In my last post, I wrote about Paul's first "I am" statement found in Romans chapter 1. Today, I want to look at the second "I am" found in the very next verse. He first wrote, "I am under obligation." Now he writes, "I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome." (v. 15)
The word eager is a significant word. It is the Greek word prothumos which is translated eager in most translations. It means ready and willing. The root of the word, thumos, give us further insight. It means passion or heat boiling up and soon subsiding again.
As I chewed on this awhile, what came to my mind was spaghetti cooking on the stove. I've put on a big pot of spaghetti before, turned it on high, and walked away waiting for it to come to a boil. After forgetting about it, I was quickly reminded by the sound of water spilling over the rim of the pot and hitting the hot burner and instantly turning to steam. Well, I run to the stove and remove it from the heat in order for the boiling to subside.
That is the nature behind this word, eager. Paul was so passionate about preaching the gospel to those in Rome it was boiling out of him. The water wasn't just warming up, it was hot and cookin'. The gospel inside Paul was ready to spew out of him with hot intensity. It could not be contained much longer. The only way for his eagerness to be satisfied was for the gospel to be preached.
I am ashamed to admit that the gospel in me seems to be on simmer.
Oh Father, Your gospel is priceless, precious, and powerful; yet I treat it so casually. Forgive me for my lack of eagerness in preaching the gospel. I know that it can only come to a boil by being place upon the burner of Your Spirit. Fan to flame my eagerness for Your gospel that others might be saved for Your name's sake. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Our Indebtedness
Two posts ago I wrote about the centrality of the gospel as outlined in Paul's opening words of his letter to the Romans. Now, in the middle of this first chapter, he tells how this gospel is impacting him
In Romans 1:14-16, Paul shares three "I am" statements to which we can be encouraged. I'll seek to address these statements in my next couple of posts. The first of these is found in verse 14 where he writes, "I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish."
This phrase "under obligation" comes from the Greek word opheiletes which is used two other times in Romans and seven times altogether in the NT. It literally means one who is indebted to another or one who owes another and is bound to that debt. The root word opheilo means to owe another money or a debt. Thus, Paul could be saying "I am one indebted to you and bound until the debt is paid.
The next question is what does Paul owe the people (the Greeks to barbarians and wise to foolish) in Rome? Paul has never been to Rome. He has yet to meet any of the Roman Christians. There is no record or mention of any money being sent to Paul. So what debt does Paul owe?
There are two ways to be in debt. The type that we all know too well is when someone lends us money that we agree to pay back at another time. As noted above, this doesn't seem to be the kind of debt Paul is carrying. The other type of debt is when someone gives us money to give to someone else. In this case, we are actually indebted to both the giver and receiver until we make the exchange. In a sense, it is a double debt and responsibility. This is most likely the debt Paul is referring to.
God has given Paul the gift of the gospel unto salvation. Though he has partaken of it himself, he has been charged to give it to others. In this verse, we sense a desperate desire, an urgency, and an overwhelming obligation to deliver this gospel message to those in Rome.
God has also charged us with this responsibility and obligation. Here I must confess my sinfulness in the neglect of delivering this gift with the urgency and significance that it demands. First of all, I'm indebted to God. He has entrusted me with this priceless gift. I must make the delivery. I must not waste another breath. Secondly, I'm indebted to the lost. They are waiting to receive it. Without it, they will perish. Failure to carry out my responsibility has tragic consequences. Therefore, I am under obligation and will passionately complete my task.
There are numerous applications that can be made from this little passage, but let me outline just a few:
First, everything that we have is a gift from God. Not only is it all a gift, but it is also all meant to be passed on to others for His glory and the expansion of His kingdom. But how can everything we have be passed on to others? Case in point, how can you pass your children on to others? To this, I still say "yes" they have been entrusted to us to pass on to others. I have been blessed by God with three children. They are a gracious gift to Angela and me from the Father. We have been entrusted to pour Christ and His Word into their lives not that we would just have a wonderful family. It's much bigger than that. We seek to do that because God's glory is at stake. We want God to be represented well and reflected well through the lives of our children. We want their lives to impact other lives for His name's sake and the advancement of His kingdom throughout every nation. We want our children to impact their generation for Christ, to be involved in reaching the nations for Christ, and to multiply themselves as they make disciples of all the nations. God didn't give us our children so that we would be blessed and could enjoy their relationship. Those things are just bonuses. We are indebted to God to pass them on for His greater purposes and glory.
Second, this same principle applies to everything that we have materially. Our home has been given to us to pass on to others for His greater purposes and glory. All of our things and "wealth" belong to Him for others.
Thirdly, there is an obvious evangelistic and missional calling with this truth. It is the gospel that has been entrusted with. Yes, just like our relationship and possessions, we enjoy the benefits of them. But all of it is not for our selfish blessings. The world needs this "good news." It is God's plan - there is no other way. He has indebted us with the gospel and we must share it with our neighbor, our community, our state, our nation, and our world; particularly where it has yet to be proclaimed.
Father, forgive me for my silence and selfishness. You have entrusted me with something very costly, priceless. I am indebted to You and to those You have called to receive it. By Your grace, I will not be silent or selfish anymore. I seek to be faithful and not rest until my obligation is fulfilled.
In Romans 1:14-16, Paul shares three "I am" statements to which we can be encouraged. I'll seek to address these statements in my next couple of posts. The first of these is found in verse 14 where he writes, "I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish."
This phrase "under obligation" comes from the Greek word opheiletes which is used two other times in Romans and seven times altogether in the NT. It literally means one who is indebted to another or one who owes another and is bound to that debt. The root word opheilo means to owe another money or a debt. Thus, Paul could be saying "I am one indebted to you and bound until the debt is paid.
The next question is what does Paul owe the people (the Greeks to barbarians and wise to foolish) in Rome? Paul has never been to Rome. He has yet to meet any of the Roman Christians. There is no record or mention of any money being sent to Paul. So what debt does Paul owe?
There are two ways to be in debt. The type that we all know too well is when someone lends us money that we agree to pay back at another time. As noted above, this doesn't seem to be the kind of debt Paul is carrying. The other type of debt is when someone gives us money to give to someone else. In this case, we are actually indebted to both the giver and receiver until we make the exchange. In a sense, it is a double debt and responsibility. This is most likely the debt Paul is referring to.
God has given Paul the gift of the gospel unto salvation. Though he has partaken of it himself, he has been charged to give it to others. In this verse, we sense a desperate desire, an urgency, and an overwhelming obligation to deliver this gospel message to those in Rome.
God has also charged us with this responsibility and obligation. Here I must confess my sinfulness in the neglect of delivering this gift with the urgency and significance that it demands. First of all, I'm indebted to God. He has entrusted me with this priceless gift. I must make the delivery. I must not waste another breath. Secondly, I'm indebted to the lost. They are waiting to receive it. Without it, they will perish. Failure to carry out my responsibility has tragic consequences. Therefore, I am under obligation and will passionately complete my task.
There are numerous applications that can be made from this little passage, but let me outline just a few:
First, everything that we have is a gift from God. Not only is it all a gift, but it is also all meant to be passed on to others for His glory and the expansion of His kingdom. But how can everything we have be passed on to others? Case in point, how can you pass your children on to others? To this, I still say "yes" they have been entrusted to us to pass on to others. I have been blessed by God with three children. They are a gracious gift to Angela and me from the Father. We have been entrusted to pour Christ and His Word into their lives not that we would just have a wonderful family. It's much bigger than that. We seek to do that because God's glory is at stake. We want God to be represented well and reflected well through the lives of our children. We want their lives to impact other lives for His name's sake and the advancement of His kingdom throughout every nation. We want our children to impact their generation for Christ, to be involved in reaching the nations for Christ, and to multiply themselves as they make disciples of all the nations. God didn't give us our children so that we would be blessed and could enjoy their relationship. Those things are just bonuses. We are indebted to God to pass them on for His greater purposes and glory.
Second, this same principle applies to everything that we have materially. Our home has been given to us to pass on to others for His greater purposes and glory. All of our things and "wealth" belong to Him for others.
Thirdly, there is an obvious evangelistic and missional calling with this truth. It is the gospel that has been entrusted with. Yes, just like our relationship and possessions, we enjoy the benefits of them. But all of it is not for our selfish blessings. The world needs this "good news." It is God's plan - there is no other way. He has indebted us with the gospel and we must share it with our neighbor, our community, our state, our nation, and our world; particularly where it has yet to be proclaimed.
Father, forgive me for my silence and selfishness. You have entrusted me with something very costly, priceless. I am indebted to You and to those You have called to receive it. By Your grace, I will not be silent or selfish anymore. I seek to be faithful and not rest until my obligation is fulfilled.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Incarnation & Exaltation
I enjoy reading various blogs expressing different views and opinions concerning doctrine. Missiology and Soteriology are two hot topics today fueled by the growing emergent and reformed movements. I don't seek to enter into the debates on this blog, but rather seek to address their significant contributions as related to Romans 1:3-4.
In these verses we find both the incarnate and exalted Christ. First we find the Christ who came from the lineage of David according to the flesh as in His human nature. Next we find the Christ who came from the Father in power according to the Spirit as in His divine nature. Thus we have two lines: Christ-David-flesh-human nature-incarnation and Christ-God-Spirit-divine nature-exaltation.
Paul is expressing Christ as fully God and fully man. He is at the same time 100% God and 100% man. Now there is no way for my finite mind to comprehend this; I simply accept it as truth as expressed in His Word. Yet this Christological debate began in the early church and to some extend continues today to which I'll come to later.
I recently listened to a message by Mark Driscoll given at the Desiring God Conference 2006 entitled "The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World." In his message, he addressed the tendency of the emergent church movement to emphasize the human nature of Christ while deemphazing the divine nature of Christ. He goes on to say that the tendency of the reformed church movement is to emphasize the divine nature of Christ while deemphazing the human nature of Christ. The emergent leans toward a more incarnational Christ who is near to man. The reformed leans toward a more exaltational Christ who sits enthroned above all. I realize that this came be a little oversimplified, but I think he has a point.
The Incarnate Christ
Jesus came to earth and became fully man. He became a servant and walked on earth with us. He identified with us in every way except sin. He felt hunger, thirst, and pain. He felt and expressed emotion. He experienced temptation. He tasted death.
We can be encouraged knowing that Christ is a personal God, Savior, and Redeemer. He is not some distant, non-relational, unidentifiable God. He is God With Us. He knows our hurts, counts our tears, and rejoices over us with singing. He kingdom is among us.
The Incarnate Christ has incredible implications as we share Christ with world in need. He has incredible implications as we encourage other believers through the journey of faith.
Yet, we must be careful to balance the incarnate Christ with the exalted Christ lest we speak the Word too contextually leading to a weakened gospel. Identifying with a lost world, becoming all things to all people, understanding our culture, meeting felt needs, etc. are all good but not a full representation of Christ.
The Exalted Christ
Because Jesus conquered sin and death in power according to the Spirit of holiness by His resurrection, He is exalted above all. He has been given a name that is above all names all will bow to His authority as Lord. He is mighty, victorious, and the only One worthy of ceaseless power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
We can be encouraged know that Christ is our supreme God, Victor, and King. He is not some puny, soft, man-centered God. He is God Almighty. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-ruling, and ever-reigning. His kingdom knows no end.
The exalted Christ has incredible implications as we share Christ with a world in sin. He has incredible implications as we hold fellow believers accountable to holiness.
Yet, we must be careful to balance the exalted Christ with the incarnate Christ lest we speak the Word too unapproachable leading to a weakened gospel. Proclaiming the supremacy of Christ, emphasizing the depravity of man, fleeing from cultural influence, helping people identify their greatest need, etc. are all good but not a full representation of Christ.
Jesus is the incarnate and exalted Christ. He should be known, proclaimed, and displayed as both fully God and fully man.
In these verses we find both the incarnate and exalted Christ. First we find the Christ who came from the lineage of David according to the flesh as in His human nature. Next we find the Christ who came from the Father in power according to the Spirit as in His divine nature. Thus we have two lines: Christ-David-flesh-human nature-incarnation and Christ-God-Spirit-divine nature-exaltation.
Paul is expressing Christ as fully God and fully man. He is at the same time 100% God and 100% man. Now there is no way for my finite mind to comprehend this; I simply accept it as truth as expressed in His Word. Yet this Christological debate began in the early church and to some extend continues today to which I'll come to later.
I recently listened to a message by Mark Driscoll given at the Desiring God Conference 2006 entitled "The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World." In his message, he addressed the tendency of the emergent church movement to emphasize the human nature of Christ while deemphazing the divine nature of Christ. He goes on to say that the tendency of the reformed church movement is to emphasize the divine nature of Christ while deemphazing the human nature of Christ. The emergent leans toward a more incarnational Christ who is near to man. The reformed leans toward a more exaltational Christ who sits enthroned above all. I realize that this came be a little oversimplified, but I think he has a point.
The Incarnate Christ
Jesus came to earth and became fully man. He became a servant and walked on earth with us. He identified with us in every way except sin. He felt hunger, thirst, and pain. He felt and expressed emotion. He experienced temptation. He tasted death.
We can be encouraged knowing that Christ is a personal God, Savior, and Redeemer. He is not some distant, non-relational, unidentifiable God. He is God With Us. He knows our hurts, counts our tears, and rejoices over us with singing. He kingdom is among us.
The Incarnate Christ has incredible implications as we share Christ with world in need. He has incredible implications as we encourage other believers through the journey of faith.
Yet, we must be careful to balance the incarnate Christ with the exalted Christ lest we speak the Word too contextually leading to a weakened gospel. Identifying with a lost world, becoming all things to all people, understanding our culture, meeting felt needs, etc. are all good but not a full representation of Christ.
The Exalted Christ
Because Jesus conquered sin and death in power according to the Spirit of holiness by His resurrection, He is exalted above all. He has been given a name that is above all names all will bow to His authority as Lord. He is mighty, victorious, and the only One worthy of ceaseless power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
We can be encouraged know that Christ is our supreme God, Victor, and King. He is not some puny, soft, man-centered God. He is God Almighty. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-ruling, and ever-reigning. His kingdom knows no end.
The exalted Christ has incredible implications as we share Christ with a world in sin. He has incredible implications as we hold fellow believers accountable to holiness.
Yet, we must be careful to balance the exalted Christ with the incarnate Christ lest we speak the Word too unapproachable leading to a weakened gospel. Proclaiming the supremacy of Christ, emphasizing the depravity of man, fleeing from cultural influence, helping people identify their greatest need, etc. are all good but not a full representation of Christ.
Jesus is the incarnate and exalted Christ. He should be known, proclaimed, and displayed as both fully God and fully man.
Monday, January 08, 2007
The Gospel
As I began my study of the book of Romans, I couldn't help but notice the centrality of the gospel. It is mentioned six times in the first chapter and two times within the first two verses. Let me share what I have gleaned from these first six verses concerning the gospel.
The Gospel of God (v. 1)
First of all, Paul says that he has been set apart for the "gospel of God." The gospel is God's good news for man. He is its source; He is its originator; He is it instigator. When the angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ, it proclaimed to "bring good news of great joy" (Luke 2:10). It wasn't just announcing good news, it was bringing the good news from the Father. Because the gospel is God's gospel, I can be know it is sufficient, perfect, complete, holy, just, and faithful.
The Gospel According to the Scriptures (v.2)
God didn't just reveal the good news at the coming of Christ, it has been revealed through the prophets in the inspired writing of the Old Testament. Paul says that it was promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures. Wouldn't you like to have walked with the two travelers going from Jerusalem to Emmaus when Jesus joined them and expounding upon the Scriptures? It must have been incredible. Luke records that Jesus started with the Law and worked His way through the Prophets explaining what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself (Luke 24:27). A same type occurance happened with the disciples. Jesus appeared to them and said, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." The Scripture then says that He opened their minds so that they could clearly understand what He was talking about concerning the Old Testament (Luke 24:44-45). Again, I would love to have been in the room with the disciples after Jesus opened their minds. From cover to cover, the Bible is God's recorded goods news to us.
The Gospel About Jesus (v.3-4)
As already alluded to in the previous paragraph, the gospel points to Christ. Jesus fulfills the gospel. It is God's gospel, according to the Scriptures, regarding His Son. The good news is Jesus Christ - period. All of God's promises are "yes" in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20). The eternal beginning and end of the gospel is Jesus, the Alpha and Omega.
The Gospel for the Nations (v. 5)
The target of the gospel is the nations. Paul said that through the grace and authority of God he is calling people from among all the Gentiles to the gospel. Back in the mid 90s I went to a missions meeting here in NW Arkansas that greatly impacted my view of the gospel for the nations. I cannot remember the speaker or even the topic. The one thing that was branded upon my heart was when the speaker began sharing numerous passages throughout the Bible that related to the gospel for the nations. He then showed us his Bible that had every passage highlighted that focused upon this truth. I've now done the same thing with my Bible; in fact, as I read through the Bible again, I'm working on it a second time. Everytime I come across a passage that speaks of the inclusiveness of the gospel for all the nations, I highlight it. By fanning through the Bible, it is easy to then see that from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with this theme. The gospel is for every tongue, tribe, and nation.
The Gospel by Faith Unto Obedience (v. 5-6)
The gospel is through faith alone resulting in obedience. Paul will later say that we are justified and made righteous by faith alone. Some say that the gospel is a combination of faith and works. Pulling a few verses from the book of James may seem to support this faith plus works idea. Yet, James is emphasizing the point that genuine faith in Christ will produce a changed life and good works (James 2:20-26). Genuine faith results in good works. Paul says it similarly in this passage when speaking of "obedience that comes from faith." Therefore, the gospel is faith alone in Christ alone resulting in a life of faithful obedience.
The Gospel for His Name's Sake (v. 5)
Though this phrase is at the beginning of verse 5 in the NIV translation, it actually belongs to the end of the verse. The gospel's aim, goal, and ultimate purpose are the glory of God. The gospel begins with God and comes back to Him in endless glory and honor. Though man is in desperate need of the gospel, that isn't is whom it's for - it is for the fame, praise, exaltation, honor, blessing, and glory of His name. This truth keeps me humble and put God in His rightful place.
Let's summarize: The gospel is...
The Gospel of God (v. 1)
First of all, Paul says that he has been set apart for the "gospel of God." The gospel is God's good news for man. He is its source; He is its originator; He is it instigator. When the angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ, it proclaimed to "bring good news of great joy" (Luke 2:10). It wasn't just announcing good news, it was bringing the good news from the Father. Because the gospel is God's gospel, I can be know it is sufficient, perfect, complete, holy, just, and faithful.
The Gospel According to the Scriptures (v.2)
God didn't just reveal the good news at the coming of Christ, it has been revealed through the prophets in the inspired writing of the Old Testament. Paul says that it was promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures. Wouldn't you like to have walked with the two travelers going from Jerusalem to Emmaus when Jesus joined them and expounding upon the Scriptures? It must have been incredible. Luke records that Jesus started with the Law and worked His way through the Prophets explaining what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself (Luke 24:27). A same type occurance happened with the disciples. Jesus appeared to them and said, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." The Scripture then says that He opened their minds so that they could clearly understand what He was talking about concerning the Old Testament (Luke 24:44-45). Again, I would love to have been in the room with the disciples after Jesus opened their minds. From cover to cover, the Bible is God's recorded goods news to us.
The Gospel About Jesus (v.3-4)
As already alluded to in the previous paragraph, the gospel points to Christ. Jesus fulfills the gospel. It is God's gospel, according to the Scriptures, regarding His Son. The good news is Jesus Christ - period. All of God's promises are "yes" in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20). The eternal beginning and end of the gospel is Jesus, the Alpha and Omega.
The Gospel for the Nations (v. 5)
The target of the gospel is the nations. Paul said that through the grace and authority of God he is calling people from among all the Gentiles to the gospel. Back in the mid 90s I went to a missions meeting here in NW Arkansas that greatly impacted my view of the gospel for the nations. I cannot remember the speaker or even the topic. The one thing that was branded upon my heart was when the speaker began sharing numerous passages throughout the Bible that related to the gospel for the nations. He then showed us his Bible that had every passage highlighted that focused upon this truth. I've now done the same thing with my Bible; in fact, as I read through the Bible again, I'm working on it a second time. Everytime I come across a passage that speaks of the inclusiveness of the gospel for all the nations, I highlight it. By fanning through the Bible, it is easy to then see that from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with this theme. The gospel is for every tongue, tribe, and nation.
The Gospel by Faith Unto Obedience (v. 5-6)
The gospel is through faith alone resulting in obedience. Paul will later say that we are justified and made righteous by faith alone. Some say that the gospel is a combination of faith and works. Pulling a few verses from the book of James may seem to support this faith plus works idea. Yet, James is emphasizing the point that genuine faith in Christ will produce a changed life and good works (James 2:20-26). Genuine faith results in good works. Paul says it similarly in this passage when speaking of "obedience that comes from faith." Therefore, the gospel is faith alone in Christ alone resulting in a life of faithful obedience.
The Gospel for His Name's Sake (v. 5)
Though this phrase is at the beginning of verse 5 in the NIV translation, it actually belongs to the end of the verse. The gospel's aim, goal, and ultimate purpose are the glory of God. The gospel begins with God and comes back to Him in endless glory and honor. Though man is in desperate need of the gospel, that isn't is whom it's for - it is for the fame, praise, exaltation, honor, blessing, and glory of His name. This truth keeps me humble and put God in His rightful place.
Let's summarize: The gospel is...
- of God
- about Christ
- according to the Scriptures
- for the nations
- by faith unto obedience
- for God's glory
Friday, January 05, 2007
New Year
Okay, I took an unannounced sabbatical from blogging. I hope to be a little more consistent beginning the new year. I would like to log at least one entry a week, but please don't hold me to it.
I've never been one to make resolutions at the beginning of the year. I've always felt that if the Lord challenged or convicted me in an area, I should respond in obedience right then and there. Of course, setting goals and striving to attain those goals is a good thing whether it is renewing a spiritual discipline, getting in better shape, eating more healthily, etc.
What I like to do with a new year is take the opportunity to pause, listen to God, and hear what He is calling me to pursue. This year, He has led me to two pursuits: one a character quality and another a book study.
Character Quality
Philippians 2:1-8 says,
He says that our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Obviously, I have a long way to go here. Christ sets the perfect example of humility and humbleness by becoming a servant and dying on a cross.
By God's grace and the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I seek to pursue in my life the character of humility and humbleness. I will seek to live it out personally with my family and friends, but also to demonstrate it with my neighbors and those out of my circle of relationship.
Book Study
My heart has been drawn to the book of Romans over these past months and weeks. I have committed to throughouly studying this book throughout this year. I hope to read through the book numerous times as well as read multiple commentaries written from different perspectives. Just this week, I've purchased John Stott's commentary on the book and have already begun the verse-by-verse study that he provides. I'm trusting that this will be an exciting adventure.
My ultimate desire is that God would be glorified in and through my life through these two pursuits. My prayer is that it will enrich and bless my family, my friends, and each person that the Lord brings across my path. I also hope that it will spill over into my ministry at UBC and each unique facet of my life.
I will blog about my journey in these two areas throughout the year.
I've never been one to make resolutions at the beginning of the year. I've always felt that if the Lord challenged or convicted me in an area, I should respond in obedience right then and there. Of course, setting goals and striving to attain those goals is a good thing whether it is renewing a spiritual discipline, getting in better shape, eating more healthily, etc.
What I like to do with a new year is take the opportunity to pause, listen to God, and hear what He is calling me to pursue. This year, He has led me to two pursuits: one a character quality and another a book study.
Character Quality
Philippians 2:1-8 says,
What a powerful passage this is! Paul begins by encouraging the Philippian church to be like-minded and selfless. He then encourages each individual to put the interests of others above his/her own. Then he throws in the pinnacle of example - Jesus Christ.If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yoursleves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross?
He says that our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Obviously, I have a long way to go here. Christ sets the perfect example of humility and humbleness by becoming a servant and dying on a cross.
By God's grace and the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I seek to pursue in my life the character of humility and humbleness. I will seek to live it out personally with my family and friends, but also to demonstrate it with my neighbors and those out of my circle of relationship.
Book Study
My heart has been drawn to the book of Romans over these past months and weeks. I have committed to throughouly studying this book throughout this year. I hope to read through the book numerous times as well as read multiple commentaries written from different perspectives. Just this week, I've purchased John Stott's commentary on the book and have already begun the verse-by-verse study that he provides. I'm trusting that this will be an exciting adventure.
My ultimate desire is that God would be glorified in and through my life through these two pursuits. My prayer is that it will enrich and bless my family, my friends, and each person that the Lord brings across my path. I also hope that it will spill over into my ministry at UBC and each unique facet of my life.
I will blog about my journey in these two areas throughout the year.
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