Ruth: Providence & Redemption Pt. 4

Living God’s Way Reveals God’s Will

Our Vision: To be Gospel-Living, Disciple-Making, Community-Serving followers of Christ.

Our Values:Scripture / Prayer / Family / Generosity

Our Practices:Building Biblical Community / Forming Intentional Relationships / Prioritizing Active Involvement / Embracing Ongoing Transformation / Focusing on Multiplication / Fostering Collaboration / Pursuing Truth

We focus on these things, based on Scripture because we believe God has called us to live in these ways.

If we live the way God has called us to we will understand more clearly His will for us

Ruth 3

1 One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. 2 Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours…

  • Namoi looking to other’s interests…(Philippians 2:4)
  • She is looking to work within the circumstances God has created
  • God’s way is seeking Him where He has you & in the circumstances you are in

Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. 3 Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”

  • Present your best self; it honors God, He made you!
  • Doing good things without a spotlight and without public witness (Performance)
  • Biblical principals of humility and honor.
  • Choosing tho align ourselves with others who have Christ Centered Priorities
  • Depending on God is God’s way of living (for us who follow Christ)

5 “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. 6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do. 7 When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down.

  • Ruth trusts Namoi & God taking advise; submit to one another: Ephesians 5:21
  • She could try to take control but she does what Namoi tells her to do

8 In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet! 9 “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”

  • She references God’s way (the guardian redeemer) to see where He is
  • She asks him to accept the God-given role by making gesture (be her covering)

10 “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.

  • For Boaz, The Lord is the source of all blessings
  • He affirms Ruth’s way (God’s Way) of seeking provision / protection
  • He noticed she didn’t take the route most pleasurable to her thought of others
  • He uses the term ‘daughter’
  • They have shared values that come from good Theology

12 Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. 13 Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”

  • Boaz will not cut corners, he wants to do it God’s way
  • Has Ruth stay for safety reasons
  • Boaz wants to redeem Ruth but is willing to trust God to give him the chance
  • If given the chance, he will do it. (as sure an oath as he could make)

14 So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, “No one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 He also said, “Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and placed the bundle on her. Then he went back to town.

  • She does what he says to do, following Namoi’s instructions
  • Everything was above board but Boaz is wise to eliminate wrong perceptions
  • He is concerned about Ruth reputation
  • He gives her a reason to be out this early, she just went and bought barley

16 When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “How did it go, my daughter?” Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her 17 and added, “He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” 18 Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”

  • Namoi knew what was at stake
  • Boaz is letting Namoi know, through Ruth, that he is looking to bless them both
  • Namoi knows it is a done deal, tells Ruth to wait (Wait on The Lord)
  • Tune in next week when…

Living God’s way involves Waiting & Acting:

Ruth & Boaz in some way ‘wait on The Lord’ to discover His Will

Boaz and Ruth act with intention when they see God move

Application Questions:

How can you help others figure out their way in this life using Biblical Principals?

How willing are you to humble yourself for others in ways that will not be noticed?

Boaz is a role model of God given integrity; how can you imitate him?

Where in your life should you wait? Where in your life should you act intentionally?

/by

Ruth: Providence & Redemption Pt. 3

‘Being An Instrument of God’s Blessings’

Ruth 2:12-23

12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” “I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.”

  • Boaz sees himself as an instrument of God’s blessings / refuge
  • Ruth sees herself as being blessed by God by pleasing Boaz
  • It’s a big deal what Boaz does for Ruth

14 At mealtime Boaz called to her, “Come over here, and help yourself to some food. You can dip your bread in the sour wine.” So she sat with his harvesters, and Boaz gave her some roasted grain to eat. She ate all she wanted and still had some left over.

  • Boaz had done plenty already, yet he extends the kindness…why?
  • It is another level of intimacy & acceptance inviting her share their meal
  • It may have been a while since Ruth ate all she wanted…

15 When Ruth went back to work again, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her. 16 And pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her. Let her pick them up, and don’t give her a hard time!”

  • This is beyond the normal ‘gleaning’ situation. Barley heads are the most valuable
  • Emphatically he commands them to go way beyond what is customary

17 So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an entire basket. 18 She carried it back into town and showed it to her mother-in-law. Ruth also gave her the roasted grain that was left over from her meal.

  • She is able to glean way more than most, but she is doing it to provide for Namoi
  • She didn’t have to share the roasted grain (somewhat of a delicacy)
  • What has made Ruth this selfless?

19 “Where did you gather all this grain today?” Naomi asked. “Where did you work? May the Lord bless the one who helped you!” So Ruth told her mother-in-law about the man in whose field she had worked. She said, “The man I worked with today is named Boaz.”

  • Namoi sees how much she gathered & asks God’s blessings on who helped her
  • She identifies Boaz as the source of her help

20 “May the Lord bless him!” Naomi told her daughter-in-law. “He is showing his kindness to us as well as to your dead husband. That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.”

  • Namoi sees the level of blessing
  • There was a system of people from the same ‘Tribe’ getting to keep property in the family line
  • The family redeemer had an obligation “to buy an object or person from indenture, slavery, or otherwise harsh circumstances.”
  • Another obligation of the family redeemer: “to marry his brother’s widow and father a male heir to inherit the estate.”
  • The family redeemer had an obligation to “redeem” (buy back) land that had been sold. Naomi and Elimelech had no doubt sold their land when they had moved to Moab, so now the family property was in other hands, and Naomi didn’t have the means to buy it back herself. She needed someone else to buy it back, so that it would remain in the clan. Did she have in mind that Boaz would be the one to buy it back?
  • The big Biblical principal this ‘Little Story’ shows is that God bought us all back from the eternal death sin brings. Jesus is our ‘Family Redeemer’

21 Then Ruth said, “What’s more, Boaz even told me to come back and stay with his harvesters until the entire harvest is completed.” 22 “Good!” Naomi exclaimed. “Do as he said, my daughter. Stay with his young women right through the whole harvest. You might be harassed in other fields, but you’ll be safe with him.”

  • Ruth relays that that Boaz had made this a long term arrangement
  • Namoi believes Ruth (being who she is) will continue to endear herself to Boaz
  • Namoi recognizes the protection being provides & has hope for bigger protection

23 So Ruth worked alongside the women in Boaz’s fields and gathered grain with them until the end of the barley harvest. Then she continued working with them through the wheat harvest in early summer. And all the while she lived with her mother-in-law.

  • There is a period where Ruth can see Boaz blessing her and she blessing Namoi
  • Namoi, Ruth & Boaz continue to ‘Grow where they are Planted’

There are good things we can get out of this passage, one it’s own

We can also start connecting the dots as to the whole book’s lessons and then how those fit into the entirety of Scripture…There is a picture that is starting to emerge…

Application Questions:

Boaz had a lifestyle that enabled him to bless others; specifically, how can you do that?

Where in your life can you be God’s instrument of physical and relational blessings?

What is taking up time in your life, keeping you from being a blessing to others?

Who has gone out of their way to bless you? What is the best way to appreciate that?

/by

Ruth: Providence & Redemption Pt.2

Obedience & Blessings

Ruth 1:19-2:12

19 So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. “Is it really Naomi?” the women asked. 20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”

  • Not a lot of coming and going in those days… little chance to see her again
  • Namoi means ‘Pleasant’… Mara means ‘Bitter’
  • Full: A husband and two sons…’of course I was pleasant then’
  • Empty: Loss of family is loss of everything
  • The level of anguish is know only to those who have experienced it
  • She is equating her earthly suffering with God’s displeasure / lack of blessing
  • “I cannot be ‘Pleasant’ if the Lord has sent this level of loss into my life.
  • She cannot see the big picture…she is thinking like one of Job’s ‘friends’

22 So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest. 1 Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech.

  • These lines provide context & backdrop for the remainder of the story
  • There are no coincidences!
  • Right time of year, right industry, right role for Ruth
  • Traditional role of ‘foreigners’ as ‘Gleaners’

2 One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.” Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” 3 So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.

  • Ruth asks permission to go work to be a vehicle of provision
  • She is aware of the command from God to let foreigners, widows & such ‘Glean’
  • Namoi gives the go ahead and look where Ruth ends up

4 While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said. “The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied. 5 Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?” 6 And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. 7 She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.”

  • This exchange tells us who Boaz is and how he runs his business: God honoring!
  • He know his business well enough to see there is a new person working
  • The foreman knew what Boaz would have wanted done…’Biblical Culture’
  • The foreman notices the work ethic and shares that with Boaz
  • What is Ruth’s motivation to work so hard?

8 Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. 9 See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”

  • Boaz quickly sets up the environment for her, gives her clear expectations
  • He let’s her know she is an ‘official part of the operation’
  • He let’s her know she will be taken care of
  • Does Ruth ‘earn’ these blessings by obedience to God’s ways?

10 Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” 11“Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. 12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”

  • Ruth responds in humility, she expresses that she not expecting such treatment
  • Ruth’s reputation proceeds her: The kind of person she is has been noticed
  • Boaz affirms her attitude and actions and asks God to bless / reward her
  • Is she doing what she is doing to be rewarded by God? Is it an expectation?

Application Questions:

When bad things happen in your life what do you consider the cause of them to be?

What motivates you to do things for others and how much of that do you do?

What is the relationship between our obedience & God’s sovereignty in being blessed?

How important to you is having a reputation for helping others? What drives that?

How has God used His people to clearly bless you when you were pursuing His will?

/by

Ruth: Providence & Redemption Pt.1

The Puzzle

The place Ruth has in the Cannon of Scripture is often overlooked. Ruth is analogous to pieces in a puzzle as a story and as to it’s role in Biblical literature. It is part of a bigger picture that emerges as more pieces are put in place. We can’t always understand what God is doing… But with The Scripture & His Spirit was can understand what He has DONE. His purposes become clear when we wait for the whole puzzle to be completed

RUTH 1:1-19

1.In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. 2 The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.

  • Bethlehem means: ‘house of bread’…they fled the house of bread!
  • The term used is ‘sojourn’ which means to go & return
  • Going to Moab is odd, no always friendly relations with Israel
  • Sons names mean: ‘sickly’ and ‘wasting’
  • Elimelek was a man of some standing, the title ‘Ephrathite’

3 Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.

  • Is this judgement? The picture is unclear at this point… (incomplete puzzle)
  • A childless widow is ultra low status & a dangerous position to be in (3 of them)

6 When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there. 7 With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah.

  • Naomi sees the end of the famine in terms of God’s provision
  • The desire is to seek God’s provision by returning to Bethlehem

8 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. 9 May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.”

  • It is Naomi’s concern for her daughters-in-law that she wants them to stay
  • The selfish move would have been to compel then to come with
  • Naomi recognizes their kindness & asks God honor it (it comes true for Ruth)
  • Marriage symbolizes ‘Shalom’ / Rest

Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud 10 and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.” 11 But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands?

  • Both say we will go with you, but for Orpah it was merely a gesture
  • Namoi points out the apparent foolishness of coming with her
  • It is all based on getting remarried and the chances Namoi can provide

12 Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons— 13 would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!”

  • Namoi says: ‘Don’t count on me, God seems to have turned against me.’
  • She is not seeing the whole picture of what God is doing
  • She, like you and me is always seeing a partial picture…

14 At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye,but Ruth clung to her. 15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”

  • More weeping, they get how bad a situation it is
  • Orpah bails… Ruth clings…
  • Namoi to Ruth; ‘Make the safer choice like Orpah’

16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

  • Ruth displays unwavering loyalty
  • Where does this loyalty come from?
  • She is making a statement of ‘surrender’ to Namoi’s God (Yahweh)
  • Why does she invoke ‘The Lord’
  • By faith Ruth trusts God in adversity
  • Namoi does too, but with some bitterness

19 So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem…

Application Questions:

What things that have happened in your life cause confusion about God?

Have you ever gone out on a limb because you were seeking God? Why?

Have you seen much loyalty in the Christian community? Why?

How do you respond to adversity in your life? Are they healthy responses?

/by

The Church in The World Not of The World Pt. 30

1st Corinthians 16 Building Biblical Church Culture

Paul ends this letter to the Corinthian Church with some specific instructions that give us principles for how we should do things here at Midtown Church.

This whole letter is full of building blocks for a Biblical Church Culture.

The purpose of this scripture is to give them & us clear direction for Christ’s church

1 Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

  • This is the Scripture that sets the cultural standard in Christ’s body for giving
  • Giving / allocating is to be done regularly
  • The longer you have it the better chance you will spend it
  • This is a prescription for how we should give. Why?

3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

  • The norm is not to just give, but to be involved in the ministry
  • Working with others in our church and others is how ministry is to be done:

5 I am coming to visit you after I have been to Macedonia, for I am planning to travel through Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I will stay awhile with you, possibly all winter, and then you can send me on my way to my next destination.

  • This is an example of on-going involvement as a church with other ministries
  • Taking the time to build relationships that honor Christ

7 This time I don’t want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me. 8 In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost. 9 There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.

  • Paul is an example of investing in others based on being led by God
  • Working hard where you are, looking for the next opportunity
  • Opportunities to serve God will come with Opposition: Paul trusts God

10 When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. 11 Don’t let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me. I expect him to come with the other believers.

  • There may be people doing ‘The Lord’s Work’ that you don’t think should be in that position
  • Proper authority structures are put in place by Christ to lead HIS church
  • The standard is that people will be sent with Timothy to do missionary work

12 Now about our brother Apollos—I urged him to visit you with the other believers, but he was not willing to go right now. He will see you later when he has the opportunity. 13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.

  • The Corinthians were big fans of Apollos, they want him to come, so did Paul
  • Apollos had to do what Christ wanted, not what the Corinthians wanted
  • The exhortation is to do what Apollos stood for in his absence (Grow Yourself)
  • This echoes previous messages: Love has to be the overriding influence in life

15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.

  • Stephanas was an example of one who came to Christ and poured out his life
  • God’s Leaders (proved by the laying down of their lives) are to be followed
  • Why are the Corinthians not in tune with God’s chosen leadership?
  • Apollos was the flasher, more accomplished leader, but God placed Stephanas

17 I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. 18 They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.

  • These Corinthian men had brought the questions to Paul from the Corinthians
  • These are men who were surrendered to Christ and the work of the Gospel
  • Christ’s Churches are to show appreciation to those who sacrifice like this

19 The churches here in the province of Asia send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with a sacred kiss.

  • There is to be fellowship with other groups of believers
  • They know each other well enough to really care about each other

21 HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come! 23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.

  • This letter was dictated by Paul, he wanted to be sure they knew it was from him
  • This statement is much like what Jesus says in Matthew 12:31

“So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven.”

Application Questions:

How do you give? Do you see a Scriptural imperative to do what is being prescribed?

How are you getting involved in ministry besides giving monetarily?

What investments in Midtown are you making right now? What are you planning to do?

Are you in tune with what the leadership of Midtown is doing? Why or why not?

/by

The Church in The World Not of The World pt 29

‘Buried in Brokenness, Raised In Glory’

Being limited by my body as I grow older has opened up my perspective on time & eternity

The last month dwelling in this chapter…has been enlarging my desire for heaven

Knowing I will have another body one day, a completely different existence = HOPE!

God wants us to have hope. He has given us this “Scripture’ providing hope for eternity

1st Corinthians 15:35-58

35 But someone may ask, “How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will they have?” 36 What a foolish question! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant unless it dies first.

  • The foolishness is thinking it’s going to be a different version of this life
  • Eternity is about dying to this life
  • The seed is buried, we must give up this life

37 And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed of wheat or whatever you are planting. 38 Then God gives it the new body he wants it to have. A different plant grows from each kind of seed. 39 Similarly there are different kinds of flesh—one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish.

  • The first life is sacrificed to enable the second
  • God makes things on earth different, they are suited for the purpose of that thing
  • For an entirely different existence it would make sense to have a different body

40 There are also bodies in the heavens and bodies on the earth. The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the glory of the earthly bodies. 41 The sun has one kind of glory, while the moon and stars each have another kind. And even the stars differ from each other in their glory.

  • God’s creation is ordered with unique things having unique properties
  • There are unknown layers of God’s creation, but what we can see shows patterns

42 It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. 43 Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. 44 They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies.

  • Eternity is a unique and totally different existence than the life we know now
  • Transformation occurs, but it is predicated on the death / ending of this life
  • All that is less than perfect will be buried so that we can be raised up to perfection
  • The differences are profound: Brokenness to Glory!
  • What do you imagine a ‘Spiritual Body’ will be like?

For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies. 45 The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit. 46 What comes first is the natural body, then the spiritual body comes later.

  • Nooma, Hebrew word for: breath / spirit / wind / force
  • Adam was given life, this kind of life, by God ‘Breathing’ life into him
  • Through Christ’s death and resurrection God ‘Breathes’ life

47 Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven. 48 Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man. 49 Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.

  • The difference between the dust of earth and heaven: Temporal VS Eternal
  • This is God telling us how it will be: we will be ‘Heavenly People’

50 What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. 51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!

  • This body is finite, not suited for eternity; God makes things suited for purposes
  • This body is not going to be adapted or evolve it is going to be replaced
  • For us, death not the end but the beginning!
  • For those who have surrendered this life to Christ, death is the best thing EVER!

52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.

  • The ‘last trumpet’…how did Paul know what John was going to see and write?
  • When Christ returns His followers begin their “Eternal Life’ with ‘Eternal Bodies’

54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: 55 “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

  • God uses his previous Word to add to the revelation of current (at the time) Word
  • Isaiah & Hosea describe eternal life as a ‘conquering’ of death & it’s punishment
  • Punishment of Death: Eternal separation from our Creator, Our Father, Christ!

56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

  • Sin is why death exists, The Law proves sin is too powerful for us to overcome
  • God gets all the glory for each and everyone who HE gives the gift of Salvation
  • That victory allows us to share in HIS glory…cruising around in ‘Spiritual Bodies’

Application Questions:

How do you imagine eternity? What is your imagination based on?

If we’re going to have new bodies, why should we take care of the one’s we have now?

What does it look like to live as though you have been given victory over sin & death?

Application Scripture: John 12: 24 & 25

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.

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The Church in The World Not of The World Pt.28

‘RISEN & RETURNING!

The celebration of Christ’s resurrection should not be contained to a day or a week…

I hope in the Resurrection, there has to be something more than this life…seriously,

There is more, and God wants us to know about it… not too much, big picture stuff

Christ’s Resurrection is a foundational aspect of the Gospel, but so is Christ’s Return!

When He returns it will be very different than how He came the 1st time…very different

This is basically part two of last week, filling out the picture of ‘Resurrection’

1st Corinthians 15:20-34

But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man.

  • As Christ’s followers we start from that point and know we follow in resurrection
  • Big picture of the fall and redemption in Christ

Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.

  • The nature of our humanity is transformed by faith in Christ (belonging = eternity)
  • Source of sin is 1st, Source of redemption is 1st to be resurrected
  • When He returns, it will be our turn (those ‘In Christ’ defined by Biblical Gospel

After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet. And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.

  • This say we will be resurrected to see the end
  • For more on how this goes see: Revelation / Daniel / Ezekiel / The Gospels

For the Scriptures say, “God has put all things under his authority.” (Of course, when it says “all things are under his authority,” that does not include God himself, who gave Christ his authority.) Then, when all things are under his authority, the Son will put himself under God’s authority, so that God, who gave his Son authority over all things, will be utterly supreme over everything everywhere.

  • A demonstration of Ultimate Authority & of Ultimate Submission

If the dead will not be raised, what point is there in people being baptized for those who are dead? Why do it unless the dead will someday rise again?

  • Bizarre passage…
  • It has no clear meaning (very little evidence of anyone, even Pagans doing this)
  • Best guess is that he is communicating that resurrection is

And why should we ourselves risk our lives hour by hour? For I swear, dear brothers and sisters, that I face death daily. This is as certain as my pride in what Christ Jesus our Lord has done in you. And what value was there in fighting wild beasts—those people of Ephesus—if there will be no resurrection from the dead?

  • Paul is referencing how those following Christ back then were in constant peril
  • He references the riot in Ephesus, calling the mob ‘wild beasts’
  • He asks the question: What is the point of these risks if there is no resurrection?

And if there is no resurrection, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.

  • If the Gospel is not what the Bible says it is why not live however you want?
  • Hedonism: Whatever feels good, do it!
  • Character is built and displayed in the company you keep.
  • If we are not making each day about living for Him, then do we know Him?

The Second Coming:

1st time God displayed His ultimate humility as the lowly Jesus of Nazareth…

When He comes again, it will be as the supreme authority of all creation.

This text answers the question: ‘How are we to live in light of Christ’s Rising & Return?’

In this scripture, God is telling us some of how it goes when Christ returns

We’re encouraged to use this ‘New Life’ Christ gives us for God’s glory, not waste it

Both we and the Corinthians need to be reminded of what we are were supposed to do with our lives now that we have surrendered them to Christ.

We declare that we truly know Christ living by desiring His authority in our daily lives.

That means using our time to love and serve and help and counsel and share

It means we live for others as much as we can, in balance and health.

It means we take some risks to do what God calls us to in ministry and service.

It means we spend less time serving our needs & more time serving needs of others.

Application Questions:

Where does your belief in Christ’s second coming play into lifestyle choices you make?

Is Christ’s complete authority only exercised in His second coming?

How do you place yourself under Christ’s authority in terms of your time & resources?

How might you steward the ‘Resurrection Life’ given by God

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The Church in The World Not of The World Pt. 27

Resurrection: The Foundation of Our Faith

What is the most important thing to know about Jesus Christ?

What does Biblical faith in Jesus Christ rest on?

The Biblical Truth that Jesus of Nazareth, The Christ, Died and was bodily resurrected is what it rests on!

1st Corinthians 15:1-20

Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.

  • Consistently standing firm in the unchanging message of the Gospel
  • It is your faith in the truth of the Biblical message that make you right with God
  • Truth is truth whether you believe it or not. Facts do not rely on your acceptance.

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

  • What is most important is the key points of the Biblical ‘Good News’ / Gospel
  • Fulfillment of Old Testament Covenants & Prophecy (‘just as the scripture said)
  • God Himself Incarnated supernaturally / Virgin Birth
  • Sinless Life / Self Declared Messiah
  • God willingly sacrifices Himself to pay what no other thing could pay for: Our Sin!
  • Christ Bodily Resurrected! Without the resurrection none of the rest hold up
  • Most important: Died for Sin / Rose from the dead!

He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles.

  • The resurrected Christ was seen by hundreds.
  • No source of refutation in contemporary literature
  • Flavius Josephus, writing 60 yrs after Jesus, affirms the number of witnesses

Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him. For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.

  • Paul is one of those who saw The Resurrected Christ
  • He became an Apostle in a different way than the rest (born differently)

But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. So it makes no difference whether I preach or they preach, for we all preach the same message you have already believed.

  • He testifies to the transforming power of faith in Christ
  • I too can testify to the transforming power of faith in Christ by God’s Grace
  • Paul’s transformation resulted in God using him to advance Christ’s Kingdom
  • All of Paul’s accomplishments he credits to God by His Grace
  • The power of God through the 12 Apostles or through Paul is just the same
  • And the Biblical Gospel message is that consistent message of Jesus’ Apostles

But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.

  • The critical nature of Christ’s resurrection to the Good News
  • If you don’t completely believe in Jesus Christ’s bodily Resurrection…
    • YOU DON’T BELIEVE THE BIBLICAL GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
  • Without the resurrection there is NO GOSPEL…No Good News
  • Christ’s resurrection and His follower’s resurrection: The Gospel says both R true!
  • A faith in God that doesn’t include the resurrection of Christ is ‘Non-Redemptive’
  • My life is a complete farce without the resurrection of Christ being true!

And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.

  • Everything I have devoted my life to is a lie without Jesus Christ’s resurrection
  • Because He rose, those who surrender their life to Him will also rise
  • Without the resurrected Christ, there is no hope for eternal life
  • If Jesus dosen’t have the power over death than He cannot forgive your sins

In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.

  • If Christ’s resurrection didn’t happen than we are not saved from the guilt of sin
  • If there is no eternal aspect of surrender to Christ Jesus than we are a joke
  • But the truth of the Good New is: Christ IS resurrected and HE LIVES!
  • And because He lives forever so will His followers:

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” ~ Jesus @ Mark 8:34-36

Respond to God during Communion

Application Questions:

What are the critical points of ‘The Gospel’ you stand firm in?

Based on this Scripture and others, how do you receive this Good News?

Is it possible to be a Biblical follower of Christ and not fully believe in ‘Resurrection’?

In what way do you find yourself living like your hope in Christ is only for this life?

How is your belief in Christ’s Resurrection and your hope of eternal life connected?

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The Church in The World Not of The World Pt. 26

The God of Order & Peace

Biblical Theology is critical for those of us who live in the World but are not of The World! It is the foundation of our identity: disciples of Christ who actively seek spiritual maturity. The scriptures are there to show us we need to mature and to tell us how that happens.

This letter Paul wrote, as dictated by God, points out our ways and reveals God’s ways. This Scripture tells us how to be (Identity) based on who God is: God of Order & Peace

Spiritual Maturity is about living from a place where the basis of your life honors God. Who you are, what sets your priorities, what motivates choices… God’s ways or yours?

In this passage, Paul ends his instructions on Spiritual Gifts, Love & Others Focus with a call to Spiritual Maturity!

Spiritual maturity is when we live from a place of putting God and others 1st in Love. When we do this we will see order & peace: SHALOM!

This passage begins with, repeats in the middle, and ends with ‘Dear Brothers and Sisters’

1st Corinthians 14:20-40

Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind.

  • What are these things? Spiritual Maturity measured by wisdom, unity and love
  • Maturity in understanding takes time, humility, teachability, activity and passion
  • Matters of this kind are the areas God addresses in this letter:
  • Wisdom / Servanthood / Relationships / Idolatry / Body Life / Love / Spiritual Gifts

It is written in the Scriptures: “I will speak to my own people through strange languages and through the lips of foreigners. But even then, they will not listen to me,” says the Lord.

  • This is a warning against missing God’s Voice by being proud & unteachable
  • The call to maturity in Christian Discipleship is not about shows of ‘Spirituality’

So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for the benefit of believers, not unbelievers. Even so, if unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your church meeting and hear everyone speaking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy.

  • In The Gospels & Acts: The speaking of ‘Unknown Languages’ is to unbelievers
  • Believers can trust and apply true prophecy (it always matches up with Scripture)
  • Paul had been given reports about the Corinthians church services
  • A lake of order is resulting for a lack of love and an abundance of ‘Spiritual Pride’

But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say. As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, “God is truly here among you.”

  • The Spiritual Gift of Prophecy: People speaking as directed by God’s Spirit
  • It has supernatural ‘Spiritual Power’, and God uses it for HIS glory
  • As they listen…Only God brings conviction of sin, only God can expose thoughts

Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.

  • The summary: everyone playing a role in an orderly way results in SHALOM
  • We give ourselves over to Christ for the good of HIS Body, we’re all strengthened
  • Order & Peace are sources of strength to the Body of Christ

No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say. But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately.

  • The need for balance in worship, the Corinthians were overemphasizing tongues
  • If God wants a ‘Tongue’ to be understood, HE will provide translation
  • If not, it is not meant for the church body (God makes that choice)
  • This is a reference to the Spiritual Gift of Unknown Languages in private prayer

Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said. But if someone is prophesying and another person receives a revelation from the Lord, the one who is speaking must stop. In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged.

  • The others who evaluate it are Elders (Men) responsible for Theology & Doctrine
  • Mature Christians defer to others & don’t seek’Their’ word, but God’s Word
  • Again the goal is that ‘Everyone’ is blessed: Community Worship = Body Edified
  • If these messages are coming supernaturally from God they will happen in order
  • If of God it will be done in and result in peace: SHALOM

Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.

  • Paul is describing those who are being guided by God and so they act like Him
  • They are part of God’s order…disorder and striving are not of The Lord
  • A true Prophet of God is never wrong (O.T. Standard, wrong once: put to death)
  • Counterfeiting Spiritual Gifts is ‘Dangerous Business’…

Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings.

  • These two verses must be understood & applied in context of the previous text
  • The silence of women is regarding the evaluation of Prophetic Offerings
  • Twice previously in this letter God has declared ‘Spirit Gifts’ are for men & women
  • This is referencing mature, married women, submitted to husbands headship
  • This encourages couples to engage & learn about theology & doctrine together
  • In that place: Men & Women sat separate, so asking in church caused disruption
  • The order of the meeting honors God: The God of Order & Peace

Or do you think God’s word originated with you Corinthians? Are you the only ones to whom it was given? If you claim to be a prophet or think you are spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself. But if you do not recognize this, you yourself will not be recognized.

  • The Corinthians were doing things ‘Their’ way instead of the ‘Apostolic’ way
  • The true Gospel of Jesus Christ is consistent with O.T. Revelation (same God)
  • God has always been about Order & Peace
  • The Word of God was O.T. Scriptures, the Teaching of Christ and His Disciples
  • There must have been false claims of Prophecy born of ‘Trying to be Spiritual’
  • Paul knew that He was Writing with God’s direct authority! Whoa!
  • If they were unable to see God was guiding Paul, God was not guiding them.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues. But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.

  • These are complex issues, so to approach them ‘Biblically’ we must BE ‘Family’
  • In order to BE mature we have to think, act and love as God does: order & peace
  • The use of spiritual gifts like Prophesy can be messy; work it out, don’t ban them
  • Gift use MUST line up with an accurate reading and application of Scripture
  • BE SURE: We cannot honor God & represent Christ if we don’t do things HIS way

Application Questions:

In what areas of Your Discipleship do you see a need for more mature understanding?

How can we make Midtown a place where unbelievers can clearly understand Christ?

How does 1st Cor. 13 influence your understanding and application of 1st Cor. 14?

What is your experience with gifts of Prophecy & Tongues? Was their practice Biblical?

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The Church in The World Not of The World Pt. 25

Others Focused Spirituality

Remember the phrase: It is better to give than to receive? Don’t hear that as much as you used to.

The dominant culture today is: ‘It’s about me and what I can get’ We are socialized, taught to be self serving in many ways, it becomes 2nd nature

This letter to the Corinthians constantly has a different message: Live for others The constant theme of focus on others, is a hallmark of the New Testament Scriptures.

Last week the passage defined love by God’s standards and how we are to love others. This passage is a straight forward addressing of a problem, that GOD ‘Inscripturated’. He wanted this to be something we heard about directly from Him (thru Paul)

We do not have a culture of this sort of thing @ Midtown, but we should be on the look out for it

Today we hear from God’s word the importance of staying in that mode of love for others as we develop and use spiritual gifts in the community and for the good of the body

1st Corinthians14:1-19

Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you.

  • We heard last week that in God’s Kingdom, Love is # 1!
  • Once you have the love part, Spiritual Gifts will be a blessing to OTHERS
  • Prophesy being ranked above speaking in unknown languages

You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.

  • There is a place for Spiritual Self Strengthening, but it is secondary to others
  • Speaking from God’s viewpoint, by His Spirit, blesses others.
  • As a disciple of Christ, which is more valuable?

I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened.

  • God pairs ‘True Tongues’ with the gift of interpretation
  • Then it has the effect God desires: strengthening the whole church!
  • It is always about the good of the body BECAUSE THAT gives God the most glory!

Dear brothers and sisters, if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language, how would that help you? But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful.

  • At this point Paul recognizing his role is all about helping others know Christ

Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody. And if the bugler doesn’t sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle? It’s the same for you. If you speak to people in words they don’t understand, how will they know what you are saying? You might as well be talking into empty space.

  • If we are using gifts God gives us ‘With Love’ we will hit the right note
  • It’s about working together as a Body / Band / Army

There are many different languages in the world, and every language has meaning. But if I don’t understand a language, I will be a foreigner to someone who speaks it, and the one who speaks it will be a foreigner to me. And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.

  • Importance of understanding ‘Tongues’ are ‘Languages’ not ‘Ecstatic Speech’…
  • Don’t create divisions with ANY use of Spiritual Gifts…
  • ‘Tongues’ get you a lot of attention…creates comparison…
  • Unhealthy Culture of ‘Spiritual Attention & Accolades’ (not our bag @ Midtown)

So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said. For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying. Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand.

  • There is such a thing as speaking in unknown languages: ‘Prayer in The Spirit’
  • Cultivating depth of prayer with God by His Spirit is desirable
  • There is a place and purpose for such things

For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? You will be giving thanks very well, but it won’t strengthen the people who hear you.

  • This implies that the best is when we praise God together
  • God is driving home the importance of ‘Unity’ in HIS Body
  • That ‘Unity’ must be intentionally strengthened by each of us serving in LOVE

I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you. But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language.

  • When we gather it is all about OTHERS!
  • Being Christ’s Body is aways meant to be about others
  • Easier said than done…and that is the point of active, continual Discipleship
  • This is setting a pattern for what church services do: they help people!

Application Questions:

What is your WHY for Love being your highest Goal?

How can you avoid ‘showing off’ your spirituality and instead strengthening the ‘Body’?

What would regularly developing your Spiritual Gifts in a love centered way look like?

What things can you do consistently when we gather as a Body to help others?

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