Sharing of Faith = Growth

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.

Behold, He Stinks! Seriously!

May 12, 2009

Text: Titus 1:10-16

Title:  Behold, He Stinks! Seriously!

 

Thoughts:

While I was going through college, I was blessed with an opportunity to work at the Bradley Farmers Coop. Serving a vast array of clientele, I assisted everyone from the owner of Coca-Cola’s wife to the individual who was struggling to scratch out an existence on earth. But no customer was more perplexing than the retired banker.

 

I was offended from my first introduction. In fact, I think everyone was. This guy was just nasty. With no exaggeration, you smelled him before you saw him. On one occasion, he had this massively infected sore on the bridge of his nose. It oozed infection as I waited on him. It was one of the grossest things I have ever seen. And, to imagine, this man once led businesses in their financial matters.

 

It just doesn’t seem to fit. A banker smelling and looking worse than someone who is unable to afford a meal or shower. After all, he even had a nice home that he could take a shower in. What’s up with that?!

 

As I read through Titus, I just couldn’t help but recall the banker. Stereotypes teach us that bankers should be sophisticated, clean-cut, and respectable. Fundamentally, the Scriptures teach us that followers of Christ should exemplify dignity, honor, self-control, purity, and kindness. Yet, neither this banker nor the Cretan believers were matching up to what they were supposed to be. In fact, one of their own prophets declared, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” (Tit. 1:12). Unfortunately, Paul found the testimony of the prophet to be true (Tit. 1:13).

 

There are certain characteristics that followers of Christ should embody. And, when we fail in this basic areas, we discredit the Word of God and our faith. Paul urged Titus to “reprove them severely so that they may be sound in faith” (Tit.1:13). This word sound is the root word for our English word hygiene. Later, he expresses that their doctrine should also be sound, or “healthy, healthful” (Tit. 2:1).

 

A healthy hygiene speaks incredible volumes about our lives and faith. Indeed, it precedes us. Perhaps someone should have exercised a severe reprimand of this banker’s hygiene. It would have made drastic improvements to his circle of influence.

 

Application:

How are you doing on your spiritual hygiene? Is your faith healthy?

 

Have you ever been around someone who’s spiritual hygiene was unbecoming of the foundational tenets of our Christian faith?

 

When has someone addressed your spiritual hygiene? How did you respond?

 

Prayer:

Father, 

 

Thank You for sending those men and women into my life that are willing to severely reprove me. Though no one enjoys being told his breath stinks, it’s much better than offending others. It might be embarrassing in the natural, but it makes huge dividends in the spiritual. Please let me not miss heaven because another did not reprove my poor spiritual hygiene. Likewise, may I not let another miss because I failed to be a true friend and brother in Christ. Increase our hygiene today.

 

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tithes: Begins In, Continues In, and Perpetuates Faith

January 26, 2009
Text: Genesis 14:17-24
Title: Tithes: Begins In, Continues In, and Perpetuates Faith

Thoughts:

One of the first arguments concerning the subject of tithing is that Moses introduced it as Law. However, Abraham rather than Moses initiates the tithe. After returning from battle, Abraham (Abram at the time) delivers to Melchizedek, the King of Salem, a “tenth of all.”

When Abraham presents the tithe to Melchizedek, his grandson Levi, the one whose descendants would eventually receive the Levitical tithe through Mosaic Law, was still in the loins of Abraham. However, the Psalmist and writer of Hebrews reiterates of Jesus, “You are priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” [emphasis mine] (Ps. 110:4; Heb. 5:6; 6:20; 7:17, 21).

Continuing in Hebrews 7, the writer shares that Melchizedek was “a type or pre-figurement of Christ’s unique priesthood. (Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary, p.1336)” Therefore, Abraham recognized a greater priesthood than that which remained within his loins and through faith he willingly contributed a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek.

Though tithing eventually becomes a part of the Mosaic Law, it began as, continues in, and perpetuates faith. Abraham, the father of faith, recognized the supremacy of Melchizedek’s priesthood and committed a tenth of his increase to him.

While tithing is deeply entrenched in the Old Testament Law, its practice is initiated in faith. As believers, our discipline in the area of financial giving must be immersed in faith. We give expressing the supremacy of Christ in all areas of our lives. If Abraham recognized this with Melchizedek, having not yet witnessed Christ, how much more should we, who have experienced His forgiveness, express our faith in Christ through our tithe?

Application:

When you hear the term “tithe” what thoughts come to your mind?

What emotions do you associate with the word “tithe”?

Do you employ faith with the giving of your tithe? If so, how?

Prayer:

Father,

As Abraham recognized the supremacy of Melchizedek’s priesthood, I recognize the supremacy of Jesus Christ in my life. With each financial commitment of my tithe, I declare that You are more glorious than anything else in my life. I do not give out of compulsion, guilt, or condemnation. My giving begins in, continues in, and perpetuates my faith in Jesus Christ.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

January 22, 2009
Text: Jeremiah 17:5-8
Title: Our Faith Was Made For This

Thoughts:

“Our faith was made for this.” Over the last few days, I have found myself reciting this statement in several contexts. Whether standing at the foot of a hospital bed where a saint is nearing the end of their race or on the phone with someone facing a financial situation, I have been reminded that our faith in Jesus Christ is made for times of adversity.

Jeremiah 17 has to be one of the clearest descriptions of the contrasting belief systems: those who trust in the flesh and those who trust in the Lord. In verses 5 and 6 Jeremiah describes the futility of trusting in the flesh. Beyond futile it is cursed! However, the antithesis is the one who places their trust in the Lord. It is filled with God’s blessings!

Could there be any more beautiful verses than verses 7 and 8? Jeremiah describes the God-ward trust as a tree flourishing along the banks of a river. Its roots reach into the vast resources of the living water. Its leaves are lush and green. When others are suffering through drought and heat, those who trust in the Lord continue to produce fruit.

In the midst of the current economic recession, many who have placed their trust in the financial system of America’s prosperity are withering in the desert of desperation and despair. Unfortunately, many believers are among them. Yet, as I read these words of Jeremiah, I cannot help but think now is the time that the fruit of our trust in Christ has to produce. If the promises of our God are true, now is the time for them to be fulfilled among us.

Our faith was made for this moment. May the body of Christ cast off fear and anxiety. May we break our trust in a fallen world and reestablish it again in Christ Jesus. With radical faith, I believe the promises of Jeremiah 17 are ours. And, I chose to trust in the Lord.

Application:

Do you believe the words of Jeremiah 17 are true and applicable for today?

What does your life and faith resemble: a shrub in the desert or a tree flourishing along the banks of the river?

Are there areas where you are trusting the Lord and others where you trust in something else? What are those areas and how can you change this?

Prayer:

Father,

There are numerous examples of how Your people have found their provisions met, while others suffered because they did not trust in You. We need a demonstration of Your truth in our day. In my life I need to see the fruit of Your blessings. Show me where I have trusted in the strength of the flesh and the futility of my ways. I repent of trusting in my abilities and capabilities. I place my trust in You and stand to see Your Word fulfilled in my midst. My faith in You was made for times of adversity. I am blessed because I place my trust in You.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.