June 19, 2009

Text: Philemon 1:17-21

Title: Will You Play for Your King?

Thoughts:

“You have something that God has redeemed and desires to use in His Kingdom.”

While visiting another kingdom, the king of a well-known and respected nation was greeted with the greatest of pomps and parades. The hosting king did ever thing imaginable to impress his visitor. Celebrations and coronations had no restrictions. His dictatorship and demands were obviously displayed as the people scurried to impress the visiting king and allude their leader’s wrath. He pridefully boasted of his country’s factories, merchants, and merchandise.

At one point the tour passed by a peasant boy playing his instrument beautifully. Serenading the procession, the boy captured the heart of the two kings. While the visiting king was enamored by the boy’s talent, the host was infuriated that his officials had not removed the boy from the site of his guest. At once he demanded the boy be placed in a hard labor camp; a place the visiting guest knew to be a sentence of death.

Courageously the visiting king spoke. He described the intent to which his heart had been touched by the boy and his abilities. His heart had been arrested. Turning to the host he responded, “I would like to take this boy back to my kingdom. How much would he cost?”

Laughing out loud, the king said, “This boy is not deserving of royalty! He is worth nothing.” Then realizing the visitor was serious, the king seized an opportunity to exact a prized possession of the visiting king. The price: a rare gem found only within the visiting king’s country.  It was the only one of its kind.

The visiting king was so enthralled with the boy he willingly paid the price and returned to his country with the boy, where he joyfully played for his redeemer’s kingdom.

We all represent the peasant child. We were once bound in a land ruled by a hard taskmaster. He demanded and dictated our existence. Yet, the King’s heart has been captured and He has redeemed us for His pleasure.

Application:

Philemon’s redeemed instrument was Onesimus. He had to determine whether or not he would return his gift (Onesimus) to the Kingdom or stingily relish in his new freedom. What is your instrument (time, talents, treasures)?

Are you using them in the Kingdom of the Lord? Who are you playing for?

Why do we view our situations so differently when we look through the story of another? How can we keep this perspective of what God has done for us?

Prayer:

Father,

My heart is captured in this story of Onesimus. Once a worthless possession, You have redeemed me for Your pleasure. In the freedom of this new Kingdom, may I play for Your pleasure. May I invest my time, talents, and treasures for Your Kingdom and not seek to develop my own. Remind me often and vividly of what You have done for me.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

June 18, 2009

Text: Philemon 1:8-16

Title: God Redeemed It

Thoughts:

“You own something that God has redeemed and desires to use in His Kingdom.”

I must admit, in my internet browser there are several open sites of baby names. Julie and I have begun the search for that perfect baby name that combines uniqueness and significance. Because names are more than cute titles. They have a prophetic significance. Thus, it was a common practice for a slave owner to name his servant a name of significance. A name that would have meaning and characterize their behavior and ethic.

Philemon was no different. He had appropriately given his servant the name “Onesimus“, which means “useful“. Unfortunately, Onesimus did not live up to his name. In fact, he was considered to be “useless” rather than “useful“.

That was until…until God redeemed him. In a period unknown to the reader, God had led Onesimus to Paul, who in turn led him to Jesus. The transformation was remarkable. Now, under the grace of God, Onesimus was truly bearing the significance of his name. God had redeemed him.

The Oxford Dictionary defines “redeemed“, in the theological sense, as “to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner.” It is my belief that God redeems not only the believer but his/her entire life and possessions. While my car, house, or day planner will never make it to heaven, they certainly bear the marks of what Christ has done in me.

When we consider our “ownership“, as Philemon considered his ownership of Onesimus, we soon realize that God has redeemed our time, talents, and treasures. What was once “useless” to the Kingdom has now become “useful“. The step of faith and trust in Philemon’s case was that he had to accept the work of redemption. Likewise, I must accept the work of Christ’s redemption in my possessions just I accept it in my heart.

Application:

In what ways do your possessions bear the mark of Christ’s redemption?

What is one specific possession that was once “useless” to the Kingdom, but through Christ’s redemption has now become “useful”?

What is the area/possession you have the most difficulty releasing into the Kingdom?

Prayer:

Father,

Thank You so much for redeeming me. Once I was like Onesimus, useless to You and Your Kingdom. Now, however, I have been redeemed by Christ’s sacrifice. Now, not only am I useful to Your Kingdom, my possessions have been redeemed for Your Kingdom as well. Help me today to accept this total life redemption and yield everything to You for Your Kingdom.

In Jesus’ name. Amen

June 17, 2009

Text: Philemon 1:10-16

Title: Ownership = Rights and Responsibilities

Thoughts:

“You own something that God has redeemed and desires to use for His Kingdom.”

Reading through the book of Philemon, one cannot deny the authority Philemon had in regards to his servant Onesimus. Paul clarifies there are only two ways in which Onesimus could remain. Paul could either assert his authority and leverage Philemon’s debt against him to keep Onesimus, or he could appeal to Philemon’s proper stewardship of his servant Onesimus. In neither case was the option up to Onesimus. He was the property of his owner.

Again, we do not embrace slavery. Furthermore, just as it is impossible for any person to claim absolute ownership of anything upon earth, it is impossible for one individual to own another. Understanding that “the earth and the fullness thereof belongs to the Lord” (Ps. 24:1), we recognize that ownership is more than absolute ownership. Therefore, we will consider ownership relative to the terms: rights and responsibilities.

While Philemon could not completely own the person of Onesimus, he was the possessor of the rights to Onesimus. It was entirely his determination as to what would happen with this newly transformed man. As a homeowner, I have the right to manage my house as I wish. As a renter, this choice is not mine. However, with the rights of ownership come the responsibilities of ownership. Though Philemon owned the rights of Onesimus, he was responsible for him, both in a physical and eternal sense.

Like Onesimus, we will all appear before the Lord and will be called to give an account of the rights we have stewarded on earth. Each of us have ownership to the rights of our time, talents, and treasures. Though God could demand we use them in His will, He allows us to manage those rights. However, we must never forget that those rights come with responsibilities.

Application:

How would you define ownership?

How does the terms rights and responsibilities change your perception of ownership?

What time, talents, and treasures are you exercising rights and responsibilities over in your life? Are you ready to give an account for each of them?

Prayer:

Father,

At times I think ownership is relative to just me. I treat it as if it were simply whether or not I want to do or not to do something. Though You have given me that right, You have also made me completely responsible for those decisions. May I be faithful in every aspect of my stewardship!

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

June 16, 2009

Text: Philemon 1:8-16

Title:  How Will This Story End?

Thoughts:

One of the beauties of Scripture is the vast facets in which God uses it to speak to His people. For centuries nothing has been added to the holy writ, yet for centuries God has used His Word to challenge, correct, and encourage His people.

Working through the book of Philemon again recently, I’ve been a bit consumed with the following sentence and have used it as a lens through which I have studied this marvelous letter as of late.

“You own something that God has redeemed and desires to use for His Kingdom.”

Though we none agree with slavery, in the context of Paul’s letter to Philemon, Philemon was the rightful owner (we’ll discuss this more tomorrow) of Onesimus. This slave, once useless to Philemon, had experienced a powerful transformation and was now useful to the Kingdom of God. As his superior, Paul could have rightfully commanded/demanded compliance from Philemon. Nevertheless, he appealed for love’s sake and to the spiritual maturity of Philemon.

Throughout this week we will be breaking down this thought. “You own something that God has redeemed and desires to use for His Kingdom.” Like Philemon, we are the rightful owners of a certain amount of time, talents, and treasures. And, though He could demand it from us, God has appealed to us for love’s sake and because of our spiritual maturity. Now we, like Philemon, must determine our response, which is something you have to love about the letter to Philemon. Though it is believed that Philemon responded in obedience, we are not told of his response. Perhaps, we are Philemon and we finish the letter.

Application:

In what ways has God used the same passage to speak to you in more than one way?

Take a few moments to meditate upon this sentence as you reread Philemon.

You own something that God has redeemed and desires to use for His Kingdom.

Imagine you are Philemon. Consider the emotions, sensitivity, and costs of accepting and returning Onesimus. Scripture tells us clearly that there are costs to discipleship. What emotions and costs must you face in accepting God’s request from you and responding in obedience?

Prayer:

Father,

Prepare my heart for what You desire to speak to me this week. I know that You use Your Word in a variety of ways. May You use it this week to refine me. I know that You have given me incredible gifts and talents to use for Your Kingdom. And, You are appealing to me for love’s sake and to my maturity to return them. May I consider the costs and respond in obedience to You.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

June 12, 2009

Text: Philemon 1:1-7

Title: Sharing of Faith = Growth

Thoughts:

I’ll never forget the revelation I had from Philemon 1:6 several years ago. Involving a bit of ambiguity, this verse, rightfully understood, brings incredible knowledge to the life of the believer. In the NASB it reads: “and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.”

For the most part, the ambiguity surfaces because of the uncertainty of the word fellowship (konoinia) of our faith. For those familiar with Christianity, kononia “is often used in the active sense of impartation, as communication, contribution, almsgiving” (Vincent-Word Studies). While this sharing of his faith certainly involved communication, it was more than the mere verbal sharing of Christ that Paul was alluding to in Philemon’s life.

Indeed, it was the all-around sharing of his resources which would result in a deeper understanding of his faith and what God had placed within him. P.T. O’Brien clarifies this in his translation of v.6: “I pray that your generosity, which arises from your faith, may lead you effectively into a deeper understanding and experience of every blessing which belongs to us as fellow-members in the body of Christ” (F.F. Bruce, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians, pp.209-10).

Paul’s words to Philemon in this passage strongly suggest that there is a direct correlation between the sharing of our faith (time, talents, and treasures) and our “ever-growing awareness of all the resources available in Christ…The implication is clear: Whereas an inactive faith leads to stagnation, an active faith leads to spiritual growth–surely a principle of universal application”(Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary, p.1289).

Application:

From the experiences in your life, can you see remarkable growth and a new awareness of God’s resources when you are actively sharing your faith?

How active is your sharing in this season of life? In what areas are you sharing?

How does life, the economy, extracurricular activities, etc. affect your sharing and consequently your spiritual growth?

Prayer:

Father,

May I learn from Philemon’s example. In response to his faith, he shared his resources for the benefit of the Kingdom of God. In doing so, he learned more of the vast resources You had placed in the lives of believers. May I grasp how wide, how deep, and how extravagant is Your resources toward Your children. Resisting stagnation, I want to grow in my faith as I give it away. Help me to become generous in all areas of my life.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

As I was writing this devo today, I was tested upon it myself. Whenever we are affected by someone else’s sins, we find it difficult to believe that they are changed. As Paul writes to Philemon concerning his acceptance of Onesimus, he highlights first Philemon’s love and faith. If God can change our hearts, we must believe that he can change the hearts and lives of others. It was Philemon’s love and faith that were the precursors to his acceptance of Onesimus.

Searching my own heart and life,
Allen

June 10, 2009

Text: Philemon 1:1-7

Title: Love and Faith: The Precursor of Life

Thoughts:

In response to yesterday’s devo, someone rightly responded, “The main reason that Paul gave this reference letter [Philemon] for this slave is that Onesimus was saved and discipled under the ministry of Paul.  Paul was returning a changed man to the household of Philemon.  Our greatest desire is that we could be discipled and not just saved.” (WWT)

I couldn’t agree more with this summary and reasoning for Paul’s letter to Philemon. As one who had faced similar scrutiny concerning the power of a changed life (cf. Acts 9:10-16), Paul knew how difficult it was for some to accept the transformation that Christ had performed in the life of an individual. Recognizing this, Paul predicated his request with the presence and work of God in Philemon’s own life.

Specifically, Paul calls upon two distinctly Christian character traits: love and faith (v.5).  The Amplified Bible translates verse 5 as “Because I continue to hear of your love and your loyal faith toward the Lord Jesus and [which you show] toward all the saints [God’s consecrated people].” These two traits, love and faith, are the foundational points for which Philemon must accept the newly transformed Onesimus. The fact that Philemon was a believer is widely known, but now that love and faith was to be tested in a personal way.

Love and faith are the precursors of the believer’s life. There are many things in which Scripture asks, better yet requires, of the believer that just doesn’t come naturally. Accepting a slave who run away from you and, most likely, with your money, doesn’t come naturally. In the world this is unpardonable. Accepting a former murderer of an organization’s people as the new voice of the organization just isn’t ordinary. Nevertheless, it is upon the foundations of love and faith that such actions can be established. Love and faith are the precursor’s to the believer’s life.

Application:

Have you ever had a difficulty believing that someone was truly a transformed version of their original self?

Without your love for and faith in Christ, would you be able to accept some of the people into your life and community?

What signs or witnesses of Christ are necessary for someone to be truly accepted as transformed?

Prayer:

Father,

As Paul prepared Philemon’s heart for what he was to request, so You prepare my heart with love and faith. As Your Word and Spirit ask me to do difficult things,  may my love for You and Your people, combined with my faith in You, establish me to remain obedient.  Even when it’s difficult, painful, and personal, may I find the grace to accept the forgiveness and transformation of others. As You have changed even me, I know that You change others. Thank You for Your love and faith!

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

June 9, 2009

Text: Philemon 1:1-25

Title: Pono

Thoughts:

As much as I would love to, I can’t speak or understand Hawaiian, even though I try at times. However, after spending time in the islands, one finds that there are certain endearing words that everyone knows. One of those words that captures my heart is pono. Though it may not always be translated the same way in every English sentence, pono carries the sense of uprightness, righteousness, or proper procedure. My summary of  the word is it’s just what is right and whatever that might be for the given situation.

When I read Paul’s letter to Philemon, this word pono comes to mind. The shortest of Paul’s letters, and one of his most personal letters, Philemon stands as Paul’s request to a believer named Philemon to do what is right concerning his runaway slave Onesimus. Though Paul could demand Philemon’s cooperation and compliance, he understood the heart and the intention of the one of whom he was making his request.

This small New Testament book serves to remind us that doing the right thing does not always have to come as a demand or the result of an authoritative position. In this sense, Paul trusted Philemon and placed great faith and responsibility into his hands concerning Onesimus. In Hawaiian terminology, Paul asked Philemon to exercise pono and to do what he knew was right, even though it was probably a difficult request for Philemon.

The idea of grace is that we shouldn’t have to always refer to a specific law in order to do what is right. The intention of grace is that we do what is right because it’s the right thing to do. What a freedom to be exercised when we begin to truly do the right thing without having to be demanded to do it. Now, that’s pono.

Hawaii State Motto:
Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ‘Aina i ka Pono 
The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.

Application:

Which do you find to be your modus operandi: You do the right thing when told to do so, or the structure is in place to guide you to do so? Or, you do the right thing regardless ,because it’s the right thing to do?

When has someone given you the opportunity to do the right thing, rather than demanding you to do so?

What opportunities do you have before you today that you know you need to do the right thing? How will you approach them?

Prayer:

Father,

I thank You for grace. When You had every right to demand so many things from me, You have extended grace to me. I know that You have placed laws in my life to guide me into Your will. However, I want to walk in grace, fulfilling Your Word because it is right, not because I have to. Help me to live righteously in Christ Jesus today.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Julie and I are pleased to announce that we will be the proud parents of our first child sometime around January 4!! We are so excited!

Over the next several months we will be searching through the archives for names for our firstborn. Our belief is that the more people we have working on this, the better chance we have of getting that ‘perfect’ name.  

If you have a suggestion, please leave it in the comment section below.

Hint: We are looking for names that have biblical meanings and significance.

June 3, 2009

Text: Acts 1:1-11

Title: The Holy Spirit and the Believer’s Competence

Thoughts:

The works of the Holy Spirit are far too numerable to record. He is our Comforter, Helper, Teacher, Convictor, Empowerer  and much much more (cf.  Jn. 14, 16). The role of the Spirit in the life of the believer is without a doubt an absolute necessity. Yet, we often focus the majority of our attention on the Father and the Son, both of which are irreplaceable. Yet these three, the Trinity, are inseparable and equal appreciation must be shown to all.

As we consider the events and experiences of Acts 1-2, it is important that we realize two of the Holy Spirit’s many roles and the differences in these two. First, the Spirit’s role in regeneration, or “rebirth”. In our conversion the Spirit of God indwells the believer (Rom. 8:9, 1 Cor. 6:19,20). “This indwelling provides the spiritual power for the subsequent development of the spiritual life, the achievement of holiness, baptism in the Spirit, the use of spiritual gifts, and living a life to the glory of God.” (Arrington, Christian Doctrine: A Pentecostal Perspective) All believers have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is the essential element in our spiritual rebirth.

The second role, which is the primary focus of Acts 1-2, is the Spirit baptism. Clearly, John the Baptist proclaimed that Christ was coming to offer another baptism than the one offered by the disciples. He stated, “…but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit’ (Jn 1:33). The baptism with (in) the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct experience of the Spirit. It is the immersion of the believer in the presence and power of the Spirit of God; “a total submersion of one’s spirit into the Spirit of God” (Arrington). “This experience is characterized as a fullness of the Spirit, which is the result of the full penetration of the Spirit into all areas of our existence” (Arrignton). And, as seen throughout the book of Acts, the baptism in the Holy Spirit comes with demonstrations and manifestations.

While the former (indwelling) is essential for the spiritual rebirth, the latter (Spirit baptism) is a second-work of the Spirit. Unfortunately, many believers fail to enact upon Christ’s command to His disciples, “not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised…” (Acts 1:4). One would think it rather odd and unacceptable for an employee of multiple years in a company to still need the same supervision and instructions for their position as they did their first day on the job. The idea is that they become empowered to do what that instructor is modeling for them. Likewise, the Holy Spirit’s baptism is the enablement for the believer to do what the Instructor (Jesus Christ) has modeled for us…and even greater (Jn. 14:12). The Spirit baptism is our authority and source to complete the works Christ has declared we would do. Throughout the book of Acts we see the apostles fulfilling John 14:12, can the same be said of us today?

Application:

In Acts 19 the believers in Ephesus had experienced the Spirit in their rebirth, but were unaware that there was more to the Holy Spirit. Are you aware of the many roles of the Holy Spirit, specifically Spirit baptism?

From these Scriptures, what do you understand about the Holy Spirit’s indwelling and baptism? 

- 2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13; 4:30

- 1 Cor. 6:19; 3:16

- Acts 1:5, 8; 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17; 13:9, 52 (the fullness of the Spirit upon baptism)

Imagine you were hired as an employee of the Gospel. According to the number of years you have been employed (saved), what is your competence (the ability to do something successfully) to do what Jesus has modeled for us? Are you actively seeking the Holy Spirit’s power to do so?

Prayer:

Father,

Considering my life as an employee of the Gospel, I realize how immature I am in my role as a witness of You. If I am to do the works You have done, and even greater, there must be some changes in me.  If my faith were a job, I’d be fired because I am not doing what You have taught me to do. Thank You for Your grace and patience with me. Today, however, I ask that You would lead me again to a place of infusion of the Spirit’s power. I do not want to simply be an employee who is on the payroll but inept at fulfilling my position. I want to be and do what You have enlisted me to do. Baptize me with Your Spirit and fire today.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

June 2, 2009

Text: Acts 1:1-7

Title: Waiting the Power

Thoughts:

This week marks a very special week in the lives of 4 men in our church family. Since August of last year they have been studying, preparing, and practicing for their new roles as Hawaii County Police Officers. For 6 months they were committed to obtaining the knowledge of the law and the physical techniques of becoming a police officer. In February, they graduated to the streets with a fellow Field Training Officer. But beginning June 1st, they became official officers running solo. How exciting?!

As I sat to read Acts 1 for some inspiration and direction for today’s devo, I got caught up on this word in verse 4: commanded. It’s found in this statement: “Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me…” While I am sure at some other point in life I have zeroed in on that word, it leapt from the page this morning.

Consider this…the disciples had all of the knowledge about Jesus, His works, and His resurrection. They had lived with and worked in tandem with Him. Technically, they had the full knowledge of the Gospel. Yet, they were missing the power to implement the Gospel. 

Throughout the class, our 4 heroes gained knowledge, yet they were not vested with the power to fulfill the role of a police officer until they gained wisdom (knowledge combined with experience). How often do people have the right answers (knowledge), but lack the wisdom (knowledge combined with experience) to fulfill the role they are called to fulfill.

Each of us have been given a deposit from God. However, our knowledge alone does not give us the power to fully exercise the authority of that gift. Like the disciples, we are commanded to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit which empowers us to fulfill our life and calling as a believer. Though they could technically arrest us, these men could not officially arrest us until they had been empowered to do so.

Application:

In what areas of your life have you ever tried to act on knowledge without the necessary power to do so?

After receiving the Gospel, did you wait to receive the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the calling of your new life (cf. Acts 1:8)?

Take a moment to read Acts 19:11-20. This story speaks of someone who tried to act with knowledge (knowing the name of Jesus) without having the power of the Holy Spirit to do so. What lessons can we learn from these verses?

Prayer:

Father,

Thank You for the reminder of Your commandment to wait for the promise of the Spirit. So, often I get just enough information to know, but not the power or authority to act. May I learn to wait upon the precious Spirit of God to empower me. Knowledge is great. Wisdom is wonderful. But these mean little without the authority of the Holy Spirit. Lord, send Your Spirit to Your Church today.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.