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Devotionals Diplomatic Expedition, Principles for the Christian Journey based on Paul's life _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Presented by Luis, Notes by Clint. It strikes me that Paul, even while the church was young, had an urgency to watch for and to warn others to watch for wolves; people that would be within the church leading disciples astray. We discussed in our last study the need to stay vigilant and to be careful with the material we allow into our minds. Many men and women, whom we might consider noble at first glance, have brought to the church false doctrines which have led many into a wrong perspective. One difficulty is that some truth is usually given, which may make the falseness harder to find. Take for instance Satan, when he tempted Jesus while He was in the dessert fasting. Satan quoted scripture, truth, yet he bent it just a bit in order to try to make Jesus fall, while he was weak and vulnerable. That is the interesting thing about wolves, they typically do not prey on the healthy but on those that are most vulnerable. If you are hurting or if someone close is hurting, be all the more diligent and watchful, slight mistruths are the most deadly when we are weak and hurting. In addition, many people that end up misleading do not set out, as Satan did, to do it intentionally. Somehow, someway, they’ve moved off center and from that flawed position do damage, even when honestly and sincerely attempting to do good. Let’s keep our minds, hearts, and spirits ever watchful and ever caring to our own walk and that of those near us. Prayer and time in the Word are the best defense, so do not let anything this week deter you from finding time to invest in these two areas.
Clint.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Part 2: Handling Correction. Presented by Tim, Notes by Clint. Last Friday’s study was really an awesome one, thanks for the insight and work to put it together Tim! As I’ve reflected back on it this week I am really struck by the way Priscilla and Aquila took in Apollos and gently instructed him. As Tim pointed out, and as in the NIV, verse 26 of Acts 18 says that they invited him to their home, not just, they took him aside.
While this was specifically about teaching and doctrine, Priscilla and Aquila show us that method is just as important as purpose. I think too often we look at someone’s life and make assumptions, based on those assumptions we speak or act in ways that the Lord may never have prompted. How often have I found myself examining something that someone else does and then communicate it to them in a way that renders my point useless. Honey, I know you can vouch for my lack of tact at times.
First, we need to understand that our convictions are not the same as everyone else’s and should tread lightly on fitting people into our mold, which is often custom made by God. Second, when a legitimate issue is found and should be discussed, the approach is as important as the message because a poor approach will destroy the message. As we discussed, had Paul spoken to Apollos it may have looked a whole lot different. Paul was much more direct and didn’t usually mince words but here, these two communicate first through love and gentleness and then give words of correction.
Friday had some great conversation and insight by all, thanks again to everyone and we all look forward to seeing you this coming Friday. Clint _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ April 2008 As we study our words and the impact they have on others I think it is interesting to examine God's words and the way they are used throughout the scriptures. In the Old Testament, creation was spoken into existence by the words of God and by His word His will was made known through the prophets. In the New Testament, we see the word of God in the form of the gospel message and the person of Christ, who is the Word (Logos). Interestingly, the word Logos had even more of a profound impact to the Greeks and Hebrews of the time than the word "Word" does to us who speak English today. Logos was understood in Greek philosophy to be the governing principle of the cosmos. It was also used to describe topics of rational arguments (or even the arguments themselves). To the Hebrew, it communicated the creative power of God by which He spoke creation into existence. Logos also was understood to be God's medium of communication to mankind. So, to apply this word Logos to Christ had quite an impact to the way the Greek and Hebrew would have understood Christ.
I've always thought it fascinating that the word "Word" was applied directly to Christ. That is, the full expression of God to man is the person of Jesus Christ. We can understand Jesus and comprehend Him whereas to understand the fullness of the Father would be out of our reach. God, in His great wisdom chose to communicate Himself to us in the form of Christ. Now, how do we, who are created in the image of the Father, chose to express ourselves to others? Clint R. __________________________________________________________________ | | |
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