Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:12-18 ESV)
Lesson Focus: Actions speak louder than words
We have looked at Christ as an example of, and inspiration for, humility. Now Paul uses elements of his own life.
Impression: Jesus’ ministry was full of sacrificial service. Since it is He who works in us, sacrificial service will highlight our ministries as well.
“work out your own salvation”
Origins is a body of believers who focus foremost on grace for the basis of our faith. While Paul preached this doctrine with great passion, there are a few passages in his letters where he carefully balances that emphasis with a call to action, or “works”.
“with fear and trembling”
It is so easy to see God as a big cosmic police officer who is waiting for you to mess up so he can punish you. Actually, Paul has no sympathy for that cold, dead way of seeing things with an emphasis on sin and failure. He means, seek God in your struggle knowing that your growth my entail just discipline from a perfectly just Father.
“it is God who works in you”
God must work in us before He can work through us. He does that in three ways; Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and prayer. (Ephesians 3:14-20, 1 Timothy 2:13)
“you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life”
When we serve regardless of sacrifice, we are showcasing the unity we have in Christ. That unity sets us apart as the family of God. Paul describes the follower as a beacon in this world and as an athlete firmly passing the baton so as not to stumble and “run in vain.”
“Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering”
Finally Paul describes himself as a drink offering to emphasis that a submissive mind leads to sacrificial service.
Personal Time: Evaluate your personal spiritual disciplines, and your call to sacrificial service. (Remember to consider motive – why are you doing what you are doing?)
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Riverbend Chimes In
Just a little somethin' from the Riverbend...
Had a great time Sunday night. On top of the great food, we had a cool object lesson from Janet to illustrate the passage. She placed a few shells in a clear container representing our lives. Then poured in water to represent God's presence. Then, with Mackenzie's assistance, other shells were added to represent the "self" stuff we add in. Worry about work, finances, future, relationships, material stuff, etc. We all chimed in our own suggestions. Soon, the "self stuff" began to displace the water, crowding out God's presence. A vivid picture of what the emptying of self can make room for in one's life if we are willing, and what the focusing on self can crowd out.
It's a challenge to be empty of oneself, especially when we percieve we are "owed." Jesus, truly deserving His place as God, chose to empty Himself for us. It's another level of His suffering that we don't often consider. As lent is here and we often focus on the physical pain He endured, it's sobering for me to consider the mental and emotional humiliation He went through. We can all identify, being at some time or another denied a place in life that we felt was truly ours.
Perhaps we will never truly understand what was endured for us on the cross, and even in Jesus' day to day life. It's humbling to be given a gift so huge I will never be able to fathom it.
Love to all the Origins fam. Dwayne and the kids and I will be visiting family for Easter and will miss you all terribly. We love you.
Had a great time Sunday night. On top of the great food, we had a cool object lesson from Janet to illustrate the passage. She placed a few shells in a clear container representing our lives. Then poured in water to represent God's presence. Then, with Mackenzie's assistance, other shells were added to represent the "self" stuff we add in. Worry about work, finances, future, relationships, material stuff, etc. We all chimed in our own suggestions. Soon, the "self stuff" began to displace the water, crowding out God's presence. A vivid picture of what the emptying of self can make room for in one's life if we are willing, and what the focusing on self can crowd out.
It's a challenge to be empty of oneself, especially when we percieve we are "owed." Jesus, truly deserving His place as God, chose to empty Himself for us. It's another level of His suffering that we don't often consider. As lent is here and we often focus on the physical pain He endured, it's sobering for me to consider the mental and emotional humiliation He went through. We can all identify, being at some time or another denied a place in life that we felt was truly ours.
Perhaps we will never truly understand what was endured for us on the cross, and even in Jesus' day to day life. It's humbling to be given a gift so huge I will never be able to fathom it.
Love to all the Origins fam. Dwayne and the kids and I will be visiting family for Easter and will miss you all terribly. We love you.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Impressions from Philippians 2:5-11
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 ESV)
Lesson Focus: Forget about yourself! (part 2)
This week we pick up “part two” of Paul's portrait of Christ as an example of, and inspiration for, humility.
Incarnation: (1) the embodiment of a deity or spirit in some earthly form; (2) capitalized : the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ
“Have this mind among yourselves” This is the third time (vs. 2) Paul has said that this is about a concept, “a mind” about how to live. There is no checklist here. If we have this mind “which is yours in Christ Jesus” we are indwelt with the actual mind of Christ.
“equality with God”
If Jesus had not set aside or put off his divine nature His actions on earth would have supported heresies like Mormonism, and Kabbalah.
“made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant”
κενόω - kenoō to make empty, that is, (figuratively) to abase, neutralize.
“obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”
Jesus went on a path to ultimate humility; first he became flesh, then sin, and finally a brutal humiliating death on a cross between two thieves.
“God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name”
We worship a resurrected, living God who conquered sin and death to give us a life of peace that surpasses all human understanding. With this newness of life comes the mind of Christ. A divine mindset that pursues love wholeheartedly for the glory of God the Father.
Impression: Christ Jesus made himself nothing to make it possible for us to do the same for Him.
Personal Time: “Jesus clarify your impression on my life”
Lesson Focus: Forget about yourself! (part 2)
This week we pick up “part two” of Paul's portrait of Christ as an example of, and inspiration for, humility.
Incarnation: (1) the embodiment of a deity or spirit in some earthly form; (2) capitalized : the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ
“Have this mind among yourselves” This is the third time (vs. 2) Paul has said that this is about a concept, “a mind” about how to live. There is no checklist here. If we have this mind “which is yours in Christ Jesus” we are indwelt with the actual mind of Christ.
“equality with God”
If Jesus had not set aside or put off his divine nature His actions on earth would have supported heresies like Mormonism, and Kabbalah.
“made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant”
κενόω - kenoō to make empty, that is, (figuratively) to abase, neutralize.
“obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”
Jesus went on a path to ultimate humility; first he became flesh, then sin, and finally a brutal humiliating death on a cross between two thieves.
“God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name”
We worship a resurrected, living God who conquered sin and death to give us a life of peace that surpasses all human understanding. With this newness of life comes the mind of Christ. A divine mindset that pursues love wholeheartedly for the glory of God the Father.
Impression: Christ Jesus made himself nothing to make it possible for us to do the same for Him.
Personal Time: “Jesus clarify your impression on my life”
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Impressions from Philippians 2:1-4
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4 ESV)
Lesson Focus: Forget about yourself!
There must have been some discontent in Philippi because Paul is urging the church to seek unity. In this passage He brings back (vs. 2:3) the destructive motives observed in the Romans in verse 1:15 “Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.” In this chapter Paul gave us four godly examples of the divine humility that produces unity.*
Jesus (1-4)
Jesus (5-11) – part two
Paul (12-18)
Timothy (19-24)
Epaphroditus (25-30)
What motivations us to seek unity?
“if there is any encouragement in Christ”
Our relationship with Christ should be enough.
It was enough for Jesus - (John 8:28-29)
“any comfort from love”
ἀγάπη agapē - the ultimate love that cannot be accessed without the Holy Spirit, the love of your enemy.
“any participation in the Spirit”
if any fellowship of the Spirit – KJV Our fellowship as brothers and sisters in Christ.
“any affection and sympathy”
Paul was reaching for the deepest of our feelings for one another.
“complete my joy”
Paul pleaded that they (we) gather all these motivations and love each other with the mind of Christ.
“but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
This has been used by those who lean toward continued depravity of the believer to support their view of “just a sinner saved by grace."
Humility is not self loathing to the point that those around you are lifting up to some kind of false caring. True humility is placing a divine value on others that exceeds the value of your own desires.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Humility is not a vow of poverty.
Where should we find humility, and what will it look like?
Impression: Humility is not a human attribute. Jesus is the divine standard of humility. Humility is not thinking of one’s self as depraved (i.e. a lowly sinner); it is not thinking of yourself at all.
Personal Time: “Lord, who are you leading me to invest in?”
* from Wiersbe's Expository Outlines
Lesson Focus: Forget about yourself!
There must have been some discontent in Philippi because Paul is urging the church to seek unity. In this passage He brings back (vs. 2:3) the destructive motives observed in the Romans in verse 1:15 “Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.” In this chapter Paul gave us four godly examples of the divine humility that produces unity.*
Jesus (1-4)
Jesus (5-11) – part two
Paul (12-18)
Timothy (19-24)
Epaphroditus (25-30)
What motivations us to seek unity?
“if there is any encouragement in Christ”
Our relationship with Christ should be enough.
It was enough for Jesus - (John 8:28-29)
“any comfort from love”
ἀγάπη agapē - the ultimate love that cannot be accessed without the Holy Spirit, the love of your enemy.
“any participation in the Spirit”
if any fellowship of the Spirit – KJV Our fellowship as brothers and sisters in Christ.
“any affection and sympathy”
Paul was reaching for the deepest of our feelings for one another.
“complete my joy”
Paul pleaded that they (we) gather all these motivations and love each other with the mind of Christ.
“but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
This has been used by those who lean toward continued depravity of the believer to support their view of “just a sinner saved by grace."
Humility is not self loathing to the point that those around you are lifting up to some kind of false caring. True humility is placing a divine value on others that exceeds the value of your own desires.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Humility is not a vow of poverty.
Where should we find humility, and what will it look like?
Impression: Humility is not a human attribute. Jesus is the divine standard of humility. Humility is not thinking of one’s self as depraved (i.e. a lowly sinner); it is not thinking of yourself at all.
Personal Time: “Lord, who are you leading me to invest in?”
* from Wiersbe's Expository Outlines
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Impressions from Philippians 1:27-30
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
(Philippians 1:27-30 ESV)
Lesson Focus: Stand firm in the midst of whatever persecution you encounter.
“manner of life” - politeuomai - to live as a citizen
The root of this word is where we get our English word polity. Paul was saying, let the fact that you are a citizen of the Kingdom of God guide you to conduct yourself in a way that is worthy of the price Jesus paid for your “manner of life.”
Paul got more specific about this conduct; warning the Philippians to stand firm in one spirit. What would that look like? It would look like a church being of one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.
How will Origins strive for the faith of the gospel?
Philippi was an important Roman outpost protected by Roman soldiers. A major responsibility of these soldiers was to protect legal religions and destroy those that were illegal. These people had already seen Paul and Silas in jail in their own midst.
They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice." The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.It would present a challenge to trust God enough not [to be] frightened in anything by your opponents.
(Acts 16:21-23)
Have you ever been mocked, penalized, or even attacked just for speaking the truth?
“a clear sign to them of their destruction”
When we suffer for the gospel it speaks volumes to non-believers about how much we value our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Impression: The degree to which you will suffer for something denotes its worth. Jesus suffered and died to give you life. (Citizenship in the Kingdom of God)
Personal Time: A prayer – “Lord reveal to me those things that I value more than I should.”
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
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