First Thessalonians 3:11-13: A Prayer to Increase and Abound in Love

First Thessalonians 3:11-13

Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Introduction

This prayer in First Thessalonians caught my attention last week when I heard a sermon preached on it. The prayer is interesting in how it tied "increase and abound in love" to "establishing (strengthening) our hearts" to "blameless in holiness" to the "coming of our Lord Jesus." From my commentaries, I was hoping some scholar would trace the connections between love, holiness, strengthening, and the parousia. The search was encouraging. Here are some notes I gathered some from some commentaries.

On “clear the way” or “direct your way”

The fact that Jesus is God is further highlighted by Paul’s use of singular verb (trans. “clear”) with a plural subject: “may He clear the way, even the Father and Jesus,” and “may They clear the way.”” One can hardly conceive of a stronger way for Paul to indicate his unquestioning acceptance of the lordship of Jesus and His oneness with the Father” (D. Emond Hiebert, The Thessalonian Epistles, p. 154) (Thomas L. Constable, Bible Knowledge Commentary, p. 699)

On “may the Lord make you increase and abound in love”

The Thessalonians were already noted for their love, but Paul prayed that it might abound—increase (pleonasai) and overflow (perisseusai)—even more. “Genuine Christian love … is the one thing in the Christian life which cannot be carried to excess” (Hiebert, The Thessalonian Epistles, p. 155). The image of love overflowing its container suggests that Christian love is something that wells up from within a person naturally. (Thomas L. Constable, Bible Knowledge Commentary, p. 700)

On “establish your hearts” or “strengthen your hearts”

The abounding for which he prays is in order that the Thessalonians may be unshaken even at the second coming … The prayer here is that God will so supply the needed buttress that the Thessalonians will remain firm and unmoved whatever the future may hold … Paul longs to see his converts delivered from all such instability. He prays that they may have such a sure basis in love that they will be delivered from all this sort of thing. If God gives them this good gift, he will establish their whole personality.
(Leon Morris, The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians, p. 110)

On “blameless in holiness”

But the thought is not exclusively ethical. The apostle goes on to bring in the notion of holiness, in which the basic idea is that of being set apart for God. Paul’s word is one that signifies the state rather than the process. In the Greek Old Testament it is used only of God himself, and in the New Testament it is applied to people in only one other passage (2. Cor. 7:1). Paul leaves no doubt as the wholeheartedness with which the Christian is given over to his Lord. The most usual designation of Christians in the New Testament is simply “the holy ones,” or, as we usually translate it, “the saints,” the word being from this same root. Believers do simply live uprightly; they belong to God and thus are set apart entirely for God’s services. Paul’s pray is that this may be fully realized among the Thessalonians.
(Leon Morris, The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians, p. 110)

The Engraved Christ: Zechariah 3:9

The Introduction

The vision in the third chapter of Zechariah is extremely encouraging. Zechariah is prophesizing to Judah after the return of some of the exiles to Jerusalem. The returned exiles are not making the building of the temple a priority. God gives a vision to Zechariah to encourage Joshua and the people of Israel. God promises that he will establish the priesthood and He is in control. All the promises in this vision are encouraging, but I want to focus on verse 9.

Zechariah 3:9
For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day.

Earlier in the passage, Joshua, the high priest of the nation is being accused by Satan. His clothing is besmudged and besmirched by sin. God who chose Jerusalem rebukes Satan. He defends Joshua and by extension the returning exiles as his choice. God has plucked Joshua and the exiles from Babylon as a "brand from the fire." (3:2). God has him stripped of his filthy clothes, gives him clean, white clothing, and provides assurances about the future. In verse 9, God sets before Joshua a stone with seven eyes. Since the stone seems to be related to removal of iniquity, the rebuilding of the the temple seems to be in view. Isaiah [Isaiah 28:16] and David [Psalm 118:22] refer to a stone that will establish Israel. The consensus here is that the stone refers to Christ in his priestly office.

The phrase "seven eyes" has many interpretations. The Apostle John in his first vision references seven spirits [Revelation 1:4]. Isaiah mentions the sevenfold fulness of the Holy Spirit given to the Messiah [Isaiah 11:2].The consensus from the several commentaries I checked is the "seven eyes" are the Holy Spirit resting upon Christ during his earthly ministry.

The Definition

What interested me in the passage is how do we interpret the verb "engrave"? The following quote best sums up what the word means:

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
This clause, however, is rather to be regarded as an additional promise. My eyes, I have said, are fixed upon the stone. My hand shall engrave upon it whatever is needed to beautify and fit it for the place of honour it is to hold. The word here used for “engrave” occurs three times in Exodus 28, in the expression “engravings of a signet;” twice of the jewels in the High Priest’s dress (11, 21), once of the golden plate on his mitre (36). It is used, however, of a bolder kind of engraving, more like what would here be contemplated, of “cherubim, lions and palm trees,” on the panels of the “bases,” on which the lavers were set in Solomon’s Temple. (1 Kings 7:36)[1].

Let us put this together. If Christ is the stone and God the Father is engraving the stone to beautify it, what does it mean? It has to be refering to the scars left on Jesus's body from his suffering and crucifixion. Although we see scars as disfigurement, God and Christ sees the scars on Christ's body as a sign of a job well done. They are beautiful beyond all measure because they reflected how Christ bought and purified the Church, his Bride, to himself.

An Illustration

"Bryan Stevenson, a civil rights lawyer and author of Just Mercy, writes of an encounter he had after a speech with a man in a wheelchair:

He leaned foward again and said hoarsely, "you've got to keep beating the drum for justice." He gestured and after a long while said again, "Beat the drum for justice."

He leaned back, and in an instant he seemed tired and out of breath. He looked at me sympathetically and waved me closer. I did so, and he pulled me by the arm and leaned forward. He spoke very quietly, almost a whisper, but with a fierceness that was unforgettable.

"You see this scar on the top of my head?" He tilted his head to show me. "I got that scar in Greene County, Alabama, trying to register to vote in 1964. You see this scar on the side of my head?" He turned his head to the left and I saw a four-inch scar just above his right ear. "I got that scar in Mississippi demanding civil rights."

His voice grew stronger. He tightened his grip on my arm and lowered his head some more. "You see that mark?" There was a dark circle at the base of his skull. "I got that bruise in Birmingham after the Children's Crusade."

He leaned back and looked at me intensely. "People think these are my scars, cuts, and bruises."

For the first time I noticed that his eyes were wet with tears. He placed his hands on his head. "These aren't my scars, cuts, and bruises. These are my medals of honor."
(p. 46)

The world views the "word of the cross as foolishness"[1 Corinthians 1:18] and weakness. However Christians view the cross and Christ's suffering as the highest form of wisdom and an ultimate demonstration of God's power.[1 Corinthians 1:24-25]. Christ's scars, like the civil rights warrior's scars, contribute to his honor and glory.

The Exposition

The Reformed Expository Commentary: Zechariah explains the purpose and the result of the engraving well:

Richard D. Phillips
This probably indicates that God will beautify this stone the way an engraver does. Here we see Christ’s divine character, for what is more lovely than godliness, so eminently revealed in the person of Jesus. Paul says, therefore, that we see “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). What could be more beautiful! Surely, Christians are not wrong to see this promise of engraving fulfilled especially at the cross, when the marks of thorns and nails and a spear-thrust were etched in Jesus’ flesh. Dave Baron writes, “Beautiful were the gifts and graces which Christ received as a man; but beautiful beyond all beauty must be those glorious scars with which He allowed His whole body to be riven, that throughout the whole frame His love might be engraven.” [2]

Conclusion

In Hebrews 12:2, Christ endured the cross for the "joy set before Him." His joy was that his bride, his church, would be presented to him pure and unblemished. Christ endured suffering and shame to secure our salvation and sanctify us. Later, in the same chapter in Hebrews, Christ is held up as our example to follow. We see Jesus's call to discipleship in the Gospels involves the taking up his cross, "Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24). Our call is to follow Jesus through suffering into glory.

We, followers of Christ, are tied to Christ's suffering in a deeper sense. The Bible ties our current suffering to our future glory. In Romans 8:16-17, Paul writes of suffering as being bound to our future as fellow heirs with Christ. In 2nd Corinthians 8:16-17, Paul wrote that our current suffering is not worth comparing to the "eternal weight of glory" being prepared for us. The apostle Peter wrote that we should rejoice when we share Christ's suffering, so that "we may rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:13). If we are Christians, then we should expect suffering and be glad when we share Christ's sufferings because they assure us of our future with Christ.

Another observation, in John 20:27, after his resurrection, Jesus told Thomas to touch his scars. Jesus kept his scars in his glorified body. The world may see scars as disfigurement, but God sees the scars on His son's body as beautiful engravings. God's does not belittle the suffering of his children. The scars of our lives point to God's love, wisdom and providence.

Application

• We should behold Christ as he is revealed in the Bible. God, in Zechariah's vision, put Christ's future life and ministry on display so that Joshua (and thus then nation) may take encouragement from it. 
• View suffering as how the Bible views suffering. God has many purposes in allowing us to suffer. We should see the beauty in how God is shaping us for his purposes.
• Don't look at outward appearances. God looks at the inner person and so should we. The scars and wrinkles we have may indicate a life well lived for God's glory. [1 Samuel 16:7], [1 Peter 3:3-4] 

Scriptures

[Isaiah 28:16]
therefore thus says the Lord GOD,
“Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion,
a stone, a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation:
‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’

[Psalm 118:22] The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

[Revelation 1:4] John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,

[Isaiah 11:2]
And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

[Romans 8:16-17]
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

[2 Corinthians 4:16-18]
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

[Hebrews 12:2]
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

[1 Corinthians 1:18]
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

[1 Corinthians 1:24-25]
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

[1 Samuel 16:7]
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."

[1 Peter 3:3-4]
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

Footnotes

[1] https://biblehub.com/commentaries/zechariah/3-9.htm

[2] p. 82, Zechariah: Reformed Expository Commentary, Richard D. Phillips

Retirement Rubric

This page is a work in progress. It is on ongoing meditation on preparing for retirement.

Current Goals

• Are you planning your retirement?
• Psalms 90:10-12; Proverbs 6:6-8
• Have you planned for providing for yourself and your spouse in retirement?
• 1 Timothy 5:8
• When should you retire?
• How can you better serve God? 
• 1) Retire early and serve God in ministries or
• Philippians 3:12-16 
• 2) Retire later and financially support ministries?
• 3 John 1:5-10
• Have you been committing your plans to the Lord?
• Proverbs 16:3
• Are you getting input from godly advisers?
• Proverbs 15:22
• How do you plan to finish the race with zeal?
• Psalm 71:18; Phil. 1:19-26; Timothy 4:7

Ministry Goals

• Do you have a plan to use your time to glorify god? 
• Are you planning for your comfort or for your service? 
• Are you seeking your own pleasure or pursuing God?
• Will you pursue hobbies and serve God or will you serve God through your hobbies?
• While you are saving for retirement, are you being rich toward God? (Luke 12)
• Are your eyes focused on the promises of Jesus? (Luke 2:25-32)

Financial Goals

• Can you provide for yourself and your wife? 
• Do you have health care paid for? 
• Can you afford funeral expenses?
• Do you have a will?

Quotes

John Piper
"The wasted life is the life without a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples." (Don't Waste Your Life, p. 32)

John Piper
The world is not impressed when Christians get rich and say thanks to God. They are impressed when God is so satisfying that we give our riches away for Christ’s sake and count it gain.
(Don't Waste Your Life, p.68)"

William Gurnall
The believer is to persevere in his Christian course to the end of his life: his work and his life must go off the stage together.
(The Christian in Full Armour(Kindle Edition)

Scripture

Numbers 8:23-26
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “This applies to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall come to do duty in the service of the tent of meeting. And from the age of fifty years they shall withdraw from the duty of the service and serve no more. 26 They minister to their brothers in the tent of meeting by keeping guard, but they shall do no service. Thus shall you do to the Levites in assigning their duties.”

Psalm 71:18
So even to old age and gray hairs,
   O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
   your power to all those to come.

Psalm 90:10-12
The years of our life are seventy,
   or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span is but toil and trouble;
   they are soon gone, and we fly away.
Who considers the power of your anger,
   and your wrath according to the fear of you?
So teach us to number our days
    that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 92:14-15
14 They [the righteous] still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, 15 to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, O sluggard;
   consider her ways, and be wise.
Without having any chief,
   officer, or ruler,
she prepares her bread in summer
   and gathers her food in harvest

Proverbs 16:3
Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

Proverb 27:23-27
Know well the condition of your flocks,
   and give attention to your herds,
for riches do not last forever;
    and does a crown endure to all generations?
When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
   and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
the lambs will provide your clothing,
   and the goats the price of a field.
There will be enough goats' milk for your food,
   for the food of your household
   and maintenance for your girls.

Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel plans fail,
but with many advisers they succeed.

Isaiah 46:4
even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

Matthew 6:25-34
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his ispan of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Luke 2:25-32
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen bthe Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
   according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
   that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
   and for glory to your people Israel.”

Luke 12:13-21
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Philippian 1:21-26
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Philippians 3:12-16
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for othe prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Web Pages

1. www.medicare.gov
2. www.healthcare.gov

Other References

"Living to Work" in Unpopular Opinions by Dorothy L. Sayers

Meditations on 3rd John -- Supporting Missionaries

One of the shortest books of the Bible is 3rd John. This epistle is a letter from the apostle John to a dear friend in a different church. John praises Gaius for supporting missionaries by showing hospitality to them and financially supporting them in their missionary activities.

3 John 5-8
Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

John praises Gaius's faithfulness from a good report that some visitors gave at John's church of Gaius's hospitality. These visitors just came from Gaius. John encourages Gaius to continue to show hospitality by sending itinerant missionaries on their way. Sending missionaries on their way in New Testament times meant more than a hearty handshake and a wave goodbye. Coling G. Kruse explains what "sending them on their way" meant in the early church.

The expression 'to send them on their way' translates a form of the verb propempo, which functioned a a technical term for missionary support in the early church (cf. Acts 15:3; 20:38; 21:5; Rom 15:24; 1 Cor 16:6, 11; 2 Cor 1:16; Tit 3:13), and this is also its function here. These people were preachers of the truth as it was heard at the beginning, and so it was appropriate to send them on their way as faithful missionaries 'in a manner worthy of God'. This probably means to send them on their way in a manner befitting those who serve the living God. (The Letters of John, p. 223)

Zane Hodges in the The Bible Knowledge Commentary makes the following observations on verse 8.

But the fact that faithful Christian preachers sought no help from the unsaved meant that Christians were under a special obligation to assist them. By extending the needed help (showing hospitality to such men), Christians such as Gaius could work together for the truth. This last phrase might be better rendered "be fellow workers with the truth" (NASB). The thought is of partnership with what the truth accomplishes in people's hearts and lives. It was a noble objective for Gaius to follow. (p. 913)

I want to make a few observations. First, the apostle John is praising Gaius for not only opening his home for missionaries as they traveled, but also for giving them financial support to help them during their travels and to help them as they ministered. We can conclude that it is not only the local church who supports missionaries through their missionary budget, but individual believers as well. John praises Gaius individually for his support of the missionaries. This support is worthy a responsibility to be taken up for every member of the local church. The giver becomes a fellow worker with the missionary. To use the idiomatic phrase as explained earlier, missionaries and supporters become fellow workers with "The Truth."

Second, this term "fellow worker" is also used several times by Paul as a title of esteem and affection for those who helped him progress the gospel. [1]. The very fact that both Paul and John use this term to honor the people who financially and materially support the missionaries should draw our attention. This honoring by the apostles helps us to realize how important the Bible views missionary support in terms of prayer and material support. It is a effort worthy of praise.

Third, hospitality in the New Testament means more than opening up your house to relatives. Malina, A New Testament scholar writes writes about hospitality,

'might be defined as the process by means of which an outsider's status is changed from stranger to guest.' [2]

Although, in our day and age, we have hotels, inns, B&Bs, and other places where strangers can stay, the command; however, is still effect to show hospitality when called upon by the Church.

Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Romans 12:13
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality..

[1] Romans 16:3, 9, 21; 1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Philippians 2:25; Philemon 1:1, 24

[2] Malina, 'The Received View and What it Cannot Do', p. 181

Truthing It (Comments on Ephesians 4)

Packer and Nystrom have good insight on the phrase in Ephesians, "speaking the truth in love." This phrase is not just telling your friends hard truths in a loving manner. An oversimplified example comes to mind, "I love you, but you have bad breath." It may include that idea of interpersonal boldness in correction or exhortation, but it is a much grander concept.

Here's the passage to provide context.

Ephesians 4:12-16
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

J. I. Packer and Carol Nystrom in their book on praying emphasized the need for community in the Christian life. They pointed out to live out the truth you need to be loved and to love others in community.

Praying: Finding our Way through Duty to Delight
First, "speaking the truth" is an unavoidable undertranslation, for the Greek word means expressing and living out the truth in every way possible, and there is no single English word for that. John Stott, following some older commentators, gave "truthing it" as a rendering, coining a new verb to catch the breadth of meaning. (p. 247)

Mike Cosper provides additional support to this idea that "speaking the truth in love" is living out truth in community.

Mike Cosper
Speaking the truth in love” is often understood as saying hard things or dealing with conflict: we “speak the truth in love” when we confront sin or say unpopular things lovingly. According to Peterson, though, “speaking the truth in love” is not so much about interpersonal boldness as it is about a community that shares a confession, a unified expression of faith in the God who saved them. The gathered body teaches the Word and proclaims it together; we speak the truth I love as we sing, read the Scriptures, and remember the gospel together.” (Rhythms of Grace, p. 80)

The Wise and the Sluggard

In my devotions I came across Proverbs 27. Since I am approaching retirement in the not so distant future, the poem about the wise man increasing his wealth seemed very pertinent to me. When I read commentaries on the topic, scholars point out that Proverbs 24 and 27 have parallels and one can learn much by comparing the two poems.

Bruce Waltke
In some ways it [Proverbs 27:23-17] matches the poem that ended Collection IV (24:30-34). Both are five verses that end a collection/section, and both refer somewhat chiastically to a field (24:30; 27:26). Meinhold notes that by placing them together one sees a contrast between the sluggard who neglects the good creation and his inherited field and the wise who, by working in harmony with the good creation, produces the wealth that buys a field. (p. 390, The Book of Proverbs 15-31)

Here are the passages I am meditating upon:

Proverbs 24:30 - 34
I passed by the field of a sluggard,
  by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
  the ground was covered with nettles,
  and its stone wall was broken down.
Then I saw and considered it;
  I looked and received instruction.
A little sleep, a little slumber,
  a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
  and want like an armed man.

Proverbs 27:23-27
  Know well the condition of your flocks,
 and give attention to your herds,
for riches do not last forever;
 and does a crown endure to all generations?
When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
  and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
the lambs will provide your clothing,
  and the goats the price of a field.
There will be enough goats' milk for your food,
  for the food of your household
  and maintenance for your girls.

As we can see, one of the main differences between the wise and the sluggard is attentiveness. The wise person cares for the things God entrusted him. The godly man loves the people for whom he is responsible. Bruce Waltke quotes Van Leeuwen's commentary on Proverbs 27:23:

Our stewardship requires that we know intimately those things, creatures, and persons entrusted to our care (27:23). Governments need to understand the people, the land, and justice. Teachers need to know and love their students and their subjects. Workers and artists need to know their materials and their craft. Pastors...also need to know and tend their flocks. (Waltke, Proverbs 15-31, p. 391, footnote 90.)

God has given everyone the responsibility of stewardship. We are responsible to take care of the things given to us. As a homeowner, I am responsible for the upkeep on my house and property. As a husband and parent, I responsible to love and care for my family. As an elder, I am responsible for those under my care. The word condition in 27:23 is actually the word for "faces" in Hebrew. The shepherd should know the face of every sheep in his flock. Elders should know the condition and status of everyone under his care. These poems in Proverbs indicate that God will care for us (at least in part) through the people, things, and resources that God entrusted us to steward and oversee.

Singlehood and Isaiah

A Christian single has a unique set of challenges. This blog is about only one aspect of singleness. I came across a passage in Isaiah that expressed God's special fondness for singles in his covenant family. One blessing of singleness that the prophesy addresses is highlighted by Absalom's life. In 2 Samuel, David's son Absalom had no children and he wanted a legacy. He wanted his name and deeds to be remembered. However, even if he became king, he had no heir to the throne to takeover. His name and accomplishments would be forgotten. Absalom thought he could not achieve eternal fame so he decided to build a pillar.

2 Samuel 18:18
Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself the pillar that is in the King's Valley, for he said, “I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.” He called the pillar after his own name, and it is called Absalom's monument to this day.

This desire to have one's name and accomplishments remembered is strong. It is not sinful. As it reads in Psalm 26:8, God's name and remembrance should be the desire of our heart. The desire to have children to pass on your name and remembrance to future generations is natural. Obviously, God's knows everyone has this desire: both single and married. God told the eunuchs in Isaiah's day, that he is better than sons and daughters to fulfill this need.

Isaiah 56:4-5 ESV
For thus says the LORD:
“To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
    who choose the things that please me
    and hold fast my covenant,
I will give in my house and within my walls
  a monument and a name
  better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
  that shall not be cut off."

Alec Motyer's commentary on Isaiah makes several key points about the passage[1]. God promises faithful singles, those who "grasped" his covenant, a better legacy than having children could ever provide. God will invite the singles into his home. Their name and monument will not be out in his courtyard, but within his own house. Furthermore, it will be an everlasting name. God will remember singles fondly forevermore.

In the New Testament, Jesus speaks about families. In his speech in Matthew 12, Jesus hints that in the Kingdom of God the family will be transformed.

Matthew 12:46-48
While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Families are established by God and are good, but they are only a shadow and a pointer toward our relationships in heaven. Christ is coming for his bride.[2] Our weak and pathetic loves on earth are going to be surpassed and subsumed by God's love for us. Our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ in heaven will be far stronger and deeper than any familial ties on earth (Ephesians 4:16).  Jonathan Edwards, an early American theologian, described the relationship of human love to our purified love for God in heaven.

“The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams, but God is the ocean.” [3]

The states of being single and being married are temporal states. God has designed and gifted us for the state in which we are currently living. Where he has placed in us in our current circumstances is the best possible place for us to be in his loving sanctification of us at this time. Our married status or single status may change. Singles get married. Spouses are called home. However, our legacy as Christians is to be in God's love and be in his love forevermore.

[1] J. Alec Motyer
Keep and choose are imperfects of habitual action, denoting persistence in conformity to the Sabbath-code and in personal commitment to the Lord's will. On pleases me cf. of the Lord's 'will and pleasure' in 53:10; 55:11. And hold fast is probably the explanatory use of the conjunction, a summary statement of what keep and choose mean: 'that is/in a word, those who grip my covenant'. Since the Lord's covenant is first the pledge he makes (his covenant promises), 'taking a grip on his covenant' means taking his promises seriously so as to hold to them by faith through thick and thin. To those, however, who are within his covenant, the Lord speaks his gracious covenant law, teaching them how to live so as to please him. In this case, 'taking a grip on his covenant' expresses the practical life of obedience. The background to a memorial and a name (5) is found in 2 Samuel 18:18, where the childless Absalom sought to perpetuate himself by a memorial stone which would last beyond his own life-span. It is essential to translate temple as 'house' in order to establish the link with verse 7bef, and also to restore the second and literal 'within' before its walls. The eunuch is welcome 'in my house - yes, right inside my walls' not just vaguely within the precincts but right into the person (name) and is enriched with blessings far beyond those which even an earthly family (sons and daughters) might have brought. In 55:13, by gathering in a world-wide people the Lord makes for himself a name that will not be cut off. Here he shares that reality with those who were formerly excluded but have now become members of his house.
(pp. 466-467, The Prophecy of Isaiah)

[2] Ephesians 5:25-27
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish

2 Corinthians 11:2
For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

Revelation 19:7
Let us rejoice and exult
   and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
   and his Bride has made herself ready;

[3] Jonathan Edwards, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Vol. 17: Sermons and Discourses, 1730-1733

Haiti Spring 2018 Medical Mission Stories

Introduction
When I share about an upcoming Haiti Medical trip at our team commissionings during Sunday services, I break the talk into two topics: the medical team's mission and the discipleship team's (d-team) mission. From this trip I want tell two stories that exemplify the need for our ministries in Luly and Williamson.

The Medical Story
On the first day clinic, it was a very busy day. We saw scores of patients and around 2:00 p.m., I could finally see the end of the line in the waiting room. A young, pregnant woman with her 3-year-old child came in, sat down and looked frustrated. I asked through a translator what was her frustration. She told me that she woke up at 4:00 a.m. this morning and walked 4 hours with her child to the clinic. She then took a number, but had to wait 6 hours to finally get in to see a doctor. I realized because of her frustration that she would not want to talk to a pastor so I called over a medical team member. I stayed around for a while, but I was called away on another case. I checked in on her before she left. There was nothing seriously wrong with the child or her. They assured her, encouraged her, gave her some vitamins and pain reliever, and sent her on her way.

Two things struck me about this case. First, she is a very caring mother who is willing to walk for hours for her baby who just had a slight fever and a runny nose. Second, this clinic serves not only the villages of Luly and Williamson, but communities up in the mountains. This clinic provides crucial care to people who have no medical infrastructure within several miles. Most Haitians don't have cars so even a couple of miles make a big difference.

Discipleship Story
Later in the week, I saw a patient standing in line with large tumors on both sides of his neck underneath his chin. Another d-team member did the triage interview so I didn't have a chance to talk to him. Later that night, our team talked about the case. The doctors told us that his tumors were aggressive but not cancerous. The tumors started growing about 10 years ago. He showed his driver's license from 2004 to the team and there were no tumors on him in the picture. Unfortunately, we didn't have the resources to help him. One doctor told me that even in the United States because of the size and the type of tumors, there was not much that could be done. The patient had visited other doctors and hospitals in Port-Au-Prince and throughout Haiti. He always received the same answer that nothing could be done. Because of the tumors, his wife left him and he had to raise his two children by himself.

It is sad story, but there is a happy ending. The doctor and the d-team members did soul care with this patient. They encouraged him and shared the Gospel with him. A d-team member said when they asked him if he wanted to pray to receive Christ into his heart, the man dropped to his knees unasked and prayed. As a follow-up, they invited him to the men's conference later in the week. He showed up and was introduced to one of the Haitian pastors. He went from having no hope to having eternal hope. His life will be difficult, but we gave him context for his sufferings. One of the reasons for his tumors was that God used the tumors to bring him to Christ and God will continue to use these tumors to draw this man even closer to Christ.

Conclusion
This ministry is very important to this region of Haiti. We provide medical services to patients who would have a difficult time to getting these services anywhere else. This ministry is also important for giving hope. The discipleship team talks about Jesus to these patients. The gospels, especially Matthew and Luke, talk about how the healing ministry of Jesus drew people to hear the Gospel. In same way, the clinic draws people from miles away who don't belong to any church to hear the Gospel. Because of these ministries, God uses us to bring His hope and His joy to the people of Haiti.

Hebrews 12:2
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Different Approaches to the Millennium

I am preparing for an open forum on eschatology. Here is the main passage from Scripture that mentions the millennium.

Revelation 20:4-6
Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those wwho had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they cwill reign with him for a thousand years.

Here's a nice summary of the different views on the millennium by Michael Horton.

Christ will return prior to the millennium according to the premillennialists and after the golden era according to the traditional postmillennialists. Amillennialism, however, understands the reference to a one-thousand-year period as figurative for the era between Christ's two advents. Premillennialism anticipates increasing decadence in the condition of the world (including the visible church) until Christ returns at the end of history to establish his kindom. Postmillenniallism expects things to improve gradually through God's gracious blessing on the church's missinary endeavors until the nations officially recognize Christ as Messiah and wars, famine, disease, and other global disasters gradually cease. It is then expected that Christ will return to receive his kindom, to judge the living and the dead, and to commence the everlasting state. Amillennialism expects simutaneous growth and decline, suffering and success, witness and apostasy throughout this era between Christ's two advents. (Michael Horton, The Christian Faith, p. 920)

"Only let us hold true to what we have attained" (Philippians 3:16)

In Philippians 3, Paul explains his goal for the Christian life in verse 10,

that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection of the dead.

After encouraging the Philippians to do the same, Paul ends the paragraph with 3:16, "Only let us hold true to what we have attained". What is interesting is the verb, "hold true." If you look up this verb (στοιχεῖν) in a theological dictionary, you will find the following translation.

TDNT Vol. VII pp. 668
Phil. 3:16 says: "Nevertheless, whereto we have attained, (let us) remain in one and the selfsame thing."

Notice, the author of the article added the parenthetical thought "let us". The commentator did this because the word was a military term and indicated a team acting in unison. Peter O'Brien in his commentary noted the following about the verb,

Peter O'Brien
This verb, probably derived from stoikos (originally a military term for a ‘row’), initially meant ‘to stand in line, march in line’. Within the NT, where it occurs five times, stoikeo is used figuratively to mean ‘to be in line with, stand beside, hold to, agree with, follow’. (O’Brien, p. 441)

To re-iterate, the word was used as a military term to "work together". Paul in 3:16 was not encouraging the church as individuals to pursue the knowledge of Christ; Paul was encouraging the church as a whole to pursue Christ in unity. Paul laid out the overall goal, he wanted them to adopt the goal, and he encouraged them to help each other to pursue that goal.

Holiness is a group project. Sanctification is a team sport. The body of Christ should strive together to help each other to know Christ. O'Brien elaborates further on the verse.

Peter O'Brien
By using this particular verb Paul seems to be making two further points: first, if the connotation of marching in step is present, then the Philippians are being urged to move forward in unity. Recognizing that there may be differences of opinion, the apostle desires that the whole community should move forward together. He is not encouraging the presence of ‘spiritual virtuosos’, to use F. W. Beare’s expression; as Christians they need to be united in the contest in which all are engaged, working towards the same goal and ready to help one another, especially by bearing one another’s burdens. Secondly, στοιχεῖν marks a progression from attitude or orientation to that of practice. (O’Brien, p. 442)

The author of Hebrews encourages us to act in unison as well. We are responsible for one another.

Hebrews 10:24,25
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Of Haitian Motos and the Christian Walk

Philippians 3:12-14
"Do not mistake me, I hold the language of hope, not of assurance. I have not yet reached the goal; I am not yet made perfect. But I press forward in the race, eager to grasp the prize, forasmuch as Christ also has grasped me. My brothers, let other men vaunt their security. Such is not my language. I do not consider that I have the prize already in my grasp. This, and this only, is my rule, forgetting the landmarks already passed as straining every nerve and muscle in the onward race, I press forward ever towards the goal, that I may win the prize of my heavenly rest whereunto God has called me in Christ Jesus." (Translated by J. B. Lightfoot).

In my last trip to Haiti I preached on Philippians 3. I chose the passage for two reasons. First, I was studying the passage in depth for the Men's Bible Study and second, I was reflecting on how that passage applies to baptism. Three members from our church were being baptized in Haiti that week and baptism was on my mind for devotions. Obviously, Philippians 3 does not address baptism directly; Paul was writing about circumcision.

Paul needed to address a false teaching about circumcision because there was a group of false teachers at the time pestering the young church by teaching believers that to be really saved one needed to be circumcised. Faith in Christ was good they would say, but circumcision was needed to be fully saved. Paul pointed out in this passage that our assurance of salvation does not rest on our past deeds. In the Christian life we do not rest upon our accomplishments, but what God is doing in our lives in the present. Peter O'Brien makes this clear in his commentary on Philipplians:

But he [Paul] does not recall the things God has achieved through him in order to encourage self-satisfaction or relaxation or effort. He will not allow either the achievements of the past (which God has wrought) or, for that matter, his failures as a Christian to prevent his gaze from being fixed firmly on the finish line. In this sense he forgets as he runs.

In this way the passage does apply to baptism. Baptism is commanded and is highly recommended in our church, but we should not use the fact that we are baptized as an assurance of our salvation. It is God who saves. God wants us to know Him and He wants us to pursue him.

As I was meditating on baptism and the Philippians passage in Haiti, I came up with an illustration from my experiences in Haiti. In an earlier trip, one of the translators, Patrick, gave me a ride on his "Moto", which is a small motorcycle. As we started downhill, he turned off the engine so he could coast downhill to save gas. As I meditated on this, I realized a moto ride could illustrate the Christian life as taught by Paul in this passage. Going up the mountain on a moto is like Paul's vision of the Christian life. In this passage, the Holy Spirit is a running moto. He will take us up the mountain if we rely on Him and keep the bike pointed up hill. If we stop and get off the moto to admire how far we travelled, we are not making progress in your spiritual walk. We may be thankful to God for bringing us so far, but the odds are we are being prideful on how far we have come. Looking back is not progress in knowing God.

Let us dig into the analogy even further. When we turn off the engine to save gas and coast down the hill, we are moving; however, we are no longer going up the hill: we are no longer pursuing Christ. In other words, if we try to get assurance of salvation by obeying rules and performing works on our own power, then we are no longer getting to know Christ better and we are no longer living by grace. We would be then living under the Law. If we do not repent and turn back up hill to pursue Christ, the pull of sin will take us away from God. We may try doing all the things that we used to do in our walk in Christ, but if we do it not to pursue Christ, but to earn our way to heaven or gain favor from our fellow man, we will fail.

Paul writes that in our Christian walk we need to intentionally strain every nerve and muscle in our pursuit of God. There may be ruts and rocks in our path, but we need always to keep pointing the moto up the hill. False teaching may come to distract us, "weight and sin" may slow us (Hebrews 12:1,2), but we need to keep Christ as our goal.

In keeping with our illustration, we need to fuel the engine. We need to do things the Bible says to do to know God: prayer, bible reading, loving others, confession, good works, and obedience to His Word. We also need to maintain the engine. We need to confess our sins on a regular basis to keep the engine clean. We need to stay in fellowship with other believers so we may keep our spiritual life tuned.

The analogy is imperfect and I am only using it to illustrate this passage. In summary, Paul is teaching in Philippians 3 that the active pursuing of God gives us assurance of salvation. Landmarks of our faith are important, but we should not trust in them give us confidence in our relationship with God. It is by God's grace that we stay on the path and God working through us that causes us to grow, but somehow in all this we are responsible to stay focused on God. We are to strain every spiritual nerve and muscle in our pursuit of the knowledge of Christ.

Theology of Raising Support

I have made eight trips to Haiti and I have raised support every time. Some people prefer to pay for the trip themselves. They don't feel led to raise support because God has blessed them financially. I talked to people who actually refused donations for their trip and subsequently admitted to me it was pride that caused them to refuse the gift. There seems to me confusion within the Church on how to view raising support. This blog is not so much about giving, but how Paul received and viewed the gifts the different churches sent to him.

When we read Philipians, we see that Paul had several purposes in mind when he wrote Philippians, but one of the main purposes was writing a thank you note for the financial support he received from the Philippians. By looking at how Paul received gifts, I hope to clarify how God uses the donations to bless the giver and the recipient in the context of missions.

The first passage demonstrates that Phillipians is not only a letter of encouragement and instruction to the Phillipians, but is also a thank you letter to them for their support of Paul during his imprisonment.

Philippians 1:3-5
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

This passage, according to some commentators, refers at least in part to the gift the Philippians sent to Paul.

Peter O'Brien on verse 1:3:
"P. Schubert ... renders the latter: 'I thank God for every (expression) of your remembrance of me'. Accordingly, there is an allusion to the recent money gift as well as to their help on previous occasions.

Paul returns to the topic of their gift later in the epistle. Pay particular attention as to how he views the gift.

Philippians 4:10-20
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)

Here are some points to notice in the passage on how Paul views their gift:

• The gift was an indication to Paul of the Philippian church's concern for him. It encouraged Paul.
• Paul did not feel he needed the gift. 
• The gift was an indication of their partnership with Paul in the progress of the Gospel.
• Paul viewed the gift as benefiting the givers. It was pleasing to God and a measure of how God was producing fruit in their lives 
• Although Paul did not feel like he needed the gift, it did help him in his ministry

There is another benefit to receiving support in missions. It glorifies God. Paul teaches in 2nd Corinthians how generosity glorifies God.

2 Corinthians 9:11-15
For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

The Corinthians' generosity produces not only prayers for the Corinthians from the recipients of the gift, but produces glory to God because both Corinthians, recipients and others are praising God for His generosity and grace.

God may lead you to pay for a mission trip out of your own funds. However, in my life God has used the process of raising support to bless me in several ways:

• God humbles me. The very act of asking for money is humbling. 
• God encourages me. The very fact that people trust that God will work through me in Haiti encourages me. 
• God uses the gifts from donors as a way to have them partner with me in Haiti missions. In this partnership, my responsibilities are to pray for the donors and keep them informed of the progress of the Gospel in the ministry.
• God uses the act of giving as a way of confirming the fruit of the Spirit in the donor's life. It demonstrates charity and a trust in God in their finances. 
• God glorifies Himself in the process. We praise God through our giving. We praise God in receiving His good gifts in thankfulness. We praise God in our prayers for one another as a result of the act of giving. God is good!

City on the Hill Project Update -- Clinic Building

This is from October, 2017. Dr. Lee and I stood in front of the wall that we stood before in earlier pictures. The Clinic's roof and walls are done. Praise God for his financial support! Thank God for the volunteers! The building is wonderful!

City on the Hill Project Update

I made a promise a year ago about posting pictures on the blog of updates to the "City on the Hill Project." The good news is that the funding is complete for the medical clinic. There is more fundraising for buildings and other needs for the project in the future, but God has bountifully blessed this project. Here is my latest picture. I plan to take a picture of the completed project this fall.

Discipleship

Introduction

Every since John Abrahamse's sermon on discipleship, I have been spurred on to do a word study on the word, "Disciple", which is the word used by most translators of the New Testament to translate "μαθητής". When I looked up the word "disciple" in my concordance and theological dictionary, I found that it only occurs in the Gospels and Acts. It is found no where in the epistles. Since the gospels were written after most of the epistles, I found that fact curious. I decided to look the definition of "μαθητής" in my Kittel's Theological Dictionary of New Testament Words. Here are a few snippets:

The usage is from the very first characterized by the fact, that, apart from a few exceptions, μαθητής denotes the men who have attached themselves to Jesus as their Master.
(p.441 Vol. IV)

In the NT (New Testament) μαθητής occurs only in the Gospels and Acts. (p.441 Vol. IV)

"μαθητής always implies the existence of a personal attachment which shapes the whole life of the one described as μαθητής, and which in its particularity leaves no doubt to who is deploying the formative power."
(p.441 Vol. IV)

The verses that use the singular form of the word, "Disciple" are listed below. These are the verses that describe the characteristics of a disciple or define the word "disciple." The plural form usually denoted the followers of Christ as a group, but I added a few selected verses where Christ was using the plural form but obviously was defining discipleship.

Observations

Disciples of Jesus would be characterized by

• renouncing all they have;
• living sacrificially;
• being like Jesus in a significant way and thus will be persecuted by the world;
• being chosen by Jesus;
• serving one another;
• being known by their love for one another;
• abiding in his word;
• praying with confidence;
• proving their discipleship by producing fruit and that activity will glorify the father.

Summary

The term "disciple" in the New Testament is restricted largely to those who had a personal relationship with Jesus. The most noteworthy exception being the command, "making disciples of all nations" in Matthew 28. In interpreting this verse, we have to account for why the epistles do not use the term disciple, but use terms like:

• brothers and sisters,
• the elect,
• believers,
• fellow heirs,
• stranger and aliens,
• priests,
• and saints.

I am not sure what all this means, but the change from Jesus's earthly ministry to his post-ascension ministry is a major shift. Jesus is physically no longer with us, but has sent His Spirit to minister in his place. The physical body of Christ in this current age is the Church. Believers have been united with Christ. We have the Spirit of Christ dwelling with is us. We are members of his Body, and thus, members of one another (Romans 12:4-5).

In taking all these points into account, I think discipleship is subsumed into the paradigm of the Church. We who are believers in the church age have a deeper and richer relationship with Christ than being a disciple. Christ hinted that the relationship between Him and the disciples was deepening in John 15:15, where Christ asserted that he no longer called them "servants", but "friends." Believers are still to count the cost, live sacrificially, serve one another, love one another, abide in his word, pray with confidence, and obediently strive to make disciples of all nations. However, our growth into mature believers involves the church as a whole body so as to make "the body grow so that it builds itself up in love" (Eph. 4:16). Our maturity in Christ is part and parcel with the maturity of the Church. We are to help other believers grow as they help us grow.

"Making disciples of all nations" has to mean more than one-on-one discipleship. The 4-chair illustration has its place, especially in training up leaders (2 Timothy 2:2). It can be used as a diagnostic tool on our walk with Christ. However, discipleship needs to take place in the body of Christ through formal teaching, small groups, one-on-one ministries and personal spiritual disciplines.

Scripture

Matthew 10:24-25
A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

Matthew 16:24-26
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

Matthew 28:16-20
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Mark 8:31-38
And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Luke 6:39-40
He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Luke 9:23-27
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”

Luke 14:25-33
Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

John 6:64-71
But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.

John 8:31-32
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 13:12-16
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 15:12-17
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

John 15:7-8
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Acts 11:26
and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

City on the Hill Project

You never see where your money goes when you send money to help Haiti through the Red Cross or other charities. Here is a way you can help and see where your money goes. It is through a small mission organization (World Wide Village). We are trying to raise money to finish a building for a medical center in Luly and Williamson, Haiti. I keep going back every 6 months and I will post pictures of the progress of the building project. Prayerfully consider giving. In this picture are two fantastic doctors who are heading up the project. Please click on the link below and read about one of our patients in Haiti. It explains why we need a building for a Medical Center.

City on the Hill Construction Project

Watchful in Prayer

This blog is about being alert in prayer. It is a theme that runs throughout the bible. I really like the following passage from Isaiah.

Isaiah 62:6-7
On your walls, O Jerusalem,
        I have set watchmen;
all the day and all the night
        they shall never be silent.
You who put the LORD in remembrance,
         take no rest,
and give him no rest
         until he establishes Jerusalem
         and makes it a praise in the earth.

Think about this: Jerusalem at this time had no walls. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls in 444/445 BCE. Isaiah lived from 740 to 681 BCE. The rebuilding of the walls was not started until centuries after Isaiah made this prophecy. Isaiah was using an extended metaphor to preach about prayer. If we carefully read the passage, we realize that God has set men and women to pray that God's plans will be accomplished for Jerusalem. This passage is about God having prayer warriors interceding for the nation of Israel in order that God's promise to rebuild Jerusalem will be accomplished.

The following quote is from a commentary on Isaiah explaining the significance about the above passage.

J. Alec Motyer
Watchmen is 'keepers, 'guardians'. Those who engage in prayer are the true guardians, and true prayer is:

• (i) ceaseless (lit.) 'all the day and all the night';
• (ii) vocal, verbalizing the need (never be silent);
• (iii) effective Godward (you who call on the Lord!' who put the Lord in remembrance'). We do not conclude that otherwise he would forget, but that our prayers are, by his will, in some way a vital ingredient in the implementing of his promises. Cf. how the promise of Malachi 4:5 came in answer to the prayers of Luke 1:13. Prayer is also:
• (iv) disciplined (give yourselves no rest);
• (v) urgent and pressing (give him no rest; cf Lk. 18:1-8); and
• (vi) sustained (till he establishes, i.e. fulfills all that was foretold in chapter 60 regarding Zion, the whole work of salvation and righteousness in 61:10-62:1). Jerusalem is made the praise of the earth, something the whole world gives praise to the Lord for, because in saving Zion the world has been saved.

(p. 507, The Prophecy of Isaiah)

Here is another passage about being watchful in prayer from Paul.

Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

F. F. Bruce on Colossians 4:2
Men and women of persistent prayer are those who are constantly on the alert, alive to the will of God and the need of the world, and ready to give an account of themselves and their stewardship.

Stephen Charnock, who is called a "Puritan Divine" by some, commented on Hosea's wife's ungratefulness. The book of Hosea is a living metaphor of Israel's relationship with God. Hosea gave his wife everything she needed in life and more. She was clueless about who was her true benefactor; she turned over her bounty over to the priests of Baal, which was a slap in the face to both Hosea and God. Israel did the same when they pursued and sacrificed to idols rather than give thanks the one true God. They were purposely unaware of who their true benefactor was.

Hosea 2:8
And she did not know
        that it was I who gave her
        the grain, the wine, and the oil,
and who lavished on her silver and gold,
       which they used for Baal.

Here's Charnock's commentary, which he points out that we perform the same sins as Hosea's wife when we blind ourselves to God's bounty and presence in our lives.

Stephen Charnock
Those things which are so common, that they cannot be invisible to our eyes, are unregarded by our minds: our sense prompts our understanding, and our understanding is deaf to the plain dictates of our sense. We forget his goodness in the sun while it warms us, and his showers while they enrich us; in the corn while it nourisheth us, and the wine while it refresheth us: Hosea ii .8, 'she did not know that I gave her corn and wine and oil.' She that might have read my hand in every bit of bread, and every drop of drink, did not consider this.(p. 625, The Existence and Attributes of God)

Lewis makes the same comment on thankfulness and awareness of God's bounty and presence.

C. S. Lewis
We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito. And the incognito is not always hard to penetrate. The real labor is to remember, to attend. In fact, to come awake. Still more, to remain awake.” (Letters to Malcolm, Chapter XIV)

Jesus exhorting the disciples about their lack of watchfulness.

Mark 14:38
"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Piper comments on what it means to be watchful in prayer.

John Piper
"Watchful" means being vigilant, like a sentry on duty outside the camp at night knowing that if you go to sleep in this job, the enemy can overthrow your mission. This is the note of prayer that is so often missing when the church has settled into the world and is just using prayer as a domestic intercom instead of a wartime walkie-talkie. So Paul urges the church to remember how tremendously serious the battle is. Heaven and hell hang in the balance next week. So be watchful, awake, vigilant. Pray the way you would if you knew that twelve unbelievers next Sunday morning would hear the gospel for the last time. (Sermon: "O Lord, Open a Door for the Word!", November 12, 1989)

Ephesians 6:18
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Peter O'Brien comments on the above passage how prayer fits into the armor of God analogy.

Peter O'Brien
Paul wants his readers to understand that prayer is 'foundational for the deployment of all the other weapons', and is therefore crucial if they are to stand firm in their spiritual struggle. He has already shown his concern for them by praying that they might know the greatness of God's power (1:15-23), and be strengthened by it so as to grasp the dimensions of Christ's love for them and be filled with all the fulness of God (3:14-21). The apostle wants them to realize that a life of dependence on God in prayer is essential if they are to engage successfully in their warfare with the powers of darkness."

Jesus warns the disciples to always be on mission in the prayers.

Luke 21:34-36
But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Mark 13:32-37
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

We are Hopers

I am preparing to lead a study on 1st Corinthians 15. I found a good quote on 1 Corinthian 15:19. In the context of the passage, Paul is refuting the argument of some of the Corinthians that there is no resurrection of the dead in the future. Paul points out that Christ was the first to rise from the dead. If the dead do not rise from the dead, then Christ did not rise from the dead. If there is no resurrection of Christ, we have no hope in the future or in this present life. Charles Hodge emphasizes the importance of the resurrection to Christians now living.

1 Corinthians 15:19
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

Charles Hodge
The Greek is ἠλπικότες ἐσμὲν, which, as the commentators remark expresses not what we do, but what we are. We are hopers. This passage does not teach that Christians are in this life more miserable than other men. This is contrary to experience. Christians are unspeakably happier than other men. All that Paul means to say is, that if you take Christ from Christians, you take their all. He is the source not only of their future, but of their present happiness. Without him they are yet in their sins, under the curse of the law, unreconciled to God, having no hope, and without God in the world; and yet subject to all the peculiar trials incident to a Christian profession, which in the apostolic age often included the loss of all things. (Hodge, p. 323)

Exodus and Communion

I led communion for the Pastors Conference during my last Haiti trip, I made three observations concerning the connections between Passover and Communion using the following passage in Exodus.

Exodus 12:7-13
“Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts. And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD's Passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.

The first observation I gleaned from the book, The King in His Beauty by Thomas Schreiner. His book followed certain themes through every book of the bible. Notice how Dr. Schreiner tied Passover to Communion using Exodus 12.

Thomas Schreiner
The Passover was particularly significant. The Lord could have rescued Israel simply by destroying all the firstborn in Egypt. The Passover events, however, reminded Israel that they deserved judgment as well. The Lord would "pass over" the firstborn in Israel only if blood was applied to the lintel and the doorposts of the house. The Lord impressed upon Israel that they were not inherently better than the Egyptians. They were rescued from the wrath of the Lord only if they responded in faith to his instructions by putting the blood of lambs on their houses. It is easy for us to read the story abstractly, but it is quite violent, for lambs were slain and their blood was applied to houses. Certainly the Passover represents "redemption" and "liberation" for Israel. It probably signifies substitution as well, for the blood of the lamb is spilled instead of the blood of the firstborn. According to the NT, Passover points ahead to the sacrifice of Christ, whereby he gave his life for the deliverance of his people (1 Cor. 5:7). The Lord's Supper almost certainly is a Passover meal (Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:15-20), and the blood of Jesus represents the new covenant where the blood of "the lamb of God" (John 1:29) has been shed for his people.
(pp. 33-34, The King in His Beauty)

What struck me about this commentary was the statement, "The Lord could have rescued Israel simply by destroying the firstborn in Egypt." God, in his wisdom, chose to rescue Israel after he had the Israelites sacrifice a "Passover Lamb," paint the blood over the door frame, and eat a meal. God then institutionalized this practice as an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Israel. In rescuing Israel in this particular manner, God was both glorifying himself and teaching Israel. Through the ceremony, God was reminding Israel about his redemption of Israel. God was emphasizing that he was delivering Israel because of His great mercy and not because they were a great people. They were just as sinful as the Egyptians. God because of his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob chose to hear their prayers and deliver them. In a like manner, God chose us not because of the righteous works we do for him and not because of our innate righteousness: he saved us according to his own mercy (Titus 3:5).

A second observation I made concerns the commandment, "And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD's Passover." The Israelites were supposed to eat the Passover meal with their belt fastened and with their sandals on their feet. This practice was to remind them of what they left behind. As we read about the nation, we realize that the Israelites were deeply entrenched in Egyptian worship. The eating of the Passover meal in haste was to remind the Israelites that they were to leave the Egyptian life behind and they were to become a "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6).

This practice has parallels for Christians celebrating communion today. Communion is a time to reflect on what Christ has done for us. He spilled his blood and died for our sins. He intends for us to become like Israel, "a royal priesthood, a holy nation" through sanctification (1 Peter 2:9). Christians, in remembrance for what Christ has done for them, are to put off the old self and put on the new self. (Ephesians 4:22-24).

A third observation I made about the connection between the Passover and Communion was in the next passage, where Moses elaborated more about unleavened bread.

Exodus 12:15
Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven out of your houses, for if anyone eats what is leavened, from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel.

Unleavened bread was not the bread of choice for Israel during most of the year. However, leaven bread, like our sourdough bread, took time to prepare. The point of unleavened bread during Passover was to remind Israel again of what they supposed to leave behind. Jews have practiced this "removal of leaven" from their houses for centuries. Even in the modern day, my wife told me she knows about a practicing Jewish family that spend the day before Passover searching their house from top to bottom for leaven. They followed this command about the Passover very closely.

Because this feast of unleavened bread was practiced for centuries, leaven took on more significance and acquired different meanings as time went by. At the time of the New Testament, Jesus referred to the teaching of the legalistic theology of the Pharisees as leaven (Matthew 16:23). Paul also referenced leaven in his epistles. When Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, he referred to leaven as a metaphor for not dealing with the sexual immorality in their midst. Members of the Corinthian Church were boasting about their liberality concerning sin, They thought they understood their freedom in Christ, but Paul pointed out that sexual immorality would spread like leaven in the church.  He condemned the Corinthian church for their lackadaisical approach to sin and disciplined the man who was guilty of the immorality

1 Corinthians 5:8
Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

The festival in the above passage concerns communion. This "removal of leaven" becomes a metaphor during Communion for Christians to examine their own lives. In the following passage, commentators differ whether "unworthy manner" means personal sins or sins against fellow believers during the worship service. In either case, both meanings are appropriate during communion.

1 Corinthians 11:27-29
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

To summarize, communion is a time when we remember three aspects of our walk with Christ.

• First, we should worship in humility. God is merciful. He saved us not on the basis of who we are or what we have done, but according to his own mercy.
• Second, we should worship God in joy. God called us to become "a kingdom of priests, a holy nation." We should put off our old selves and live like children of the King. We should worship as a new people and celebrate our new lives in Christ.
• Third, we need to worship God in love and harmony. We must remember that sin like leaven spreads. Sin can take over our lives and it can take over a church. We need to reflect on what Christ has done for us on the Cross and consider our response to his sacrifice. The Cross is not an excuse to sin more freely, but it should result in a response to live in purity in our own lives and in harmony and love with other believers.