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Outline of 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged on September 9, 2012| Leave a Comment »

The Character of their ministry

A. Their ministry was not in vain: 1For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain.

B. They declared the gospel of God boldly: 2But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

C. Three false charges: 3For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,

D. They are approved and entrusted by God with the gospel: 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

C1. Three false charges:5For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed— God is witness. 6Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.

B1. They shared the gospel of God gently: 7But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

A1. Their ministry was not a burden: 9For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

Conclusion:

  • Three things they were: 10You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.
  • Three things they did: 11Even as you know how, like a father with his children, 12we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

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– The overall pattern: A – “for,” B – “but”, C – “for,” D – “but,” C1 – “for,” B1 – “but,” A1 – “for” (γαρ, αλλα)

– A and A1 – “you yourselves know”/”you remember;” use of “brothers;” their ministry was “not” . . .

– B and B1 –  “declare . . . the gospel of God”/“share . . .the gospel of God”; contrast of “boldness”/ “we were gentle”

– C and C1 – not, or, or/neither, nor, nor; each have three false charges

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Paul and the Thessalonians

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged on September 8, 2012| Leave a Comment »

1. The Path to Thessalonica

  • Paul decided to see how the believers were from his first missionary journey. Paul chose Silas as his partner in this endeavor.
  • They went through the Roman provinces of Syria and Cilicia strengthening existing churches – Acts 15:41.
  • Then they went through Derbe and Lystra (Galatia). Here Paul chose Timothy to come with them. These churches were strengthened and grew – Acts 16:1-5.
  • They were forbidden by God to start work in the Roman provinces of Asia and Bithynia, so they went to Troas on the coast – Acts 16:6-8.
  • Paul had a vision in which a man from Macedonia said, “Come over to Macedonia and help us” – Acts 16:9-10.
  • In Troas they picked up Luke as a traveling companion (the “we,” “us” language) – Acts 16:10-16.
  • They took a ship to the island of Samothrace, and then sailed to Neapolis, a port city – Acts 16:11.
  • From Neapolis they went by road to Philippi  – Acts 16:12.
  • They stayed in Philippi for a time and established a church. They were also persecuted, then apologized to, then asked to leave – Acts 16:12-40; 1 Thessalonians 2:2.
  • They went on through Amphipolis and Apollonia on the Via Egnatia to Thessalonica, about 100 miles from Philippi. Luke stayed behind.  – Acts 17:1

2. Ministry in Thessalonica

  • They came around 50 AD.
  • Paul preached for three Sabbaths in the Jewish synagogue – Acts 17:2-3.
  • There were a number of conversions – a few Jews, a number of God-fearers, a number of prominent women and many idol worshippers – Acts 17:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:9.
  • They stayed in Jason’s house – Acts 17:5-6.
  • They supported themselves – 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8.
  • The Philippians gave them financial gifts to support their ministry – Philippians 4:16.
  • Some from the Synagogue stirred up a mob against Paul and Silas – Acts 17:5. Jews were in a precarious situation politically and socially. They probably thought Paul’s radical message would bring down the authorities on them.
  • The mob couldn’t find Paul and company, but they arrested Jason and other church members and charged that Paul was fomenting revolution against Caesar by preaching Jesus as Lord – Acts 17:6-8.
  • Jason and the others were released on payment of money. Then they sent Paul and company out of town at night – Acts 17:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:17.

3. After leaving Thessalonica

  • They went to Berea and ministered there – Acts 17:10-12.
  • But some opponents from Thessalonica came to Berea and stirred up trouble – Acts 17:13-14.
  • The believers sent Paul off to Athens, but Silas and Timothy stayed behind. They were to join Paul as soon as possible in Athens – Acts 17:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 3:1.
  • Paul ministered in Athens, speaking at the Areopagus– Acts 17:16-34.
  • Persecutions continued in Thessalonica – 1 Thessalonians 3:3.
  • Silas and Timothy came to Paul in Athens – 1 Thessalonians 3:1.
  • Paul felt unable to return to Thessalonica – 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18.
  • Paul sent Timothy back to check on the Thessalonians – 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 5. (Possibly Silas was sent somewhere in Macedonia as well – Acts 18:5).
  • Paul went on to Corinth and began ministering there – Acts 18:1.
  • Silas and Timothy met up with Paul in Corinth – Acts 18:5.
  • Paul heard Timothy’s report concerning the Thessalonians – 1 Thessalonians 3:6.
  • Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians around 50-51 AD in response to this, a few months after his visit there.

Named believers from Thessalonica

Jason: Acts 17:5-9 – a Jewish Christian. Paul stayed with him when he ministered in Thessalonica. He was arrested and then released by the authorities. Romans 16:21 – this Jason is most likely the same as the one from Thessalonica. If this is true then Jason is named here as a relative of Paul.

Aristarchus: Acts 20:4 –he traveled with Paul (Acts 27:2). Acts 19:29 – he was caught up in a riot in Ephesus against Paul’s preaching. Colossians 4:10 – he also spent time in prison with Paul. Philemon 24 – he is named as a fellow-worker of Paul (Colossians 4:11). He was a Jewish Christian – Colossians 4:11.

Secundus: Acts 20:4 – he traveled with Paul for a time.

William Higgins

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Outline of 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged on September 8, 2012| 1 Comment »

A True Gospel Transformation

Opening

1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

Thanksgiving

2We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,

A. For their Christian lives: 3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

B. For God’s work in them: 4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction,

B1. For their faithfulness in suffering: knowing what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

A1. For their Christian witness: 8For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

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– A and A1 – focus on their Christian lives, giving a threefold descriptions of this: faith, love, hope/turned to God, serve God, wait for Jesus.

– B and B1 – begin with a form of the word “to know.” Both focus on their receiving the gospel; both mention the work of the Holy Spirit in them.

– Also, vs. 2-5 are one sentence structured around three participial constructions – “mentioning,” “remembering,” “knowing.”

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A True Gospel Transformation. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on September 2, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Series: Paul to the Thessalonians

We’re starting a series on Paul to the Thessalonians. Not sure yet if we will go on into 2 Thessalonians or not. For now I want us to look at 1 Thessalonians and break it down to see what it says, and see what we can learn from it to help us in our understanding and walk with God.

As we go through this I encourage you to read and meditate on this letter in your own times of study and prayer. Let’s begin with some background.

The city of Thessalonica

 – still exists today. It’s the second largest city in Greece. In Paul’s day it was also a very important city. It was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia, a free city which gave it various political privileges and it was prosperous, with a good sea port, on the main east-west trade route and also on a north-south highway. Here’s a map:

As we’ll see most of the Thessalonians came out of idolatry, which was everywhere, as it was in all Gentile cities. They worshipped Aphrodite, Apollo, Kabirus, Zeus, Isis – just to name a few. And they were quite devoted to the worship of Roman emperors as gods.

Paul’s visit to Thessalonica

 – was a part of his second missionary journey chronicled in Acts 17. He traveled from Antioch in Syria, to the Galatian churches, to Troas and then over to Macedonia, to Philippi and then Thessalonica.

After he established a church, a great conflict broke out and persecution, so Paul had to leave quickly. He went on to Berea, Athens and then to Corinth. This caused real anxiety for two reasons. First, these new believers were left facing persecution alone, and second he wasn’t done teaching them all that they needed to know before he had to leave (3: 2,10).

So he sent Timothy back to check on them (3:2), and when he reported back to Paul at Corinth with good news (3:6), Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians as a response.

He wrote it around 50 AD, about 20 years after Jesus’ death. This was Paul’s second letter. And as such it is the second oldest New Testament document, after Galatians.

Let’s go through this a bit at a time.

The greeting – v. 1

“1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” This letter is actually from Paul, Silvanus and Timothy. “We” language is prevalent throughout. But at several points “I” language comes out and it is clear that Paul is the one speaking (2:18, 3:5, 5:26).

[Silvanus (known as Silas in Acts) was from the Jerusalem church. He went with Paul after Paul and Barnabas separated. Timothy was a disciple from the Galatian city of Lystra that Paul picked up near the beginning of this mission trip. Timothy, of course, came to work with Paul long term.

The word “church” means “a gathering of people” – specifically of the people of God, modeled on the assembly of the congregation of Israel in the wilderness. Here Paul specifies that he is addressing the gathering in Thessalonica  – “in God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This in contrast to other gatherings, for instance the political gathering under Rome in Thessalonica.]

He begins by wishing them grace or God’s favor (an adaptation of the Greek “greetings”) and peace or wellbeing from God (from the typical Jewish greeting “shalom”).

The rest of chapter one is focused on –

Thanksgiving to God – vs. 2-10

“2We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers . . .” All of Paul’s letters, except Galatians, have a thanksgiving section. In this case Paul is really thankful because they are hanging in there with their faith. He wasn’t sure what was going on. His thanksgiving even spills over into chapters 2 and 3 as well.

He says that he gives thanks for them “always” and prays for them “constantly.” Now I would submit to you that this is not some super spiritual ability to give thanks and pray always even while you do other things. It is rather a reference to his daily prayers – as was the common Jewish tradition. He is simply saying that each morning and evening he mentions them in prayer to God.

He gives thanks specifically for their Christian lives. “3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ . . .”

“Faith, love and hope” is a common triad in Paul and it functions here as a summary of their Christian life. And it can for us too:

  • Faith has to do with what we believe and our trust in God for salvation
  • Love has to do with living the Christian life day in and day out
  • Hope has to do with what we look forward to when Jesus returns.

Paul is saying that their faith is producing works, their love labors and their hope steadfastness. They are doing well. And so he gives thanks for this.

He also gives thanks for God’s transforming work in them. “4knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.”

He notes God’s love for them and tells them that they are chosen, that is, they are a part of the people of God (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). They have been cut off from family and friends because they have turned away from their old lives, and they are being persecuted.

But they are “brothers and sisters” now; a part of a new group, a new family – the church.

How does he know this? Because God’s Spirit was really at work when he ministered to them, empowering Paul’s preaching and working in their hearts to bring them to full conviction of the truth. “Power” here most likely includes miracles. (Galatians 5:3, 2 Corinthians 12:12f, Romans 15:18-19)

Paul also gives thanks for their faithfulness in suffering. “5You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit 7so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.”

Paul is saying that they had just come from Philippi, having suffered for their faith and they were under threat in Thessalonica. And now the Thessalonians have imitated this example of faithful suffering for their faith.

There is actually a chain of imitation here: Jesus suffered for his faithfulness, Paul followed his example, the Thessalonians have now followed both Paul and Jesus, and now they are an example to others in Greece.

But not only did they suffer, they experienced “the joy of the Holy Spirit” in their suffering. Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you . . . Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Even in suffering you can rejoice because of the knowledge that you will be blessed and because of the work of God in you by the Spirit.

Finally, Paul gives thanks for their witness. “8For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.”

The story of what God did among them and their faith has  spread throughout Greece (Macedonia and Achaia). And even beyond – “everywhere.” Everybody is hearing about their story.

“9For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” Paul is hearing from others about what happened in Thessalonica. Perhaps others from Philippi and Berea came along with Timothy to report to him at Corinth.

And again we have a description of their Christian lives:

  • They turned to God from idols
  • They now they serve the living and true God
  • And now they wait for Jesus to return

And Paul is thankful for this.

As Paul gives thanks for all these things, several things stand out for us to reflect on.

How are you doing in your daily prayers?

What do you give thanks for without ceasing? Who do you pray for constantly? Just as Paul was an example for them (and us) in the area of faithfulness in suffering, so he is a model for us of disciplined prayer. How are you doing?

The gospel message

What Paul preached comes out clearly in just a few words in vs. 9-10. “. . . how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” Let me highlight some things from these verses: 1) It has to do with a person named Jesus; 2) he is the Son of God; 3) he died and has been resurrected; 4) he was exalted to heaven; 5) we are to wait for his return; 6) final judgment or “wrath” is coming. This is God’s just judgment on human sin; 7) but Jesus is our deliverer.

The same question that confronted the Thessalonians when they heard this gospel still confronts us. Are we going to receive God’s mercy to us by putting our faith in Jesus – who delivers us from judgment for our sin?

We also get a picture of what –

A true Gospel transformation

– looks like. Think about your own life as we go through this. 1) The Spirit moved in their hearts – v. 5. There is not coming to God without God first coming to us and working in us. 2) They turned from idols to God, which speaks to true repentance – v. 9. 3) They serve God with their lives – v. 9.  4)  Their faith is producing works – v. 3.   5) Their love for others is evident in their behavior – v. 3. 6) They have steadfast hope as they wait for Jesus – vs. 3-10. And 7) they do all this while suffering for their faith with joy – v. 6.

God aims through his gospel to transform every part of us in just these ways. What does your Christian life look like? If this isn’t a picture of your Christian life, I encourage you now to renew your faith in Jesus and to invite the Holy Spirit into your life to transform you.

William Higgins

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Summary: The Blessing of Children

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , on August 13, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Jesus deeply loved and cared about children. He was concerned that they be honored, taken care of and ministered to (Mark 9:35-37).

Mark 10:13-16 recounts the story of when people brought them to Jesus, ranging in age from infants to preadolescent children. It says,
“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”

Children are safe in God’s hands. Indeed, as Jesus said, the kingdom of God belongs to them. And because this is so, they too, not just adults, should be able to have the attention of Jesus. They too should be able to receive of what God is doing through Jesus.

How to provide this for children today is modeled for us by Jesus. When the children came to Jesus, he laid his hands on them and he blessed them. He prayed for God to watch over them and to care for them. This is how he ministered to them.

And so, as our adult followers of Jesus come forward to receive the bread and cup of the Lord’s supper, we invite all children to come forward to the front platform to be prayed for, in the name of Jesus, in order to receive a blessing from God.

William Higgins

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Summary: The Lord’s Supper

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , on August 13, 2012| Leave a Comment »

When we partake of the Lord’s supper, we receive the bread and the cup. But what does this mean?

The bread comes from the Passover meal, which Jesus and his disciples were eating together. The Passover meal celebrated God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery, misery and death in Egypt. It was celebrated just before their deliverance. They were to be dressed and ready to go and afterwards they were set free. Also, this deliverance was connected to sacrificial death. While the Egyptians were judged, the blood of the lambs protected the Israelites. God passed over their homes. (Exodus 12:6-13). So the bread from this meal calls to mind deliverance from slavery through sacrificial death.

Jesus used this bread to symbolically speak of his death – “this is my body” – Mark 14:22. And just as the bread is broken when it is given out to be eaten, he is saying that through his sacrificial death, his broken body on the cross, we are set free from slavery. We are set free from slavery to the world, Satan, our sin and death and we commit to leave all this behind.

The cup is connected to the Mosaic covenant ceremony which happened after Israel traveled out of Egypt to Mt. Sinai. Jesus makes this connection when he uses the phrase “my blood of the covenant” – Mark 14:24, which comes from this event. This ceremony was about new relationship with God. When Israel entered into covenant with God, God forgave them and they agreed to obey everything in the Mosaic covenant. Also, this new relationship is connected to sacrificial death. The blood of the oxen was sprinkled on the altar and the people. It was the “the blood of the covenant.” (Exodus 24:5-8). So the cup, connected to this, brings to mind a new relationship with God through sacrificial death.

Jesus used the cup to symbolically speak of his death – “this is my blood” – Mark 14:24. And just as the cup is “poured out” (Mark 14:24) as it is received, he is saying that through his sacrificial death, through his poured out blood on the cross, we have a new relationship with God; a new covenant. Our sins are forgiven and we commit to do all that Jesus commands us.

When we receive the bread and the cup we acknowledge all this as true in our lives:

  • When you eat the bread you are saying that through Jesus I am set free from the world, Satan, sin and death and I choose to leave all this behind.
  • When you drink the cup you are saying that through Jesus I have a new relationship with God. I am forgiven and I commit to do all that Jesus has commanded.

These are the very things that we acknowledged at the time of our baptism. And each time we partake of the Lord’s supper we renew this baptismal testimony and commitment to God.

William Higgins

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Love your enemy

Posted in Uncategorized on June 30, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Here is a link to the site with teaching on this – Love your enemy.

William

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Acceptable Words. Psalm 19

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on June 3, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Psalm 19 is a profound psalm with lots of good teaching in it. It’s also a very beautiful poem. I want us to really dig into this today and see what we can learn.

I have a handout for you –  Psalm 19 outline. There are some issues of translation that I won’t get into. I am using two translations, the ESV and NIV. Let’s read it through as a whole first, from the handout.

Introduction

Let me begin by pointing out that there are several allusions to Genesis 1 in Psalm 19. Here are some examples from verse one:

  • “the heavens” is the same word as is found in Genesis 1:1
  • “the sky” is the same word as “firmament” in Genesis 1:7

(For more see below. The seven statements about God’s instructions could also echo the seven days of Genesis one)

But most basically, the structure of Genesis 1 helps us understand how this Psalm is put together. It is generally recognized that days 1-3 and days 4-6 in Genesis 1 are parallel to each other, with the first series focusing on the making of different spaces, and the second series focusing on filling those spaces. 

Making spaces

Filling spaces
Day 1 – light & darkness (temporal space) Day 4 – Filled with stars.
Day 2 – waters below, above (sky) Day 5 – Filled with fish, birds
Day 3 – the earth Day 6 – Filled with animals.

Now on day 4, as a part of filling the created spaces, God set rulers over the day and night, the Sun and the moon. Day 5 has no mention of a ruler. But again, on day 6, God set humanity as the ruler over the earth, both man and woman.

I draw attention to this because these two servants who rule, specifically the Sun and humanity, are contrasted in our Psalm in sections B and B1 (handout).

Now we’re ready to look at our Psalm. We begin with –

The words of the heavens

“1The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.”

A couple of notes, “The heavens declare,” can also be translated “are declaring.” And “the sky above proclaims,” can also be translated “is proclaiming.” This is an ongoing activity. And this is reinforced by v. 2, which tells us that this happens “day to day,” and “night to night.” (The day and night language also echoes day 4 in Genesis 1)

So the heavens are declaring, proclaiming, pouring out speech and revealing knowledge. And this is all focused on “the glory of God.” The heavens praise God and point to God in that they are God’s “handiwork.” For when people see the heavens and their workings, they see the glory of the one who made them. (For similar thoughts see Romans 1:28)

Then we have a qualification. “3They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. 4Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” They do a lot of talking, but not with audible or human words. And yet in spite of this, they still speak. In fact their words go everywhere, to the ends of the world.

Now we have a focus on the Sun, as the ruler of the day –

The faithful servant over the heavens

“In them he (God) has set a tent for the sun, 5which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and like a strong man, runs its course with joy.”

The sun is here vividly personified. It retires in a tent that God gives it during the night. When the sun “comes out” of its tent in the morning, it’s ready to go. This is described with two images: 1) like a bridegroom right after his marriage ceremony, ready to take on the world. 2) like a strong man, or an athlete ready to run, who then “runs his course with joy.” It is not a toil, and there is no complaining. It is ready to go and is happy about it.

“6Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.” It travels its path from east to west each and every day, staying true to the path given to it by God. It goes from one end of the heavens to the other and “nothing is hidden from its heat,” referencing its rule over all the heavens, echoing Genesis 1:16 and 18.

So the sun is singled out as a prime example of the heavens declaring God’s glory. It is doing what it is supposed to do and thus glorifying God.

Next we learn about –

God’s instructions

This is really a poem within a poem – about God’s Law, or as I am putting it his “instructions” to us; God’s will. It is made up of seven statements.

1. “7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul”

2. “the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple”

3. “8the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart”

4. “the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes”

5. “9the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever”

6. “the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether”

7. “10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.”

Notice the synonyms: law, testimony, precepts, commandment, fear, rules. Notice the characteristics of God’s instructions: perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, enduring forever, true, righteous altogether. And notice its benefit for those who keep it: reviving the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing the heart, enlightening the eyes.

This section ends with two comparatives that speak to its value. God’s instructions are more valuable than gold or honey. They are to be sought out. Let me ask, Do you seek it out more than gold or honey? If someone put a pot of gold in front of you and said choose this or a better of understanding of what God wants from you, which would you pick?

In the background here is Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. One scholar (David Clines) has pointed out parallels between these passages. Here are two: In Genesis 3:6 the tree seemed good “to make one wise.” But in Psalm 19:7 God’s Law is characterized as “making wise the simple.” In Genesis 3:7 it says when they ate “the eyes of both were opened.” But in Psalm 19:8 God’s Law characterized as “enlightening the eyes.”

The underlying message in this comparison is this. Instead of seeking out wisdom to rule apart from God, we are to find wisdom in God’s instructions. He gives us true insight and enlightenment.

Next we move to a focus on humanity. In contrast to the faithfulness of the sun, we have –

The flawed servant over the earth

And this is in the form of a prayer. “11Moreover, by them (that is, God’s instructions) is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”

Here we see the quandary that David, and all of us face in terms of God’s Law – judgment or blessing? Judgment if we disobey – hence the warning language. Blessing if we keep it. He speaks of “great reward.”

Already in vs. 7-10 we have begun to see the human problem, but this is spelled out further in these next verses, in the form of two obstacles that stand in the way of receiving God’s blessing. This speaks to the flawed rulership of humanity.

“12Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; let them not have dominion over me!”

1. We have errors or hidden faults. That is, inadvertent sins, sinning when we don’t even know we are. What is the solution? He asks for forgiveness. Grace.

2. We have willful sins. That is know, willful choices we make that go against God’s will. What is the solution? He asks for help. Keep me from them. Once again, grace. (In the phrase “let them not have dominion over me,” the word “dominion” echoes Genesis 1:28. But it is an ironic allusion, because it refers now to sin having dominion over humanity, as opposed to humanity having dominion over the earth.) (“Dominion” is the same word used in Genesis 4:7 where God tells Cain must rule over sin) (The word “hidden” is used to describe the sun’s expansive rule. Here it is used to highlight the flawed rule of humanity.)

So, with God’s forgiveness and preventative help, David goes on to say, 13“Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.” In this way he can receive God’s great reward. (Perhaps he means he will be blameless due to forgiveness and innocent of great transgression due to God’s preventative help)

This leads us to the last verse –

The words of humanity

We have already seen in v.1 how “the heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork;” how they pour forth speech. And we have seen how the sun is a prime example of this, as the faithful servant of God who rules over the sky, never wandering from his path.

Now David prays, that as a human, as a ruler over the earth, he will have words that are acceptable in God’s sight. 14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

He acknowledges in this Psalm human brokenness and sin, including his own. But with the help of God’s instructions, instead of his own wisdom, and with God’s forgiveness and preventative help, that is, God’s grace, he prays that his words can be a part of declaring God’s glory. That just as the heavens do this, and the Sun as the ruler of the day does this, that he might fulfill his role in offering up praise to God and pointing others to God in the way he runs his course.

And he also prays this for the mediations of his heart, the source of his words. This is not just an outer thing. He prays that his heart would be acceptable and glorifying to God.

He ends with the theme of redemption as a counterpoint to his brokenness. He uses “Lord” or Yahweh, God’s personal name. In the first part of the psalm it was the generic, “God,” the creator God. But from vs. 7-14 Yahweh is the name that is used seven times – God’s covenant or saving name. It is this God who is his rock and redeemer and, the one who protects him and saves him.

Let me end by asking –

What about you?

Do you desire to join in the chorus of praise to God? To pour out day to day acceptable words that point to and praise God?

Then we too, like David need God’s help. And thankfully we have all the more help, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • We have God’s clearest instructions, God’s Word made flesh. We have Jesus’ teaching and example to guide us, give us wisdom and enlighten our eyes.
  • And we have Gods’ grace. We have forgiveness for all our sins, errors and willful ones, through Jesus’ death on the cross. And we have God’s help, so that sin will not have dominion over us through the Spirit whom we receive in our hearts, who gives us the power to overcome.

In this way we too can fulfill our role; our words too can join in with the words of all creation to give proper praise to God.

 William Higgins


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Some words of encouragement

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , on May 27, 2012| 1 Comment »

Today I want to share with you briefly some words of encouragement regarding going through times of testing, trials and tribulations. We seem to have a lot of this in our congregation right now. And then I want to give you a chance at the end to come forward for prayer for God to strengthen and encourage you. First,

 Some thoughts on trials

Sometimes God spares us from difficult situations. This is what we pray for when we pray in the Lords’ prayer, “lead us not into testing, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). We are praying for God’s protection; for God to shield us.

If you are praying this, as I encourage you to do regularly, who knows what all you have been spared? The other week I was about to pull out into an intersection after the light turned green and someone barreled through the red light. If I had gone normally I would have been hit hard. But I hesitated. Is this connected to my praying this? It is likely.

And I believe that we will be surprised on the final day when all that God has kept us from is made known. I also believe that we should give thanks even now for all that God has not let us go through!

If in these cases God allows us to go around difficult situations, we look next at how sometimes God allows us to go through trials.

  • Jesus says in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation.”
  • And he says in Matthew 6:34, talking about the stresses of everyday life, “sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Each day has more than enough trials in it.

When God allows us to go through trials it may be that after a time God will deliver us. That is to say, God will step in and give us relief, bring us out of the difficult situation, and let us have a more normal life once again, with just our regular problems.

God is certainly able to deliver us from any trial we may find ourselves in. As God himself says, “Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). Absolutely not! God can deliver us from any situation.

Here’s an example: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. You know the story. They refused the king’s order to bow to an idol and so they were condemned to be thrown into a great fiery furnace.

The king said, “who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” (3:15). They said, our God is able, but even if he doesn’t we still won’t bow to an idol (3:17-18). And so the king was angry and they were thrown in.

But they didn’t burn! And someone else was in the furnace walking with them. And so the king called them to come out. And they had no marks from the flame; no signs of burning. God delivered them. And the king said, “there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way” (3:29).

But also, when God allows us to go through trials, it may be that God will not deliver us. In this case, the difficult situation will remain with us long term, or for our whole life. It might be an illness, a disability, a situation of family brokenness that you can’t fix, or perhaps depression or anxiety.

Here’s an example from Paul. He talks about how “a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:7-8. But God said no. Three time he prayed and God said no. Paul continued on throughout his life with this difficulty, whatever it was, with no relief.

We also have to include here the reality that not only are we not delivered, but that our trial may bring our life in this world to an end.

Think of Jesus. He prayed in Gethsemane to be spared testing. Mark tells us he prayed, “if it were possible, the hour might pass from him” (Mark 14:35). And he prayed “remove this cup from me” (Mark 14:36). Both of these are variants of the last request of the Lord’s prayer.

But God said no. Three times he prayed and God said no. He had to go through it. He went through this trial even unto death.

Since God does indeed allow us to go through all kinds of trial, let’s end with –

Some words to remember in our times of trial

– to strengthen and encourage us.

God walks with us in these situations. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” – Psalm 46:1. God is present with us and helps us in our difficult situations. God also tells us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” – Hebrews 13:5. He doesn’t say, I will see you on the other side. He is with us no matter how hard it is. God says in Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”

God protects us in the midst of the trial. Not only does Isaiah 43:2 say, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” it goes on to say, “When you pass . . . through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

The imagery of deep waters and fire speak to times of difficult and dangerous testing and tribulation. And the promise for those who walk with God is that God watches over us and does not allow us to be overwhelmed – by whatever we go through.

God will give us the strength we need. As God said to Paul concerning his thorn, so it is true with us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” – 2 Corinthians 12:9. God’s grace is sufficient for you. His power will give you what you need to move forward in your time of weakness.

And then finally, through God we always have the victory. We have victory when God delivers us from our trial in this life. But even if we are not delivered we have victory!

Think of Paul and his thorn. What did he say about all of his problems? “For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” – 2 Corinthians 4:17. Now that Paul is with God, God has now delivered him from his thorn. And what Paul is teaching us is that what we will endure in this life is temporary and it cannot be compared to the glory that is to come.

Think of Jesus. Yes, he died. But he was delivered from death itself. He experienced an even greater deliverance. And because of Jesus, even if we die, we don’t die! Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” – John 11:25-26.

Whether God delivers us in this life or in the next, we have the victory through him. Praise be to his name!

William Higgins

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Our Hope. It’s more than you might think

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 8, 2012| Leave a Comment »

The theme of hope is a core distinctive of Christianity, based, as our faith is, on a resurrected Jesus, who lives forevermore. Peter speaks of the “living hope” that Christians have in 1 Peter 1:3. And Paul prays that his readers will be enlightened so that, as he says, “you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, (and) what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints” – Ephesians 1:18.

And it is this “glorious inheritance” that I want to talk about this morning. What is our hope as Christians? What are “the riches of his glorious inheritance?” I am focusing on this because I fear some Christians aren’t getting the full scope of what God has for us. I say this because some believe that going to heaven when you die, is what it’s all about.

But I ask – Is going to heaven when you die the extent of our hope? This past year I visited a church and I heard just this belief expressed. Someone had died in the church and one person shared, in so many words, that the one who died now had all that God has for him.

Let me begin by saying, yes –

When we die, we go to be with Jesus

Anyone who dies in the Lord, goes to be with the Lord at death.

We’ve talked a lot about Sheol in the last few months – the place of the dead. Scripture doesn’t say a lot about what happens to the righteous dead with the death and resurrection of Jesus. But the best way to put together what is said, is to say that those in paradise (the good part of Sheol) have now moved to heaven to be in the presence of Jesus.

And this is a great blessing and something to look forward to. And this is a great comfort as we think of our loved ones who have died in the Lord, and even as we contemplate our own future. We go to a better place.

Paul says, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. . .. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.”- Philippians 1:21-22. He also says, “We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord . . . and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 5:6-7. Dying and going to be with Jesus is far better than this earthly life so full of sin and suffering.

And then in the story of Stephen, when he is being stoned to death. He says, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” – Acts 7:59. He knew that when he died, he would be with Jesus. His spirit would go to be in the presence of Jesus.

But our hope is more than this. That’s the message today. Our hope is actually so much more than this! And we don’t want to sell short the amazing hope and inheritance that God has given us in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our hope is more in three specific ways: First of all, our hope is not just something that happens right when we die.

Our hope looks to the end when Jesus returns to completely save us

In other words there is an issue of  timing here. The fullness of our salvation awaits the coming of Jesus at the end of all things. This is when we will receive all that God has for us.

To think that our hope only has to do with when we die, is to mistake the end of one short sentence as the conclusion of a grand, complex and long story – made up of many, many volumes. We are talking about all of history here, billions of stories being woven together into the story of Jesus and coming to the end that God has chosen when Jesus returns.

In the bigger picture our time with Jesus in heaven is a place of waiting for this final goal, the return of Jesus and all that God has for us. It is like a grand waiting room. A good one, for sure, but a waiting room nevertheless. And just like any waiting room, it is easy to get impatient.

This is exactly what we see in Revelation 6:9-11. The souls in heaven who died for their faith, “cried out with a loud voice, ‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long . . .? Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer . . ..” They are told to be patient.

Our hope is much more than something that happens right when we die. Those in heaven with Jesus, along with us, await the full blessings when Jesus returns.

Second, our hope is not just something that has to do with our spirit.

Our hope includes the redemption of our bodies

Here the issue is the scope of our salvation. Salvation involves every part of us – spirit, soul and body. Our destiny is not to be disembodied spirits in heaven, which is what we are after we die and go to be with Jesus.

Being in the presence of Jesus is far better than life on earth with suffering and sin. But still better is the resurrection. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:3-4, in the resurrection we will no longer be “naked” or “unclothed” – that is, a spirit without a body in heaven with Jesus. In the resurrection we will be clothed with our new resurrected bodies.

Christianity is not like some traditions, where the goal is to escape creation or our bodies. Creation is good, though fallen. And the solution is not abandoning it to be in a purely spiritual realm. The solution is the renewal of creation.

So it is in the resurrection, not simply being in the presence of Jesus in heaven, that we will find our completion; our full salvation.

We see that this is true in Jesus’ resurrection. He was not a spirit or a ghost. He was an embodied person. In Luke 24:39 the resurrected Jesus said to his disciples, “See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” He had a real body, even though it was supernatural, disappearing and appearing at times, waking through walls and so forth. It was supernatural, but it was a body nonetheless.

And this is also our hope. Philippians 3:20-21 says, “from (heaven) we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

Our hope is much more than something that happens to our spirit. Every part of us will be saved when Jesus returns. 

Third, our hope is not something that has to do with just me going to heaven.

Our hope includes the fulfillment of all of God’s purposes

The issue here is the excessive individualism. Salvation includes all of creation, not just me making it to heaven. 2 Peter 3:13 says, “according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” This is when, as Paul says in Romans 8:21, “the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Then there will be a new creation.

Salvation also includes God gathering together a new community, not just me being in heaven. Jesus sais in Luke 13:29, “And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.” There will be a new community.

Salvation includes the establishment of God’s kingdom over all the earth, not just me in heaven. Just as Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:10, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” so it will be when Jesus returns. The innocent will be lifted up and the wicked will be put down. Justice will be done. All wrongs will be righted, and all suffering will be rewarded. And righteousness will prevail.

Our hope is much more than me being in heaven with Jesus, it is the fulfillment of God’s grand plan, formulated from before the beginning of time, brought to completion through Jesus, when he returns. God’s people living in a perfect creation, in righteousness, peace and joy (Romans 14:17).

 

Because Jesus defeated death, rose from the grave, ascended to God’s right hand and reigns over all we have a great and amazing hope!

But do you have this hope? It is one thing to learn it in your head, but do you have it in your heart? Receive the new resurrection life that Jesus gives. As Jesus said, “ask and you will receive.” Ask for and receive God’s free gift of new life in Jesus. 

William Higgins

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