pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: example


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Rescued, Cleansed, Eager

Reading: Titus 1-3

Titus 2:14 – “He gave himself for us in order to rescue us from every kind of lawless behavior, and cleanse a special people for himself who are eager to do good actions.”

Paul’s letter to Titus is very similar to his letters to Timothy, another young, promising pastor and friend. Titus is instructed on how to establish a faith community, on how to counter false teachings, and on how to be a good leader. Paul reminds Titus of his original task: to organize things and to appoint elders in each city. Paul lists the qualifications for elders. They must be faithful and faultless. They must offer sound teaching and set a great example for others.

Paul then turns to correcting the “rebellious loudmouths,” some of whom are Jewish believers. He instructs Titus to “silence” them by correcting them firmly. Their minds are corrupt and they do things that deny God. Likely coming back to these men, Paul tells Titus to correct twice and then to disassociate from them.

Attention is then turned to the community of faith. These relationships and rules are based on what was assumed in Roman households. Older men and women are to be mature and faithful. Paul uses words like sober, dignified, reverent, and patient to describe their character. The older women are to teach the younger women to be sensible and morally pure and to work at home, being kind and submissive to their husbands. Paul’s words about slaves and masters also crosses a line for today’s readers.

Paul closes with the grace of God that came to “rescue” believers from all kinds of “lawless behaviors.” Christ saves the faithful because of his mercy, not because of anything they can do. Made righteous by grace, “cleansed as a special people,” believers inherit hope for eternal life. Paul instructs Titus, “insist on these things” because then the faithful will “give careful attention to doing good.” Following sound teaching, may we too be people who seek to do good.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to be people who are faithful and faultless. Well, as much as we can be. Build up in us the character laid out by Paul. Redeem and restore us by your grace when we fall short and when we fail. Lead us to be people eager to be and do good. Amen.


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The Good Fight

Reading: 1st Timothy 4-6

1st Timothy 6:12 – “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life – you are called to it, and you made a good confession of it.”

In chapters 4-6 Paul addresses spiritual leadership, caring for the family of God, and holy living. These three are very much interconnected and one supports the other. For example, holy living is essential for good leadership and it drives how we care for one another. Likewise, good leadership empowers holy living and caring well for each other.

Chapter 4 begins with the recognition that some will turn away from the faith. They will be deceived. Paul encourages young Timothy to be a “good servant of Jesus Christ.” He implores him to “train in holy living.” Paul invites Timothy to “set an example” for the believers through his own speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and sexual purity. He also asks Timothy to keep working on his own faith growth and development. All of this gives Timothy solid ground to stand upon as he leads the family of God.

Paul turns to caring for the family next. He encourages Timothy to show respect to the older men and women and to treat the younger ones as brothers and sisters. Paul directs Timothy to care for the older widows who are truly in need, who have been faithful, and who are alone. If a widow has family, they are to care for her. Timothy is instructed to publicly deal with sinners, without bias or favoritism. Paul warns Timothy about false teachers who are creating jealousy and conflict as they try to profit from the believers. Paul declares that this love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. Instead, Paul encourages these men to “do good… to be generous… to share with others.” This will store up a foundation for the future, allowing them to “take hold of what truly is life.”

Paul then returns to holy living. He encourages Timothy to pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love… Paul implores young Timothy, “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life – you are called to it, and you made a good confession of it.” Paul tells him to do this “without fault or failure” until the Lord appears. May it be so for you and me too!

Prayer: Lord God, may we truly hear and put into practice these guidelines for holy living. Lead us daily to pursue faith, righteousness, holiness, and a servant’s heart. In turn, guide us to use these to lead well when given opportunity and to care well for our brothers and sisters in Christ always. Empower us to fight the good fight of faith today and every day. Amen.


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Faithful Witnesses

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 1-3

1st Thessalonians 2:2 – “We had the courage through God to speak God’s good news in spite of a lot of opposition.”

1st Thessalonians is written to encourage a church that is remaining faithful to God in spite of the persecution that they are facing. Paul encourages them to continue living grace-filled, loving lives of faith. The letter begins with thanksgiving. The church is demonstrating works, effort, and perseverance that comes through faith, hope, and love. The good news that Paul, Timothy, and Salvanus shared with them has been empowered by the Holy Spirit. Because of this, the church in Thessalonica has become an example to other churches and believers.

In chapter 2 Paul recalls their ministry in Thessalonica. He begins, “We had the courage through God to speak God’s good news in spite of a lot of opposition.” Perhaps this example has given strength to this church in their own suffering. Paul recalls their ministry as gentle. It was a joy to preach to and to live alongside them. The church saw how “holy, just, and blameless” Paul and companions were when amongst them. Paul remembers how they appealed to, encouraged, and pleaded with them to “live lives worthy of the God who is calling you.”

Paul then rejoices that the believers in Thessalonica are doing just that. He sees how they are imitators of the churches back in Judea – staying faithful even in their suffering. Paul expresses a longing to visit them again. But “Satan stopped us.” So he sent Timothy, who came back greatly encouraged by the faith of the Thessalonican church. This increases Paul’s desire to visit and it also increases his prayers for this church. Paul prays for strengthened hearts and for them to be “blameless in holiness.” Thus they will be ready when the Lord Jesus returns. May we be ready too!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for this witness to faithful living. As we read of their faith, love, and hope in you, may these grow in our hearts. As we read of their good works and courageous endurance, may our faith be strengthened and encouraged. Build us up, O God, to be who and what you call us to be as witnesses to the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen.


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One in Christ

Reading: Philippians 1-2

Philippians 2:3 – “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As is his custom, Paul begins his letter to the Philippians with thanksgiving and prayer. He is “full of joy” because of the ministry in Philippi. Paul is sure that God will complete the work begun by these “partners in God’s grace.” Paul prays for their love and for their knowledge of Christ to grow. Then they will truly “filled with the fruit of righteousness.”

Paul then acknowledges that his hardships and imprisonment have actually advanced the gospel. Those in Rome are learning about Christ and others have become bolder in their proclamation of the gospel. Paul then expressed a longing to be with Christ. Yet, for their sake, he recognizes that it is more important for him to “stay in the world.” He can help them to joyfully grow in the faith. He challenges those in the church in Philippi to “live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.” This will require them to stand firm, both in the face of hardship and suffering.

In chapter 2 Paul invites the church to imitate Christ. He invites them to be unified with Christ and with one another. He encourages them, saying, “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.” Paul then unpacks what this all looks like. Jesus “emptied himself” and he humbled himself by “becoming obedient to death.” Because of Jesus’ living faith, at his name one day all will bow and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Therefore, Paul says, be blameless and pure, trusting in God’s power to live out their own faith, shining “like stars” in this “crooked and corrupt” world. All of this is possible when they “hold onto the word of life,” Jesus Christ. May it be so for us this day and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, encourage our walk of faith and fill us with all joy. Lead and guide us to yield the fruit of righteousness as we share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. Make us one in Christ, one body created to humbly serve in love. Amen.


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The Armor of Love

Reading: Ephesians 5-6

Ephesians 5:8 – “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, so live your life as children of light.”

As we close out Ephesians today, Paul continues to explain how to live as followers of Jesus Christ. He begins by encouraging us to “imitate God” by “following the example of Christ.” Paul reminds us next of what this is not. It is not sexual immortality or greed or obscene language. These are not kingdom-worthy behaviors. Paul tells them, “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, so live your life as children of light.” Here Paul uses darkness and light as states of being, not as adjectives that describe something that changes with the time of day. This sharp contrast is intentional. This is why Paul encouraged us to “test everything” to see if it is pleasing to God. More recently the idea to test everything was carried on WWJD bracelets…

Paul encourages us to be filled with the Spirit as we worship and praise God, as we offer our thanksgiving to God, as we submit to one another “out of respect for Christ.” Paul is continuing his “follow the example” thoughts here. He calls on us to love one another just as Christ loves us. In this way we will build up one another and the church, bringing each into a deeper holiness and into a stronger faith. Paul also applies these ideas to parents and children then to slaves and masters, a reality given up long ago. Today we could apply the latter to business owners and employees.

Ephesians closes with a well-known passage about the armor of God. He first acknowledges the spiritual battle that is always going on. He uses a Roman soldier’s armor as the analogy but underneath it all are the core tenants of our belief: truth, justice, the good news, faith, salvation, the Holy Spirit. These allow us to stand and to win the battle. With this “armor” may we too hang in there and pray for one another.

Prayer: Lord God, it comes down to love. To follow the example of Christ is to love you with all that we are and to love others as Christ loves us. To love, therefore, means to do no harm. To love means to give all of self to you and to others. To love means to do and be good. May it be so. Amen.


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The Lord’s Commendation

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 8-10

2nd Corinthians 9:8 – “You will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work.”

Today’s reading first focuses on giving generously and then shifts to a call to general obedience in chapter 10. Paul takes up a call to support the church in Jerusalem. A famine in Judea has brought poverty upon them. The church in Macedonia, Paul shares, has given very generously even though they have problems there too. He reminds them that they began the collection well and calls them to finish well. Paul tells them that he is sending Titus and another brother to help them complete this work. Paul invites the Corinthians to “show them the proof of your love,” setting for them an example.

Paul wants their gift to be a “real” gift – not forced. He reminds the church that those who sow seeds generously reap generous crops. Encouraging them to give what they decide in their hearts, Paul speaks of God’s power: “You will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work.” God will supply them all that they need in the future. There may come a time when they receive from the church in Jerusalem. But for now, as they support their brothers and sisters, those in Jerusalem will give thanks and will pray for the church in Corinth.

Paul addresses his authority as he calls for obedience in chapter 10. Some in Corinth feel that Paul’s letters are “powerful and severe” but that Paul is shy and weak when in person. Paul invites them to obedience, lest they feel his authority given by God when he visits. He reminds the church that it was he and his companions that first brought the gospel to Corinth. Paul closes with a reminder that it is the Lord’s commendation that matters. May this be the approval that we seek as well.

Prayer: Lord God, create in us generous and obedient hearts. Empower each of us to step forward in faith, trusting in your loving provision. Through the power of our love for you, may others experience your love for them. Amen.


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One in Spirit

Reading: 1st Corinthians 4-6

1st Corinthians 6:19 – “Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you?”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

Paul begins by defining his role as a “servant of Christ” and as a “manager of God’s secrets.” Being faithful is the given expectation. The time to evaluate this will come when Jesus returns. Then people’s motivations will be revealed. In the present, though, the apostles are physically hard-pressed and they are dishonored, insulted, harassed, and attacked. In return, they work hard, bless, and encourage. Paul invites the believers to follow his example and to listen to Timothy’s teaching. He warns the arrogant: “God’s kingdom isn’t about words but about power.” Today we might say, “Talk is cheap.”

In chapters 5 and 6 Paul addresses many immoral behaviors within the church. A man is sleeping with his mother-in-law. Paul instructs the church to “hand him over to Satan” so that this weakness is destroyed. Paul warns about allowing evil to exist in the church. It is like yeast that spreads through the whole body. Paul adds greed, idolatry, abuse, drunkenness, and theft to the list of immoral behaviors. He reminds the church that their bodies are “part of Christ” and are “temples of the Holy Spirit.” Paul declares that they have been “bought and paid for.” Therefore they should “honor God with your body.”

Paul also touches on the lawsuits amongst the believers. The fact that this is happening means “you’ve already lost your case.” He isn’t talking about their court cases here. Doing wrong to and cheating a fellow believer has no place in the family of God. Instead, may we be “joined to the Lord,” becoming “one in Spirit” with Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, guide and lead us to be people of moral and upright lives. Empower us to be temples of your Spirit. Enable and encourage us to hold one another accountable to you. Instead of big sticks, grant us a spirit of gentleness and love when we deal with one another. And when we stray or wander, may we receive correction with humility and grace. Amen.


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Not Even My Life

Reading: Acts 18-20

Acts 20:24 – “But nothing, not even my life, is more important than my completing my mission… to testify about the good news of God’s grace.”

Moving on to Corinth, Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, two believers forced out of Rome when Emperor Claudius expelled all the Jews. In Corinth, Paul teaches first in the synagogue on each Sabbath. Once Silas and Timothy arrive, Paul preaches daily. This leads to Jewish opposition which leads Paul to teaching only the Gentiles. Many come to believe in Jesus Christ. In a vision God encourages Paul to keep speaking, assuring him of God’s protection. This is evident as the Jews unite and drag Paul before Governor Gallio. He summarily dismisses them.

Paul leaves Corinth and works his way to Ephesus, preaching along the way. Apollos has been successfully teaching about Jesus in Ephesus. He meets Priscilla and Aquila, who teach him more about Jesus. They send him on to Achaia with their blessing. When Paul arrives he educates the new believers about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which they receive. Paul teaches first in the synagogue, until opposition arises. He shifts again to the Gentiles, teaching for two years in a lecture hall. The power of God at work is evident in amazing ways – towels and aprons touched by Paul bring healing to people.

We also read of a “great disturbance” stirred up by Demetrius. Paul’s work is threatening their livelihood and their god Artemis. Demetrius’ words lead to a riot. Paul is warned against going to speak – by city officials. The city manager goes and calms and then dismisses the crowd. Paul’s influence is wide.

Paul and seven others then make their way to Traos. Here he resuscitates a young man who falls asleep and then falls out of a third story window during Paul’s preaching. Moving on to Ephesus, Paul gathers the church elders. Reminding them of his faithful example, he encourages them to continue the ministry. He warns them of “savage wolves” and to “Stay alert!” He also speaks of prison and troubles that await him. As words of both encouragement and example, Paul declares, “But nothing, not even my life, is more important than my completing my mission… to testify about the good news of God’s grace.” Entrusting the Ephesian church to this same grace, Paul leaves these that he will not see again, heading for Jerusalem.

Prayer: Lord God, Paul continues his mission and ministry, place by place, person by person. He remains faithful to the mission of sharing the good news of your grace. Troubles come and your Holy Spirit guides his through. Lord, fill us with this same Spirit. Lead and guide us to walk in faith each day. Amen.


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As Jesus First Loved

Reading: John 13 and 14

John 13:34 – “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must love each other.”

As his time nears, Jesus demonstrates humble service, a form of love. During the meal, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. This dirty job was normally done by a slave. Peter, recognizing the upside-down nature of what’s happening, protests Jesus washing his feet. Jesus persuades him and later explains that if the Lord and teacher washes feet, so too must they. This is a practical example of what Jesus says later in chapter 13: “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must love each other.” Love will do anything for the other.

This commandment comes after it is revealed that Judas is the betrayer. Jesus then tells Judas to do it quickly. Judas exits into the night. Jesus tells the disciples that they cannot go where he is going right now. One day they will. Peter declares, “Lord… I’ll give up my life for you.” No, Jesus says, first you’ll deny me three times – “before the rooster crows.”

Jesus offers words of great assurance and comfort in chapter 14. Calling them to trust over fear, Jesus tells them there is a room in heaven prepared for them. One day he will take them to dwell with him there in eternity. Because Jesus lives on, they too will live on. Into their confusion Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus assures them that they know the way because they have seen the Father and have heard the Father’s words, both revealed in and through Jesus. Because of this, whatever they ask in his name, it will be given to them.

Jesus then promises them the Companion – the Holy Spirit. Jesus and God “will come… and make our home with them.” Dwelling in the heart of all believers, the Spirit will teach and remind us of the words, will, and way of Jesus. Through this, the Spirit will empower believers to live as Jesus first loved us. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, today we see that loving as you loved involves doing the lowly yet simple as well as the costly and sacrificial. Your love knows no bounds, no limits, no conditions. Through the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit may we love as you have loved each day. Amen.


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So It Was… So It Must Be

Reading: Matthew 19-20

Matthew 20:26-27 – “Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave.”

Today’s readings center on the upside-down and countercultural life that Jesus calls his followers to. He first addresses divorce in an exchange with the Pharisees. They want to know if Jesus thinks it is ok to divorce one’s wife for any reason. The fact is the Law has been watered down to accommodate human desires. Jesus goes back to Genesis, declaring God’s intent: “Humans must not pull apart what God has put together.”

After blessing the children because “the kingdom belongs to people like these children,” Jesus encounters a rich man. He wants to know what “good thing” he must do to have eternal life. He’s kept the commandments, but feels like he’s missing something. That tug on the heart is there. Jesus tells him that to be “complete” he must go and sell all, giving the money to the poor. He cannot do this. Saddened, he goes away. Peter asks about the disciples leaving all for Jesus. The reward will be great for those who leave home, family… to follow Jesus.

To perhaps temper this reward mentality Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard. An owner hires workers early in the morning to work for one denarion, a typical day’s wage. He also hires at 9, noon, 3, and 5. At the end of the day the owner instructs his manager to work backwards. He first pays those who’ve worked an hour a denarion. The all-day workers also receive a denarion. They grumble, thinking they deserve more. They are resentful of the owner’s generosity. So it is with us sometimes as we see God freely granting mercy.

After again predicting his death and resurrection, James and John’s mother requests places of supreme honor in heaven for her sons. Perhaps she thinks they’ve given up the most to follow Jesus. Her request is denied. Her asking angers the rest of the 12. Jesus calls them all in and tells them, “Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave.” So it was with Jesus. So it must be with us.

Prayer: Lord God, again and again today we hear the calls to place both you and others before self, to be humble and generous, to honor you in all we do. When we seek to walk in these ways we can bump up against the ways of the world that elevate self as #1 and preach “Gather, gather, gather!” In those moments of temptation, remind us of our call to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, following his example of servant to all. Amen.