Tuesday, December 23, 2008

John the Baptist Proclaims God's Message

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending December 28, 2008


Scripture Text: Luke 3:7-18 (NRSV)

Background: Luke 3:1-20

Purpose: To consider how we can proclaim by our actions our commitment to God.

Luke 3:7-18
(7)John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (8)Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. (9)Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’
(10) And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ (11)In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ (12)Even tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ (13)He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ (14)Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.’(15) As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah,(16)John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (17)His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ (18) So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

This is our second look at John the Baptist. We also visited John in our first study of the year, back in September. At that time the Gospel of Mark was our source. Today we look at this unique character from Luke's gospel.

Since the finding of the “Dead Sea Scrolls” left by the Essenes, Bible scholars have been debating whether John the Baptist was a follower of the Essenes. The Essenes were a group that now claims such followers as John the Baptist, Jesus, Mary, and Elizabeth and Zechariah as well as many of the disciples. They rebelled against the organization or Temple structure that existed in Jerusalem. They felt it had been corrupted during the reign of the Maccabees, when the priesthood was sold to the highest bidder and was no longer necessarily of the linage of Aaron. They were apocalyptic, meaning that they expected God to act soon to destroy evil. They had a commune near the Dead Sea. They were very scholarly, and well versed in many types of religions, but they also believed in being separated from a corrupt world.

John was not your typical Evangelist, he was not there to attract a crowd, he was there to preach repentance, he did not care what your station in life was, he preached repentance. He told his audience that being a son of Abraham meant nothing. He preached, as Jesus did, about sharing with those that were without. If you are a Tax Collector that is okay but do not collect more than you were suppose to. If you were a soldier that is okay but do not extort or use your authority to falsely accuse and quit complaining about your wages.

I am going to spend some time talking about the “threshing floor” found in verse 17. I find this reference very interesting. There are many references to the “threshing floor or threshingfloor as it is referred to in the King James Old Testament.

The first mention is when Joseph takes his father Jacob/Israel home for burial in Genesis 50:10-11. Another reference is when Gideon puts out the fleece in Judges 6:37. One of the more interesting is found in the Book of Ruth where Ruth's mother-in law convinces her to go to the threshing floor where Boaz is working late and he wakes up with Ruth at his feet (Ruth 3:2-14) and out of this union came Obed, father of Jesse, father of David.

Another interesting event takes place in 2nd Samuel 24:16-24.and I Chronicles 21:15-28.(same story) David had disobeyed God and God was ready to destroy Jerusalem, but God repented and David purchased the “threshing floor of Araunah or Ornan the Jebusite” and erected an altar. The interesting thing is, that this is exactly where Solomon chooses to build the Temple (see 2nd Chronicles 3:1). Now knowing all of this is the reference to the “threshing floor” is really a knock at the organized Jewish leaders that ran the rebuilt temple, in Jerusalem. Is John the Baptist saying God is going to clean out His “threshing floor,” meaning the Temple? We know Jesus ran the money changers out of the Temple, but is John saying your time has come and gone, you will now be judged. Truly for us Gentiles, it was “good news” God's promise to Abraham was extended to all, God's grace that was extended to David at the “threshing floor of Ornan” was extended to each of us. How will our actions proclaim our commitment?

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Shepherds Glorify God

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending December 21, 2008

Scripture Text: Luke 2:8-20 (NRSV)

Background Text: Luke 2:1-20

Luke 2:8-20
(8) In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9)Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.(10)But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: (11)to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (12)This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ (13)And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, (14)‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’(15) When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ (16)So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. (17)When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; (18)and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. (19)But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. (20)The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

This passage has a lot of interesting ideas, and the first thing I notice is how the author Luke, brings in the more humble and lowly, much like he did with women. In his text, he introduces us to the shepherds. The occupation of shepherd was not a lofty one to aspire to, it was more like the second job for those that had trouble making ends meet. It does however, have a very favorable history for the Jews. Remember Moses was tending the herds of Jethro, his father-in-law, when God spoke to him through the burning bush. And Isaac tended his father-in-laws herds. David was tending the sheep when Samuel came to Jesse's home to anoint a king. At first glance we would say why, "the shepherds in the fields", why not in Rome to Caesar? Or in the Temple to the High Priest? How would either of these been received?

We are not told if this angel was the same angel, Gabriel, that had spoken to Mary, and Zechariah. We are told that he appears with a host of angels as well as the “glory of the Lord.” We know from the Old Testament that God's glory often appeared to the traveling Jews in the Exodus, sometimes as fire and sometimes as a cloud. It was called the “Shechinah Glory” by Jewish writers but that word is not used in the Bible. It refers to “a visible majesty of divine presence.” I can understand the terror they felt, but notice it was only Zechariah, that met the angel in the temple by the altar of incense, that doubted. Every indication is that the shepherds saw, heard, were frightened, but it never says they doubted. Unlike Zechariah they could not wait to tell their tale, or to find this evidence that the angel promised.

The promised Messiah, could be found as a baby, lying in a manger, in the city of David. That in itself would require a lot of faith, to believe the King of Kings and Lord of Lords would be found wrapped in some cloths and in a manger, not a palace, no crown or ring, just wrapped in bands of cloth. The heavenly chorus starts singing and praising God, that order is about to be restored. God is in heaven and peace is coming to His creation. The sins of Eden are about to be reversed for ever and ever to those that accept him as their Lord and Savior.

If we can find the same faith as the shepherds, we to can find the Babe, waiting for us to accept Him as our new born King. The shepherds felt the urgency to go quickly and find this thing that the Lord had made known to them. I can imagine the doubt of those standing near by and hearing the shepherds story. I can also imagine the satisfaction that Mary felt, by the confirmation of what Gabriel had told her from the beginning. It all makes sense for those that believe, to everybody else, it is just a nice story. What are you doing to share your story of how you found this Babe of Bethlehem, that can save to the uttermost, that can bring a peace to your world that the rest of the world can only mock? The shepherds returned to their job glorifying and praising God and telling their story. What story will you tell this Christmas?

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Elizabeth's Commitment

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending December 14, 2008

Scripture Text: Luke 1:39-45 (NRSV)

Luke 1:39-45
(39) In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, (40)where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. (41)When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (42)and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. (43)And why has this happened to me that the mother of my Lord comes to me? (44)For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy. (45)And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.’

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

This lesson, like so many others, needs to be placed in historical context. For more than 500 years the people of Israel and Judea had lived in slavery or under a very oppressive ruler. There was little hope and their life was, for the most part, mundane and humbling. People went about their life, but there was little joy in the daily living. Luke puts a historical marker in when he references "In the days of King Herod of Judea." Herod had been appointed by Rome in 40 BC and he pleased Rome by being a very oppressive ruler of the Jews. He tried to keep the Jews happy by rebuilding Solomon's Temple, but he also had to extract the tax from those same people in order to keep Rome happy.

Years earlier the Prophet Zephaniah had written in his prophecy of 3:12-13; “For I will leave in the midst of you a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord -- the remnant of Israel; they shall do no wrong and utter no lies". God had indeed left a remnant of lowly, humble servants; among them were Mary, her cousin Elizabeth and Elizabeth's husband, Zachariah. Luke tells us both Elizabeth and Zachariah were decedents of Abijah, who was a descendant of Aaron, and therefore of the priestly line.

This couple took the commitment to God and their responsibility to continue the priestly duties very seriously. Because of this we can assume, since this was Mary's cousin, that Jesus could also claim the priestly line as well as the Kingly line from David. Jesus would qualify for both priest and king.

I think it is important to remember that Zachariah was doing the Lord's work when he was confronted by the angel Gabriel, and was told of this special child that was growing in Elizabeth's womb. Zachariah was so shocked and because of his lack of faith, in believing Gabriel, he was struck dumb and unable to speak until after the birth of John. Even though Gabriel had said John would be filled with the spirit while still in the womb,imagine Elizabeth's surprise when he leaps inside of her at the appearance of Mary and the fetus of Jesus. No wonder Elizabeth, shouted "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb,” when Mary entered her home.

It's important to note that it is Elizabeth that pronounces the blessing on Mary. Mary was not on the same social or economic level as Elizabeth and Zachariah. Mary was lowlier than her cousin Elizabeth, yet Elizabeth pronounces a blessing on her. It reminds me of Abraham and Melchizedek when they met in the King's Valley in Genesis 14 and Abraham receives the blessing of Melchizedek and offers a tithe to him. Melchizedek knew Abraham was called by the "God most high."

Luke does not tell us why Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, and share with her the visit of Gabriel. We can only assume because Elizabeth and Zachariah had also received a visit by this same angel and because Elizabeth and Zachariah were of the Levitical line she felt close to them, and knew she could share this heavenly news and not be ridiculed. She would in fact receive the very blessing Elizabeth gave her. It is amazing what happens when everyone involved are being obedient to God's call on their life. Mary receives the blessing and Elizabeth is blessed by giving birth to the one that would "make straight the path".

This lesson along with last week's lesson is about commitment. The question for us is also about commitment. How committed are we? Are we willing to seek out those than can help us make sense of an abrupt change in plans? Are we willing to put conventional thought aside and believe God has a plan for us? God has given us a commandment "Go and tell." as well as "Go and share.



Thursday, December 4, 2008

Mary's Commitment

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending December 7, 2008

Scripture Text: Luke 1:46-55 (NRSV)

Luke 1:46-55
(46) And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, (47) and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, (48) for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; (49) for the Mighty One has done great things for me,And holy is his name. (50) His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. (51)He has shown strength with his arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. (52) He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; (53) he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. (54)He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, (55) according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

As we approach this Advent season, I am glad we can take a look at this important and interesting passage from the Book of Luke. In his Gospel, as well as in his second letter to Theophilus (The Book of Acts), Luke differs from the others in the way he portrays women. This passage is often called "The Magnificent," from the first word of the Latin translation. There are fifteen discernible quotations from the Old Testament in this poem, showing Mary's insight and knowledge of the Old Testament writings. Also note that this all takes place in the presence of her relative, Elizabeth, who will soon bear a son called John, whom we will come to know as "John the Baptist," or John the Baptizer. In Luke's Gospel, Luke writes not only about women, but also on the needs of the poor, and other disenfranchised individuals. I would like to look at these verses and see what we can glean.

The poem begins in verse 46, with Mary's gratification that God has chosen her, a poor but devout young woman, to bear the Messiah. When Mary says, "My soul magnifies the Lord," it is rather profound. The Greek word translated as "soul" in this verse has a complicated meaning. In Hebrew thought, the soul was not a separate entity that left the body at death. The Hebrew's considered body, soul and spirit all parts of human nature. They were all parts of a unified, whole person. Mary uses "soul," here, to mean the depths of her feelings and emotions. She expresses an idea similar to that of the author of Psalm 103:1, when he said, "Bless the Lord, o my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy name."

In verse 47, the second line compliments the first, when you add, "my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" to, "my soul magnifies the Lord." The poem expresses how fully Mary praises God. The Ancient Greek use of, "savior," implies protection and deliverance. In Greco-Roman society, the term was used to describe Gods and political leaders who provided safety and material comfort. In Hebrew, this word was often used to describe God's rescue and deliverance of Israel, as in Isaiah 43:3 and Psalm 34:3-6, where there are many of the same themes we find in Luke 46-47. Certainly, the way Mary uses the term in Luke, indicates God's sovereignty, protection, providence, and care. In verse 48, similar to Luke 6:20-22, Luke highlights one of the important themes of his Gospel, the idea that those who are poor, outcast, or downtrodden are blessed. In Luke's understanding, Mary was chosen by God, not in spite of her lowliness, but because of it. When Mary calls herself lowly, she does not mean that she is inwardly humble, she refers instead, to her low social standing.

Mary's role of bearing the Christ Child would affect all of subsequent human history. Mary would be a blessing to all generations to come. In verse 49, Mary, having used "Lord" and "Savior" to describe God, uses a third title, "The Mighty One." This term speaks of God's power and strength. (The Greek word "mighty," comes from the same root from which we derive the English word dynamite.) "Mighty," refers to God's ability to act and influence events. The use of the word "holy" carries its original meaning, which referred to something that was set apart, worthy of dedication. To call God's name "holy" is to speak of the reverence and respect due to God.

The Methodist are sometimes called a "holiness" denomination, since we believe in being set apart for God and in being dedicated to God and his teachings. In Mary's words, God's name is to be set apart for special treatment.

Verse 50 is a reminder that God's mercy is dependable. God is consistent, showing mercy through time, "from generation to generation." It is God's mercy that balances his power and might in the previous verse. God is both powerful and merciful. Fearing God is an act of respect, reverence, and awe.

Verse 51 gives a different picture, one of a muscular God who can scatter the proud. The proud includes the arrogant and those that think of God as an equal or a lesser, or as a myth, at best.

Verse 52 is more specific. God judges corrupt political leaders (as well as corrupt church leaders). He can bring low the mighty and raise up the lowly.

Verse 53 shows the contrasts and tensions that come from a "Holy God." The challenge is for those that have, to share with those that are without. God can bless whom He wishes, and He can withhold His blessing if He chooses. None of us have a claim to His riches, we are only promised His presence (Emmanuel).

Verses 54-55 connect God's act in Mary's pregnancy with Israel's history. God promised the patriarchs that Israel would be an important people and that they would be God's special instrument. God had been present throughout Israel's history, always sending leaders and prophets and teachers to guide His people. Now, through Mary, He was about to become one of us so that he could be a better priest, prophet, teacher and savior.


Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Persecution Within the Community

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending November 30, 2008

Scripture Text: II Corinthians 11:17, 21b-30 (NRSV)

Background Text: II Corinthians 11:16-12:10 (NRSV)

II Corinthians 11:17
(17)What I am saying in regard to this boastful confidence, I am saying not with the Lord’s authority, but as a fool;

II Corinthians 11:21b-30
(21b)But whatever anyone dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that(22) Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.(23)Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman—I am a better one: with far greater labours, far more imprisonments, with countless floggings, and often near death.(24)Five times I have received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.(25)Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked; for a night and a day I was adrift at sea;(26) on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from bandits, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers and sisters;(27) in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, hungry and thirsty, often without food, cold and naked.(28)And, besides other things, I am under daily pressure because of my anxiety for all the churches. (29)Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I am not indignant? (30)If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

II Corinthians 12:9-10
(9) but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.(10)Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

I think we need to start this study with verse 1 of the 11th Chapter where Paul says “I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!” This is probably a good way to start this commentary, and maybe a good way to start any conversation where we are going to share our self analysis of our good qualities and our shortcomings.

Paul seemed to have a tendency to boast, even when he said, “I am the chief of sinners,” he certainly had not met me or some of my best friends. To understand Paul's thinking, we have to know the circumstances and his relationship with the church at Corinth.

The congregation at Corinth was not the vital spiritually growing church that Paul envisioned when he established the church originally. He had spent a lot of time and resources trying to fix some of the problems this congregation presented. He had already sent them a letter, (I Corinthians) and personal visits by two of his best disciples, Timothy and Titus, and Paul had also personally visited them. Still the problem persisted, and the problem also had become very personal for Paul, and his credentials,(11:5) as well as his work ethic,(11:7-9) along with being two faced,(12:12-18) and a poor preacher (11:6). At this point most of us would have shaken the dust, and moved on, but not Paul, he was going to give them another chance, and he was going answer his critics, in the same way they had attacked him. This had become personal, and Paul felt he needed to set the record straight. The great St. Louis Cardinal pitcher of the 30's, Dizzy Dean, used to say, “It ain't braggin' if you can do it”.

We don't know if these troublemakers were Gnostics, Judaizers, or Jewish Christians from Palestine that knew Jesus, and also knew of Paul's work in persecuting the early Christians, the latter seems likely, and they may have formed an alliance with the Gnostics. In any case, Paul was not very confident in the leadership of the church at Corinth. Paul pointed out his own weaknesses so reasonable people could see that it was God working through Paul that enabled Paul to accomplish whatever it was that he accomplished in his ministry. His own litany of ship wrecks, stoning, beatings and other perils were second to none, and his pedigree was equal to any Jew. Paul was comfortable with his own credentials. More importantly he realized his shortcomings when compared to Christ.

In verses 9 and 10 of chapter 12 Paul gives us the answer to many of life's difficulties, “My Grace is sufficient.” If we are able to overcome our adversities on our own, then how is Christ lifted up and glorified? Sometimes we need to accept our fate and circumstance and also accept God's grace and His sufficiency in our life. Paul had been taken to a place where no other man had been. In the third heaven, things were revealed to him and he had an assurance that sustained him through all of the trials and tribulations, likewise we should be able to have that same assurance as we face life's trials and tribulations. I think of the Serenity prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference”.


Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Witness of the Community

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending November 23, 2008

Scripture Text: 2nd Timothy 2:1-3 & 4:1-5 (NRSV)

2nd Timothy 2:1-3
(1) You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; (2) and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. (3) Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

2nd Timothy 4:1-5
(1) In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you:(2) proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. (3) For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, (4) and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. (5) As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

Paul is telling us, by way of this letter to Timothy, to accept God's calling to be faithful by enduring hardships, proclaiming the message, and performing our ministry.
Bible scholars do not all agree on the authorship or time of this writing; but since the letter tells us Paul wrote it and tradition says that Paul was imprisoned for a second time in Rome just prior to his death at the hands of Nero, I can accept that. I cannot explain the church structure, which appears to be that of a later time, but it is possible the church hierarchy had evolved in the twenty years since Paul's letter to the Galatians and there were Bishops in the new church. I can accept that the Book of Acts, written by Luke, may not have covered Paul's second imprisonment.
As I read and studied both 1st and 2nd Timothy, I was amazed at what appears apparent to me does not seem apparent to all of the commentary authors I read.

In reading these letters, I see Paul trying to tell Timothy something that all of us today seem to have a problem grasping. Paul was a witness to the risen Christ on the road to Damascus some thirty years prior. What Paul knew by sight was what he was trying to get Timothy to understand and accept by faith.

Paul had first met Timothy on his first missionary journey to Lystra. While on that mission, he did not follow his present belief that circumcision was not necessary and so he had Timothy circumcised (because of pressure from the Jewish population). Timothy's father was a Greek and his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were Jews converted to the new Christianity taught by Paul.

Paul knew Timothy had all of the right teaching, and Paul knew he was facing earthly death, (“my departure is at hand”) (4:6). Therefore, he was preparing Timothy to take over his ministry. “Remember what you have heard me say, and entrust this to faithful people who will be able to teach others” (my paraphrase).

If this new leadership position brings persecution, and suffering, Paul wants Timothy to know what he knows, that ‘Christ is risen’ and whatever trials and tribulations come there is certain knowledge that Christ has a plan and a reward for those that seek Him diligently. Paul said “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him that Day”. (1:12) “Share in suffering like a good soldier of Jesus Christ”.

In chapter 4, Paul continues his challenge to Timothy, and urges Timothy to persistently proclaim the message. He warns of a time coming when sound doctrine will be rejected, and people will have ‘itching ears’ and not want to a hear the true gospel that Paul and others had been preaching. They will follow those that preach an easier message and believe in myths.

The picture Paul paints for Timothy would scare off most men: to endure inflictions, but always be evangelist.

He also shares another picture in verses 7 & 8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that Day, and not me only but also to all that have loved His appearing”.

The resurrected Christ had appeared to Paul. He knew the resurrection power and now he wanted that message carried on by Timothy to everyone. Timothy had been a witness to many of Paul's miracles and he had been taught by Paul. But, the question is, did he have the vision that Paul had? Since that time the message has gone around the world. We must assume Timothy did his part, now the mantle has been passed to this generation. Will our generation continue to preach with the heart of an evangelist or will we look to satisfy ‘itching ears’ and look for a simpler message… one that is not so hard and one that does not require enduring inflictions or persecution?

Can we envision the Risen Christ?
A special thanks to Carolyn Thomas for editing my commentary.


Sunday, November 9, 2008

Communion With God in the Midst of Struggle

International Sunday School Lesson
Week Ending November 16,2008

Scripture Text: Phiippians 3:17-21; 4:1-9 (NRSV)

Background: Philippians 3:3-4:9

Phiippians 3:17-21
(17) Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. (18)For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. (19)Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. (20)But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. (21)He will transform the body of our humiliation so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.

Phiippians 4:1-9
(1)Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.(2) I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.(3)Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.(4) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. (5)Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. (6)Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (7)And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (9)Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

Today as I opened the newspaper, the headlines read “Turmoil at local Church”. Churches today are struggling, just as the church struggled in Paul's day. How this congregation responds and how they handle this struggle will speak volumes to our community. Paul certainly was willing to help the church at Philippi in their time of struggle. I know God will help this local congregation in its time of struggle too.

They must be willing to follow Paul's lead and “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, Rejoice”. And I trust they will fast and pray until they have the answer that the Holy Spirit will give them through their prayers and supplications.

While you are thinking about the above, let me share some interesting facts about today's scripture text. The letter to the church at Philippi was written by Paul while he was a prisoner in Rome. It has been called by some a letter of joy, and by others a letter of rejoicing. The church at Philippi was the first church established in Europe, by Paul, on his second missionary journey. They had on two occasions been very generous to Paul and this letter is in response to their latest offering to him.

Philippi was located near the sight of a great battle that took place in 42 B.C. Where the armies of Brutus and Cassius were defeated by the armies of Anthony and Octavian (later Caesar Augustus) and the Roman Empire replaced the Roman Republic. Philippi became a military outpost and was made a Roman colony, which gave it special privileges.

Knowing all of the above Paul writes, they need to be careful in who they choose to emulate. In addition to the Judaizers, they were also being influenced by what we would call today antinomianism, (“against the law”). This belief was popular because it required no responsibility to obey any of God's laws even the “Moral Law of God” that we call the Ten Commandments. This is the same problem addressed by Moses in Deuteronomy 30:11-14. Basically Moses said it is not to hard nor is it too far away that you can not obey God's moral law. Some were teaching in Phillipi that faith precluded any responsibility to live a moral life, one could do and live anyway they liked as long as they believed that Christ redeemed them from any form of punishment. This belief is still a threat to Christianity today. Martin Luther addressed it by the Formula of Concord in 1577, which recognized a threefold use of the law: (1) to reveal sin, (2) to establish general decency in society at large, and (3) to provide a rule of life for those who have been regenerated through faith in Christ.

The other belief of Libertine ( Libertine means one devoid of any restraints, especially one who ignores or even spurns religious norms, accepted morals, and forms of behavior sanctioned by the larger society) was also popular.

Paul describes these beliefs; their appetites or their circumcision are their gods, and their minds are only concerned about earthly things. Paul calls for the people at Philippi to aim higher, think about higher things (see verse 4:8).

Evidently there were a couple of prominent women within the church that disagreed about some things, and Paul gives his advise, but notice he does not take sides. His answer is “Rejoice in the Lord”. (This passage starts with another “Rejoice in the Lord” in verse 3:1). When Paul says “let your gentleness be known to everyone” he is giving all of us a tutorial on handling disagreements. Then he says “ The Lord is near”. Paul could mean his return is near or his presence is near as in Emmanuel (God with us). Either way, “don't worry about anything”.

We are reminded to pray about everything and give thanks for everything. We are probably lax in both areas. The benediction that Paul uses in verse 7 is similar to Psalms 145:18-20 (18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19He fulfils the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them. 20The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy).

In verse 8 of our text Paul gives an attitude adjustment outline; “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, If there is is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”.

Paul closes by telling them to “keep on doing the things you have learned”. There are times in our Christian walk when it is important for us “to keep on doing”. What we do, may not be glamorous or even noteworthy, but out thoughts should always be on the “Higher Plain”. Remember the “The Lord is near” and our “citizenship is in heaven”.

Just the thoughts of a layman,

Here is another sight that you might enjoy that covers the lesson from a different slant, by Standard Publishing and The Christian Church. http://www.christianstandard.com/sundayschool.asp