose of language pointing to God. So, Paul mentions Him seven times in chapter 9 (7-8, 11-15). God loves a cheerful giver (7). God is able to give us an abundance as we properly use it (8). God receives thanks when we are liberal givers (11-12). God is glorified when we are obedient to His command to give generously (13). God’s grace shines through our generous giving (14). God gives indescribable gifts (15). What relentless encouragement for us to reciprocate!

“GRACE” SHOULD MOTIVATE US IN THIS MINISTRY

As already noted, our contribution partners with one of the most essential, powerful qualities of God. We often restrict our thinking about God’s grace to the cross and salvation, and there is no greater example of undeserved favor. God gives grace through us in giving (8) and shows grace in us by giving (14). Isn’t it powerful to think of our free and abundant sharing supplying others with a taste of God’s grace?!

“GIVING” SHOULD MOTIVATE US IN THIS MINISTRY

Paul reminds them of their promise, warning against covetousness interrupting their giving (5). Paul exhorts, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (6). God loves a cheerful giver (7). Quoting the psalmist, Paul says that God gave to the poor and thereby proves His eternal righteousness (9) by supplying and multiplying seed for our righteous harvest (10). God is a giver (John 3:16). I want to be like God, and that is the most powerful motivator! 

“GENEROSITY” SHOULD MOTIVATE US IN THIS MINISTRY

“Generosity” (ESV) or “liberality” is touted by Paul as the reason for our giving (11), the reason for others thanking God (11), the reason others glorify God (13), the reason why others will be motivated to pray for us (14) and yearn for us (14). We don’t give for men’s praise (Mat. 6:1-4); we must discipline ourselves not to seek the honor and glory of man. But, it is often a consequence of contributions made with pure, clear motives. I don’t know about you, but the thought that God might see me as generous fuels my desire to try and be more generous. Listen to this: “For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God” (12). Don’t forget the fruit of your generosity. It can bring joy to know that you’re needed because you’re meeting needs. 

At times, we all struggle with giving as we should. A lot of obstacles crop up–fear, doubt, greed, ignorance, selfishness, apathy, and probably many others. Maybe we see the whole discussion of giving as negative and guilt-inducing. If so, perhaps we’re looking at this wrong. It is a privilege to give to the One who gave us everything material and spiritual. It is divine to act like the Great Giver. It is helpful and useful. It is enjoyable. When we approach this “ministry” as positive and joy-inducing, it will transform our effectiveness not only in worship (1 Cor. 16:1-2) but in life (1 John 3:16-17). Remember that “God loves a cheerful giver” (7). 

“Come Unto Me”

Carl Pollard

The Pharisees placed an unbearable amount of teachings on the people. They forced traditions and self-made commands on every person to the point that they became weary. They did this to gain power, to appear holy, and to validate their egos. Jesus dealt with the Pharisees on numerous occasions, but the condition of their hearts was too far gone. They refused to let go of the teachings they had forced on the people. 

In Matthew 11, Jesus warns the cities where He performed many miracles but the people refused to believe and change. He mentions several cities by name who refused to obey the Son of God. Turns out, these cities were heavily influenced by the Pharisees. Jesus ends this section by saying, “it will be worse for these people on the day of judgment than for Sodom.”However, after this harsh teaching, Jesus offers an invitation. He uses three significant words to call us to Him. He invites us to “come, take, and learn.” 

Considered by many to be the greatest invitation ever offered, these words have the power to change your life. The false teachings of the Pharisees had called the people to embrace their rules and regulations. They were no longer rejoicing in their faith. They were forced, instead of seeking after God. Following God had become more of an obligation than an adoration, lacking a genuine hunger and thirst for God. They showed up at the synagogue because it was just a habit. Worship was not something that they longed to do; it was something they HAD to do in order to acquire God’s blessing.

At this point in Matthew 11, Jesus is addressing people who have lost their longing for God. To a group of weary men and women, Jesus says, “Come to me, take my yoke, and I will give you rest.” 

“Come To Me” (28)

You ever had someone over and they just wouldn’t leave? What do you do? Do you drop hints? Do you just hope that they decide to leave soon? Do you perform the classic stretch, yawn, and look at the watch?

This can be a tricky situation, especially if the people that are there are the ones that would stay all night if you let them. There are actually many cultures where guests will not leave until you tell them to. I read about a missionary group that traveled to the island of Yap in Micronesia. They invited some locals over for supper at the home they were staying in. After several hours the conversation died down, and things got a little awkward. The missionaries kept wondering when these people would leave. 

At this point they were just sitting in silence looking around. Finally, a local missionary came over and told the others, “Here in Yap, guests will not leave until you tell them to.” So that’s exactly what they did, they told their guests “it’s time for you to leave” (after which everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief).

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus does the exact opposite. Rather than telling us to leave, He implores us to COME. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Look at who Jesus invites to come to Him: the labored and the heavy laden. Both of these words in context are a description of what happens when you try to work your way to salvation. The Pharisees forced traditions and commands on the people so that they would be saved. This mindset and lifestyle is a burden. In case we have forgotten, Galatians 2:16 says, “Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” 

If you are trying on your own deeds instead of trusting in Jesus, that will make you weary. 

This mentality the Pharisees forced on the people is still seen today. It is wearying, but it is also a heavy burden. The word used here is, “phortizo” means to “load up something on an animal or to load cargo onto a ship.” The Pharisees had laid many burdens on the people and their religion did not give rest and peace. No human religion can give peace to the heart. In Matthew 23:4, Jesus says this about the Pharisees, “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.”

Weariness like this comes from trying to earn salvation on your own. Salvation comes through Christ, which is why He implores the weary and heavy laden to come to Him!

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XII)

What Generous Giving Shows (8:1-24)

Neal Pollard

After praising the Corinthians in the midst of his second letter to them, he challenges their growth in a specific area of their Christianity. It is an area where several need to be challenged. Jesus urges us to have proper hearts by laying up treasure in heaven (Mat. 6:19-21) and Paul spends time showing what a proper heart looks like. Notice what he says on this subject. 

GENEROUS GIVING REFLECTS THE GRACE OF THE LORD (1-2,9)

Paul holds up the impoverished churches of Macedonia and the Lord Jesus Christ as examples of grace for the Corinthians. The poor saints of Macedonia, in a great ordeal of affliction, had abundant joy and a wealth of liberality to give generously despite that poverty. Who does that look like? The Lord Jesus Christ, who, though rich, for our sakes became poor that we through His poverty might become rich. Do you want to look like Jesus? Give generously and abundantly.

GENEROUS GIVING REVEALS AN EAGER, SACRIFICIAL HEART (3-6)

What kind of hearts did the Macedonians have? They had willing hearts, which caused them to give “beyond their ability” (3). They had begging hearts, which considered being allowed to give a favor (4). They had giving hearts, which prompted a financial generosity out of their first giving themselves to God (5). How is my giving? Let me first ask how my heart is, when it comes to “my” money. Paul uses Macedonia’s example to spur on Corinth.

GENEROUS GIVING REINFORCES OTHER OTHER SPIRITUAL QUALITIES (7-8,24)

Paul credits Corinth for their faith, utterance, knowledge, earnestness, love, and sincerity. The first three seem to be alluding to their spiritual gifts (cf. 1 Cor. 12-14), necessary to grow the church. The last three are attitudes Christians must possess. Yet, Paul tosses generosity right onto that figurative pile. He calls for them to abound in this gracious work, too. It proved the sincerity of their love. Later, Paul urges them to “show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you” (24). It’s not generous giving or these other qualities, or vice versa. God wants all of us. 

GENEROUS GIVING READIES ONE FOR COMPLETION (10-15)

Paul calls for them to finish what they intended to do in this matter. Intentions, as great as they may be, cannot be spent or used to meet the various needs Paul is concerned about. The completion of it was as vital as the readiness to do it. God sees giving as the great equalizer between those with abundance and those with need. He’s not talking about redistribution of wealth. He’s talking about a healthy attitude toward one’s wealth that leads to God supplying all that’s needed through our generosity. Don’t just intend or desire to give. Do it!

GENEROUS GIVING RESULTS IN ACCOMPLISHING GOD’S WORK (16-24)

This is a matter of practicality. Real needs in spreading the gospel existed, requiring monetary aid to accomplish. Titus brought it to their attention. Paul is reminding them of it. As they participated in this gracious work, they were helping the church. 

Do you find it interesting that for the inspired Paul, the subject of giving was not off-limits whether he was talking about the rich or the poor or the weak or the strong? Giving is a fundamental aspect and expression of our faith. It is not a substitute for good works. It is a specific example, one of many good works. We need to excel in this gracious work also!

Spiritual?

Gary Pollard

The word “spiritual” and the concept of “spirit” is something I’ve been trying to understand for well over a decade now. I wish it was possible to say, “I now understand it,” but that would be grossly inaccurate. But with the complexity of reality, with the multidimensional nature of scripture (and Christianity in general), with its relationship to the material universe, and with the daily march of life, I was not satisfied with what seems to be the general understanding of “spiritual”. Many seem to believe (because this is how it’s taught) that “spiritual” means “otherworldly” or “preternatural” — ie., not physical, tangible, or substantive, but inaccessibly transcendent, ghostly, incompatible with this universe. It brings to mind an essentially alternate reality of spirit beings in a dimension totally foreign to our own. 

This is not a “salvation issue” or anything so serious as that. However, I don’t believe the Bible explicitly communicates the idea of “spiritual” in the way that we might understand it. This article is me thinking out loud, so please keep that in mind if you continue to read. 

The simplest definition of “spiritual” or “spirit” that I could think of is this: the sum of its parts. There are billions of people on earth, most of them far more intelligent than I could ever dream of being, so there’s a good chance someone else has already outlined this far better than I’ll be able to. 

What does this definition mean? In the following example, the object under consideration is a forest with materials of interest to many different disciplines: 

  1. The trees are examined by various scientific professionals and their findings recorded. 
  2. The soil is examined by its respective professionals, their findings recorded. 
  3. Fossils and the remains of other forms of life are studied, findings recorded. 
  4. Archaic buildings (if present) are studied, the findings recorded. 

All of these disciplines, studying the same problem, offer “up” a piece of the puzzle. A writer will eventually attempt to construct a tangible puzzle from each of those pieces, presenting to the world a tentative picture of what happened, or what the significance was, or what may happen in the future, etc. Other writers may attempt the same thing, but the result will usually be some kind of contribution to narrative. Narratives become/define culture. Culture has zeitgeist. Zeitgeist is the spirit of the times. 

Jesus “upholds the universe with the word of his power” (Hb 1.3).  

What does that mean for earth? He promotes or suppresses narratives to enact his will. He sets up governments and dismantles them. He creates the boundaries of each nation, and manages their constant evolution. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

What does that mean for our local system? He ensures the continued, fixed rotation of earth, allowing us to see evidence of this stability through precession and many other processes. He keeps the planets in a predictable, steady orbit around the sun. He manages the cosmic objects we swim through in our rotation. He keeps everything just as it needs to be, and ensures that all things stay consistent. He is the creator and sustainer. 

Thinking about spiritual things means taking the highest altitude “view” with the most appropriate “resolution” for each aspect of reality. The most important command is “love the lord your God with all your heart” — that is the spirit behind everything we do. The second is like the first, “love your fellow man the same way you love yourself.” That should drive all of our decisions, imperfect as we are. 

So, “spiritual” seems to be something like “the sum of its parts” and “the highest altitude view with the most appropriate resolution for each entity’s purpose.” It is the summary of many smaller causes. It is the result of conscious input. It is the picture of a completed puzzle, rather than its individual pieces. It is our hope for immortality, sometimes dampened by our obsession with material things. It is the mind’s desire to be like Jesus, in opposition to our body’s desire to satiate physical desires. It is the complete working of God, through Jesus, in infinite specific forms. It is the system, not the cells, though composed of cells. It is really, really difficult to define in one article, or understand in one lifetime.