Read Genesis 1-12
(actually just glance over them to make sure you understand the history up to chapter 12).
Read Genesis 12:1-3
The world didn’t really get off to a great start did it? After God created the perfect world and gave mankind every possible blessing, even the blessing of being with Him in the Garden, our first parents decided to disobey God. The world has been spiralling downwards ever since. Evolution tells us that the world is getting better and working its way upwards by chance and natural selection. God tells us we are spiralling downwards in sin and depravity.
As Adam and Eve come out of the Garden they have many children. Read Genesis 5:1-5 to pick up what I mean. The history of the first two sons (Cain and Able) is recorded but the rest are not, except for that brief mention in Genesis 5. (BTW - that’s where Cain got his wife from, if anyone asks you!!). And it’s not a particularly bright record. Cain is jealous and kills his brother! Shortly after this, Lamech takes excessive revenge upon a man who injured him. By chapter 6 God is grieved at the sinfulness of mankind. By the end of the flood as human numbers are rising again, you would think that humanity would stay close to God and seek to obey Him. Yet what we see is the exact opposite. As chapter 11 starts we see that mankind have decided to congregate together rather than spread out and fill the earth - as commanded to Adam and Noah! They decide to build a monument to their own great name, effectively leaving God out of the picture. They decide to stand apart from God, united together under their own great name! God is grieved and spreads mankind over the face of the earth. He confuses their languages and makes communication all but impossible. The half-completed tower is left unattended as each new ethnic group struggles to make it on its own.
It’s in this rebellious world that the narrative of Abraham starts. The genealogy of Shem links us to Terah and then to Abram. He’s called by God to leave his family and to go to an as yet-unknown land. God makes great promises to Abram.
Let’s stop there and think in big picture images for a moment. God has called Abram after years of rebellion and sin. He’s made great promises to Abram. Why? What’s going on? What has all this to do with
Christmas? What God is effectively doing is calling Abram as a means of turning around the rebellion of humanity. What God is planning is a blessing to all the families of the earth through Abram and his descendants. What God is doing is blessing mankind amid the rejection and betrayal.
The birth of our Saviour on the first Christmas is not the start of that blessing. It’s the continuation of what began way back in Genesis. It’s the signal that God’s undeserved and totally gracious blessing is about to be poured out upon the earth. The first Christmas is God’s signal, God’s siren, telling the world that He is about to deal with mankind’s rebellion and rejection and open the way back to Eden that was closed off in Genesis 3.
Take time out today with your family to talk about the real meaning of Christmas.
Prayer:-
> Pray that this Christmas will see many people at church to hear about the salvation of Christ Jesus.
> Pray that you will have opportunities to talk of Christ’s birth with friends and relatives and neighbours.
> Pray that our brothers and sisters in Myanmar will have open doors to evangelise, to share their faith and to make disciples of nations.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Monday, 15 November 2010
Monday November 15
Read Ephesians 1:1-6. 1 Peter 1:18-21
As we move foreword rapidly to Christmas let me encourage you to slow down and to take time regularly (would daily be pushing my luck???) to think deeply about the meaning and the history of Christmas - it really is more than an old fat-man wearing a ridiculously red suit climbing down your non-existent chimney and leaving presents for you and the children.
Have you ever really taken time to think through the wonder of Christmas? Have you ever thought about where Christmas began and why it began?
Obviously, the first Christmas began with the birth of our Saviour - Jesus of Nazareth but the idea of Christmas began well before that. Read Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Peter 1:20. Christ was chosen from before the world’s creation to be our Saviour. Even more so, you and I were chosen to come to Christ for salvation before the creation of the world. The mind boggles as to the supreme wisdom of God who can choose us in Christ and still allow us to come freely to Christ by our own volition!
But let’s focus on Christ and not ourselves (that’s always a good idea, isn’t it??). Jesus was chosen from before the creation of the world to be our Saviour. That means the whole Old Testament is a preparation for his coming. That means we should be able to read through the former covenant and find traces and glimpses that point forward to His coming. That is exactly what we find in the Old Testament. Those who knew God and were close to God were watching intently, waiting for the true Saviour to be revealed.
And on the first Christmas, some 2,000 years ago our Saviour was born - not with trumpet blast and fanfare but humbly, in a stable with lowly shepherds and Eastern Star gazers giving Him glory. Such a small, seemingly insignificant event would grow to change the very fabric of society, the nature of the world and bring light and hope to millions upon millions of lost souls.
Daily Diary
Often our prayers reflect our immediate concerns and issues. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with praying through these issues. It’s even commanded in Scripture. However, we can have a more fulfilling, more rewarding time with God as we add a depth to our prayers and a quality to our time with God. Let me suggest that you journal for the duration of this sermon series and then re-evaluate your prayer time/ quiet time with our Lord. For journaling, you can use a note pad, an exercise book or even an electronic device like a phone or pda. I prefer to use my phone as it has music on it, a Bible and a place to take notes but use whatever suit your situation and level.
The following structure of prayer takes about an hour to work through and adds depth of prayer and biblical input into your life. The headings are listed with a short description what each entails.
Today: Use today’s Date as a heading for future reference.
Take a few minutes to think about the day you’ve had and jot down the pertinent points. Include feelings, reflections, leadings by God, good points, bad points etc.
This will help clear your mind and get you ready to focus on God. It will help you get a better perspective on what to pray about.
Forgiveness
Jot down what you’ve done today that displeased God. Ask for forgiveness and meditate upon some forgiveness passages.
Keep short accounts with God. Don’t let sin build up. Honestly seek His forgiveness each day.
Today’s Passage: Hezekiah 15:32
Read a passage of Scripture and jot down what happened or what is said. Note what you learn and what strikes you as amazing. Make a note of other relevant passages and the relationships you observe.
The more you do this, the easier it gets. Don’t worry if you can’t write a commentary the first time around!
Praise:
Given the passage you’ve just read, how can you praise God. Think about the day you’ve had and the passage you’ve read and spend time praising God.
Include only heart felt praises here not stuff you think you have to praise God for. Focus on what you’ve witnessed God doing.
Supplication:
This is where we pray the normal type of prayers asking God to intervene in our lives and others’ lives.
If you keep a mental list through the day you can jot them down here.
Keep space for answers.
Adoration:
This is where we thank God and declare God to be amazing. Focus on God and His characteristics, not on what He’s done. Read Psalm 29 to see an example or Romans 11:33-36. Here you can play a “worship” song and sing to God. You can sing your own favourite song to God in adoration.
By adoring God we grow in love for God. Don’t leave this out, even though it’s hard at first.
What’s God Saying to me?
Briefly read over all you’ve written today and think about What God is saying to you. Think about how today’s time with God will change your life and what God wants you to be doing.
What God is saying will never contradict Scripture. Think about your life and your own situation.
As you begin to diarise or journal with God, make sure that you are comfortable and free from interruption for about an hour. Make sure that you have everything you need at your fingertips - pens, paper, bible, CD for music if necessary.
Each day when you begin your time with God, spend a few moments to look back over where you and God have been so far. Take time to jot down answers to your prayers. Re-reading them will greatly encourage you. Don’t forget to share the answers with others.
Finally try to meet with God in the same place each and every day. It builds momentum, expectation and allows you to get into a routine that is helpful, beneficial and comfortable.
As we move foreword rapidly to Christmas let me encourage you to slow down and to take time regularly (would daily be pushing my luck???) to think deeply about the meaning and the history of Christmas - it really is more than an old fat-man wearing a ridiculously red suit climbing down your non-existent chimney and leaving presents for you and the children.
Have you ever really taken time to think through the wonder of Christmas? Have you ever thought about where Christmas began and why it began?
Obviously, the first Christmas began with the birth of our Saviour - Jesus of Nazareth but the idea of Christmas began well before that. Read Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Peter 1:20. Christ was chosen from before the world’s creation to be our Saviour. Even more so, you and I were chosen to come to Christ for salvation before the creation of the world. The mind boggles as to the supreme wisdom of God who can choose us in Christ and still allow us to come freely to Christ by our own volition!
But let’s focus on Christ and not ourselves (that’s always a good idea, isn’t it??). Jesus was chosen from before the creation of the world to be our Saviour. That means the whole Old Testament is a preparation for his coming. That means we should be able to read through the former covenant and find traces and glimpses that point forward to His coming. That is exactly what we find in the Old Testament. Those who knew God and were close to God were watching intently, waiting for the true Saviour to be revealed.
And on the first Christmas, some 2,000 years ago our Saviour was born - not with trumpet blast and fanfare but humbly, in a stable with lowly shepherds and Eastern Star gazers giving Him glory. Such a small, seemingly insignificant event would grow to change the very fabric of society, the nature of the world and bring light and hope to millions upon millions of lost souls.
Daily Diary
Often our prayers reflect our immediate concerns and issues. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with praying through these issues. It’s even commanded in Scripture. However, we can have a more fulfilling, more rewarding time with God as we add a depth to our prayers and a quality to our time with God. Let me suggest that you journal for the duration of this sermon series and then re-evaluate your prayer time/ quiet time with our Lord. For journaling, you can use a note pad, an exercise book or even an electronic device like a phone or pda. I prefer to use my phone as it has music on it, a Bible and a place to take notes but use whatever suit your situation and level.
The following structure of prayer takes about an hour to work through and adds depth of prayer and biblical input into your life. The headings are listed with a short description what each entails.
Today: Use today’s Date as a heading for future reference.
Take a few minutes to think about the day you’ve had and jot down the pertinent points. Include feelings, reflections, leadings by God, good points, bad points etc.
This will help clear your mind and get you ready to focus on God. It will help you get a better perspective on what to pray about.
Forgiveness
Jot down what you’ve done today that displeased God. Ask for forgiveness and meditate upon some forgiveness passages.
Keep short accounts with God. Don’t let sin build up. Honestly seek His forgiveness each day.
Today’s Passage: Hezekiah 15:32
Read a passage of Scripture and jot down what happened or what is said. Note what you learn and what strikes you as amazing. Make a note of other relevant passages and the relationships you observe.
The more you do this, the easier it gets. Don’t worry if you can’t write a commentary the first time around!
Praise:
Given the passage you’ve just read, how can you praise God. Think about the day you’ve had and the passage you’ve read and spend time praising God.
Include only heart felt praises here not stuff you think you have to praise God for. Focus on what you’ve witnessed God doing.
Supplication:
This is where we pray the normal type of prayers asking God to intervene in our lives and others’ lives.
If you keep a mental list through the day you can jot them down here.
Keep space for answers.
Adoration:
This is where we thank God and declare God to be amazing. Focus on God and His characteristics, not on what He’s done. Read Psalm 29 to see an example or Romans 11:33-36. Here you can play a “worship” song and sing to God. You can sing your own favourite song to God in adoration.
By adoring God we grow in love for God. Don’t leave this out, even though it’s hard at first.
What’s God Saying to me?
Briefly read over all you’ve written today and think about What God is saying to you. Think about how today’s time with God will change your life and what God wants you to be doing.
What God is saying will never contradict Scripture. Think about your life and your own situation.
As you begin to diarise or journal with God, make sure that you are comfortable and free from interruption for about an hour. Make sure that you have everything you need at your fingertips - pens, paper, bible, CD for music if necessary.
Each day when you begin your time with God, spend a few moments to look back over where you and God have been so far. Take time to jot down answers to your prayers. Re-reading them will greatly encourage you. Don’t forget to share the answers with others.
Finally try to meet with God in the same place each and every day. It builds momentum, expectation and allows you to get into a routine that is helpful, beneficial and comfortable.
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Saturday: 13 November
Read Colossians 4:14b
Demas is mentioned only three times in Paul’s letters, and these three references tell a sad story. First he is called “Demas... my fellow labourer” and is linked with three good men—Mark, Aristarchus, and Luke (Phile. 24). Then he is simply called “Demas,” and there is no special word of identification or commendation (Col. 4:14). But the third reference tells what became of Demas: “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10).
At one point in his life, John Mark had forsaken Paul; but he was reclaimed and restored. Demas forsook Paul and apparently was never reclaimed. His sin was that he loved this present world. The word world refers to the whole system of things that runs this world, or “society without God.” In the first of his epistles, John the Apostle pointed out that the world entices the believer with “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15–17). Which of these traps caught Demas, we do not know; perhaps he fell into all three.
But we do know that Christians today can succumb to the world just as Demas did. How easy it is to maintain a religious veneer, while all the time we are living for the things of this world. Demas thought that he could serve two masters, but eventually he had to make a decision; unfortunately, he made the wrong decision.
It must have hurt Paul greatly when Demas forsook him. It also hurt the work of the Lord, for there never has been a time when the laborers were many. This decision hurt Demas most of all, for he wasted his life in that which could never last. “He that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (1 John 2:17).
After conveying greetings from his friends and fellow servants, Paul himself sent greetings to the sister churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis. These people had never seen Paul (Col. 2:1), yet he was interested in them and concerned about their spiritual welfare.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray for those who are preaching and teaching tomorrow. Pray that God would use them powerfully and that His Word would be powerful and active in our lives. Pray that the entire congregation would be present and would submit to the authority of the Word.
ÿ Pray that God would be powerfully among us tomorrow - healing the sick, freeing captives from prison, releasing those burdened with sin and habitual sin, making people whole and renewing people and saving them in the gospel of our Lord.
Demas is mentioned only three times in Paul’s letters, and these three references tell a sad story. First he is called “Demas... my fellow labourer” and is linked with three good men—Mark, Aristarchus, and Luke (Phile. 24). Then he is simply called “Demas,” and there is no special word of identification or commendation (Col. 4:14). But the third reference tells what became of Demas: “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10).
At one point in his life, John Mark had forsaken Paul; but he was reclaimed and restored. Demas forsook Paul and apparently was never reclaimed. His sin was that he loved this present world. The word world refers to the whole system of things that runs this world, or “society without God.” In the first of his epistles, John the Apostle pointed out that the world entices the believer with “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15–17). Which of these traps caught Demas, we do not know; perhaps he fell into all three.
But we do know that Christians today can succumb to the world just as Demas did. How easy it is to maintain a religious veneer, while all the time we are living for the things of this world. Demas thought that he could serve two masters, but eventually he had to make a decision; unfortunately, he made the wrong decision.
It must have hurt Paul greatly when Demas forsook him. It also hurt the work of the Lord, for there never has been a time when the laborers were many. This decision hurt Demas most of all, for he wasted his life in that which could never last. “He that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (1 John 2:17).
After conveying greetings from his friends and fellow servants, Paul himself sent greetings to the sister churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis. These people had never seen Paul (Col. 2:1), yet he was interested in them and concerned about their spiritual welfare.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray for those who are preaching and teaching tomorrow. Pray that God would use them powerfully and that His Word would be powerful and active in our lives. Pray that the entire congregation would be present and would submit to the authority of the Word.
ÿ Pray that God would be powerfully among us tomorrow - healing the sick, freeing captives from prison, releasing those burdened with sin and habitual sin, making people whole and renewing people and saving them in the gospel of our Lord.
Friday, 12 November 2010
Friday November 12, 2010
Read Colossians 4:8-13
We first met Epaphras at the beginning of this letter to Colossae. He was the man who founded the church there (Col. 1:7–8). He had been led to Christ through Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, and had returned home to share the Good News of salvation. It seems likely that Epaphras also founded the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col. 4:13). In our modern terms, Epaphras became a “home missionary.”
What motivated Epaphras to share the Gospel? He was “a servant of Christ” (Col. 4:12). Paul called him “our dear fellow servant... a faithful minister of Christ” (Col. 1:7). Epaphras loved Jesus Christ and wanted to serve Him and share His message of salvation. But he did not do it alone. Epaphras also believed in the ministry of the local church, and in working with other saints. He was not just a “servant”; he was a “fellow servant.”
One of the secrets of the ministry of Epaphras was his prayer life. Paul knew about this because Epaphras and Paul shared the same room, and when Epaphras prayed, Paul knew about it. What were the characteristics of this man’s prayer life?
He prayed constantly (vs 12—“always”). He was a good example of Paul’s admonition: “Continue in prayer” (Col. 4:2). Epaphras did not pray only when he felt like it, as do many Christians today. Nor did he pray when he was told to pray, or when the other believers prayed. He was constantly in prayer, seeking God’s blessing.
He prayed fervently (vs 12—“labouring fervently”). The word used here means “agonizing.” It is the same word used for our Lord’s praying in the Garden (Luke 22:44). We get the impression that prayer was serious business with Epaphras! This Greek word was used to describe the athletes as they gave themselves fully to their sports. If church members today put as much concern and enthusiasm into their praying as they did into their baseball games or bowling, we would have revival!
He prayed personally (vs 12—“for you”). Epaphras did not pray around the world for everybody in general and nobody in particular. He centered his intercession on the saints in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. No doubt he mentioned some of them by name. Prayer for Epaphras was not an impersonal religious exercise, for he carried these people in his heart and prayed for them personally.
He prayed definitely. If you had asked Epaphras, “What are you praying for?, he could have told you. His great desire was that the believers in those three assemblies might mature in their Christian faith. Paul used four significant words to summarize the prayer of Epaphras, and these four words also summarize the message of the Book of Colossians: “perfect—complete—all—will.”
Epaphras was concerned that these Christians know and do the will of God. But he wanted them to be involved in all of the will of God, not just in part of it. (All is a key word in Colossians, used over thirty times.) He also wanted them to stand perfect and complete in God’s will. The gnostic teachers offered these Christians “perfection and maturity,” but they could not deliver the goods. Only in Jesus Christ can we have these blessings. “And ye are complete in Him,” for only in Christ does the fullness of God dwell (Col. 2:9–10).
This request carries the thought of being mature and perfectly assured in the will of God, and parallels Paul’s prayer burden (Col. 2:2). “Full assurance in the will of God” is a tremendous blessing! It is not necessary for the believer to drift in life. He can know God’s will and enjoy it. As he learns God’s will and lives it, he matures in the faith and experiences God’s fullness.
He prayed sacrificially (vs 13—“great zeal” or “much distress”). Real prayer is difficult. When Jesus prayed in the Garden, He sweat great drops of blood. Paul had “great conflict” (agony) as he prayed for the Colossians (2:1), and Epaphras also experienced “much distress.” This does not mean that we must wrestle with God in order to get Him to answer. But it does mean that we must throw ourselves into our praying with zeal and concern. If there is no burden, there can be no blessing. To rephrase what John H. Jowett said about preaching: “Praying that costs nothing accomplishes nothing.”
All of the men with Paul were named and commended in one way or another, but Epaphras was the only one commended for his prayer ministry. This does not mean that the other men did not pray; but it does suggest that prayer was his major interest and ministry. Epaphras was
Paul’s fellow prisoner (Phile. 23)—but even confinement could not keep him from entering the courts of heaven and praying for his brothers and sisters in the churches.
E.M. Bounds was a prayer-warrior of the last generation. He would often rise early in the morning and pray for many hours before he began the work of the day. His many books on prayer testify to the fact that Bounds, like Epaphras, knew how to agonize in prayer before God. If you have never read Power in Prayer [Baker] by E.M. Bounds, by all means do so.
Open up your church phone directory and start praying for the people there.
We first met Epaphras at the beginning of this letter to Colossae. He was the man who founded the church there (Col. 1:7–8). He had been led to Christ through Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, and had returned home to share the Good News of salvation. It seems likely that Epaphras also founded the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col. 4:13). In our modern terms, Epaphras became a “home missionary.”
What motivated Epaphras to share the Gospel? He was “a servant of Christ” (Col. 4:12). Paul called him “our dear fellow servant... a faithful minister of Christ” (Col. 1:7). Epaphras loved Jesus Christ and wanted to serve Him and share His message of salvation. But he did not do it alone. Epaphras also believed in the ministry of the local church, and in working with other saints. He was not just a “servant”; he was a “fellow servant.”
One of the secrets of the ministry of Epaphras was his prayer life. Paul knew about this because Epaphras and Paul shared the same room, and when Epaphras prayed, Paul knew about it. What were the characteristics of this man’s prayer life?
He prayed constantly (vs 12—“always”). He was a good example of Paul’s admonition: “Continue in prayer” (Col. 4:2). Epaphras did not pray only when he felt like it, as do many Christians today. Nor did he pray when he was told to pray, or when the other believers prayed. He was constantly in prayer, seeking God’s blessing.
He prayed fervently (vs 12—“labouring fervently”). The word used here means “agonizing.” It is the same word used for our Lord’s praying in the Garden (Luke 22:44). We get the impression that prayer was serious business with Epaphras! This Greek word was used to describe the athletes as they gave themselves fully to their sports. If church members today put as much concern and enthusiasm into their praying as they did into their baseball games or bowling, we would have revival!
He prayed personally (vs 12—“for you”). Epaphras did not pray around the world for everybody in general and nobody in particular. He centered his intercession on the saints in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. No doubt he mentioned some of them by name. Prayer for Epaphras was not an impersonal religious exercise, for he carried these people in his heart and prayed for them personally.
He prayed definitely. If you had asked Epaphras, “What are you praying for?, he could have told you. His great desire was that the believers in those three assemblies might mature in their Christian faith. Paul used four significant words to summarize the prayer of Epaphras, and these four words also summarize the message of the Book of Colossians: “perfect—complete—all—will.”
Epaphras was concerned that these Christians know and do the will of God. But he wanted them to be involved in all of the will of God, not just in part of it. (All is a key word in Colossians, used over thirty times.) He also wanted them to stand perfect and complete in God’s will. The gnostic teachers offered these Christians “perfection and maturity,” but they could not deliver the goods. Only in Jesus Christ can we have these blessings. “And ye are complete in Him,” for only in Christ does the fullness of God dwell (Col. 2:9–10).
This request carries the thought of being mature and perfectly assured in the will of God, and parallels Paul’s prayer burden (Col. 2:2). “Full assurance in the will of God” is a tremendous blessing! It is not necessary for the believer to drift in life. He can know God’s will and enjoy it. As he learns God’s will and lives it, he matures in the faith and experiences God’s fullness.
He prayed sacrificially (vs 13—“great zeal” or “much distress”). Real prayer is difficult. When Jesus prayed in the Garden, He sweat great drops of blood. Paul had “great conflict” (agony) as he prayed for the Colossians (2:1), and Epaphras also experienced “much distress.” This does not mean that we must wrestle with God in order to get Him to answer. But it does mean that we must throw ourselves into our praying with zeal and concern. If there is no burden, there can be no blessing. To rephrase what John H. Jowett said about preaching: “Praying that costs nothing accomplishes nothing.”
All of the men with Paul were named and commended in one way or another, but Epaphras was the only one commended for his prayer ministry. This does not mean that the other men did not pray; but it does suggest that prayer was his major interest and ministry. Epaphras was
Paul’s fellow prisoner (Phile. 23)—but even confinement could not keep him from entering the courts of heaven and praying for his brothers and sisters in the churches.
E.M. Bounds was a prayer-warrior of the last generation. He would often rise early in the morning and pray for many hours before he began the work of the day. His many books on prayer testify to the fact that Bounds, like Epaphras, knew how to agonize in prayer before God. If you have never read Power in Prayer [Baker] by E.M. Bounds, by all means do so.
Open up your church phone directory and start praying for the people there.
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Thursday November 11, 2010
Read Colossians 4:7-9
Paul did not spell out the details of his personal situation in this letter. He left it to his two spiritual brothers, Tychicus and Onesimus, to share the burdens with the church in Colossae. This is another wonderful ministry of speech: we can share our needs and burdens with others; then they can encourage and assist us.
When Paul left Ephesus, he was accompanied by seven other believers—among them, Tychicus (Acts 20:4). These men were helping Paul deliver the love offering from the Gentile churches to the poor saints in Judea (1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8–9). It is possible that Tychicus and Trophimus were the two brethren Paul referred to in his Second Letter to the Corinthians (see 2 Cor. 8:19–24). Tychicus shared Paul’s Roman imprisonment and no doubt was helpful to him in many ways. Paul chose Tychicus and Onesimus to deliver the Ephesian letter (Eph. 6:21) and the Colossian letter (Col. 4:7–9). Of course, they also took the personal letter to Philemon. Paul instructed Tychicus to share with the Colossian Christians all the details of his situation there in Rome.
Paul’s description of Tychicus reveals what a splendid Christian Tychicus really was. He was a beloved brother, willing to stay with Paul even though the situation was difficult. How encouraging it is to have a Christian at your side when everything seems to be against you!
Tychicus was also a faithful minister. His love revealed itself in action. He ministered to Paul, and he also ministered for Paul to assist him in his many obligations. Someone has said that the greatest ability in the world is dependability, and this is true. Paul could depend on Tychicus to get the job done.
Tychicus was also Paul’s fellow servant. Though he was not an apostle himself, he was assisting Paul in his apostolic ministry. Paul and Tychicus worked together in the service of the Lord. Later, Paul was able to send Tychicus to Crete (Titus 3:12), and then to Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:12).
It was not easy for Tychicus to be associated with Paul, the prisoner; for Paul had many enemies. Nor was it easy for Tychicus to travel as he did, assisting Paul in his various tasks. Tychicus did not take the easy way, but rather the right way. Our churches today could use more members like Tychicus!
Paul also mentioned Onesimus (“one of you”) who himself came from Colossae. He was the runaway slave who belonged to Philemon and who had been won to Christ through Paul’s ministry in Rome. Paul sent Onesimus back to his master with a letter asking Philemon to receive him and forgive him. It is interesting to note that Paul also called Onesimus faithful and beloved. Onesimus had been a believer only a short time, and yet he had already proved himself to Paul.
These two men had a dual ministry to perform: to encourage the Colossian Christians and to inform them about Paul’s situation. Is it wrong for God’s people to share information in this way? Of course not! Paul was not begging for money or asking for sympathy. He wanted the Colossian saints to know his situation so they could pray for him. While it is true that some Christian workers “use” circumstances selfishly to enlist support, this was not true of Paul. He simply wanted his friends in Colossae to know the facts and to support him in prayer.
Praying, proclaiming the Word, witnessing, and sharing burdens—these are four wonderful ministries of speech. How much better it is to be involved in these ministries than to be using our tongues for gossip, malicious criticism, and other sinful purposes.
Let’s make David’s prayer our prayer: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3).
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that God would raise up many servants, fellow workers in this Kingdom work that our congregation is engaged in. Ask God to raise up many labourers and to show you personally where and what He would want you to be doing.
Get together with another Christian and talk about the ways in which you can allow or encourage the Word of God to dwell richly in you.
Write down some ideas.
1/.
2/.
3/.
4/.
5/.
6/.
Paul did not spell out the details of his personal situation in this letter. He left it to his two spiritual brothers, Tychicus and Onesimus, to share the burdens with the church in Colossae. This is another wonderful ministry of speech: we can share our needs and burdens with others; then they can encourage and assist us.
When Paul left Ephesus, he was accompanied by seven other believers—among them, Tychicus (Acts 20:4). These men were helping Paul deliver the love offering from the Gentile churches to the poor saints in Judea (1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8–9). It is possible that Tychicus and Trophimus were the two brethren Paul referred to in his Second Letter to the Corinthians (see 2 Cor. 8:19–24). Tychicus shared Paul’s Roman imprisonment and no doubt was helpful to him in many ways. Paul chose Tychicus and Onesimus to deliver the Ephesian letter (Eph. 6:21) and the Colossian letter (Col. 4:7–9). Of course, they also took the personal letter to Philemon. Paul instructed Tychicus to share with the Colossian Christians all the details of his situation there in Rome.
Paul’s description of Tychicus reveals what a splendid Christian Tychicus really was. He was a beloved brother, willing to stay with Paul even though the situation was difficult. How encouraging it is to have a Christian at your side when everything seems to be against you!
Tychicus was also a faithful minister. His love revealed itself in action. He ministered to Paul, and he also ministered for Paul to assist him in his many obligations. Someone has said that the greatest ability in the world is dependability, and this is true. Paul could depend on Tychicus to get the job done.
Tychicus was also Paul’s fellow servant. Though he was not an apostle himself, he was assisting Paul in his apostolic ministry. Paul and Tychicus worked together in the service of the Lord. Later, Paul was able to send Tychicus to Crete (Titus 3:12), and then to Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:12).
It was not easy for Tychicus to be associated with Paul, the prisoner; for Paul had many enemies. Nor was it easy for Tychicus to travel as he did, assisting Paul in his various tasks. Tychicus did not take the easy way, but rather the right way. Our churches today could use more members like Tychicus!
Paul also mentioned Onesimus (“one of you”) who himself came from Colossae. He was the runaway slave who belonged to Philemon and who had been won to Christ through Paul’s ministry in Rome. Paul sent Onesimus back to his master with a letter asking Philemon to receive him and forgive him. It is interesting to note that Paul also called Onesimus faithful and beloved. Onesimus had been a believer only a short time, and yet he had already proved himself to Paul.
These two men had a dual ministry to perform: to encourage the Colossian Christians and to inform them about Paul’s situation. Is it wrong for God’s people to share information in this way? Of course not! Paul was not begging for money or asking for sympathy. He wanted the Colossian saints to know his situation so they could pray for him. While it is true that some Christian workers “use” circumstances selfishly to enlist support, this was not true of Paul. He simply wanted his friends in Colossae to know the facts and to support him in prayer.
Praying, proclaiming the Word, witnessing, and sharing burdens—these are four wonderful ministries of speech. How much better it is to be involved in these ministries than to be using our tongues for gossip, malicious criticism, and other sinful purposes.
Let’s make David’s prayer our prayer: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3).
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that God would raise up many servants, fellow workers in this Kingdom work that our congregation is engaged in. Ask God to raise up many labourers and to show you personally where and what He would want you to be doing.
Get together with another Christian and talk about the ways in which you can allow or encourage the Word of God to dwell richly in you.
Write down some ideas.
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Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Wednesday November 10, 2010
Read Colossians 4:5-6
“Outsiders” refers to those who are outside the family of God. Jesus made a distinction between His disciples and those who were outside (Mark 4:11). Paul also made this same distinction (1 Cor. 5:12–13). Those of us who are born again are the “spiritual insiders”, because we belong to God’s family and share His life.
However, as Christians, we must never have a sanctified superiority complex. We have a responsibility to witness to the lost around us and to seek to bring them into God’s family. To begin with, we have the responsibility to walk wisely (Col. 4:5). Walk refers, of course, to our conduct in daily life. The unsaved outsiders watch us Christians and are very critical of us. There must be nothing in our lives that would jeopardize our testimony.
This story has often been told about Dr. Will H. Houghton, who pastored the Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. When Dr. Houghton became pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle in Atlanta, a man in that city hired a private detective to follow Dr. Houghton and report on his conduct. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghton’s life matched his preaching. As a result, that man became a Christian.
What does it mean to “walk in”. “Redeeming the time” means buying up
the opportunity (Eph. 5:16). This is a commercial term and pictures the Christian as a faithful steward who knows an opportunity when he sees one. Just as a merchant seizes a bargain when he finds one, so a Christian seizes the opportunity to win a soul to Christ.
Walking in wisdom also includes doing our work, paying our bills, and keeping our promises. We must “walk honestly toward them that are outside” (1 Thes. 4:12).Christians in general and Christian leaders in particular must have “a good report of them which are outside” (1 Tim. 3:7). When members of a church are calling a new pastor, they ought to investigate his testimony among his neighbours and the businessmen who know him. Even though unsaved people are in the dark spiritually (2 Cor. 4:3–4), they have a great deal of discernment when it comes to the things of this life (Luke 16:8). It is unfortunate when members of a church call a pastor who has not paid his bills and has left behind a bad witness to unsaved people.
It is not enough simply to walk wisely and carefully before unbelievers. We must also talk with them and share the Gospel message with them. But we must take care that our speech is controlled by grace, so that it points to Christ and glorifies the Lord. This means we must have grace in our hearts (Col. 3:16), because it is from the heart that the mouth speaks. With grace in our hearts and on our lips, we will be faithful witnesses and not judges or prosecuting attorneys!
The Lord Jesus Christ spoke with grace on His lips. “And all... wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 4:22). Among the many statements about Jesus Christ in Psalm 45 (a messianic psalm) is this: “Grace is poured into Thy lips” (Ps. 45:2). Even when our Lord was dealing with sin, He spoke words of grace.
Our speech is supposed to “minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). But it cannot do that unless we have grace in our hearts and in our words. “Speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15) is God’s ideal for our conversation.
Why did Paul add “seasoned with salt”? (Col. 4:6) In that day, salt was used as a preservative as well as a seasoner. We should never say to anyone, “Now, take this with a grain of salt.” We must put the salt into our speech to make sure it is pure and properly seasoned. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth” (Eph. 4:29). Our speech must be pure.
Salt was also added to the sacrifices (Lev. 2:13). Perhaps Paul was suggesting that we look on our words as sacrifices offered to God, just as our words of praise are spiritual sacrifices (Heb. 13:15). It would no doubt help us to say the right things in the right manner, if we remembered that our words are looked on as sacrifices to God.
It is unfortunate when a Christian speaks in a rude or coarse manner, particularly when the unsaved are listening. “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Meekness is the opposite of harshness, and fear is the opposite of arrogance. There is no place in a Christian’s conversation for a know-it-all attitude. While we need to have convictions and not compromise, we must also cultivate a gracious spirit of love.
The Christian’s walk and talk must be in harmony with each other. Nothing will silence the lips like a careless life. When character, conduct, and conversation are all working together, it makes for a powerful witness.
Prayer:-
ÿ Today you will have many opportunities. Pray that you will be able to make the most of them by sharing the gospel. Pray that your hearers will respond and come to Christ in faith and repentance. Pray that you will be courageous to speak out the gospel.
Write down 5 ways that you can draw near to God today.
1/
2/
3/
4/
5/
“Outsiders” refers to those who are outside the family of God. Jesus made a distinction between His disciples and those who were outside (Mark 4:11). Paul also made this same distinction (1 Cor. 5:12–13). Those of us who are born again are the “spiritual insiders”, because we belong to God’s family and share His life.
However, as Christians, we must never have a sanctified superiority complex. We have a responsibility to witness to the lost around us and to seek to bring them into God’s family. To begin with, we have the responsibility to walk wisely (Col. 4:5). Walk refers, of course, to our conduct in daily life. The unsaved outsiders watch us Christians and are very critical of us. There must be nothing in our lives that would jeopardize our testimony.
This story has often been told about Dr. Will H. Houghton, who pastored the Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. When Dr. Houghton became pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle in Atlanta, a man in that city hired a private detective to follow Dr. Houghton and report on his conduct. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghton’s life matched his preaching. As a result, that man became a Christian.
What does it mean to “walk in”. “Redeeming the time” means buying up
the opportunity (Eph. 5:16). This is a commercial term and pictures the Christian as a faithful steward who knows an opportunity when he sees one. Just as a merchant seizes a bargain when he finds one, so a Christian seizes the opportunity to win a soul to Christ.
Walking in wisdom also includes doing our work, paying our bills, and keeping our promises. We must “walk honestly toward them that are outside” (1 Thes. 4:12).Christians in general and Christian leaders in particular must have “a good report of them which are outside” (1 Tim. 3:7). When members of a church are calling a new pastor, they ought to investigate his testimony among his neighbours and the businessmen who know him. Even though unsaved people are in the dark spiritually (2 Cor. 4:3–4), they have a great deal of discernment when it comes to the things of this life (Luke 16:8). It is unfortunate when members of a church call a pastor who has not paid his bills and has left behind a bad witness to unsaved people.
It is not enough simply to walk wisely and carefully before unbelievers. We must also talk with them and share the Gospel message with them. But we must take care that our speech is controlled by grace, so that it points to Christ and glorifies the Lord. This means we must have grace in our hearts (Col. 3:16), because it is from the heart that the mouth speaks. With grace in our hearts and on our lips, we will be faithful witnesses and not judges or prosecuting attorneys!
The Lord Jesus Christ spoke with grace on His lips. “And all... wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 4:22). Among the many statements about Jesus Christ in Psalm 45 (a messianic psalm) is this: “Grace is poured into Thy lips” (Ps. 45:2). Even when our Lord was dealing with sin, He spoke words of grace.
Our speech is supposed to “minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). But it cannot do that unless we have grace in our hearts and in our words. “Speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15) is God’s ideal for our conversation.
Why did Paul add “seasoned with salt”? (Col. 4:6) In that day, salt was used as a preservative as well as a seasoner. We should never say to anyone, “Now, take this with a grain of salt.” We must put the salt into our speech to make sure it is pure and properly seasoned. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth” (Eph. 4:29). Our speech must be pure.
Salt was also added to the sacrifices (Lev. 2:13). Perhaps Paul was suggesting that we look on our words as sacrifices offered to God, just as our words of praise are spiritual sacrifices (Heb. 13:15). It would no doubt help us to say the right things in the right manner, if we remembered that our words are looked on as sacrifices to God.
It is unfortunate when a Christian speaks in a rude or coarse manner, particularly when the unsaved are listening. “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Meekness is the opposite of harshness, and fear is the opposite of arrogance. There is no place in a Christian’s conversation for a know-it-all attitude. While we need to have convictions and not compromise, we must also cultivate a gracious spirit of love.
The Christian’s walk and talk must be in harmony with each other. Nothing will silence the lips like a careless life. When character, conduct, and conversation are all working together, it makes for a powerful witness.
Prayer:-
ÿ Today you will have many opportunities. Pray that you will be able to make the most of them by sharing the gospel. Pray that your hearers will respond and come to Christ in faith and repentance. Pray that you will be courageous to speak out the gospel.
Write down 5 ways that you can draw near to God today.
1/
2/
3/
4/
5/
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Tuesday November 9, 2010
Read Colossians 4:3-4
Paul did not ask for the prison doors to be opened, but that doors of ministry might be opened (1 Cor. 16:9; Acts 14:27). It was more important to Paul that he be a faithful minister than a free man. It is worth noting that in all of Paul’s prison prayers, his concern was not for personal safety or material help, but for spiritual character and blessing.
Paul was in prison because of the “mystery of Christ” which related to the Gentiles (see Eph. 3:1–13). The mystery involved God’s purpose for the Gentiles in relation to Israel; for in the church, Jews and Gentiles are one (Eph. 2:11–22). Read the account of Paul’s arrest in the Jewish temple (Acts 21:18–22:30). Note that the Jews listened to Paul till he spoke the word Gentiles (Acts 22:21–22). It was Paul’s concern for the Gentiles and his ministry to them that put him into prison.
Even among some believing Jews, there was a kind of bigotry that wanted to force the Gentiles into a lower position (Acts 15:1ff). This extreme legalistic party wanted the Gentiles to become Jews ceremonially before they could become Christians! Paul and Barnabas met this threat to the Gospel of grace head-on and the council decided in their favor. But the legalistic party continued to oppose Paul and his ministry. They did not want the Good News of the mystery of Christ to get to the Gentiles. They wanted to maintain their air of Jewish superiority.
How strange that Paul would want God to help him do the very thing that had caused his arrest! He had no intention of giving up his ministry
or of changing his message. When John Bunyan was arrested for preaching illegally and put into prison, he was told that he would be released if he promised to stop preaching. “If I am out of prison today,” he replied, “I will preach the Gospel again tomorrow, by the help of God.”
How could Paul share the mystery of Christ when he was a prisoner? Paul’s case was discussed by many people; Paul was also able to witness to the guards to whom he was chained (Phil. 1:12–18). Imagine being chained to the Apostle Paul! Through this witness, the Gospel was carried into parts of Rome that would have been inaccessible to Paul had he been a free man. There were even “saints in Caesar’s household”! (Phil. 4:22)
The proclamation of the Gospel is empowered by prayer. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God as we come to the throne of grace and ask God for His blessing. We must never separate the Word of God from prayer because God has joined them together (Acts 6:4).
A visitor at Spurgeon’s Tabernacle in London was being shown around the building by the pastor, Charles Spurgeon. “Would you like to see the powerhouse of this ministry?” Spurgeon asked, as he showed the man into a lower auditorium. “It is here that we get our power, for while I am preaching upstairs, hundreds of my people are in this room praying.” Is it any wonder that God blessed Spurgeon’s preaching of the Word?
You, as a church member, can assist your pastor in the preaching of the Word by praying for him. Never say to your pastor, “Well, the least I can do is to pray for you.” The most you can do is to pray! Pray for your pastor as he prepares the Word, studies, and meditates. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give deeper insights into the truths of the Word. Pray too that your pastor will practice the Word that he preaches so that it will be real in his own life. As he preaches the message, pray that the Spirit will give him freedom of utterance, and that the Word will reach into hearts and minds in a powerful way. (It wouldn’t hurt to pray for other church leaders too.)
The proclaiming of the Word of God is a great privilege and a tremendous responsibility. You do not have to be an ordained preacher or a missionary to share God’s Word. Even in your daily conversation you can drop the seed of the Word into hearts, and then pray that God will water that seed and bring forth fruit..
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that the Word of God would bear much fruit in your congregation. Pray that you and all the members would have opportunities to share the Word and bear fruit for the Kingdom.
Paul did not ask for the prison doors to be opened, but that doors of ministry might be opened (1 Cor. 16:9; Acts 14:27). It was more important to Paul that he be a faithful minister than a free man. It is worth noting that in all of Paul’s prison prayers, his concern was not for personal safety or material help, but for spiritual character and blessing.
Paul was in prison because of the “mystery of Christ” which related to the Gentiles (see Eph. 3:1–13). The mystery involved God’s purpose for the Gentiles in relation to Israel; for in the church, Jews and Gentiles are one (Eph. 2:11–22). Read the account of Paul’s arrest in the Jewish temple (Acts 21:18–22:30). Note that the Jews listened to Paul till he spoke the word Gentiles (Acts 22:21–22). It was Paul’s concern for the Gentiles and his ministry to them that put him into prison.
Even among some believing Jews, there was a kind of bigotry that wanted to force the Gentiles into a lower position (Acts 15:1ff). This extreme legalistic party wanted the Gentiles to become Jews ceremonially before they could become Christians! Paul and Barnabas met this threat to the Gospel of grace head-on and the council decided in their favor. But the legalistic party continued to oppose Paul and his ministry. They did not want the Good News of the mystery of Christ to get to the Gentiles. They wanted to maintain their air of Jewish superiority.
How strange that Paul would want God to help him do the very thing that had caused his arrest! He had no intention of giving up his ministry
or of changing his message. When John Bunyan was arrested for preaching illegally and put into prison, he was told that he would be released if he promised to stop preaching. “If I am out of prison today,” he replied, “I will preach the Gospel again tomorrow, by the help of God.”
How could Paul share the mystery of Christ when he was a prisoner? Paul’s case was discussed by many people; Paul was also able to witness to the guards to whom he was chained (Phil. 1:12–18). Imagine being chained to the Apostle Paul! Through this witness, the Gospel was carried into parts of Rome that would have been inaccessible to Paul had he been a free man. There were even “saints in Caesar’s household”! (Phil. 4:22)
The proclamation of the Gospel is empowered by prayer. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God as we come to the throne of grace and ask God for His blessing. We must never separate the Word of God from prayer because God has joined them together (Acts 6:4).
A visitor at Spurgeon’s Tabernacle in London was being shown around the building by the pastor, Charles Spurgeon. “Would you like to see the powerhouse of this ministry?” Spurgeon asked, as he showed the man into a lower auditorium. “It is here that we get our power, for while I am preaching upstairs, hundreds of my people are in this room praying.” Is it any wonder that God blessed Spurgeon’s preaching of the Word?
You, as a church member, can assist your pastor in the preaching of the Word by praying for him. Never say to your pastor, “Well, the least I can do is to pray for you.” The most you can do is to pray! Pray for your pastor as he prepares the Word, studies, and meditates. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give deeper insights into the truths of the Word. Pray too that your pastor will practice the Word that he preaches so that it will be real in his own life. As he preaches the message, pray that the Spirit will give him freedom of utterance, and that the Word will reach into hearts and minds in a powerful way. (It wouldn’t hurt to pray for other church leaders too.)
The proclaiming of the Word of God is a great privilege and a tremendous responsibility. You do not have to be an ordained preacher or a missionary to share God’s Word. Even in your daily conversation you can drop the seed of the Word into hearts, and then pray that God will water that seed and bring forth fruit..
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that the Word of God would bear much fruit in your congregation. Pray that you and all the members would have opportunities to share the Word and bear fruit for the Kingdom.
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