Excitement. From the moment they are part of the body of Christ, new Christians need to experience our joy over them. This needs to be sustained over their first weeks and months as a Christian. While developing relationships cannot stay at this initial phase forever, neither should they feel forgotten in a few days (cf. Acts 15:3; Phil. 1:25).
Embracing. While hugs and affection can be an effective means of helping everyone, including spiritual babes, I mean here making new Christians feel a part of the “group.” They have likely exchanged circles of influence and will have to give up some unwholesome relationships. They will do so, often still “rough around the edges” or still working through some worldly ways. They need our friendship and acceptance, our mature assistance as they are grafted in to the body (Rom. 15:7).
Example. New Christians by their nature do not know a lot about how to be a Christian. They rely on role models. Therefore, we will watch our attitude, our general speech, our words about others, our choices (recreation, clothing, entertainment, etc.), and our actions. Much is at stake (Mat. 18:6-7).
Enlistment. New Christians don’t have exhaustive experience with what the Christian life is to be like. They don’t know what next steps are, though they are usually “on fire” for the Lord and raring to go! Our task is to help them see that Christians are to do more than “be,” they are to “do.” We need to call them alongside and help them serve. If we can do this from the beginning, they will not have instilled in them the habits of inactivity or reduce the Christian life to a few hours assembling. Take them visiting, get them to help teach, have them sit in on Bible studies, and generally find what they are good at and help them find outlets to exercise their gifts (Rom. 12:6-8; Eph. 4:16).
Edification. That requires time spent together. Whether this occurs through table fellowship, social interests, church work, and just quality time, they need to be built up in the faith. If we will deepen the relationship generally, they will be more receptive to the most important way to be uplifted–through the assemblies (Heb. 10:24-25). This instruction remains vital, to “encourage one another and build up one another” (1 Th. 5:11).
Recently, I asked a man about how he and his family got to be so active and faithful in their service to Christ. He said that at one time they were those members who came to church services, spoke to a few people, then left. Attendance was sporadic and they were convinced that they did not know how to elbow their way into the various works going on.
He explained how that changed for them. As their kids got older, they made themselves go to every service regularly, to every church event that was announced, and even took time off to go to Bible camp. He and his wife both started teaching and saying yes to doing things, no matter what. This was intentional. They were not happy just being those people sitting in the pews watching things happen.
At some point, he explained, people started noticing and asked them to do more. The elders started asking them to take on more. Other Christians encouraged them in different ways. Now, being busy is who they are. They could not go back and be happy, just sitting there waiting and not doing anything. Their formula was profoundly simple. Be present and available.
Church leaders have a definite responsibility to equip “the saints for the work of service” (Eph. 4:11-12). The word equipped there means ” to make fully ready” (Zodhiates, WSNTDICT, np). Elders, with the help of preachers and other members, provide ministries and works to accomplish the overall work of the church. Through various ways, they enlist the help of members to get it done. They communicate and even train.
So, what are the saints’ responsibility? Ephesians 4:16 says each individual part must be in “proper working” order. That starts by being present and available, volunteering, and saying yes to things. This family has really drawn a roadmap to involvement. Or, at least they are doing a great job of following God’s inspired roadmap. Let’s be like the very first Christians, who “were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Such a condition is so often contagious!
For the past 3 or 4 years Harold Nicks, Jim Fuqua, Bob Raby & I have been playing golf most every week. During that time, there’s been no bad language, no nasty jokes and a minimal amount of gossiping. Occasionally, as my golfing partners advance in age, some health issues arise. Shoulder pain, knees going out or a pulled hammie. Then they have to go on the injured reserve list. No problem because we go straight to the bench and in comes Elder Jim Humphries to take his place. Still, there’s no bad language, no dirty jokes and a minimal amount of cheating.
Last Friday Jim and I were playing at Paul Walker and around the 6th hole noticed a couple of older men behind us and asked if they cared to join us. They agreed and one of them hit his ball in the woods and then into the creek. A few choice words followed. Then on the next hole he hit a window in a house and then more words followed, some of which Elder Jim had not heard since his Army days back in the ’60’s.
Jim and I were talking later how nice it was to be able to play weekly with a group of brothers that chose not to behave that way, even when the ball doesn’t always go where we want it to go and that we appreciate the fellowship of our brothers in Christ.
Fellowship with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ encourages and uplifts one another to be more Christ like and has a great influence on those around us, whether it be the Crew on Grub Night, the Young at Heart Ladies, or Tuesday’s Ladies Bible Class at Kathy’s, to maintain our spiritual growth.
Remember these words:
1 Corinthians 1:9: You were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 John 1:3: That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us.
If you lack gratitude, you will never be satisfied, and you will always blame others for your misfortune. You’ll end up only seeing the negative in everything. A pessimist can hardly wait for the future so he can look back with regret. Did you know that cats can’t taste the flavor of sweetness? It’s like their tongues are color blind to sugar. No wonder cats are so grumpy all the time! They can taste sour, bitter, and saltiness, but not sweetness.
Truth is, we are a lot like cats in our own lives. Blessings come but we don’t see the sweet; all we can taste is the bitter salty things that happen to us. We need to open our eyes to the truth that gratitude isn’t merely a polite response to God’s blessings; it’s a catalyst that transforms our very existence. In a world often filled with grumbling and dissatisfaction, we are called to embrace gratitude as a way to point people to Christ.
Here three important reasons to show gratitude in all things.
Gratitude Replaces Grumbling
In Philippians 2:14-15, we are reminded, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault.” Grumbling is a thief that robs us of joy and peace, turning our hearts bitter. But gratitude, is the antidote. When we consciously choose to focus on our blessings, we begin to see God’s hand at work in our lives. Think about the Israelites in the wilderness. Despite the miracles they witnessed, they often grumbled against God. Yet, when they showed gratitude, they remembered His faithfulness, and it changed their perspective. As children of God, we need to make gratitude a part of who we are. At our very core we are saved by the blood of Christ, given access to grace and peace, and have an eternity in our future. What’s not to be grateful for? The more you show gratitude, the less bitter you will be.
Gratitude Restores Gladness
Psalm 100:4 tells us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
There is a divine connection between gratitude and gladness. When we express our thankfulness, we open the door to joy.
Gratitude shifts our focus from our problems to the blessings surrounding us, renewing our strength. When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we invite joy into our lives, transforming our burdens into blessings.
Turning our trials into wisdom. Our sorrow to gladness. With the story of the ten lepers, Luke emphasizes the rarity of a thankful spirit. Notice Jesus’ final words In Luke 17:15: “One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. And Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give God praise?'” Only one had taken the time to thank the person who had made his recovery possible. Don’t be stingy in your gratitude. Not only does God expect it from the ones He has saved, it’s good for us mentally and physically.
Gratitude Renews Growth
A ship was wrecked, and the only survivor washed up on a small, uninhabited island.
He was exhausted. He cried out to God to save him. Every day he scanned the horizon, searching for help. Finally, he managed to build a rough hut and put his few possessions in that hut. One day, coming home from hunting for food, he was stung with grief to see his little hut in flames and a cloud of smoke. The worst had happened. But early the next day, a ship drew in and rescued him. He asked the crew, “How did you know I was here?” They replied, “We saw your smoke signal.” Be grateful because maybe the difficulty you are experiencing now is a smoke signal that will lead to a greater blessing. James tells us to count it all joy when we encounter trials.
Gratitude renews growth. We become stagnate and discouraged never grateful for the blessings we already have. Colossians 3:15 encourages us to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it is an action that propels us forward in our spiritual lives. When we acknowledge and thank God for His provisions, we position ourselves for growth. Gratitude opens our eyes to new opportunities, strengthens our faith, and deepens our relationship with our Creator.
Just as the seeds in a garden grow when nourished, our spiritual health grows in an atmosphere of thankfulness. Be diligent in gratitude so that your faith can grow.
Community matters a lot to God. Let me tell you why. Paul writes about unity and community so much, there must be some significance. Church isn’t a place you go. It’s a body. We don’t visit church just to have personal time with God. Jesus didn’t come just so we could have a personal relationship with Him. He is building a temple, a family, a dwelling place for God (Eph. 2:22). If you read Ephesians 2:19-20, we join ourselves with the saints, apostles, prophets, and Christ Himself.
Community is hard. Maybe we don’t like the people, the church, songs, classes, preacher, or teacher. Then we disconnect. It is hard because it is mean to tie people together that normally wouldn’t get a long (Gal. 3:28). There was Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot. Paul was intelligent and well-educated, and Peter was a fisherman. The point is that we find people who have experienced Jesus lukewarm us. We learn how to love.
Personally the biggest way I have grown is through difficult relationships and difficult times. We gain spiritual growth, also learning to ask for help from friends. With spiritual growth comes greater joy, peace, patience, hope, and life.
Think on this. When we keep things surface level we are robbing the body of Christ of mature believers. We cannot avoid the difficulties of community. We must learn to mature. Here are some challenges:
Challenge One: Pray for opportunities to connect with people at church or anywhere, workplace or neighborhood, that might be isolated.
Challenge Two: Invite the new person in church for coffee or food, or just write them an encouraging card. Connect with them in some way. Don’t fly see that person as a tool for the church. While we are tools and have a purpose, we are all human.
Think of the example in Mark 2:3-5. Four friends are holding on to the corners of a mat with their paralyzed friend in it. They break open the roof and lower him down. Imagine the emotional state of these friends. They had to be in some distress for their friend. Where did that lead them? Directly to the feet of Jesus. We all face the same giant of life. Hold on to one another! Lean into community!
For those who feel lonely or isolated, take a step. Be a safe place for someone else. Reach out. Be a friend. Sometimes you have to go first.
Why did Jesus die on the cross? Some say He paid the price for our sins. God loved the world. He who knew no sin was made sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). These are very true, but He also died so that we could be unified in community.
As we reflect on the Bible’s questions, we can begin with the first question mentioned in its pages: “Where are you?” (Genesis 3.9). To provide context, Adam and Eve had consumed the forbidden fruit. God came to them in the cool of the day. When the guilty couple heard God, they hid because they felt the weight of their sin. Even though God knew where Adam and Eve were, He still posed our question. So, what is its purpose?
From a literary perspective, this question is a masterstroke, injecting tension and driving the narrative forward. God’s question sparks a dialogue that redefines the dynamics between humans and their Creator and among humans. The Bible is not just a compilation of stories but a source of divine inspiration that can profoundly impact and transform lives.
We can see that God is asking a rhetorical question to benefit Adam and Eve rather than himself. God is not seeking information but rather prompting Adam to consider his actions and their consequences. God intends for the question to prompt introspection, guiding Adam (and Eve) to contemplate their present circumstances, encompassing both their physical concealment and spiritual transgression. The question is rhetorical because it aims to highlight the rupture in Adam and Eve’s relationship with God resulting from their sin. The rhetorical question extends beyond its immediate context for contemporary readers, encouraging them to examine their lives and relationships with God. It serves as a timeless prompt for introspection and spiritual reflection.
God’s question is also a powerful pedagogical tool because it encourages self-examination, promotes accountability, facilitates dialogue, illustrates consequences, invites reflection, and employs inquiry-based learning. These elements make it an effective means of teaching important spiritual and moral lessons.
However, this inquiry was also an invitation for Adam to confess his sin, seek reconciliation, and demonstrate humility. If Adam had confessed right away, he would have shown a willingness to be honest and accept responsibility for his actions. This act of repentance could have demonstrated his humility and willingness to admit his mistake as soon as he realized it. While the fundamental consequences of sin, such as the curse and expulsion from Eden, may still apply, Adam’s prompt confession could have led to a more compassionate handling of those consequences, with mercy outweighing justice.
This question holds significant relevance for modern-day readers. Throughout history, God has consistently asked, “Where are you?” in a spiritual context, encouraging individuals to reflect on their spiritual condition. This inquiry urges us to reflect on our connection with God and our moral compass. Therefore, it serves as a metaphor for self-awareness in both spiritual and ethical aspects. Note the theological implications:
Self-awareness and Spiritual Condition: Theologically, “knowing where you are” frequently refers to understanding your current spiritual state. This includes recognizing your relationship with God, your moral standing, and areas where you may fall short of divine expectations.
Repentance and growth: We recognize that the first step toward spiritual growth and repentance is acknowledging one’s spiritual state. One must identify their separation from God before embarking on the journey back.
Accountability: Being aware of one’s spiritual state promotes personal responsibility. When one knows where one stands spiritually, ignoring or justifying behaviors contradicting one’s faith is more difficult.
Humility: Recognizing where you truly stand concerning God and His standards can help you cultivate humility, which God regards as a critical virtue.
Divine-human relationship: Recognizing your spiritual position can deepen your connection with the divine, leading to heartfelt prayer, genuine worship, and a clearer realization of your dependence on God.
Discernment: Knowing your spiritual state can help you understand God’s will and make faith-based decisions.
Eschatological preparation: Understanding your spiritual standing is crucial for preparing for death, judgment, and humanity’s ultimate destiny.
Authenticity in faith: Self-awareness promotes a more genuine faith experience, rather than just going through religious motions without real engagement.
Appreciation of grace: Understanding one’s true spiritual condition can lead to a greater appreciation for divine grace by recognizing the gap between where one is and where God calls one to be.
The theological concept of “knowing where you are” is often linked to practices such as self-examination, confession, and spiritual direction, illustrating its practical applications. We see it as an ongoing process, not a one-time realization, promoting continuous spiritual growth and faith.
In conclusion, God’s profound inquiry, “Where are you?” echoes throughout history, surpassing its Genesis roots and retaining relevance for spiritual self-examination. This inquiry is a poignant prompt for spiritual self-examination, accountability, and personal growth. It prompts us to contemplate our relationship with God, assess our moral integrity, and consider our place in the broader faith narrative. In our spiritual path, God perpetually calls us to respond to this inquiry verbally and through our deeds. Consistent self-reflection leads to deeper understanding, authentic faith, and transformative grace, nurturing spiritual growth. Ultimately, God’s question encourages us to engage in a conversation that can lead to reconciliation, spiritual development, and a deeper connection with the divine. Amid modern life’s intricacies, let’s take a moment to reflect: where are we positioned on our spiritual path, and how will we respond to this enduring call?
The apostle John was a genius and a philosopher. He wrote in simple, easy-to-understand language, which is a mark of intelligence. Einstein is (erroneously) credited with saying something like, “You don’t understand a subject until you can explain it to a child.”
John liked to write about irreducible principles. They are deceptively simple, and we might be tempted to look at his writings and think, “There’s not really a whole lot to say about this, these principles speak for themselves.” At some level, this is true! The Bible was written — according to those (like Origen in Against Celsus) whose native language and culture these letters were addressed to — in a “dualistic” way: on one side, it’s very easy to understand its most important principles. We could think of these as the “milk” of the word. This would be teachings about what Jesus did, how we become his children, and the most important things he wants us to do.
But on the other side — which is perhaps most evident in John and Paul and Peter’s writings — there is nearly unlimited, profoundly deep material in their sometimes deceptively simple wording. This is the “meat” of the word, something Paul expected the Corinthians to be able to understand after just a couple years of being Christians (I Cor 3.2ff). This would be things like teachings about the gray areas in Christian doctrine, the nature of God, the destination of a Christian, and the nature of the new creation promised by Jesus (identified in I Peter 1 as the object of our hope, and its hope in Romans 8 as the reason we were saved). Paul explicitly said, just five years or so after these people converted from paganism to Christianity, “You should be able to understand the deep principles of Christianity well enough to be teachers by now.”
We do our spiritual health a disservice to get bogged down in the familiar stories of the Old Testament, in the plan of salvation, and in the thou-shalt-nots of scripture. This is milk. I Timothy 1.9 makes it clear that most of those things are already self-evident to most Christians! After conversion, God expects us to dive as deep into the word as each person’s intellect allows. Of course, Ephesians 4 does suggest that God doesn’t expect every Christian to be an expert in textual analysis, biblical languages, or philosophical exposition. However, each of us has a responsibility to be as familiar with the meat as we are able to be.
A Model of Principled Leadership and Spiritual Integrity
Brent Pollard
King Jotham of Judah, who reigned in the 8th century BC, is often overlooked in the historical pantheon of biblical kings. However, he was known for his prudent leadership and unwavering moral integrity. After succeeding his father, Uzziah, Jotham distinguished himself by actively studying his father’s reign and taking measures to avoid repeating his mistakes. He focused on enhancing his kingdom’s defenses and infrastructure. Additionally, he dedicated himself to religious duties, ensuring he stayed within his limits. The astute blend of political acumen and spiritual dedication ensured stability and prosperity in Judah under his rule and set a benchmark for effective leadership, highlighting the importance of balancing authority with piety. Contrasting Jotham’s decision to prioritize constructive projects with Uzziah’s focus on personal glorification highlights vital leadership lessons that can shape individual and communal growth.
Jotham’s Wisdom and Prudence (2 Chronicles 27.1-2):
Jotham was determined to learn from his father Uzziah’s errors, which defined his otherwise successful reign. He wisely avoided overstepping his boundaries by considering his experiences, family history, and lessons from observing others. Unlike his father, Jotham remained humble and discerning and never trespassed into sacred spaces. His prudence, demonstrating his dedication to being a proper leader, underscored his effectiveness in guiding his kingdom.
While his father concentrated on building structures for war and glorification, Jotham prioritized constructive projects that would benefit his people. This included fortifying Judah and rebuilding the Temple’s Upper Gate to improve the community’s security and welfare. His dedication to public service and the welfare of his people exemplified his altruistic leadership style and priorities.
Jotham had a solid and unwavering bond with God, showcasing the depth of his spiritual devotion. He prepared to walk before the Lord his God, demonstrating his intentional alignment with God’s will. Jotham shared King Jehoshaphat’s deep commitment to seeking God. This underscores the importance of spiritual integrity as a cornerstone for effective leadership.
The Challenge of Righteous Leadership:
Despite Jotham’s exceptional leadership, his people did not emulate his virtuous example and continued practicing idolatry, revealing the complexities of leadership and followership dynamics. This highlights a crucial lesson: being a good leader does not necessarily ensure followership. Leaders ought to maintain their integrity regardless of whether or not they have public approval or support.
King Jotham’s life inspires us to uphold righteousness and integrity despite external pressures or historical influences. His story encourages us to steer clear of societal corruption and familial mistakes, guiding us toward a path that aligns with the divine expectations of justice, compassion, and righteousness. Jotham’s example encourages us to dedicate our time and talents to higher principles, instilling a vigilant and cautious approach to personal and communal responsibilities. Following King Jotham’s example can assist in constructing a society where integrity, fairness, and ethical behavior are prioritized, fostering a community built on trust and righteousness. It may not always be the easiest or most popular choice, but maintaining our integrity is crucial for earning the trust and respect of others. Amid life’s challenges, King Jotham is a resilient role model, showcasing the strength of staying committed to one’s values and beliefs in the most adverse circumstances. Ultimately, his legacy serves as a reminder that character strength and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right are the actual indicators of success.
Sometimes we long for a moment alone, but there are other times we may not want to be alone but because of our circumstances we find ourselves by ourselves.
We know that with God we’re never alone but scripture shows how our relationship with God can become more intimate in isolation.
JESUS SPENT TIME BY HIMSELF AT LEAST SIX TIMES IN THE BIBLE AND HIS REASONS FOR SOLITUDE ARE VERY TELLING
To prepare for a major task (Luke 4:1-2, 14-15).
To recharge after hard work (Mark 6:30-32).
To work through grief (Matthew 14:1-13).
Before making an important decision (Luke 6:12-13). Early in His ministry Jesus spent the whole night alone in prayer. The next day He chose his 12 disciples.
In a time of distress (Luke 22:39-44). Hours before Jesus was arrested He went to the Mt. of Olives and went a short distance away from His disciples to pray. He was in great emotional agony knowing what he was about to face.
To focus on prayer (Luke 5:16). Many times in Jesus’ ministry He spent time alone in prayer.
Jesus didn’t only retreat to be alone with God. He also taught his disciples to do the same (Mark 3.7, Mark 6.31-32, Luke 9.10).
“Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” Mark explains, “For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves” – Mk. 6.31-32
Whether you’re pursuing a desolate place to be alone or you’re forced to be alone, in moderation it can be a productive and beneficial time of spiritual growth.
I found an old commercial promoting kudzu for groundcover while researching my family’s history on Newspapers.com, an Ancestry.com extension. Given the plant’s current status as an invasive species plaguing the southeastern United States, this revelation made me laugh. This year, particularly, has seen a remarkable increase in the kudzu crop.
Looking through historical documents, I discovered that kudzu first appeared on American soil in 1876 during the Centennial International Exhibition. This exotic vine proudly displayed in the Japanese pavilion at the World’s Fair in Philadelphia, captivated spectators so much that it was quickly renamed the “Jack and the Beanstalk vine.”
Early twentieth-century newspapers like The Boston Globe recommended kudzu for backyard gardeners, praising its rapid growth, pleasant aroma, and low maintenance requirements. By the 1950s, however, the federal government was forced to acknowledge the drawbacks of kudzu’s rampant spread, a species they had promoted for decades for erosion control. The USDA designated kudzu as a weed in 1970 and was redesignated as a “noxious weed” in 1997.
This story of kudzu—initially celebrated, then reviled—resembles the Parable of the Mustard Seed, which appears in Matthew 13.31–32, Mark 4.30–32, and Luke 13.18–19. Jesus uses The mustard seed in this parable to demonstrate the profound potential that can emerge from humble beginnings.
In the parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven, God’s divine rule, to a mustard seed. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, when planted, it grows into the largest of garden plants, even becoming a tree. This tree then becomes a haven for birds, providing shade and a place for them to nest in its branches.
The mustard seed’s growth, from small to great, signifies how God’s kingdom begins as a tiny seed in our hearts and develops into a powerful influence. Similarly, kudzu started as a tiny seed in the United States and grew into a major ecological force. Instead of providing a haven, it became an uncontrollable pest, engulfing large areas of the southern United States.
So, what can we learn from the Parable of the Mustard Seed and the story of kudzu? Both teach us about the potential consequences of small beginnings and remind us to consider the possible long-term impact of our actions. We have the free will to choose our efforts. Let’s aim to plant excellent seeds that enrich our environment through activities that align with the divine and benefit the world (as taught in Luke 8.11).
We’ve all been there. You make the decision to start going to the gym. You have a goal and vision set in place so you head to the gym and start working out. Sadly, you won’t see any progress after the first day. You could even spend 12 hours working out nonstop and still look the same (just sweatier). One trip won’t give you instant results. Two trips and you’ll still look the same. Honestly you won’t see much difference for quite some time. No one knows exactly when, but eventually you’ll start to see progress. If you have a deeply-rooted commitment and continue to workout even with a lack of visible progress, eventually you will get results. However, this period of time spent working out and seeing nothing can be a challenge to overcome. It takes drive, commitment and consistency. It all must be based on a deeply-rooted desire to achieve your goal.
The moment you are baptized doesn’t make you perfect. One day of studying scripture doesn’t make you a bible scholar. One worship service doesn’t make you holy. But if you have a deeply-rooted desire to be like Christ, you are consistent in study, things will begin to change. Christianity takes commitment and consistency to have the results God wants us to have.
Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” These Christians were devoted to the teaching and fellowship. This is exactly what God wants from each one of us.
So how is our dedication to Christ? Is it consistent? Do we have a deeply-rooted desire to imitate Christ? This won’t happen overnight. It is my prayer that as children of God we dedicate each day to him. Wake up with the intent to be a light, and you will be amazed at what happens.
I’ll be repeating the book of II Peter in present-day terminology. It’s not a true translation of the book, as I am not qualified to do so. It will be based on an exegetical study of the book and will lean heavily on the SBL and UBS Greek New Testaments, as well as comparisons with other translations (ESV, NASB, NIV, ERV, NLT). My goal is to reflect the text accurately, and to highlight the intent of the author using concepts and vocabulary in common use today.
This is not an essentially literal translation, and should be read as something of a commentary.
Introduction
This is from Simon Peter. I’m a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ and one of his apostles. I’m writing to everyone who has a faith that’s just as valuable as ours. Your faith is just as valuable because it also came from the perfection of our God and rescuer Jesus Christ. My wish for you is that you enjoy grace and peace because you know God and Jesus, our master.
JesusHelpedYouEscape
We have everything we need to be alive and live a morally good life thanks to him. His power made that possible! We have everything we need because of our relationship with him. He called us to his family because he is amazing and perfect. He’s made some incredible promises to us. Those promises were designed to give us access to his nature. We have access because we’ve escaped a worldly lifestyle characterized by unhealthy desires. Since we’ve escaped, make sure you back your faith with moral goodness. Once you have moral goodness, expand your knowledge of God. That knowledge should lead to self-control. Self-control should lead to endurance. Endurance should lead to godliness. Godliness should lead to good relationships with each other, which should lead to love. If you are growing in these areas, you can’t be described as useless or unproductive in your relationship with our master, Jesus Christ. If you don’t have these qualities, you’re blind or shortsighted because you’ve forgotten that your record was cleared.
The apostle Peter reveals to us that we must make several changes if we desire to grow in God’s Word. The first step is to prepare the heart. 1 Peter 1:22 says, “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.” To truly grow in God’s Word we must prepare our heart. Peter’s command is to love one another from a pure heart.
Scripture is a blessing, but not everyone will receive it with joy. In the parable of the soils in Luke 8 Jesus tells us that not everyone will receive the word. Some will never accept it in the first place, some will show joy at first, but eventually fall away, and some will accept the word implanted with joy and stay faithful.
For the word to be in us, we must prepare our hearts to accept what we will find. Peter commanded a sincere love from a pure heart. For this to take place we must put others first. The world doesn’t act this way, but is filled with selfish people who are only interested in themselves. God’s Word cannot be in this kind of person. There must be a change of heart to that which is pure. This can all be done by seeing others as more important than yourself. A selfless heart is a saved heart.
The second step in letting God’s Word grow in us is to have a proper desire for the word. Many Christians recognize the power of God’s Word, but they lack the desire to study and grow.
1 Peter 2:2 says, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” The Greek word for “long” means “to have a strong desire for.” We are to have a strong desire for scripture. By doing this we grow in our knowledge of salvation.
It is vital that we long to learn more about God. That we desire to know more about our salvation. That we learn more about how we are to live as God’s children. The more we learn the more we will want to read scripture.
The first time you go to a gym you hate it. You hate the soreness, the fatigue, the sweat. But after a month or two you begin to look forward to that feeling. You look forward to going to the gym. I don’t know, you may call that a mental illness, but it really is true. Just think the next time you open your Bible, you are reading the very words of God. He wanted you to see and learn what He has to say.
The more you dig, the more you will want to learn. And this is the proper response to scripture.
Long for it. Desire it. Chase after more than anything else, and you will see the change that comes.
For the next several weeks, I’ll be repeating the book of I Peter in present-day terminology. It’s not a true translation of the book, as I am not qualified to do so. It will be based on an exegetical study of the book and will lean heavily on the SBL and UBS Greek New Testaments, as well as comparisons with other translations (ESV, NASB, NIV, ERV, NLT). My goal is to reflect the text accurately, and to highlight the intent of the author using concepts and vocabulary in common use today.
This is not an essentially literal translation, and should be read as something of a commentary.
I Peter – Pt III
Since we’ve decided to follow God, we have to love each other unconditionally. We have to love each other without ulterior motives. We do this because we’ve cleaned up our lives. We weren’t born into a new life through natural means (like babies). Jesus gave us new life, and he’s never going to die. You’ve read this before, “Everything alive is like grass. Its impressive qualities are like the flowers that show up in grass. Grass dies, along with its flowers, but God’s word will live forever.” This is what you were taught already.
Since you know we’re on borrowed time, sustain yourself with God’s words. Babies instinctively crave what they need to stay alive. We must do the same with God’s words. If we decide that God’s words are good for us, we’ll be rescued when we “grow up.” Before we get to this point, we have to get rid of bad qualities. There’s no room for hate, dishonesty, hypocrisy, jealousy, or attacking character.
Ephesians 4 describes some spiritual gifts. Their purpose is to allow the church to function as it should. A properly functioning church spends eternity with God.A functional church is on the same page (one mind), has spiritual depth, and is workable (more on that in a bit).
Ephesians 4.12ff is about members’ roles. What are they for? Everyone serves to equip saints. Saints are people who have pledged allegiance to God.
We train for morally good works and become stronger through encouragement (12,16). We work toward a unified mindset, knowing Jesus, spiritual maturity, and we pursue the highest standard (Jesus) (13,14).
We work to avoid immaturity and gullibility (14). We pursue maturity until our mindset emulates Christ’s (15). He is described (multiple times) as the standard we have to imitate. There’s no room for spiritual laziness here.
Jesus causes growth spiritually, but only if we’ve become soil that can be worked. If our minds aren’t mature, we aren’t workable. Elders are spiritual farmers, our hearts are the soil. If we use Jesus as our standard, we are workable. If not, we’re spiritually dead.
So, what can we do individually? Make the church strong by pursuing unity, by having spiritual depth, and by being workable. If we work on those things we will spend forever with God.
There’s a tree in the Sonoran Desert called the Mesquite. This is a very hardy, drought-tolerant tree. It survives the harsh climate by drawing water up from the water table through its taproot. This root has been measured to reach upwards of 190 feet long.
How does a desert tree with a tap root apply to us? In Colossians 2:6, 7 there is a command to walk in Christ. How do we walk in Christ? Paul through inspiration explains that the one who walks in Christ is:
Firmly rooted
Built up in Him
Established in faith
Overflowing with gratitude, and
Rejects False Doctrine
Being firmly rooted (I’m talking a super-long taproot) in what you believe is an important part of how to walk in Christ. How would we know how to walk in Christ if we didn’t believe in what we…believe?
Being built up in Christ, is like finishing a building that already has a foundation. If we are firmly rooted, then we must continue to build. It’s like buying a night at a hotel, and trying to stay a week. You can’t do that. We either keep paying the fee, or we’re kicked out. Or, applying it to Colossians two, keep studying and growing closer to Christ.
Being established in faith, we have the faith that the sacrifice of Jesus will keep us holy and blameless before God.
Overflowing with gratitude is a very important part of this. There is a saying that goes, “Some Christians don’t want to pray in the cafe. Dogs wag their tails when they get food, and pigs grunt. But what does man do?” Are we showing gratitude for what God has done for us? Can people see it in us?
Making sure no one takes you captive with false doctrine can be very hard. 2 Peter 3:17 warns, “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness.” False doctrines can be tempting because they appeal to what we want, and not what God wants. Rejecting these teachings takes a knowledge of the word, and a desire to do what God wills.
Today and every day, let’s practice walking in Christ using these principles from God’s inspired word.
A few months ago, Lehman and a bunch of other churches went to church camp. During that week, I got to think about family. A quote I read once by Lisa Weed said, “Being a part of a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.”
Let me start off by defining family. According to Webster’s dictionary, one definition is “the group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit.” That kind of family can be shown through the illustration of a loving husband giving his wife some facial masks on Christmas Morning. As she opened the gift, her 5-year-old daughter asked what they were. The Mom replied, “It’s a present to make me beautiful.” After the mom applied one of the facial masks, the little girl looked at her mom and replied, “Mom, it didn’t work.”
Another definition Webster’s gave is “all the descendants from a common ancestry.” To me, that sounds like the relationship God has with His church. 2 Corinthians 6:18 says, “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty. Ephesians 5:25-27 defines the church family as being without blemish. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”
Thankfully, God has given us the opportunity to be part of a perfect family. Maybe you’re not a member of the church family, and you would like to put Christ on in baptism or you want us to pray with you and for you so you can get your life on track. Whatever your need, please reach out to God’s perfect family.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18
Peter writes this letter knowing that he’s going to die soon (2 Peter 1:14), and he wants the church to remember his teachings after he’s gone (1:15). This illustrates how deeply invested Peter was in the church’s success:
He had been on the ground floor of Jesus’s ministry, literally walking off the job site, leaving everything behind, to become a fisher of men
He had seen the crucifixion, the empty tomb, and the pierced side of his resurrected savior
He had helped the church grow from 120 to untold thousands covering the entire known world in one generation
And now Peter realizes that he’s soon going to be gone and the church will not have the direct guidance of the apostles but instead will need their indirect guidance through the New Testament writings. What are the last words of this apostle, his final thoughts for the church that he loved so dearly, which continue to echo down to us today as the spiritual successors of those first-century Christians?
Always keep growing!
First, he asks us to grow in the grace of Christ. When we obey the gospel, our sins are completely forgiven; God forgets them; we are “saved to the uttermost,” according to Hebrews 7:25, and when we walk in the light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sins (1 John 1:7). So how can we grow in something that is complete?
I think a key is found in 2 Cor. 12:7-9. Paul has been given this thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan, to torment him, and he prays three times that the Lord will take it away. But God tells Paul that His grace is sufficient. It was enough that Paul was a Christian; Paul did not need any particular problem taken away; God’s grace sufficed.
Likewise, no matter what we face in this life, it really doesn’t matter if we’re a Christian.God’s grace is enough. It takes effort and maturity, though, to gain this perspective. We need to keep growing in the grace of Christ!
Second, Peter asks us to grow in the knowledge of Christ. This is an easier interpretation: We must go to The Book! In my experience, and from what I’ve observed in others, those who grow as Christians are those who study the Bible on their own, digging in to see for themselves what God says. The preacher who baptized me told me one time that, in addition to his other study, he read a chapter a day from Proverbs and the gospels because he wanted to remain connected to the wisdom of God and the heart of Jesus; this is the attitude of someone who, know matter how much they know about the Bible, is still striving to grow in the knowledge of Christ.
May we all have this desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We’ve been blessed to have the Smiths at Lehman since last August. Charlie begins work as an economics professor at Freed-Hardeman next month. We’re so sad for us, but very happy for them. What a wonderful family!
The kit comes with everything you need to raise your very own Sea Monkeys. I remember the very first batch of these strange creatures I grew when I was a young boy. A small package of tiny brown eggs are dumped into purified water and then after two weeks they’ve hatched into real swimming organisms. That change is fascinating and it’s almost mesmerizing to watch them all dart around inside their aquarium. In the animal world the process of metamorphosis is very common and we’re not too surprised when it happens. It’s interesting and exciting, but it’s expected. We aren’t confused when a tadpole turns into a frog or when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, because it’s natural.
In Romans 12:2 we read that as Christians we are to undergo a drastic spiritual transformation by the “renewal of the mind.” The Greek word used for “transformation” here is where we get the word “metamorphosis” from, and that’s very telling. The idea is that the transformation process we are to undergo is not a small change like getting a haircut or getting contacts, but a dramatic and radical change. We are to have an entirely different mind, heart, and outlook on life. We have been transformed into someone and something entirely different. In the animal world there is an essential process involved in metamorphosis. If the caterpillar never spins a cocoon, then it could never hope to sprout wings. If the caterpillar leaves the cocoon too soon then it can’t expect to be as developed and healthy as it needs to be. There is a natural time allotted for the change to occur. Christians are expected to grow but not to be completely transformed overnight; we, too, have a process. This shouldn’t be used as an excuse to not be proactive in growing our faith, but it should be a reminder that if we’re not working toward this transformation we will remain in the same state in which we are now. That is unnatural.
Why does that caterpillar slowly climb that tall tree or take the time to painstakingly wrap itself in that cocoon? Because it knows it wasn’t meant to be a caterpillar forever. The work it takes to be transformed and to sprout the wings of a great and mature faith is a difficult process, but it’s worth it. That’s what God expects from us and He has the power to help us make this amazing change. Our prayer lives and our time spent in His Word are crucial to our development. We should let the end goal be the motivation to press on and allow ourselves to be completely transformed. One day that effort will show when we see our new bodies (Philippians 3:21) and we’ve reached our final glorious destination. We will live forever with the Savior who transformed us.
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