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Reflection on 1 Corinthians 1:20-31

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Scripture

God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.

Observation

If God destroys the wisdom of the wise and the intelligence of the intelligent (v.19), where does this leave the so-called wise people? God saw to it that the world cannot know Him through human wisdom. The cross, then, is foolish to the Greek and offensive to the Jews. It does not make sense through human reasoning.

To those of us who are being saved, Christ is God’s wisdom and God’s power. God does things the world considers powerless, and uses them to bring glory to his name, and to destroy all the pretentious arguments of the world.

Application

Ever since I was a new baby in Christ, a teenager in a Youth Group, people have thought, “How wonderful it would be if this pop star/ movie icon/ celebrity became a christian! They would have such an influence.” People have been thinking this way for centuries, but it turns out to be wrong.

It is not the conversion of famous people that impresses the world. God’s secret weapon for His Kingdom is the ordinary people, those who are despised by the elites and influencers.

Revivals, awakenings, and other moves of the Holy Spirit are not led by celebrities and the cool crowd. Very few people would seriously check out the gospel just because some mega-star claims to be a christian.

You and I are God’s ambassadors. It is up to us to celebrate God’s gift of salvation and share it with our family and friends. As we do that, God will “bring to nothing what the world considers important.”

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for saving me through Christ’s death on the cross. This seems to be nonsense to the wise of the world, but it is your power and your wisdom. Amen

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 1:10-19

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Scripture

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction, but we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.

Observation

Paul appeals for the Corinthians (and us) to live in harmony. There should be no quarrels amongst christians, and no faction revolving around celebrity pastors.

Christ has not been divided into factions. Nobody has been baptised into the name of Paul or Apollos.

Paul was not commissioned to baptise but to preach the Good News. This he does without clever words, but just with the centrality of the cross. The cross is foolish to those who are perishing, but the power of God to those who are being saved.

Application

It bemuses me the way that so-called “progressives” condemn christians for every form of prejudice and bigotry that can be imagined, but think Muslims are just wonderful and need to have their rights protected, even enhanced.

We hear a lot about Islamophobia, defined as an irrational fear or hatred of Muslims. Christophobia, which is far more prevalent, is never discussed.

Those who claim to hate religion generally hate christianity in particular, while tolerating other religions.

Only one religion in all the world has a cross at the centre, and a crucified saviour at its heart. It is the cross that is offensive above all else.

People like to think that they are OK, and not as bad as some paedophile or mass murderer. They don’t want to know that they are a sinner and need salvation.

The Good News is that Christ has paid the price for son once and for all. We don’t have to make sacrifices or do good deeds to prove to God that we are good enough. In Christ it is all done.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for the cross. Thank you for sending Jesus to pay for my sin. Amen.

Ephesians 5:12-13

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Here is my commentary on Ephesians 5:12-13. I am publishing these once or twice a week, but you can read all of the available articles at our web-site, http://www.new-life.org.au

Ephesians 5:12-13

“It is shameful to mention what such people do secretly, but everything exposed by the Light becomes visible.”

We live in an age where it is no longer shameful to mention what those who are controlled by Satan do in secret.

Shame is a feeling of being less than normal, of being unworthy of society, because of what we have done, or sometimes because of what has been done to us.

Western society has broadly lost all sense of shame or guilt when it comes to sexuality. Quite the reverse, in gact, when every form of potential sexual deviancy is celebrated. In a new form of tyranny, those who refuse to celebrate deviancy are shamed.

In 2020 one of the most popular songs in the USA was WAP. It would be shameful to mention what WAP stands for. I viewed the video of the song and I was overwhelmed by a feeling of being violated by some lurking evil that goes beyond the perverted sexuality of the song.

Paul says that shameful deeds are done in secret, in the dark, but the light of Christ will shine into the dark places and show up the deeds of darkness.

This is different to the current situation in which we live. There are many shameful deeds that are exposed, but rather than being transformed by the process of exposure, they are celebrated and become even more brazen. It is as if a beam of dark energy is at work rather than the light. This energy motivates and excites people to ever more wicked ways.

As Paul states earlier, we are children of the light, that is the true light of Christ. We are the light of the world.

When the true light shines on the deeds of wickedness, they are shown up for what they really are. The practitioners of such darkness then have an opportunity to repent of their actions.

The light then serves two purposes.

1. The light reveals the truth of what is really there. The false light tolerates and celebrates “diversity”, but it only reaches the most shallow levels. The true light penetrates to the heart of sin and exposes its true nature.

2. The light reveals the hearts of people so that God’s judgement is seen to be fair. Those who embrace the light repent of their sinful ways and turn to the Lord. Those who reject the light continue to pursue the ways of sin.

In John 3:19-26 we read: “ This is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For all who love evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. Those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” (New Revised Standard Version)

Some will be saved. Some of those who are in the darkness welcome the light, and they recognise the truth of sin and of salvation.

Key points in these verses:

  • The deeds of darkness are shameful
  • Our culture celebrates the deeds of darkness
  • Followers of Jesus carry the light that reveals the reality of sin
  • The light reveals both the truth about sin, and the truth about those who are in the darkness.

Ephesians 5:11

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Here is my commentary on Ephesians 5:11. I am publishing these once or twice a week, but you can read all of the available articles at our web-site, http://www.new-life.org.au

Ephesians 5:11

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”

Christians are the children of light, and so must have nothing to do with the deeds of darkness.

The deeds of darkness, that is sin, do not produce fruit. We might think that just as the Spirit produces fruit in the believer, then sin must also produce its own kind of fruit, even if it is a disgusting kind of fruit.

Paul is thinking of a plant left in a dark place. It not only produces no fruit, but will itself wither and die.

Sin does not produce anything that is worthy of eternity. Quite the opposite, in fact. The product of sin will be thrown into the fire to be burnt (see John 15:6, where Jesus talks of the fate of the branch that produces no fruit).

Sin produces results that might seem fruitful in the world, but will not last beyond this life. Since we are children of light not of darkness, we must have nothing to do with such things.

This is not “moderation in all things”, but ”have nothing to do with them.” While we are allowed to enjoy the fruits of creation which God has given us for our benefit, when it comes to sin we are to completely avoid it.

Christians have in the past, and continue into the present, to have disagreements about where the line between light and darkness should be drawn. Some avoid alcohol in faith while others drink alcohol in faith. Some have certain dress codes, while others do not have the same dress codes – all in order to please the Lord.

Where it is clear that certain practices are condemned in the Bible, we must have nothing to do with them. This is forbidden territory for christians. We must live lives of light not darkness.

While we are to avoid the fruitless deeds of darkness, we must not avoid the people who walk in the darkness. We are called to be salt and light in the world, even while we live by different rules and values. We must be friends of sinners, as Jesus was, while avoiding the sin.

To expose the deeds of darkness means we let the light of God shine on them. Paul is thinking here that, as we live in the ways of Jesus, the contrast between us and the people of the world will expose the ugly reality of sin.

We do not have to lecture the ungodly about their ways, although there is room for public proclamation of righteousness. In other words, the church must find ways of describing the kingdom lifestyle without pointing the finger at those who live differently.

Paul sees the role of Christians as shining the light of Christ so that people start to see that their own lives are dark and fruitless. This should raise the question of how people get the power to live exemplary lives, and then to them wanting to follow Jesus as the result.

This exposing the deeds of darkness is simply shining a spotlight that enables people to see clearly that their lives are indeed fruitless.

As John points out, there are people who love the darkness rather than the light because their deeds are evil (John 3:19-21). There are people in the world who are so committed to their evil deeds that no amount of light will convince them to change. They see the light as a painful thing and flee from it. This in itself exposes the darkness.

Christians are called to be imitators of Christ. We find out what pleases the Lord and delight in it so that our lives become winsome and attractive to those who welcome the light.

Key points in this verse:

  • We are to have nothing to do with the deeds of darkness
  • Sin produces no fruit for eternity
  • As we live in the light of Christ, we will expose the deeds of darkness
  • Not everyone welcomes the light

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

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Scripture

He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns.

Observation

This is the opening section of 1 Corinthians.

Paul introduces himself as an apostle of Christ, chosen by God. He is writing to the church in Corinth. They have been made holy through Christ, something they share with all who call on the name of Jesus.

Paul thanks God for these people. God has enriched them in every way. They have every spiritual gift, and Jesus will keep them strong to the end. God is faithful and He always does what He says.

Application

“He will keep you strong to the end.” This is a very powerful promise from the Holy Spirit.

If you ever struggle with doubt, or just trying to stay faithful to the call of God on your life, then know that God will keep you strong to the end.

I used to worry about whether I would fall away from God, but now I just trust in His faithfulness. He will keep me strong.

I have to do my part, of course. I cannot just do what I want to do, sinning in every way and then trusting Him to forgive me. This is about my relationship with God. I have to take that relationship with Him as seriously as He does.

The means that He uses to keep us strong are the Bible, prayer, sacraments, corporate worship. To avoid these things means that my spirit will become weak. When I actively pursue Him, He makes me strong in my spirit.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for this awesome promise. As long as I keep seeking you, you will hold me firm in the palm of your hand and make me stronger in you. Amen.

Reflection on Matthew 28:16-20

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Scripture

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach the new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”

Observation

The disciples go to the mountain that Jesus had instructed them. He then gives them the commission to go and make disciples of all the nations, and to teach them His ways. He promises to be with them to the end of the age.

Application

Jesus has given us this commission to make disciples of all the nations. In the Old Covenant, the nations, that is the Gentiles, were excluded from God’s people. But now the disciples must specifically go to the Gentiles to make them disciples.

We must “go” That means stepping out of our comfortable worship spaces and into the wild places of our neighbourhood where the unbelievers live. This is not easy, but it is Christ’s command. Some will be called to far away places, but whether it is far or near we must go.

We must make disciples. That means more than a prepackaged gospel presentation. It means sharing the gospel and our life. It means that we must clearly represent who Jesus is, in words and actions.

We must baptise the new disciples into the Body of Christ. It is no good leading somebody to Christ and then abandoning them. We need to integrate new believers into a church so they can be nurtured.

Finally, we need to teach these disciples how to become disciple makers themselves/ We show them how to “Go” and find new followers for the Lord.

Prayer

Here I am, Lord, send me. Amen.

Reflection on Matthew 28:1-15

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Scripture

Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone and sat on it.

Observation

On Sunday morning after the crucifixion the two Marys go to the tomb. There is an earthquake, and an angel rolls the stone away from the entrance to the tomb and sits on it.

The angel speaks to the women and declares the good news that Jesus has risen from the dead, as He said He would be. He tells them to go to the other disciples with the message that they are to go to Galilee where Jesus will meet them.

The guards go into the city to tell the priests what has happened. The priests and elders bribe the guards to tell their superiors that the disciples came and stole the body in the night after the guards had fallen asleep.

Application

An earthquake announced the death of Jesus and another earthquake announces that He is alive. This is earth shattering news!

The seal of men, together with the large rock were meant to keep people out and the body in. But neither is a match for God.

Jesus did not need to move the rock to escape the tomb. He walked through walls and locked doors.

The stone was moved for our benefit so that we would know with certainty that Jesus really is alive.

Sin is dead and death has been defeated. This is the amazing news of the gospel.

There is so much fear around at the moment. In the midst of the pandemic, death seems to be winning. But Jesus tells us that, for His followers, death no longer wins. We will die, but it will be a new start, an entry into eternal joy with our Father.

Prayer

Hallelujah! Lord you have won the victory. No fear will hold me captive because you have broken the chains of death. Amen.

Ephesians 5:10

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Here is my commentary on Ephesians 5:10. I am publishing these once or twice a week, but you can read all of the available articles at our web-site, http://www.new-life.org.au

Ephesians 5:10

“Find out what pleases the Lord.”

The children of light do not just sit back and let the light flow through them as passive vessels, like a window. In all parts of the Christian walk, we have a partnership with the Holy Spirit. We do things in cooperation with God.

So Paul tells us now that we must “find out what pleases the Lord.”

The word translated as ”find” has a sense of continual testing and proving – as a metal or alloy might be tested. This suggests an experimental approach, a continuing testing of where the Lord is leading us.

There are some boundaries laid down for us in the Bible. We can find out some general expressions in the Ten Commandments and in the ministry of Jesus. These supply, if you like, the boundaries for what pleases the Lord.

Within these boundaries there is infinite scope for discovering what pleases the Lord. And as the word “ test” indicates, there may be times when in our creative approach to serving the Lord, we may fail, finding instead what displeases God . But that’s not a bad thing, as it helps to define where the boundaries are.

Each of us has been called and created to serve the Lord and to fellowship with the Lord in a unique way. Our spiritual DNA is unique, so our own way of pleasing the Lord may be different to others .

Religion prescribes only one way, the “Appropriate Way”, to worship God. But in our creativity and in the way we are created, we should all find a way to worship and serve that is designed just for us .

Prayer is the starting point in this. if I do not talk to the Lord about what pleases Him, then I’ll never find out what He wants.

Even our way to pray needs to be set free from the confines of religious practice. Some people pray sitting down, others walking, still others lying prostrate. All of these ways of praying are pleasing to the Lord.

When we give generously to a person in need, that pleases the Lord.

When we pray for healing or for a really big miracle and we believe that God can do it and wants to do it, that is pleasing to the Lord. Whenever we do something in faith, the Lord is pleased.

When we talk to our neighbours about Jesus, just from the sheer joy of loving him and not out of the sense of duty, then the Lord is pleased.

When we speak up for the oppressed and downtrodden, then the Lord is pleased.

There is so much that pleases the Lord because he is proud of his children.

Each day there will be opportunity to discover what pleases the Lord. Every day will bring us chances to pray and praise, to love our neighbour, and to be like Jesus.

Each day I need to ask the Lord “what will I do that pleases you today?” Each day it will be different, because God is always taking us into new places, with new people and new tasks.

This is not duty, this is joy! it is not “I have to please the Lord,” but “ I get to please the Lord!”

This process starts with Scripture, the word of God, but it is completed in prayer and relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Key points in this verse:

  • Finding out what pleases God is an ongoing process
  • We each have a unique way to delight the lord
  • It is relational not religious

Reflection on Matthew 27:45-66

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Scripture

The Roman officer and other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God.”

Observation

At noon darkness falls over the land. At three Jesus cries out to God, “Why have you abandoned me?” Then Jesus shouts again and releases His spirit.

The veil in the Temple is torn in two, the earth shakes and dead people come out of their tombs and enter the city.

The Roman soldiers are shaken by all they have seen and declare, “This man truly was the Son of God.”

Joseph of Arimathea goes to Pilate and requests Jesus’ body, which he places in his own new tomb. The tomb is sealed and guards placed in front of it to ensure that there is no fake resurrection.

Application

The Roman soldiers, the people responsible for the death of Jesus, are the first to declare that He is the Son of God.

Jesus’ death was not an accident and it was not a tragedy. It was God’s plan all along from the beginning of creation.

God knew that we needed a saviour so He sent His one and only Son to come and die for the redemption of our sins.

Jesus’ death is the sacrifice that God decreed would be enough to save anyone who will receive it.

Prayer

Thank you Jesus for dying for me. Help me to live for you. Amen.

Reflection on Matthew 27:27-44

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Scripture

“He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him. For he said, “I am the Son of God.”

Observation

Some of the governor’s soldiers take Jesus away. They beat Him and mock him, placing a crown of thorns on His head and a reed for a sceptre in His hand.

They then lead Jesus to the place called Golgotha where they crucify Him. The soldiers gamble for His clothes. A sign is fastened to the cross that says, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.”

All manner of people come and mock Jesus. They call out, “He saved others; Let us see Him save Himself.”

Application

The mockery of the people is completely undiluted. They have all forgotten the miracles and the hundreds of people healed. Now they only have contempt for Jesus.

The irony of all this is that the mockery and taunts were fulfilled. God did come and rescue Jesus from death, although not the cross. Even these non- prayers were answered by God.

When people rare determined to reject the reign of God, they will reject every attempt of God to save them. This is a very sad reality.

When people seemingly reject us because of our faith, we should remember that they rejected the Saviour first.

Prayer

Father forgive me for the times I may have rejected you and your salvation. I thank you that you rejoice over every sinner who truly repents. Amen.