Week 20, Day 5: Paul’s Guilt Trip?
Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-3:16
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
The book of Philemon is often overlooked, or glossed over in a study of the New Testament. It is such a short book (only one chapter) that it is easy to overlook, especially if we miss the important lessons being addressed. Some may think that this letter is nothing more than a “guilt trip” by the apostle Paul to force Philemon to take his slave, Onesimus, back without question. And, Paul does seem to lay the guilt on Philemon some in the letter. But, the purpose of the book is far more important than that!
Paul in other passages taught about the responsibilities of Christians who were masters, and Christians who were slaves. Masters were to treat their servants fairly, and slaves were to serve their masters faithfully (as long as it didn’t cause a conflict with their spiritual service to God). But, this case has both the servant and the slave as being brothers in Christ. Notice that Paul did not require that Philemon release Onesimus, but rather encouraged him to take him back as a slave, and so much more as a brother (Philemon 1:15-16). Paul’s letter to Philemon emphasized the changed relationship between Philemon and Onesimus. Onesimus, being a faithful Christian at this point, was dedicated to returning to his master, and serving him faithfully. He had done wrong by running away, and he was going to make it right in his return to Philemon. But the relationship had changed for Philemon as well. It was within his rights to punish the slave who had deserted his responsibilities, but now that slave was a brother in Christ. He had a responsibility to take him back, and to exercise that relationship above that of the master/slave relationship. Certainly, even if he remained a slave, Onesimus would be a great asset to his master. But, Paul is encouraging Philemon to see the greater value in Onesimus. He would be a co-worker in the kingdom of the Lord, and that was far greater than anything that Onesimus could accomplish as a mere slave.
Paul did pressure Philemon in this letter to do what he would like to have done. He told Philemon how he would like to have Onesimus stay with him, and minister to him, but that he would not keep him there without the approval of Philemon. It seems that Paul is asking for Onesimus, and that he wants Philemon to know how beneficial he could be. Whether he returned to Paul, or stayed with Philemon, at least Philemon would know the value of Onesimus. Paul also told Philemon that he would repay him for any monetary loss caused by Onesimus’ actions. However, judging from the friendship that is evident from this letter, surely Philemon would never call upon Paul to repay any such debt. This is probably Paul’s way of convincing Philemon to forgive the debt of Onesimus. In verse Philemon 1:19, Paul as he discussed the debt of Onesimus, reminded Philemon that he owed Paul “his own self” (probably indicating that Paul had converted him). Surely with that information in his mind, Philemon could not refuse the return of Onesimus, or require some repayment on his part.
The beauty of this letter is the relationships that are developed between the Christians involved. Paul was a friend to both Philemon and Onesimus, and sought to restore peace between these two brethren. Onesimus, the new convert was determined to do the right thing, even though it would not be easy to do. Philemon was called upon remember his friendship with Paul, and accept Onesimus back on his word. Assuming that Philemon did as Paul asked, the end result was a difficult situation relieved, and brethren being at peace and loving one another with a pure heart.
Week 20, Day 4: The Power of Prayer
Today’s Reading: Philemon 1:1-25; 1 Timothy 1:1-20
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
The book of James ends on a similar topic to what it started with: talking to God, or prayer. The last chapter of James emphasizes the power of prayer, and encourages us to use this valuable tool that God has blessed us with. James 5:13-18 certainly is not without controversy. I think that much of the controversy surrounding this passage is really without merit, though it does warrant some very thoughtful (and prayerful) study.
James encourages us to pray under various circumstances in this passage, and demonstrates the effectiveness or power of prayer through these circumstances. Is anyone suffering? Let him pray (James 5:13). Certainly “suffering” is a very broad term with many different applications. It has to do with undergoing hardships. So, if you are going through difficult times, whatever the conditions of that hardship, James encourages you to go to God in prayer. Obviously God can help under these circumstances, else James wouldn’t tell you to pray!
The controversial part for many people starts in verse 14. “Is anyone sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. “ This has been the subject of debate for a long time. Should we be doing this today? There have been many who have argued that this is applicable to spiritual sickness, and was only a symbolic custom of the day, and therefore we should not be doing it. Others argue that it was a part of the implementation of spiritual gifts, and was a part of miraculous healing. Most people have come to the conclusion that we don’t have to do these things today.
This is certainly not a thorough discussion of these verses, but I would like you to consider the possibility that this is a practice we can (and perhaps should) participate in today. First, this practice seems to entail the “curing” of both physical and spiritual sickness. Consider that in James 5:15, James speaks of raising up the one that is sick, AND if he hath committed sins they will be forgiven. Now, perhaps the sickness is only a spiritual weakness that does not involve sin. Certainly, one who is weak, or struggling with temptation (though not yet giving in to it) would classify in this category. This seems to be a possibility in verse 16, where confessing ones faults and praying for one another would lead to being “healed.” But, the possibility also exists that James is speaking in verse 15 about physical ailment. The language provides for that contrast to be present. So, the practice of “calling the elders” and letting them “pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” could have been conducted for one who was physically ill, or one who had some spiritual ailment. But, it is clear that the practice was done in the first century.
The question is, should it be brought forward to today? There is nothing in this passage that indicates that the practice was cultural in nature. James’ letter is one of the more “generic” letters in the New Testament in that it is not addressed to any one location. So, to conclude that this is “cultural practice” and nothing more is reading something into the passage. There is also nothing in the passage that indicates that this practice was tied to the implementation of spiritual gifts. In fact, as James gives the example of Elijah, he states that Elijah had a “nature like ours.” Elijah was given the ability to work miracles, but the example used by James is one in which Elijah asked God to do something, not an example where God worked a miracle through the hand of Elijah. The point seems to be that James wanted us to see Elijah as being a man just as we are, and he could pray and elicit powerful reaction and help from God. The same is true for us!
So, without some indication as to why this practice would be reserved solely for the first century, it must be assumed that the practice is a valid one today. Should we call for elders to pray over us if we have either a physical or spiritual ailment? Surely these men would be the best to petition God on our behalf! Certainly the practice of praying for one another is not in question. But, what about the practice of anointing with oil? There is no indication that this practice was to go by the wayside. Besides, what harm would be done by following the practice instituted by an inspired writer? Even if it was not a necessary practice, the condemnation of it as “unbiblical” is unfair to the text.
This seems to be a passage that many people spend more time finding a reason not to practice, than it would take to put into practice!
Week 20, Day 3: Show Me Your Faith
Today’s Reading: James 4:1-5:20
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
James chapter 2 is one of the most troubling chapters in the Bible for many people in the religious world. The predominant belief is that men are saved by “faith only” and that works is practically a taboo. But, James is clear that the two must exist together, and his argument (inspired to be sure) is very logical. What good is it for a person to have faith, if they have not works to show it? The point is illustrated in James 2:15-16 by James saying that we may know of a person who needs clothing or food, but if we don’t do something to provide those things for them, then we have not helped them at all. If all we do is say, “Depart, be warmed and filled,” we have really not done anything for them.
The argument may rage about who has faith, and how much they might have. James points out that faith by itself in the spiritual realm is pretty useless as well–even the devils have faith! Faith by itself, that is without works, is dead (James 2:20). James then used the example of Abraham to illustrate that works were necessary to show faith. How could Abraham prove his faith if he had not acted to offer his son, just as God had commanded? James said that Abraham’s works his faith was made perfect.
James 2:24 is one of the most condemning verses to those who believe that men are saved by faith only. It states quite clearly that we are justified by works, and not by “faith only.” This is the only verse in the whole Bible that has the words “faith” and “only” together, and it is in the negative: “not by faith only.”
The writings of James in this passage have to be summarily dismissed to accept the doctrine of faith only. We are not willing to dismiss any teaching of an inspired writer, and so we will accept that works are a necessary part of faith, and without them we cannot be saved. It is another study to figure out what those works are, but we certainly should not dismiss them and leave them undone!
Week 20, Day 2: Pray With Confidence!
Today’s Reading: James 2:1-3:18
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
It seems that many Christians have lost their faith in prayer. They will still say their prayers. They will even lead some beautiful prayers in the assembly of God’s people. But, in their actions, they seem to have lost their confidence in prayer. Perhaps this is because so many have decided that God is not active today, and therefore cannot or will not answer their prayers.
James gives instructions to us that should remind us to have confidence in our prayers. He tells us if we lack something, to ask of God and He will provide. Notice, the example that James uses is that of wisdom. If any one lacks wisdom…(James 1:5). Of course, every one of us needs more wisdom, so we need to be asking of God! But then James gives a few criteria for us to consider.
First, James tells us that we need to ask God. Why should we have to ask, if God already knows what we need? Because He wants us to come to Him! He wants us to have to acknowledge that we need Him, and rely upon Him. If we never have to ask Him for anything, how long would it be before we were completely forgetting about Him?
Next, James tells us that we need to ask without doubting. The one who doubts is like one on the ocean, being tossed about by the wind (James 1:6). Do we really have faith that God can provide what we ask for? How often do we pray for the sick, but think in the back of our minds that they are not going to get better? Or how often do we go through the motions of praying for the sick or afflicted but never really consider what we are praying for? In other words, do we pray with “vain repetitions” (Matthew 6:7)? We need to pray with the confidence that God can provide whatever we ask, if we ask according to His will. James tells us that the man who asks God, but doubts is “double minded” and “unstable” and should not expect to receive anything at all from God (James 1:7-8).
When we go to God in prayer, we need to remember James’ words. God can provide the things that are within His will (1 John 5:14). We need not try to take advantage of God, and then accuse Him of not answering our prayers. We need to examine His word and figure out what is “according to His will” so that we can ask in faith, without doubting. This doesn’t mean that God’s answer will always be exactly what we want, but we should have confidence that God can provide what we ask of Him!
Week 20, Day 1: The Great Cloud of Witnesses
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 13:1-25; James 1:1-27
Some thoughts from Friday’s reading…
Hebrews 11 has to be one of the most inspirational passages in the New Testament. It is often called the “Hall of Faith” because it depicts such an impressive list of faithful biblical characters. The purpose is to provide examples for us, showing us characteristics that we should try to emulate. As chapter 12 starts, we are encouraged to remain faithful through whatever trials may confront us, because these great characters of faith are watching and cheering us on. The imagery used by the inspired writer is one of a race, and the witnesses are those who are in the stands watching the race. In this case, they have run the race themselves, and have completed it. They are waiting on the rest of us to finish and are giving all the encouragement that they can to us so that we will finish the race as well.
Because of their encouragement, we should put aside those things that would trip us up in this life. We need to get rid of all the sin in our lives, and not keep it laying around our feet, where it will continually trip us up and cause us to have even greater labor in running the race. Instead, we should run unencumbered, and with endurance. This race is indeed an endurance race, and not a sprint. We need to remain steady in our focus, and be resolved to finish this race, no matter how difficult it may become!
Finally, the writer reminds us that we have Jesus as the perfect example. He was able to succeed in living a perfect life, and withstood the tribulations that were brought upon Him, because He looked to the joy that was set before Him. He didn’t look at the trials of life, but rather looked beyond them to the reward He would receive for His faithfulness. We need to have the same kind of mindset. We need to look beyond the trials we face here, and gain strength from the hope of the reward that awaits us if we will remain faithful!
Week 19, Day 5: Insufficient Sacrifices…
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 11:1-12:29
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
In yesterday’s post, I mentioned that the Old Covenant was intentionally flawed. We can see, in Hebrews 9 and 10 why this was true. God intended for the Old Covenant to be insufficient, only preparing the way for the perfect New Covenant. In Hebrews 10:1-4, the Hebrew writer shows one of the ways that the Old Covenant was flawed–it could not forgive sins. The sacrifice of animals could not take away sins, but was only a shadow of the things to come (the sacrifice of Christ).
The sacrifices of the Old Testament covenant were only a reminder of sins year by year. All of the animal sacrifices ever offered would have been useless if Christ had not been offered to take away the sins of the world. Understanding that God designed the Old Testament covenant to be incomplete indicates that He made that covenant intentionally flawed. He never intended it to be the perfect covenant that would come later.
It is rather interesting to notice that God required imperfect animal sacrifices for so long. Think of how many thousands, and perhaps millions of animals were sacrificed. In all of that sacrifice, the Hebrew writer tells us that there was no forgiveness of sins. The “blood of bulls and goats” proved to be lacking all that was necessary. But, the perfect sacrifice came, and ensured the salvation of those that faithfully executed the Law that had been given to them.
We live under the perfect, unflawed covenant. We should recognize the blessings that we have that far surpass what was available in the times of old!
Week 19, Day 4: A Better Covenant
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 9:1-10:39
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
The book of Hebrews is so full of great information, it is very difficult to pick just one section to write about! Today, I’d like you to think about a few verses from chapter 8. In Hebrews 8:7-13, the writer addresses the concept of how much better the New Covenant is than the Old. Obviously, if the first had been without fault, there would be no reason for a second or “new” covenant (Hebrews 8:7). This new covenant would be so much better because it would realize the relationship between God and man that God had always wanted. Even in the Old Testament, God wanted His people to be faithful to Him so that He could maintain a relationship with them. Now, in the New Covenant that relationship is established. Those who refuse to be the people of God are not a part of His nation (something that was not true under the Old Testament Covenant).
In this New Covenant, the law would be written on the hearts, and in the minds of those that were faithful to God. Everyone would know the Lord, for they would not have to be taught Him after entering the covenant (like those in the Old Testament who entered the covenant at 8 days old).
The greatest part of this new covenant is found in Hebrews 8:12. God would forgive and forget the lawless deeds of His people. The Hebrew writer over the next couple of chapters will continue to show the greatness of the New Covenant, and how the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant was (intentionally) flawed. There was no forgiveness of sins in that Covenant, but only in the New that was based on a better sacrifice.
We are blessed to live under this New Covenant. We have our sins forgiven, something that the faithful of old only looked forward to. May we never forget how important this blessing is, and remember those who were faithful to God in times past, and were a part of bringing this wonderful New Covenant to us!
Week 19, Day 3: You Ought to Be Teachers
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 7:1-8:13
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
In Hebrews 5:12-14, the writer rebuked the Hebrew Christians for not developing as they should. They had been Christians long enough to be teaching others, but instead, they were needing to be taught again. These Christians had the opportunity to grow, and be more useful in the kingdom, but they had failed to do so. The reason that this had happened was that they had not moved on beyond the milk of the word.
The same thing will happen with us if we refuse to study the word of God. If we are content to stay with the first principles of the will of God, then we will always be babes in the Faith. If that happened in the natural realm, we would be shocked and astonished. Imagine a parent feeding their teenager only milk, and then wondering why he is so unhealthy! And yet, that is exactly what happens spiritually. We teach or study only the milk of the word, and never dig deeper into the meat of the word.
We must be diligent to conscientiously grow in the Faith or we will fall backwards. If we are not using our knowledge, and adding to it, we will begin to forget it all. This is much like learning any other subject. I learned algebra, trigonometry and even some calculus while in school, but if I had to solve a problem in any of those subjects now, I could never do it. I have not used those skills for over 10 years, and have forgotten how to use them. If we fail to use the skills we learn as Christians, then we will forget them in just the same way. That was the problem with the Hebrew Christians. When they should have developed to the point of teaching others, they had to be taught again because they had stopped using their knowledge.
If we spend time in study every day, then we will have the knowledge that that is needed to share with others. We can ensure our own growth by being dedicated to constant study. Only if we develop properly can we take what we learn and teach it to others. That is our responsibility and should be our goal. Prepare yourself, and then teach others. Everyone is capable of learning, and teaching others at least to some extent. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you would be rebuked by God for not developing to the point that you should!
Week 19, Day 2: Our High Priest
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 5:1-6:20
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
At the end of Hebrews 4, the inspired writer tells us a little bit about our “High Priest.” Much of the book of Hebrews reflects on the Old Testament covenant, and shows how the New Covenant is much better than the Old. In Hebrews 4:14-16, we can see why the High Priest in the New Covenant is much better than the High Priest in the Old Covenant. The High Priests of old had great limitations. They were sinful men, who had to first offer a sacrifice for their own sins before they could offer a sacrifice for the people. But, the new High Priest is Jesus, who was sinless. But, being sinless did not mean that He was oblivious to our needs. He was tempted in “all points” just as we are. He faced the same kind of temptations and trials (to an even greater extent than we ever will!) and did not sin. He knows what we face and how hard it is for us. He knows our struggles, and because He knows He can help! He is the “great High Priest” who has passed through the heavens. And, if we understand just how great He is as our High Priest, it should encourage us to “hold fast our confession.” After all, how could we give up on one who has done so much for us?
Because Jesus understands what we have to go through, we can have confidence to go to God boldly in prayer. We can approach His throne of grace and obtain mercy and grace to help us in our times of need (Hebrews 4:16). One of the greatest spiritual blessings that we have is the ability to talk to God, and ask for help in times of need. If we have true faith in Him, it is not hard to turn to Him when we have needs in our lives, whether it be struggling with the matters of life (financial issues and such) or whether we are struggling with trials or temptations that constantly attack us. Knowing that Jesus has faced what we have to face should make us more willing to go to Him and ask for help in our struggles.
Our High Priest will indeed help us. Speaking to God and asking for help is not an exercise in futility. He is active today, and He will help us if we are willing to rely upon Him, ask according to His will, and ask with faith, nothing doubting (James 1:6). Don’t ever forget to use the avenue of prayer that God has opened up to us, so that we can have the full comfort offered by Him, and use all of the spiritual tools and blessings that he has made available to us! (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Week 19, Day 1: Lest We Drift Away
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 3:1-4:16
Some thoughts from Friday’s reading…
There is a theme throughout the book of Hebrews that warns about the possibility of separating ourselves from God, or “falling away”. It is interesting that many in the religious world teach the doctrine of “Once Saved, Always Saved” which teaches that it is impossible to be lost once you are “saved”. However, the book of Hebrews clearly contradicts that idea, with such passages as Hebrews 2:1. The inspired writer tells us to give heed to the things that have been taught, “lest we drift away.”
If we are not vigilant in our attention to God’s word, it will not be long before we drift away from it. It will seem less important to us. We will care less about it. We will start to consider its teachings far less when we make decisions in our lives. But, usually one does not simply turn away from God and His word. Rather, they will “drift away” from it. They will simply begin to allow a bit of space between them and God’s will. But, it does not take long before you will end up being far away from where you want to be, and far away from the comfort and the direction that God’s will can provide.
I can remember fishing in a canoe on a lake. It appeared that the water was still, and that we would be able to sit over a hole of catfish all night and fish. But, without an anchor, it was not long until the canoe was drifting. And then it picked up speed. Before long, we were approaching the edge of the lake, where the water spilled over the dam. This happened without us hardly noticing it! Spiritually, the same thing happens. If we do not have our anchor set (the things that we have heard from the scriptures) then we will begin to drift away. We may not even notice it at first. Other Christians around us may not notice it either. But, that doesn’t change the fact that we are allowing distance to span between us and God!
Another important point is to understand that it is indeed us who drift away. God is steadfast and immovable. He is going to remain constant. He is like the shore of the lake, staying in the same place. But, we are the ones who will drift away from Him. He will not force us to stay near to Him. He has provided the anchor for us…we must choose to use it!
So, let us give the more earnest heed to those things that have been revealed, that we might make them our anchor of the soul, lest we drift away from our God!