In 2 Corinthians 4.13, Paul quotes Psalm 116.10. It comes from a passage of hope, redemption and thanksgiving which the Psalmist (a king? Hezekiah?) offers to all of us...because he called out to the Lord. He says this in verse 4, 10. In the midst of big troubles--cords of death, anguish of the grave, trouble, sorrow, greatly afflicted and despair that people are not trustworthy (v. 11)--he calls out to God. The Lord heard and responded with graciousness, compassion, protection, deliverance, solace and strength.
In this vein that Paul encourages the Corinthian church to be bold. Our witness might be persecuted, chastised, derided, satired, and ignored. Though we might be disheartened (or worse), we can be lifted up. Paul's ministry is the great example. The Psalmist's experience should also excite us.
"Therefore, we do not lose heart." (2 Cor. 4.16). If Paul and other missionaries persevere, if we persevere, then grace is extended to "more and more people" (v. 15). There are more people giving praise to God and singing songs of thanksgiving. We will see this happen if we can find God's graciousness, compassion, protection, deliverance, solace and strength.
What else? We'll also benefit (v. 15). How? We'll be able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all the legends of our faith (v. 14). We can be encouraged that our faith is validated by the growing numbers of believers. We can be strengthened through the experience of emotional, spiritual, mental and perhaps physical resurrections now and in the future.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Atomic Bomb in a Jar of Clay
"Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold." (2 Cor. 3.12 NIV). Exhorting, prodding, encouraging the Corinthian church, Paul is ecstatic about the how Christ's message is more glorious than Moses' bringing the law. If the Ten Commandments, a ministry that condemns men through the law, are glorious in revealing God's expectations, how much more glorious is Christ's ministry of righteousness that brings life to people? We are afraid to look upon God for what it will reveal about our hearts and minds. We squint and peak through fingers covering our eyes. Figuratively, we place a veil over our hearts (3.15 and Lamentations 3.65) in the mistaken belief that if we can't see God, He can't see us. Instead, Paul celebrates that we can be transformed when we fully appreciate what Christ has done and open ourselves to the Spirit who brings freedom from condemnation (3.17).
Not only does the Law keep us from clearly seeing God and His grace and mercy, but there's a spiritual power that blinds unbelievers, keeping them veiled and unaware of the hope, love, grace and mercy of God. However, the power of God that created light separated from darkness, and all the rest of creation, has been given to us. His light is in us (4.6). Christ said that we are capable of doing greater things than He did while He was on earth (John 14.12). We are intimate with the God of the big bang. The power of creation--all the suns, stars, planets, nebula, galaxies and the energy at the atomic and universal levels, to move mountains and raise the dead--can be unleashed through prayer.
We are not superheroes. We cannot do amazing, remarkable, supernatural things because we were born on Krypton and are now on a planet with a lesser force of gravity. We are "jars of clay" so that God still gets the glory (4.7). It's as if we have an atomic bomb in a ceramic pot. Though we are fragile and weak, our faithful God does not let His people get crushed beyond hope or fully destroyed. He protects His people so that they remain bold witnesses to their neighbors, community and the rest of the world.
Paul admits that it's not easy. There are troubles and persecutions. He recites all the troubles he's had. However, he knows there's no better way to be than crazy and out of his mind in love with God (5.13).
If you had the power of an atomic bomb within you, wouldn't you be energized, excited and others thinking you can't contain your exuberance? Be bold because you go with God.
Not only does the Law keep us from clearly seeing God and His grace and mercy, but there's a spiritual power that blinds unbelievers, keeping them veiled and unaware of the hope, love, grace and mercy of God. However, the power of God that created light separated from darkness, and all the rest of creation, has been given to us. His light is in us (4.6). Christ said that we are capable of doing greater things than He did while He was on earth (John 14.12). We are intimate with the God of the big bang. The power of creation--all the suns, stars, planets, nebula, galaxies and the energy at the atomic and universal levels, to move mountains and raise the dead--can be unleashed through prayer.
We are not superheroes. We cannot do amazing, remarkable, supernatural things because we were born on Krypton and are now on a planet with a lesser force of gravity. We are "jars of clay" so that God still gets the glory (4.7). It's as if we have an atomic bomb in a ceramic pot. Though we are fragile and weak, our faithful God does not let His people get crushed beyond hope or fully destroyed. He protects His people so that they remain bold witnesses to their neighbors, community and the rest of the world.
Paul admits that it's not easy. There are troubles and persecutions. He recites all the troubles he's had. However, he knows there's no better way to be than crazy and out of his mind in love with God (5.13).
If you had the power of an atomic bomb within you, wouldn't you be energized, excited and others thinking you can't contain your exuberance? Be bold because you go with God.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Spiritual Optimism Bias
When I first read chapter 13 of 2nd Corinthians, my thought was: "Paul's telling them, like the proverbial modern-day father, 'Don't make me stop this car and come back there to swat you. Now stop fighting!'" He starts out the chapter warning them that he won't be very kind when he visits the third time.
Before he gets there, he exhorts them to 'examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith..." How do you know if you can pass the test? Many people have asked, "If I was arrested for being a Christian, is there enough evidence for a conviction?" One of the tests involved being a reflection of Christ in that He should be visible in our lives.
In one study group, we talked about holding up a mirror to ourselves. This seemed to have two purposes in answering the questions: 1) can you see a reflection or are you a living dead person, like a vampire, and have no reflection? 2) can you fog the mirror with breath indicating that you're alive?
Paul says, "I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test." (v. 6) He's confident that he would be seen in a mirror and would have evidence of life in Christ. From his record, this is obvious.
How is our record? Recently there's been reported an Optimism Bias. We tend to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. This is especially true for men. Are we victims of the optimism bias, thinking that it's obvious we're followers of Christ? Is there evidence of His life in us? Do we really have a reflection of Him, and can we really fog a mirror with inspired breath?
The examination is true for individuals and for groups, like churches. There should also be evidence of life in our churches.
So we need to "test ourselves" (v.5) and repent and risk being more alive!
Before he gets there, he exhorts them to 'examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith..." How do you know if you can pass the test? Many people have asked, "If I was arrested for being a Christian, is there enough evidence for a conviction?" One of the tests involved being a reflection of Christ in that He should be visible in our lives.
In one study group, we talked about holding up a mirror to ourselves. This seemed to have two purposes in answering the questions: 1) can you see a reflection or are you a living dead person, like a vampire, and have no reflection? 2) can you fog the mirror with breath indicating that you're alive?
Paul says, "I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test." (v. 6) He's confident that he would be seen in a mirror and would have evidence of life in Christ. From his record, this is obvious.
How is our record? Recently there's been reported an Optimism Bias. We tend to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. This is especially true for men. Are we victims of the optimism bias, thinking that it's obvious we're followers of Christ? Is there evidence of His life in us? Do we really have a reflection of Him, and can we really fog a mirror with inspired breath?
The examination is true for individuals and for groups, like churches. There should also be evidence of life in our churches.
So we need to "test ourselves" (v.5) and repent and risk being more alive!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Make Your Light Shine
How do you measure church success? By the number of attenders? The number of ministries it supports? The size of its staff? Or budget? How much press it gets?
Paul in 2 Corinthians 3 is following his comment about not making a profit on the ministry with challenging the Corinthians to answer how they determine success. He's already said that success isn't determined by a lack of suffering (ch. 1), nor by being in control and making your own ministry decisions. Success is only determined by whether God is revealed and lives are changed.
This is why he makes them look at their own church. They are the most near (themselves, actually) example of his ministry. "Hey, church at Corinth, you want to know if Paul is being used by God? Look at your own church and how it got started."
It is a cause for boldness that the church is alive and well. Paul's letters of commendation are the Corinthians, people who can talk and walk around the city to people there and passing through. They can move to other regions to spread the good work. They are not like the tablet stones Moses brought down from the mountain. They were static and in one place at a time. If you wanted to know Moses' credentials, you had to look at his face after an encounter with God (and then it was veiled because of its radiance) or look at the tablets written by God given to Moses. In Paul's case, you see the people and their changed lives. Nothing can stop a testimony that is so dynamic, fluid, mobile and courageous.
We have a revelation of God by seeing how He has interacted with His people in our times. This is a cause for boldness.
Paul in 2 Corinthians 3 is following his comment about not making a profit on the ministry with challenging the Corinthians to answer how they determine success. He's already said that success isn't determined by a lack of suffering (ch. 1), nor by being in control and making your own ministry decisions. Success is only determined by whether God is revealed and lives are changed.
This is why he makes them look at their own church. They are the most near (themselves, actually) example of his ministry. "Hey, church at Corinth, you want to know if Paul is being used by God? Look at your own church and how it got started."
It is a cause for boldness that the church is alive and well. Paul's letters of commendation are the Corinthians, people who can talk and walk around the city to people there and passing through. They can move to other regions to spread the good work. They are not like the tablet stones Moses brought down from the mountain. They were static and in one place at a time. If you wanted to know Moses' credentials, you had to look at his face after an encounter with God (and then it was veiled because of its radiance) or look at the tablets written by God given to Moses. In Paul's case, you see the people and their changed lives. Nothing can stop a testimony that is so dynamic, fluid, mobile and courageous.
We have a revelation of God by seeing how He has interacted with His people in our times. This is a cause for boldness.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Smell of Death, Fragrance of Life
"For we are to God, the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and [to] those who are perishing." (2.15 NIV). Paul goes on to say that to one group we are the smell of death and to the other we are the fragrance of life. To whom are we the smell of death?
The simplest explanation is that we are an odor of death to those perishing. But what is so attractive about that? We are part of a triumphal procession throughout the world (2.14 NIV). We are parading, carrying the incense of knowledge. Knowledge in whom? Knowledge of Christ is being paraded.
But what if verse 14 is something different? What if God causes us to be triumphant so that the knowledge of Christ is spread everywhere? Paul is thankful that God opened a door in Macedonia. It is the situation that prevented his visit to Corinth. Since God opened the door, he needed to go to Macedonia, knowing that God needed him there.
We are in battle. We are to be bold and venturous going through the doors opened by God, going forth like Gideon's army to take on a spiritual army that's greater in number than us. As we go into battle, might we have some wounded? Might we have some casualties? Of course, we would capturing some prisoners from the other side.
We are the aroma of Christ. What is that? Is it like incense, used in worship and funerals (to cover up the smell of decay)? Or is there another allusion for the aroma of Christ? A pleasing aroma to God is found in the Old Testament when Noah sacrificed and burned some clean animals and clean birds. Despite later complaints by God through the prophets that He is not pleased with the sacrifices, sacrifices indicated our willingness to be obedient, committed and trusting in the one true God. Paul exhorts us to be "living sacrifices--holy and pleasing to God" (Rom. 12.1). There's a difference between involved and committed--as illustrated by the story of the pig and chicken wanting to show appreciation for Farmer Brown. The chicken's idea was to make his favorite egg-and-bacon breakfast for the farmer reciprocating his months of caring for them. The pig replies, "That's fine for you to suggest: you're just involved, but I'm making a commitment." Y'shua's commitment was pleasing to God. Our living sacrifice would be too.
To some, the living sacrifice would appear as death--a denial of self and a surrender to God. To others, it would appear as life through forgiveness and victory. Both perspectives could appear within the church and outside the church. Which way you view it might depend on which side of the sacrifice you are. Before you pick up your cross, it might feel like death. After the victory, it might feel like life.
To unbelievers, for certain, it would seem crazy. It might even seem crazy to believers. In some churches, you might hear people espousing the benefits of going to the mission field except if their own children are thinking of going, and they're facing a long separation from them, and perhaps a long separation from their grandchildren. The triumphal procession to the open door seems like death to them. To those on the other side, those in the field ready for harvest waiting for the few workers to bring in the harvest, the open door and those coming through are an aroma of life to fill their spirits.
Could a missionary be prideful? Perhaps. Paul seems to hint at this in vv. 2.16-3.2. "Who is adequate and up to the task?" he asks. Those that want to mitigate the sacrifice and skirt around the battle, they might seek ways to corrupt the word so it's not so abrasive to people. They might seek to be popular and thus avoid the stones being thrown, imprisonment, other tortures and, minimally, isolation from society and name-calling. For such a sacrifice perhaps there could some reward? Some applause by the church body? Some pay or room-and-board?
Paul says, "No." It's a sacrifice and as such it's pleasing to God and He's your only audience, your only Master and Commander. The only reward is to see the churches being planted and watch them grow.
The simplest explanation is that we are an odor of death to those perishing. But what is so attractive about that? We are part of a triumphal procession throughout the world (2.14 NIV). We are parading, carrying the incense of knowledge. Knowledge in whom? Knowledge of Christ is being paraded.
But what if verse 14 is something different? What if God causes us to be triumphant so that the knowledge of Christ is spread everywhere? Paul is thankful that God opened a door in Macedonia. It is the situation that prevented his visit to Corinth. Since God opened the door, he needed to go to Macedonia, knowing that God needed him there.
We are in battle. We are to be bold and venturous going through the doors opened by God, going forth like Gideon's army to take on a spiritual army that's greater in number than us. As we go into battle, might we have some wounded? Might we have some casualties? Of course, we would capturing some prisoners from the other side.
We are the aroma of Christ. What is that? Is it like incense, used in worship and funerals (to cover up the smell of decay)? Or is there another allusion for the aroma of Christ? A pleasing aroma to God is found in the Old Testament when Noah sacrificed and burned some clean animals and clean birds. Despite later complaints by God through the prophets that He is not pleased with the sacrifices, sacrifices indicated our willingness to be obedient, committed and trusting in the one true God. Paul exhorts us to be "living sacrifices--holy and pleasing to God" (Rom. 12.1). There's a difference between involved and committed--as illustrated by the story of the pig and chicken wanting to show appreciation for Farmer Brown. The chicken's idea was to make his favorite egg-and-bacon breakfast for the farmer reciprocating his months of caring for them. The pig replies, "That's fine for you to suggest: you're just involved, but I'm making a commitment." Y'shua's commitment was pleasing to God. Our living sacrifice would be too.
To some, the living sacrifice would appear as death--a denial of self and a surrender to God. To others, it would appear as life through forgiveness and victory. Both perspectives could appear within the church and outside the church. Which way you view it might depend on which side of the sacrifice you are. Before you pick up your cross, it might feel like death. After the victory, it might feel like life.
To unbelievers, for certain, it would seem crazy. It might even seem crazy to believers. In some churches, you might hear people espousing the benefits of going to the mission field except if their own children are thinking of going, and they're facing a long separation from them, and perhaps a long separation from their grandchildren. The triumphal procession to the open door seems like death to them. To those on the other side, those in the field ready for harvest waiting for the few workers to bring in the harvest, the open door and those coming through are an aroma of life to fill their spirits.
Could a missionary be prideful? Perhaps. Paul seems to hint at this in vv. 2.16-3.2. "Who is adequate and up to the task?" he asks. Those that want to mitigate the sacrifice and skirt around the battle, they might seek ways to corrupt the word so it's not so abrasive to people. They might seek to be popular and thus avoid the stones being thrown, imprisonment, other tortures and, minimally, isolation from society and name-calling. For such a sacrifice perhaps there could some reward? Some applause by the church body? Some pay or room-and-board?
Paul says, "No." It's a sacrifice and as such it's pleasing to God and He's your only audience, your only Master and Commander. The only reward is to see the churches being planted and watch them grow.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Reconcile Within the Body
Just as we are reconciled with God through His Son, Y'shua the Christ, we should be reconciled within the body, the church. Y'shua prayed, as recorded in John 17.20-23, that we should be one as the Trinity is one. The relationship between Paul and the church at Corinth was strained. He didn't want to put further strain on it: "I would not make another painful visit to you. For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved?" (2.1b-2). In this letter, Paul is wanting to bridge some gaps between the church and himself.
He also wants to bridge some gaps between the church and God. "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ" (1.21). And in chapter 2, verse 3, Paul is trying to get the church back on track through letters, because he's upset by what he hears is happening (or not happening) in the Corinthian church.
Additionally, in this chapter of reconciliation, Paul pleads that the church welcome the penitent follower back into the fold. "Let the prodigal son return," he seems to say. If the church can forgive this person who caused relational damage, Paul too can forgive him and treat him once again as a brother. The prodigal has suffered, and because it seems he's repented, it's time to comfort him. Without extending forgiveness and comfort to this person, the church will remain in a suffering state too, showing the open wound from the rift this person caused. It's time to heal and be one again.
He also wants to bridge some gaps between the church and God. "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ" (1.21). And in chapter 2, verse 3, Paul is trying to get the church back on track through letters, because he's upset by what he hears is happening (or not happening) in the Corinthian church.
Additionally, in this chapter of reconciliation, Paul pleads that the church welcome the penitent follower back into the fold. "Let the prodigal son return," he seems to say. If the church can forgive this person who caused relational damage, Paul too can forgive him and treat him once again as a brother. The prodigal has suffered, and because it seems he's repented, it's time to comfort him. Without extending forgiveness and comfort to this person, the church will remain in a suffering state too, showing the open wound from the rift this person caused. It's time to heal and be one again.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
"I'm Out of Control"
There's an interesting dynamic in chapter 1 between being out of control (and leaving God in control) and being in control.
Paul mentions that "in our hearts we felt the sentence of death" with the purpose of teaching them that they shouldn't rely on themselves, but rely on God (1.9). God is the Deliverer. God is the Focus of our Hope. We are helped by God through many prayers (1.11). This is hard for us, especially us males, who want to solve our own problems and refusing to ask for help. We don't ask for directions; we don't borrow when we can buy. And emotions are just a sign of a situation that needs to be conquered. We are the heroes of our lives. We are the men of steel. We are in control.
A little later, Paul writes this after describing how he planned to visit Corinth, but the plans changed: "I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth...So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you" (1.23-2.1). Paul has just been rambling about letting your "yes be yes" and not be wishy-washy by saying "yes....no". You get a bit of a picture that some Corinthians didn't think highly of Paul because his plans changed. Maybe they thought, "Can we trust him? He can't even keep his itinerary intact. Is he man, in control, or some milquetoast pushed around by the wind?" Paul's saying he wanted to come but there were reasons for not visiting the Corinthians.
Who's in control here? Is Paul or is God?
It's not exclusionary. We can set plans, and pray about them and be open to God's leading to confirm those plans or change them. I know many people criticize some practices of making God bless our plans instead of seeking His will first and developing the plans from what we hear. However, Paul's practice seems to have shades of both. In any case, he's admitting, as he did in the first part of chapter 1, that he's not perfect and he'll be open and transparent about it.
Paul mentions that "in our hearts we felt the sentence of death" with the purpose of teaching them that they shouldn't rely on themselves, but rely on God (1.9). God is the Deliverer. God is the Focus of our Hope. We are helped by God through many prayers (1.11). This is hard for us, especially us males, who want to solve our own problems and refusing to ask for help. We don't ask for directions; we don't borrow when we can buy. And emotions are just a sign of a situation that needs to be conquered. We are the heroes of our lives. We are the men of steel. We are in control.
A little later, Paul writes this after describing how he planned to visit Corinth, but the plans changed: "I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth...So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you" (1.23-2.1). Paul has just been rambling about letting your "yes be yes" and not be wishy-washy by saying "yes....no". You get a bit of a picture that some Corinthians didn't think highly of Paul because his plans changed. Maybe they thought, "Can we trust him? He can't even keep his itinerary intact. Is he man, in control, or some milquetoast pushed around by the wind?" Paul's saying he wanted to come but there were reasons for not visiting the Corinthians.
Who's in control here? Is Paul or is God?
It's not exclusionary. We can set plans, and pray about them and be open to God's leading to confirm those plans or change them. I know many people criticize some practices of making God bless our plans instead of seeking His will first and developing the plans from what we hear. However, Paul's practice seems to have shades of both. In any case, he's admitting, as he did in the first part of chapter 1, that he's not perfect and he'll be open and transparent about it.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Be Real
Paul didn't have an easy time being an ambassador of Christ. He was imprisoned, stoned, beaten, shipwrecked and ridiculed. Yet Paul is convinced that there is comfort in Christ, as Y'shua said in John 15.18ff and 16, especially 16.33. We will be persecuted because Y'shua the Christ was, but you will be comforted and find peace because Christ has overcome. And when we are comforted, and realize how to move along in our lives after troubles and tragedy, we can comfort others (1.4).
Why is Paul talking about this? Because he's letting the people in the Corinthian church know that as sufferings come (and they will if they haven't already), God will be with them. (v. 7). Paul is openly discussing his trouble, and comfort, to encourage the Corinthians to be open about their suffering, and encouragement from God.
What is typical in many churches today? Do we talk about our suffering and troubles? Often we present a perfect life. "How's it going?" "Great! No problems." These phrases are often heard on Sunday mornings. We think that, by showing the world that nothing's wrong, they'll be attracted to Christ. Instead, they take us for hypocrites and are repelled from getting to know Him. Why should they think He's real if we're not real?
Being an ambassador is tough (5.20) and maybe God thinks it's tough that He's got ambassadors like us to attract others, but it's the plan. There will be troubles and it's how we turn to Him that's an example to the rest of the world. So let's be real, and show them the way to God.
Why is Paul talking about this? Because he's letting the people in the Corinthian church know that as sufferings come (and they will if they haven't already), God will be with them. (v. 7). Paul is openly discussing his trouble, and comfort, to encourage the Corinthians to be open about their suffering, and encouragement from God.
What is typical in many churches today? Do we talk about our suffering and troubles? Often we present a perfect life. "How's it going?" "Great! No problems." These phrases are often heard on Sunday mornings. We think that, by showing the world that nothing's wrong, they'll be attracted to Christ. Instead, they take us for hypocrites and are repelled from getting to know Him. Why should they think He's real if we're not real?
Being an ambassador is tough (5.20) and maybe God thinks it's tough that He's got ambassadors like us to attract others, but it's the plan. There will be troubles and it's how we turn to Him that's an example to the rest of the world. So let's be real, and show them the way to God.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Why, oh why?
Recently I was in a bible study regarding 2 Corinthians 5. Most of the participants thought the first verses dealt with our human body and subsequent resurrection. I, however, believed that Paul is talking about the church body (people of the tabernacle).
I would translate and amplify the first 5 verses as:
Here's why:
I would translate and amplify the first 5 verses as:
Now we know if the earthly household of the tabernacle in which we live is destroyed,
we [will continue to] have encouragement from God, through an eternal, spiritual family in heaven.
Meanwhile, we groan, longing to be covered over with a heavenly dwelling (against the raging storms of persecution.]
Because when we are so protected, we are not nakedly [facing the storm as if sleeping under the stars]. For while we are in this [earthly] tabernacle, we groan and are burdened, persecuted and oppressed [by the storm around us], because we do not wish to be unprotected [against the storms] but to be sheltered so that the mortal is engulfed by [bold] life [like a new creation, born anew and inspired through the Spirit]. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Here's why:
- verse 1 has "oikia tou skenous" which most translate as "house of the tent". However, in many other passages where oikia is used, the word meant is "household"
- verse 1 has "oikodomen" which in 10 other passages is translated as "building up" or edification. Only here is it translated as "dwelling" in the NIV and others.
If oikodomen is encouragement, then how would v. 1 work if Paul is discussing the human body? "Now we know that if our human body is destroyed, we have this encouragement or edification or building up from God, a house not built from human hands"? It doesn't fit very well.
However, Paul is making a parallel between the punishment of his physical body, but renewal of his soul by the Spirit (4.16) and likewise how the church body is being persecuted but being renewed by the Spirit. In chapters 4-6 (and more), Paul is mentioning his ministry in an effort to get the Corinthians off their "pews" and out into the world, to stop being stymied by their internal problems and to deal with them so they can be focused on the ministry outside themselves. He is saying, "we are out of our mind for God" so should you be, and it might be tough, but it's worth it.
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