Though God is the same yesterday, today and forever, He works in each person's life uniquely. I’ve never been more content and fulfilled then I am now; yet, there is that Romans 5 “much more” repeated five times in the chapter.
Call it a holy discontent. Grateful for all the blessings God has given me, yet wondering if I’m living beneath my privledges as a follower of Christ. Is there a power for good that I’m not utilizing?
A number of passages suggest that there is a power available to me (to us) that is beyond our imagination. A very partial listing follows, call it Purpose of scriptural power – what power looks like.
Luke 1: 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
Luke 5:17 One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick
Luke 9:1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,
Luke 10: 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
John 17: 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one.
Acts 1: 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 4: 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.
Acts 6: 8 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.
Acts 26: 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' (SATAN HAS POWER.)
Rom.1: 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
Rom.9: 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."
Rom.15: 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Rom.15: 19 by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
1Cor.2: 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power,5 so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
2Co.10: 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Eph.3: 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Col.1:11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks
2Pet.1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
IN summarizing these passages, a desire for power to: bring family unity, heal the sick and diseased, drive out demons, be a witness of Christ’s resurrection, do miraculous signs and wonders, display God’s power, bring hope, grasp the depths of God’s love, develop a joyful, grateful attitude, and develop a patient endurance.
I’m wondering if my asking God for His power is a lot like my previous asking Him to help me be a millionaire. I seems like He said to me, “I’ll make you rich when I can trust you with it.” Could He be saying now, “I’ll empower you as I can trust you with it.”
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Kratos and Dunamis
Something is amiss. I’m still questioning about kratos and me. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking,” James 1:5. In my quest for understanding kratos (God’s demonstrated power that is available to us), I’m asking God for wisdom. I’m searching Scripture. I’m seeking others’ views. (Thanks Montana Gary for your input.)
One source of study is Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Kratos and dunamis are both used in the Greek rendition of the word “power”. In fact Paul uses both words in his letter to the Ephesians. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines dunamis in the same manner as kratos – specific supernatural power, ability. That means that there are more Biblical passages that are both convicting and confusing.
Listing a few of the other convicting passages:
John 14:12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
2 Tim.1: 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Phil.3: 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Eph.1: 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
1 Cor.4: 20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
My dialgoue with God sounds like this: “Abba PaPa, HELP! Why am I not experiencing this kratos or dunamis that you say is available to me as a follower of Jesus?
“”What kind of power do you want, Ray?”
“That power, that as Renner states, ‘lay hands on the sick, pray with power and authority, speak the word of faith in every situation and see mountains move on my and others behalf.’ Selfishly, I’d like to see healing for my hip, needing no surgery; and for my Parkinsons’s which at times is totally wasting; for my stuttering that I’d be able to communicate without the frustration of tangled tongue. But even more so, the power, the annointing, to draw people to yourself and to pray for others’ emotional and physical healing, especially the emotional.”
The dialogue at this point stops there. By the way, in going through some old writing, I’m reminded that I struggled with this topic before. Sure must be a slow learner! More tommorrow.
One source of study is Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Kratos and dunamis are both used in the Greek rendition of the word “power”. In fact Paul uses both words in his letter to the Ephesians. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines dunamis in the same manner as kratos – specific supernatural power, ability. That means that there are more Biblical passages that are both convicting and confusing.
Listing a few of the other convicting passages:
John 14:12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
2 Tim.1: 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Phil.3: 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Eph.1: 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
1 Cor.4: 20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
My dialgoue with God sounds like this: “Abba PaPa, HELP! Why am I not experiencing this kratos or dunamis that you say is available to me as a follower of Jesus?
“”What kind of power do you want, Ray?”
“That power, that as Renner states, ‘lay hands on the sick, pray with power and authority, speak the word of faith in every situation and see mountains move on my and others behalf.’ Selfishly, I’d like to see healing for my hip, needing no surgery; and for my Parkinsons’s which at times is totally wasting; for my stuttering that I’d be able to communicate without the frustration of tangled tongue. But even more so, the power, the annointing, to draw people to yourself and to pray for others’ emotional and physical healing, especially the emotional.”
The dialogue at this point stops there. By the way, in going through some old writing, I’m reminded that I struggled with this topic before. Sure must be a slow learner! More tommorrow.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Kratos out of Iscuos
In yesterday’s post we saw that the power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us as followers of Christ. (Kratos power) Blows my mind!!!
Add to that Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. So we not only have kratos but “His might,” from the Greek ischuos. Ischuos conveys the picture of a very, very strong man.
Again, kratos is the demonstrated, ourwardlhy manifested, eruptive power of God which now operates in every believer. Iscuos is the force that works behind the kratos power. Kratos power is so strong because God’s “muscles” ischuos are backing it up.
Rick Renner, author of Sparkling Gems from the Greek (from which these two articles are adapted) challenges me (us) with, “All that God is, all the power He possesses , and all the energy of His muscular, mighty ability now energizes the kratos power that is at work within you. Since this power is available to you today, you are ready to lay hands on the sick, pray with power and authority, speak the word of faith in every situation and see mountains move on your behalf. ‘Greater is He that is within us than he that is in the world.’” 1 John 4:4
I’m convicted, confused and questioning. “God, am I mis-interpreting this or am I found wanting?” I’ll let this percolate for a while, seeking God on this, and rejoin the blog in a few days.
Add to that Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. So we not only have kratos but “His might,” from the Greek ischuos. Ischuos conveys the picture of a very, very strong man.
Again, kratos is the demonstrated, ourwardlhy manifested, eruptive power of God which now operates in every believer. Iscuos is the force that works behind the kratos power. Kratos power is so strong because God’s “muscles” ischuos are backing it up.
Rick Renner, author of Sparkling Gems from the Greek (from which these two articles are adapted) challenges me (us) with, “All that God is, all the power He possesses , and all the energy of His muscular, mighty ability now energizes the kratos power that is at work within you. Since this power is available to you today, you are ready to lay hands on the sick, pray with power and authority, speak the word of faith in every situation and see mountains move on your behalf. ‘Greater is He that is within us than he that is in the world.’” 1 John 4:4
I’m convicted, confused and questioning. “God, am I mis-interpreting this or am I found wanting?” I’ll let this percolate for a while, seeking God on this, and rejoin the blog in a few days.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
God’s Kratos Available
I am convicted and confused by the following Biblical passage.
Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
I’m convicted and confused by these passages because I don’t see a supernatural power working through me, though I’ve been a committed follower of Jesus Christ for 63 years, have asked for it, have believed. Not there, as I perceive it. Am I alone? How do you feel personally about this Biblical challenge? Let’s walk through this together.
The word “power” is from the Greek “kratos” which could be called a “demonstrated power.” It is not just an intellectual awareness or hypothetical principle, but a tangible and explosive power that has outward manifestation. Paul describes it in Ephesians 1:19-20 - I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
Kratos was demonstrated with the Roman soldiers who guarded Christ’s tomb that were so overwhelmed by it they fainted and crumbled to the ground, not able to rise until the resurrection.
The power that raised Christ from the dead. The power that overwhelmed the tomb guards – is available to you and me as followers of Christ. With this empowering presence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives, we can expect the very same power to operate in us.
It ain’t workin’. Something’s wrong. “Abba PaPa, I’m not experiencing Kratos in a demonstrative manner. Why? Would you please enlighten me? Amen.” More on this tomorrow. Got any thoughts? rburwick@mindspring.com
Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
I’m convicted and confused by these passages because I don’t see a supernatural power working through me, though I’ve been a committed follower of Jesus Christ for 63 years, have asked for it, have believed. Not there, as I perceive it. Am I alone? How do you feel personally about this Biblical challenge? Let’s walk through this together.
The word “power” is from the Greek “kratos” which could be called a “demonstrated power.” It is not just an intellectual awareness or hypothetical principle, but a tangible and explosive power that has outward manifestation. Paul describes it in Ephesians 1:19-20 - I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
Kratos was demonstrated with the Roman soldiers who guarded Christ’s tomb that were so overwhelmed by it they fainted and crumbled to the ground, not able to rise until the resurrection.
The power that raised Christ from the dead. The power that overwhelmed the tomb guards – is available to you and me as followers of Christ. With this empowering presence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives, we can expect the very same power to operate in us.
It ain’t workin’. Something’s wrong. “Abba PaPa, I’m not experiencing Kratos in a demonstrative manner. Why? Would you please enlighten me? Amen.” More on this tomorrow. Got any thoughts? rburwick@mindspring.com
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Kindness and Love
Finishing today on the attributes of a growing, fruitful Christian as described in 2 Peter 1:5-7: brotherly kindness and love.
We are challenged to brotherly kindness, described by one as a warmhearted affection toward all in the family of faith. Characteristics of this are found in Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
A forgiving heart is an element of brotherly kindness, found in Ephesians 4:32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
The pinnacle of this stair step structure in recieivng that supernatural peace of mind because of knowing God is Love. The word “love” is mentioned 551 times in the Bible, and best described by the infamous 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
It has been suggested that a way to measure love is to place your name in the place of love. “Ray is patient and kind….” Then, have the person closest to you who would be honest with you, evaluate your love quotient. It may sound like, “On a scale of 1 to 10, Ray, your score is 7. You’re not as impatient as you once were but there is still considerable room for improvement.”
And of course the greatest commandment: love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all you might, and your neighbor as yourself.
Second Peter than continues in verses eight through eleven with: The more you grow like this, (growth in the nine previously mentioned attributes), the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Besides spending eternity with the Lord, we can have a growing peace now that comes from knowing and enjoying God more and more intimately. A peace of mind that far surpasses comprehension, as described by Rick Renner’s paraphrase of Philippians 4:7 : “And the peace of God – a peace so wonderful that it cannot be compared to any other type of peace; a peace that stands in a category by itself and rises far above and goes beyond anything the human mind could ever think, reason, imagine or produce by itself – will stand at the entrance to your heart and mind, working like a guard to control, monitor and screen everything that tries to access your mind, heart, and emotions.”
Peace of mind, so valuable, is a result of “making every effort” to grow in faith, goodness, knowledge,, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly afffection and love as delineated in 2 Peter chapter one.
“We cannot save nor sanctify ourselves – God does that. But God will not give us good habits or character, and He will not force us to walk correctly before Him. We have to do that ourselves, working out our salvation.” (Making every effort.)
“God won’t do by miracle what man must do by obedience” (Making every effort.)
We are challenged to brotherly kindness, described by one as a warmhearted affection toward all in the family of faith. Characteristics of this are found in Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
A forgiving heart is an element of brotherly kindness, found in Ephesians 4:32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
The pinnacle of this stair step structure in recieivng that supernatural peace of mind because of knowing God is Love. The word “love” is mentioned 551 times in the Bible, and best described by the infamous 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
It has been suggested that a way to measure love is to place your name in the place of love. “Ray is patient and kind….” Then, have the person closest to you who would be honest with you, evaluate your love quotient. It may sound like, “On a scale of 1 to 10, Ray, your score is 7. You’re not as impatient as you once were but there is still considerable room for improvement.”
And of course the greatest commandment: love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all you might, and your neighbor as yourself.
Second Peter than continues in verses eight through eleven with: The more you grow like this, (growth in the nine previously mentioned attributes), the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Besides spending eternity with the Lord, we can have a growing peace now that comes from knowing and enjoying God more and more intimately. A peace of mind that far surpasses comprehension, as described by Rick Renner’s paraphrase of Philippians 4:7 : “And the peace of God – a peace so wonderful that it cannot be compared to any other type of peace; a peace that stands in a category by itself and rises far above and goes beyond anything the human mind could ever think, reason, imagine or produce by itself – will stand at the entrance to your heart and mind, working like a guard to control, monitor and screen everything that tries to access your mind, heart, and emotions.”
Peace of mind, so valuable, is a result of “making every effort” to grow in faith, goodness, knowledge,, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly afffection and love as delineated in 2 Peter chapter one.
“We cannot save nor sanctify ourselves – God does that. But God will not give us good habits or character, and He will not force us to walk correctly before Him. We have to do that ourselves, working out our salvation.” (Making every effort.)
“God won’t do by miracle what man must do by obedience” (Making every effort.)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Continued Growth Toward Peace of Mind
We’re continuing to examine the virtues of the peace-filled, fruitful Christian life, found in 2 Peter 1:5-7. We’ve seen so far God’s challenge through Peter to work hard at developing faith, goodness and knowledge. Today we’re viewing the development of self control, perseverance and godliness in our quest for spiritual maturity.
Self control, referred also as temperance or self discipline, is also seen in Galatians 5:23 as the ninth fruit of the Spirit. Self control of what specifically?
1. of anger. Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
2. Of lusts of the flesh. Romans 6:12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.
3. Of the tongue. James 3:2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
4. Of pistachios!!! I’m getting personal. I love pistachios. I’m addicted to them. Self Control regarding pistachios – a real stretch for me. Obviously we’re walking on the light side now; however, anything that has control of you or me , be it drugs / alcohol, workahol or any self-centered activity out of control is idolatry and obstructs our spiritual maturity. Do pistachios deter my spiritual growth? No, but they add girth to an already extended mid-section!
From self control we move on to patient endurance, also called perseverance. It’s a stick-to-it-ness that lasts until the objective is accomplished. James 1:2-4 describes a joyful spirit with patience even in the throes of adversity leads to a complete maturity. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
If perseverance is lacking, worry and anger are common byproducts. Proverbs 37:7-8 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. Could we define perseverance as purposeful action while waiting on the Lord.
From perseverance we shift to “godliness” which is defined as a genuine reverence toward God that governs one’s attitude toward every aspect of life.
Godliness develops by knowing God at ever deepening levels and trusting Him to work out in our lives Romans 8:28-29. For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son...
Growth in godliness – becoming conformed to the likeness of Jesus.
Self control, perseverance and godliness, attributes of the maturing Christian. We'll finish in tomorow's post the topic of a growing peace of mind as a result of knowing God.
Self control, referred also as temperance or self discipline, is also seen in Galatians 5:23 as the ninth fruit of the Spirit. Self control of what specifically?
1. of anger. Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
2. Of lusts of the flesh. Romans 6:12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.
3. Of the tongue. James 3:2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
4. Of pistachios!!! I’m getting personal. I love pistachios. I’m addicted to them. Self Control regarding pistachios – a real stretch for me. Obviously we’re walking on the light side now; however, anything that has control of you or me , be it drugs / alcohol, workahol or any self-centered activity out of control is idolatry and obstructs our spiritual maturity. Do pistachios deter my spiritual growth? No, but they add girth to an already extended mid-section!
From self control we move on to patient endurance, also called perseverance. It’s a stick-to-it-ness that lasts until the objective is accomplished. James 1:2-4 describes a joyful spirit with patience even in the throes of adversity leads to a complete maturity. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
If perseverance is lacking, worry and anger are common byproducts. Proverbs 37:7-8 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. Could we define perseverance as purposeful action while waiting on the Lord.
From perseverance we shift to “godliness” which is defined as a genuine reverence toward God that governs one’s attitude toward every aspect of life.
Godliness develops by knowing God at ever deepening levels and trusting Him to work out in our lives Romans 8:28-29. For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son...
Growth in godliness – becoming conformed to the likeness of Jesus.
Self control, perseverance and godliness, attributes of the maturing Christian. We'll finish in tomorow's post the topic of a growing peace of mind as a result of knowing God.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Faith, Goodness, Knowledge
We’re examining the virtues of the peace-filled, fruitful Christian life, found in 2 Peter 1:5-7. Continuing yesterday’s post, verse 5 reads:
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge...
“Make every effort.” Just as the growth of physical strength needs hard, consistent working out, so also our spiritual growth. Growth is not for sissies or passives! Recall, God does the saving and sanctifying, but He will not give us good habits or character, and He will not force us to walk correctly before Him, that is our responsibility. Oswald Chambers reminds us, “You did nothing to achieve your salvation, but you must do something to exhibit it. You must ‘work out your salvation’ which God has already woked in you (Phil.2:12). Are your speech, your thinking and your emotions evidence that you are working it ‘out’? If you are still the same miserable, grouchy person set on having your own way, then it is a lie to say that God has saved and sancatfied you.”
Do You want the peace that comes from knowing God, make every effort – work hard at the following.
The next virtue is faith. Faith, like peace, is both a gift from God and also something that we need to work at. The Bible says, Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Consistent Bible study, meditating and memorizing is key in building our faith muscles.
How would you measure your faith? At least two possible ways. One: are you becoming less and less of an anxious person? Worries and fears diminish as our faith in the workings of our sovereign God grows. More faith. Less angst! Another measurement is found in the book of James. Faith without works is dead. Are you walking out your faith, investing in other people’s lives. Is there growth in taming the tongue; in fighting temptation; a lessening of prejudice and self centereness. Does a humble, asking of God, mark your walk? Faith, a virtue of the peace-filled and fruitful Christian life.
The next virtue listed is moral excellence, or some translations say “goodness.”
This word describes itself: good in character or constitution, morally honorable, pleasing to God. Vine’s Dictionary admonishes Christians to “take thought for things honorable (2 Cor.8:21); to do that which is honorable (13:7); not to be weary in well doing (Gal.6:9) to hold fast that which is good (1 Thes.5:21); to be zealous of good works (Tit.2:14); to bear testimony by them )1 Pet. 2:12. How would your accountability partner, your best friend or your spouse evaluate your “goodness?” Are you game to ask?
Work hard, build your faith, be and do good. Now, add to this: knowledge. Knowledge of what? Back to verses 2 and 3 of 2 Pet.1: knowledge of God and of Jesus – the source of everything we need for life and godliness. God has made available all that we need spiritually through our knowledge of Him. The Bible – read it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. The source of everything we need for life and godliness. The Bible not only gives us instruction for successful living (and dying) but also shows us the source of the empowerment for this success – the Holy Spirit. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.”
More on Monday.
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge...
“Make every effort.” Just as the growth of physical strength needs hard, consistent working out, so also our spiritual growth. Growth is not for sissies or passives! Recall, God does the saving and sanctifying, but He will not give us good habits or character, and He will not force us to walk correctly before Him, that is our responsibility. Oswald Chambers reminds us, “You did nothing to achieve your salvation, but you must do something to exhibit it. You must ‘work out your salvation’ which God has already woked in you (Phil.2:12). Are your speech, your thinking and your emotions evidence that you are working it ‘out’? If you are still the same miserable, grouchy person set on having your own way, then it is a lie to say that God has saved and sancatfied you.”
Do You want the peace that comes from knowing God, make every effort – work hard at the following.
The next virtue is faith. Faith, like peace, is both a gift from God and also something that we need to work at. The Bible says, Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Consistent Bible study, meditating and memorizing is key in building our faith muscles.
How would you measure your faith? At least two possible ways. One: are you becoming less and less of an anxious person? Worries and fears diminish as our faith in the workings of our sovereign God grows. More faith. Less angst! Another measurement is found in the book of James. Faith without works is dead. Are you walking out your faith, investing in other people’s lives. Is there growth in taming the tongue; in fighting temptation; a lessening of prejudice and self centereness. Does a humble, asking of God, mark your walk? Faith, a virtue of the peace-filled and fruitful Christian life.
The next virtue listed is moral excellence, or some translations say “goodness.”
This word describes itself: good in character or constitution, morally honorable, pleasing to God. Vine’s Dictionary admonishes Christians to “take thought for things honorable (2 Cor.8:21); to do that which is honorable (13:7); not to be weary in well doing (Gal.6:9) to hold fast that which is good (1 Thes.5:21); to be zealous of good works (Tit.2:14); to bear testimony by them )1 Pet. 2:12. How would your accountability partner, your best friend or your spouse evaluate your “goodness?” Are you game to ask?
Work hard, build your faith, be and do good. Now, add to this: knowledge. Knowledge of what? Back to verses 2 and 3 of 2 Pet.1: knowledge of God and of Jesus – the source of everything we need for life and godliness. God has made available all that we need spiritually through our knowledge of Him. The Bible – read it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. The source of everything we need for life and godliness. The Bible not only gives us instruction for successful living (and dying) but also shows us the source of the empowerment for this success – the Holy Spirit. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.”
More on Monday.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Virtues of the Peace-filled Life
In our series on examining “peace” as a result of knowing and enjoying God, we’re considering the prerequisites for being filled with God’s peace. Number one - a person must be a follower of Jesus. Second – it is a gift of God, a fact supported by Galatians 5:22, The fruit of the Spirit is … peace….
God is responsible for our salvation and sanctification but we’re responsible for developing character and good habits (both sources leading to a deep peace of mind.)
Second Peter 1:3-4 reminds us of God’s gifting aspect of peace.
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
Peace – a God-given gift. That is His part. Our part, our responsibility in procuring God’s peace is found in following Peter’s instructions in 2 Peter 1. verses 5-11. The passage 5-7 could be entitled “virtues that produce a well-rounded fruitful Christian life.” Let's look at it together.
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
The stair step structure of these three verses indicate each virtue leading to another, though the sequence is not stressed. In other words, moral excellence doesn’t produce knowledge. However the list begins with faith, which is the foundation for a walk with Christ, and ends with love being the pinnacle of the virtues.
In tomorrow’s post we’ll examine these virtues.
God is responsible for our salvation and sanctification but we’re responsible for developing character and good habits (both sources leading to a deep peace of mind.)
Second Peter 1:3-4 reminds us of God’s gifting aspect of peace.
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
Peace – a God-given gift. That is His part. Our part, our responsibility in procuring God’s peace is found in following Peter’s instructions in 2 Peter 1. verses 5-11. The passage 5-7 could be entitled “virtues that produce a well-rounded fruitful Christian life.” Let's look at it together.
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
The stair step structure of these three verses indicate each virtue leading to another, though the sequence is not stressed. In other words, moral excellence doesn’t produce knowledge. However the list begins with faith, which is the foundation for a walk with Christ, and ends with love being the pinnacle of the virtues.
In tomorrow’s post we’ll examine these virtues.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
God Won't Do By Miracle What Man Must Do By Obedience
Continuing our presentation on “peace” a result of knowing and enjoying God, Rick Renner continues to “surgicate” Phil.4:7, honing in on the word “understanding.” God’s peace passes all understanding. Understanding from the Greek “nous,” the mind. Refers to the ability to reason, to comprehend.
God’s peace, so incomprehendable, will keep (phroureo). This is a military term that expresses the idea of soldiers who stood faithfully at their post at the city gates to guard and control all who went in and out of the city. They were gate monitors. God’s peace, if allowed to work in our lives, will stand at the gates of our hearts, minds and emotions, acting like a guard to monitor everything that tries to enter.
If you watch or listen to much world news, you won’t find peace between or within. Life is in a turmoil internationally. Absorbing this news can surely create a dissonance in our lives that is marked by angst triggered by fear. Peace of mind diminishes.
However, an option exists: God’s peace.
Renner paraphrases Phil.4:7 : “And the peace of God – a peace so wonderful that it cannot be compared to any other type of peace; a peace that stands in a category by itself and rises far above and goes beyond anything the human mind could ever think, reason, imagine or produce by itself – will stand at the entrance to your heart and mind, working like a guard to control, monitor and screen everything that tries to access your mind, heart, and emotions.”
Nothing compares to this powerful, protective, guarding peace that God has positioned to stand at the entrance of our heart and mind. When this peace operates in us, it dominates our mind and our life.
The question looms: how do we get that peace? Back to our original Scripture (2 Peter 1:2: : May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. The context of verses 1 and 2 gives us the answer to the looming question. God’s peace is available:
1. to those who have established a walk of faith in Christ;
2. as a gift from God;
3. to those who are growing in their knowledge of God (consistent time in Scripture and prayer applied with obedience);
4. to those who are being disciplined by God. (Hebrews 12:11);
5. to those who follow the instructions of the next nine verses found in that first chapter of Second Peter, (which we’ll explore shortly.)
Oswald Chambers says “we cannot save nor sanctify ourselves – God does that. But God will not give us good habits or character, and He will not force us to walk correctly before Him. We have to do that ourselves, working out our salvation. Another person said, “God won’t do by miracle what man must do by obedience.” 2
Peter 1 verses 3 to 11 gives us the game plan to that end.That is where we’ll pick up tomorrow
God’s peace, so incomprehendable, will keep (phroureo). This is a military term that expresses the idea of soldiers who stood faithfully at their post at the city gates to guard and control all who went in and out of the city. They were gate monitors. God’s peace, if allowed to work in our lives, will stand at the gates of our hearts, minds and emotions, acting like a guard to monitor everything that tries to enter.
If you watch or listen to much world news, you won’t find peace between or within. Life is in a turmoil internationally. Absorbing this news can surely create a dissonance in our lives that is marked by angst triggered by fear. Peace of mind diminishes.
However, an option exists: God’s peace.
Renner paraphrases Phil.4:7 : “And the peace of God – a peace so wonderful that it cannot be compared to any other type of peace; a peace that stands in a category by itself and rises far above and goes beyond anything the human mind could ever think, reason, imagine or produce by itself – will stand at the entrance to your heart and mind, working like a guard to control, monitor and screen everything that tries to access your mind, heart, and emotions.”
Nothing compares to this powerful, protective, guarding peace that God has positioned to stand at the entrance of our heart and mind. When this peace operates in us, it dominates our mind and our life.
The question looms: how do we get that peace? Back to our original Scripture (2 Peter 1:2: : May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. The context of verses 1 and 2 gives us the answer to the looming question. God’s peace is available:
1. to those who have established a walk of faith in Christ;
2. as a gift from God;
3. to those who are growing in their knowledge of God (consistent time in Scripture and prayer applied with obedience);
4. to those who are being disciplined by God. (Hebrews 12:11);
5. to those who follow the instructions of the next nine verses found in that first chapter of Second Peter, (which we’ll explore shortly.)
Oswald Chambers says “we cannot save nor sanctify ourselves – God does that. But God will not give us good habits or character, and He will not force us to walk correctly before Him. We have to do that ourselves, working out our salvation. Another person said, “God won’t do by miracle what man must do by obedience.” 2
Peter 1 verses 3 to 11 gives us the game plan to that end.That is where we’ll pick up tomorrow
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Paramount Peace
Peace is resting, secure in the in the knowledge that God is in control and that He has unfailing love for me. Peace isn’t about waiting out the storm, but learning to dance in the rain. Inner peace, a gift from growing in our knowledge of God.
Paul gives us a glimpse into the peace of God in Philippians 4:7. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Rick Renner in his book Sparkling Gems From the Greek, emphasizes the word “passes” in his explanation of the word “peace.”
“Passes” in the Greek is huperecho, which is a compound of the words huper and echo. Huper means over, above, and beyond. It depicts something that is way beyond measure. It carries the idea of superiority; something that is utmost, paramount, foremost first-rate, first-class and top-notch; incomparable, unsurprassed. Echo means to have, as someone who holds something in his possession. It can be translated to keep, to hold, to acquire.
Combine the words into huperecho as in Phil. 4:7 and you have a peace so superior that it is held high above all other types of peace. There is a temporary peace in some drugs and alcohol. Sometimes relationships can bring a measure of peace. Eastern meditations like yoga produce a peace. But Paul is saying that the peace God gives, transcends, outdoes, surpasses, goes beyond and over the top of any other kind of peace. The peace of God completely outshines every other attempt to produce peace. Nothing in the world compares with the peace of God.
We’ll examine this more fully tomorrow.
Paul gives us a glimpse into the peace of God in Philippians 4:7. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Rick Renner in his book Sparkling Gems From the Greek, emphasizes the word “passes” in his explanation of the word “peace.”
“Passes” in the Greek is huperecho, which is a compound of the words huper and echo. Huper means over, above, and beyond. It depicts something that is way beyond measure. It carries the idea of superiority; something that is utmost, paramount, foremost first-rate, first-class and top-notch; incomparable, unsurprassed. Echo means to have, as someone who holds something in his possession. It can be translated to keep, to hold, to acquire.
Combine the words into huperecho as in Phil. 4:7 and you have a peace so superior that it is held high above all other types of peace. There is a temporary peace in some drugs and alcohol. Sometimes relationships can bring a measure of peace. Eastern meditations like yoga produce a peace. But Paul is saying that the peace God gives, transcends, outdoes, surpasses, goes beyond and over the top of any other kind of peace. The peace of God completely outshines every other attempt to produce peace. Nothing in the world compares with the peace of God.
We’ll examine this more fully tomorrow.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Peace - Result of Knowing God
The topic of Knowing and Enjoying God has consumed my study the last several weeks.. Let’s press on to continue to know and enjoy Him more and more intimately, but for this study sake, let’s wrap it up.
In praying this morning, asking God how to sum it up, the reference of 2 Peter 1:2-11 and John 17:3 came to mind.
Peter begins his book, saying that his writing is directed to fellow believers in Christ. Then in verse 2: May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. Multiplied grace and peace is a result of our knowledge of God. Examine with me the word “peace.”
I like my wife Theresa’s practical definition of peace. She says, “peace is resting, secure in the in the knowledge that God is in control and that He has unfailing love for me.”
The Scripture that best describes "peace" to me is found in Phillipains 4:6LB Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.
The word “peace” has multiple meanings in Scripture.
1. Eirene is Greek describing harmonious relationships between men, between nations, friendliness, freedom from molestation and harmonized relationships between God and man.
2. Eireneuo is to bring to peace, to reconcile.
As an adjective, 3. eirenikos denotes peaceful. To be at peace with oneself and his/her world. It is called the fruit of rightesousness, being procured in communion with God the Father through His chastening: No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
4. James 3:17 describes the connection between wisdom and peace. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
5. Sigao is translated to “hold one’s peace” – to keep secret.
6. In the Old Testament Hebrew, peace is “shalom”, signifying wholeness.
Tomorrow’s post begins with the peace Paul speaks to in Philippians 4:7.
In praying this morning, asking God how to sum it up, the reference of 2 Peter 1:2-11 and John 17:3 came to mind.
Peter begins his book, saying that his writing is directed to fellow believers in Christ. Then in verse 2: May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. Multiplied grace and peace is a result of our knowledge of God. Examine with me the word “peace.”
I like my wife Theresa’s practical definition of peace. She says, “peace is resting, secure in the in the knowledge that God is in control and that He has unfailing love for me.”
The Scripture that best describes "peace" to me is found in Phillipains 4:6LB Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.
The word “peace” has multiple meanings in Scripture.
1. Eirene is Greek describing harmonious relationships between men, between nations, friendliness, freedom from molestation and harmonized relationships between God and man.
2. Eireneuo is to bring to peace, to reconcile.
As an adjective, 3. eirenikos denotes peaceful. To be at peace with oneself and his/her world. It is called the fruit of rightesousness, being procured in communion with God the Father through His chastening: No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
4. James 3:17 describes the connection between wisdom and peace. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
5. Sigao is translated to “hold one’s peace” – to keep secret.
6. In the Old Testament Hebrew, peace is “shalom”, signifying wholeness.
Tomorrow’s post begins with the peace Paul speaks to in Philippians 4:7.
Friday, May 8, 2009
To understand and clearly articulate the dynamics of the Holy Trinity is beyond my comprehension. The more I study and wrestle with this, the more confusing it becomes. This is definitely one of those “For now we see through a glass darkly” situations.
Consequently, in my journey to know and enjoy God more intimately, I’m just going to focus on isolated Biblical passages that seem to fit in the context of the totality of Scripture, like Hebrews 1:3a that states, The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. So, as I observe Christ’s walk through the pages of the New Testament, expressing the very character of God, I’ll know God more deeply, subsequently enjoy Him more profoundly.
Max Lucado gives us a unique view of Christ in his devotional “Heaven Came Down”. I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. John 6:38
“This is no run-of-the-mill messiah. His story was extraordinary. He called himself divine, yet allowed a minimum-wage Roman soldier to drive a nail into his wrist. He demanded purity, yet stood for the rights of a repentant whore. He called men to march, yet refused to allow them to call him King. He sent men into all the world, yet equipped them with only bended knees and memories of a resurrected carpenter.
“Has it been a while since you have seen him? If your prayers seem stale, it probably has. If your faith seems to be trembling, perhaps your vision of him has blurred. If you can’t find power to face you problems, perhaps it is time to face him. One warning. Something happens to a person who has witnessed His majesty…One glimpse of the King and you are consumed by a desire to see more of him and say more about him.”
And to “face Him” I know of no other way than to spend time with Him, engaging Him through prayer and getting to know Him through Scripture – reading, meditating, memorizing. And because of Christ’s sacrifice for me (and you), we can walk boldly into God’s presence, pull up a chair at His banquest table and confidently say, “Abba Papa, please pass the bisquits.”
Allow the writer of Hebrews to describe it in 10:19-22 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
Know Jesus and we know God. Emjoy Jesus and we enjoy God.
I trust our paths will cross on the journey.
Consequently, in my journey to know and enjoy God more intimately, I’m just going to focus on isolated Biblical passages that seem to fit in the context of the totality of Scripture, like Hebrews 1:3a that states, The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. So, as I observe Christ’s walk through the pages of the New Testament, expressing the very character of God, I’ll know God more deeply, subsequently enjoy Him more profoundly.
Max Lucado gives us a unique view of Christ in his devotional “Heaven Came Down”. I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. John 6:38
“This is no run-of-the-mill messiah. His story was extraordinary. He called himself divine, yet allowed a minimum-wage Roman soldier to drive a nail into his wrist. He demanded purity, yet stood for the rights of a repentant whore. He called men to march, yet refused to allow them to call him King. He sent men into all the world, yet equipped them with only bended knees and memories of a resurrected carpenter.
“Has it been a while since you have seen him? If your prayers seem stale, it probably has. If your faith seems to be trembling, perhaps your vision of him has blurred. If you can’t find power to face you problems, perhaps it is time to face him. One warning. Something happens to a person who has witnessed His majesty…One glimpse of the King and you are consumed by a desire to see more of him and say more about him.”
And to “face Him” I know of no other way than to spend time with Him, engaging Him through prayer and getting to know Him through Scripture – reading, meditating, memorizing. And because of Christ’s sacrifice for me (and you), we can walk boldly into God’s presence, pull up a chair at His banquest table and confidently say, “Abba Papa, please pass the bisquits.”
Allow the writer of Hebrews to describe it in 10:19-22 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
Know Jesus and we know God. Emjoy Jesus and we enjoy God.
I trust our paths will cross on the journey.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Jesus / God Conundrum part 2
I desire so intensely to know and enjoy God at a depth I’ve never experienced and then know how to share that pursuit with others, stimulating their appetites for a greater intimacy with the Creator of the Universe.
In that search, we’ve examined many facets of God – His names given to Him in Scripture, His activity, His being. Now we’re piggybacking on Christ’s words “I and the Father are one. Know me and you know the Father.”
You saw in my last post, the struggle understanding these words of Christ. I’ve compounded that effort by doing a “Google search” on “how to explain the Trinity, endeavoring to understand Christ’s words of oneness with the Father. The myriads of opinions are not only legend but add greatly to the confusion. The mystery is daunting. As we say in the South, “I’m fixin’ to have a nervous breakdown.”
Possibly I'm endeavoring to grasp an ethereal smoke ring - impossible. Great Godly, intelligent people have not been able to clearly delineate the full meaning of the Holy Trinity. Who am I to think I can come up with inclusive documentation that would completely clarify our mystery.
Some have tried to give human illustrations for the Trinity, such as H2O being water, ice and steam (all different forms, but all are H2O). Another illustration is an egg having a shell, egg yolk and egg white, but this egg illustration shows that there would be "parts" to God, which isn't the case.
WWW.everystudent.com suggests “God the Son (Jesus) is fully, completely God. God the Father is fully, completely God. And God the Holy Spirit is fully, completely God. Yet there is only one God. In our world, with our limited human experience, it's tough to understand the Trinity. But from the beginning we see God this way in Scripture. Notice the plural pronouns "us" and "our" in Genesis 1:26 -- Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
Helpful, but!
Add to this conundrum, an email from my Montana friend, Gary, (whose bright mind stretches mine) stating: "How does Jesus see the Father while in the flesh if not in participating in the will of Him rather than His own will? How could the will be different if they are One? Would Father and Son have different ways of doing something? Is Oneness by nature or by choice?"
Good grief, Gary, where are you going with this? I’m glad he didn’t stop there. He went on to propose a very significant premise.
"Does not the Son choose to be One by taking the desires of the Father as His own? If we see the desires of the Father and take those desires as our own desires, do we not see the Father?"
Oh, I like that. Seems like that gets us to bedrock. Gary went on to elaborate:
Heaven amongst us, God that we can see, divine and yet human, perfection in the flesh, God touched by humanity. How else could we ever relate to Him personally and yet we tend to change God in the flesh into someone else, someone untouched by the feelings of our infirmities. Yes, we lose sight of the possibility of Heaven in our life when we keep Jesus at arm's length, seeing Him above rather than in the midst. Imagine heaven in our midst through doing the will of the Father, that identity with the Father that takes His desires as our own and brings heaven into our lives.
Father, teach us to live the way Your firstborn lived--with Your desire the primary and only drive of His life.
This doesn’t answer the question regarding explanation of the Holy Trinity, but Gary’s words certainly challenge us to live the obedient life taught by Christ that leads us to, “If we see the desires of the Father and take those desires as our own desires, do we not see the Father?
Thanks, Gary. More in tomorrow’s post.
In that search, we’ve examined many facets of God – His names given to Him in Scripture, His activity, His being. Now we’re piggybacking on Christ’s words “I and the Father are one. Know me and you know the Father.”
You saw in my last post, the struggle understanding these words of Christ. I’ve compounded that effort by doing a “Google search” on “how to explain the Trinity, endeavoring to understand Christ’s words of oneness with the Father. The myriads of opinions are not only legend but add greatly to the confusion. The mystery is daunting. As we say in the South, “I’m fixin’ to have a nervous breakdown.”
Possibly I'm endeavoring to grasp an ethereal smoke ring - impossible. Great Godly, intelligent people have not been able to clearly delineate the full meaning of the Holy Trinity. Who am I to think I can come up with inclusive documentation that would completely clarify our mystery.
Some have tried to give human illustrations for the Trinity, such as H2O being water, ice and steam (all different forms, but all are H2O). Another illustration is an egg having a shell, egg yolk and egg white, but this egg illustration shows that there would be "parts" to God, which isn't the case.
WWW.everystudent.com suggests “God the Son (Jesus) is fully, completely God. God the Father is fully, completely God. And God the Holy Spirit is fully, completely God. Yet there is only one God. In our world, with our limited human experience, it's tough to understand the Trinity. But from the beginning we see God this way in Scripture. Notice the plural pronouns "us" and "our" in Genesis 1:26 -- Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
Helpful, but!
Add to this conundrum, an email from my Montana friend, Gary, (whose bright mind stretches mine) stating: "How does Jesus see the Father while in the flesh if not in participating in the will of Him rather than His own will? How could the will be different if they are One? Would Father and Son have different ways of doing something? Is Oneness by nature or by choice?"
Good grief, Gary, where are you going with this? I’m glad he didn’t stop there. He went on to propose a very significant premise.
"Does not the Son choose to be One by taking the desires of the Father as His own? If we see the desires of the Father and take those desires as our own desires, do we not see the Father?"
Oh, I like that. Seems like that gets us to bedrock. Gary went on to elaborate:
Heaven amongst us, God that we can see, divine and yet human, perfection in the flesh, God touched by humanity. How else could we ever relate to Him personally and yet we tend to change God in the flesh into someone else, someone untouched by the feelings of our infirmities. Yes, we lose sight of the possibility of Heaven in our life when we keep Jesus at arm's length, seeing Him above rather than in the midst. Imagine heaven in our midst through doing the will of the Father, that identity with the Father that takes His desires as our own and brings heaven into our lives.
Father, teach us to live the way Your firstborn lived--with Your desire the primary and only drive of His life.
This doesn’t answer the question regarding explanation of the Holy Trinity, but Gary’s words certainly challenge us to live the obedient life taught by Christ that leads us to, “If we see the desires of the Father and take those desires as our own desires, do we not see the Father?
Thanks, Gary. More in tomorrow’s post.
Monday, May 4, 2009
God/Jesus Conundrum
It’s been a week since I’ve posted. Why? I’ve gotten lazy and I’m having a difficult time with the topic. See Christ and you see the Father. Know Christ and you know the Father. God drew me to Himself 63 years ago. I’ve been quite disciplined to have a “quiet time” with Him nearly daily for 63 years. I know a lot about God and a lot about Jesus, but do I REALLY know – not just on a cognitive level but an experiental one that can be characterized by “enjoying God?” I’m standing convicted by the Word and by my own writing.
Consequently, don’t face it – for a week! But it is time to dig in and learn. So, come with me back to John 14 amd verse 7. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” Jesus is really zeroing here on the God/Christ connection. See Christ and you see God. Know Christ and know God.
I can relate to Philip in verse 8 - Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Do you blame him for asking that question? I suspect the others felt the same way, but Phillip had the courage to ask. In fact, that is the question I’m wrestling with now, trying to understand and explain this “God the Father / Jesus the Son” relationship.
I’m wondering if Christ’s words in verses 9-11 might be what He is saying to me also. Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.
I need some help here. Tuorning to The IVP Commentary, it states: Philip has not really known Jesus (v. 9) because at the center of Jesus' identity is his relation to the Father, a relation of such intimacy that Jesus can say anyone who has seen me has seen the Father (v. 9). We have the language of agency, reflecting the idea that one's representative is "like to himself". But the way Jesus describes this relationship goes far beyond the notion of an agent, for he speaks of a mutual indwelling: I am in the Father, and . . . the Father is in me (v. 10). He does not simply represent the Father, he presents him. Such complete union means that Jesus' words and deeds have their source in the Father (v. 10; cf. 5:36; 8:28; 10:38). Jesus may be the Father's agent, but the Father is also the agent at work through Jesus. Jesus does not say, however, that he is the Father. Throughout the gospel Jesus maintains a careful distinction between his oneness with God and his distinctness from him .
Thus, elements of all three of the forms of sight are included in Jesus' response to Philip. The incarnation points to the value of these first two types of sight, the physical and the intellectual, but in themselves they do not go deep enough. Physical sight is involved in observing Jesus, but this form of seeing is the least significant element, since even the opponents had that. Intellectual insight is important, because Philip is supposed to draw out the implications of what he has seen and heard in Jesus. But again this is not enough, for even the opponents have seen the implications but have rejected them.
The third type of sight is needed, that which comes through faith. Jesus asks Philip whether he believes that the Father and the Son dwell within one another (v. 10). Then he addresses all the disciples, saying, Believe] me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves (v. 11). They should trust his claim or, if need be, go to the evidence of the deeds he has done. These deeds have manifested "his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (1:14). "The faith at issue is the faith that man really encounters God in his encounter with Jesus, that Jesus and the Father are one" (Bultmann 1971:609). Until they grasp this aspect of Jesus' identity they cannot really understand anything else about him.
“Father, this isn’t helping me much. Would you bring clarity to this 70-year-old fuzzy brain so that I can not only understand it better but be able to communicate the truth more succintly and clearly – “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.”
Heading to Oregon today for a funeral (Theresa’s aunt). Will catch up with you toward the end of the week. If you have any words of wisdom for me, I'm at rburwick@mindspring.com.
Consequently, don’t face it – for a week! But it is time to dig in and learn. So, come with me back to John 14 amd verse 7. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” Jesus is really zeroing here on the God/Christ connection. See Christ and you see God. Know Christ and know God.
I can relate to Philip in verse 8 - Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Do you blame him for asking that question? I suspect the others felt the same way, but Phillip had the courage to ask. In fact, that is the question I’m wrestling with now, trying to understand and explain this “God the Father / Jesus the Son” relationship.
I’m wondering if Christ’s words in verses 9-11 might be what He is saying to me also. Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.
I need some help here. Tuorning to The IVP Commentary, it states: Philip has not really known Jesus (v. 9) because at the center of Jesus' identity is his relation to the Father, a relation of such intimacy that Jesus can say anyone who has seen me has seen the Father (v. 9). We have the language of agency, reflecting the idea that one's representative is "like to himself". But the way Jesus describes this relationship goes far beyond the notion of an agent, for he speaks of a mutual indwelling: I am in the Father, and . . . the Father is in me (v. 10). He does not simply represent the Father, he presents him. Such complete union means that Jesus' words and deeds have their source in the Father (v. 10; cf. 5:36; 8:28; 10:38). Jesus may be the Father's agent, but the Father is also the agent at work through Jesus. Jesus does not say, however, that he is the Father. Throughout the gospel Jesus maintains a careful distinction between his oneness with God and his distinctness from him .
Thus, elements of all three of the forms of sight are included in Jesus' response to Philip. The incarnation points to the value of these first two types of sight, the physical and the intellectual, but in themselves they do not go deep enough. Physical sight is involved in observing Jesus, but this form of seeing is the least significant element, since even the opponents had that. Intellectual insight is important, because Philip is supposed to draw out the implications of what he has seen and heard in Jesus. But again this is not enough, for even the opponents have seen the implications but have rejected them.
The third type of sight is needed, that which comes through faith. Jesus asks Philip whether he believes that the Father and the Son dwell within one another (v. 10). Then he addresses all the disciples, saying, Believe] me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves (v. 11). They should trust his claim or, if need be, go to the evidence of the deeds he has done. These deeds have manifested "his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (1:14). "The faith at issue is the faith that man really encounters God in his encounter with Jesus, that Jesus and the Father are one" (Bultmann 1971:609). Until they grasp this aspect of Jesus' identity they cannot really understand anything else about him.
“Father, this isn’t helping me much. Would you bring clarity to this 70-year-old fuzzy brain so that I can not only understand it better but be able to communicate the truth more succintly and clearly – “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.”
Heading to Oregon today for a funeral (Theresa’s aunt). Will catch up with you toward the end of the week. If you have any words of wisdom for me, I'm at rburwick@mindspring.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
