August 19th, 2007
Difficult Bible Passage, 2 Cor. 6:14 "Don't be yoked with unbelievers"
Intro…Peer pressure… any parent is concerned that their kids hang out with the "right crowd".
Neighbor, "Katlin" and her friends hanging out in front of our house a month ago…in and out of the car, smoking, drinking etc…
As Christians, we are called to holiness, to live a life separate from the life of an unbeliever. What a tricky thing to balance. We know that we are to be "in the world, but not of it"….
So, is God asking us to become a reclusive monk or nun? Not necessarily…
One of the major themes in 2 Cor. is the defense of the integrity of Paul's apostolic ministry.
As well as the authenticity of the gospel which he preached and the implications that gospel had for the life of Christians.
Paul was extra concerned for these new Christians in Corinth.
It was a corrupt city and they were succumbing to the temptations. The church was in danger of self-destruction.
In 2 Cor. 5:17, Paul reminds us that we are new creations in Christ.
Paul knew God had called him to the message of reconciliation of the divine-human relationship.
Paul was grieved by those who opposed him and the gospel and was concerned for their salvation. (2 Cor. 2:1-4)
So, he pleads earnestly with them…2 Cor. 5:20 and 6:1…
We also know that from 1 Cor. that there were several areas in the life of these new churches that were troubling. 1 Cor. 6 & 10.
Today's passage, 2 Cor. 6:14…"Don't be yoked with unbelievers" is in response to all this.
The Greek term for "yoked" is only found here in the NT. It refers to essentially being mismatched. SLIDE
And that's where we end up talking about marriage, although that is not the primary reason for Paul writing this.
There should be a decided difference between a Christian and a non-Christian.
Paul then points out some other differences we should be aware of with a series of 5 rhetorical questions:
What do righteousness and wickedness have in common?
The difference in light and dark..
What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? (Satan or the opponent of Christ, the head of evil forces opposed to God)
Believer and unbeliever
Temple of God and idols.
At its core, foundational level, there should be nothing in common with these diverse groups.
Again we are called to this high standard. The life of Christ, a life of holiness should be notably different, set apart, sanctified. (1 Cor. 3:17)
As Christians we are to flee from sexual immorality (1 Cor. 6:18) and from idolatry (1 Cor. 10:14).
All forms of wickedness are incompatible with the kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 6:9-10
Then look at 2 Cor. 7:1 "Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."
What Paul is really moving towards starting in 6:14 is 7:1, we need to be pure. As Christians we should always be in process, moving towards holiness.
That's where the rubber meets the road. It's up to each of us individually to decide what and who needs to be eliminated from our lives so that we can continue in this pursuit of holiness.
To be holy or sanctified means to be set apart or separated. Separated from evil and dedicated to God.
So, how does this all shake out for us today?
Like I said earlier, it doesn't mean (necessarily) that we need to pursue the monastic life. There is a balance to all this.
I got into this on my blog this week, …the importance of interpreting scripture in light of scripture. We can't just isolate this verse and use it as a justification to never spend any time with unbelievers.
God calls us to be salt and light in this world in Matt. 5:13-14
As we are being salt and light, on one hand we need to be very careful:
1 Cor. 5:9-10…shows us that it is impossible to have absolutely zero contact with immoral people.
1 Cor. 5:11 reminds us the be very careful who we spend our time with.
Then 1 Cor. 5:12 takes it even further…again that high standard…
But look at Jesus' words in John 17:15…
"My prayer is not that you take them out of this world but that you protect them from the evil one."
Sometimes the marriage of a believer to an unbeliever can even lead to that person's salvation, 1 Cor. 7:12-16. The presence of a believer in the home sets the home apart and gives a Christian influence it would not otherwise have.
Paul also recognizes the possibility of believers at dinner parties in the homes of unbelievers in 1 Cor. 10:27
We do need to (in my opinion) avoid what the separatist movements in church history have done.
In an attempt to be faithful to the radical nature of Paul's call for holiness, they have cut off all external associations, contacts or affiliations.
That's heading into cult territory…
While we do live in a world with unbelievers, at the foundational level we should have nothing in common with darkness, evil, unrighteousness and immorality.
"To be "yoked" with unbelievers is to be of one heart and mind with them, co-opted by the values that guide them, seduced by their commitments to various "gods and lords" (1 Cor. 8:5) and conformed to a view of things which dismisses absolute truth and moral absolutes."
Remember, as Christians we are new creations in Christ. We are to live as children of light, bearing the fruit of that light which is goodness, faithfulness, righteousness and truth.
Eph. 5:8-17
Conclusion:
Most hardcore surfers are afraid of getting married because they're afraid they will marry someone who doesn't like to surf…it's because surfing is core to who they are. So, it would only make sense that they would marry someone who to whatever degree shares that passion.
August 12th, 2007
Difficult BiblePassages 1 Cor. 14:33-34 & 1 Timothy 2:11-12
Intro…Wedding in La Jolla where mother "took me to task" to dare mention to the groom his responsibility to lead his wife spiritually. The particular mother had raised her kids on her own…
There is always a bigger picture to consider when studying any particular Bible passage.
Today's bigger picture is the spiritual leadership that God has set up for the family and the church.
We need to remember that there is always God's ideal standard and then humans get involved and usually mess it all up.
Text: 1 Cor. 14:33-34 & 1 Timothy 2:11-12
Common misconceptions re: this passages…
1) Women should sit down
and shut up!
2) Women shouldn't teach, period! They are out of control...let a MAN do it!
3) Women are gullible and easily deceived.
4) Women are to blame for all the disorder in the church.
5) The apostle Paul is a chauvinist and the church is a sexist patriarchy!
Let's look at 1 Cor. 11 first.
This is discussion concerning PUBLIC WORSHIP which carries through all the way to chapter 14.
Paul discusses the veiling of women, prayer, hair length on men and women, the Lord's supper, the use of spiritual gifts, the supremacy of love over gifts…
the superiority of prophecy over tongues (and if and when tongues were to be used, it must be done with interpretation and order so as to benefit the entire body of Christ) and the importance of order in the worship service.
If you ever see the craziness and disorder in some more charismatic churches, even that is not God's best.
Paul reminds us of God original plan for leadership in the church, 11:2…
GOD-CHRIST-MAN-WOMAN
In our "ever tolerant" society today it's easy for women to get offended at even suggesting this order that God has set up.
However, this is not an oppressive leadership structure that God has set up.
If men were truly leading their homes and churches in a God-honoring way, then following their leadership would be no problem for all involved!
This order is consistent with God's order of administration ( 1Cor 11:7, 8; Eph 5:21-33)
In 1 Cor. 14:34b, "The law says" refers to the law as set forth in such places as Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:22; 1 Timothy 2:11-12, and Titus 2:5
The spirit of what Paul is saying is that God's best for men and women is to observe and follow the created order of authority for their own well-being.
We are all accountable to God as individuals, yet there is a leadership structure that God has set up.
In an ideal church, the men recognize the call to spiritual leadership in the home as well as the worship service.
So, men how are we doing with that responsibility that God has given us?
Are you praying for your families?
Are you making sure your family prays together, goes to church etc?
How is your own time with God, reading the Bible and other great Christian literature?
Are you accountable to other Christian men?
Are you doing your best to provide for your family (food, shelter etc.)
Now, back to our passages for today.
1 Cor. 14 is about order in public worship, the gathered church, men and women.
If tongues were to be practiced, then that can only in the right way (with interpretation). 14:1-5, 13, 18
Vs. 12 Tongues vs. prophecy and the superiority of prophecy over tongues.
Some specifics on worship, 14:26-33, 39-40
And then our verses for today, 33-34.
Again, those verses may seem offensive, but now that we've reviewed God ideal plan for leadership, it makes more sense.
It is important to also look at these verses in the cultural context of the day.
Apparently there were certain women in the Corinthian churches who were talking out of order (and most likely not knowing what they were talking about) and this created disorder and confusion in the worship service. (Remember, 1 Cor. 14:33…ORDER)
It's not like we're saying the Christian women can't seek more knowledge and grow deeper in their faith. Men and women are equal that way. Her questions can be answered at home, and not by asking her husband in the public service and so possibly interrupting the sermon.
Again, that puts a huge responsibility on us men…
A woman's femininity must not be disgraced by her trying to take a man's role in the church.
This is not a glass ceiling
for women, but is designed to maximize the
contribution of women to the church in a way that is within the will of God.
The line of authority is designed to be protective and nurturing of women, not restrictive. We each have our God-given roles, and as we fulfill them, we are blessed.
But what about the seeming contradiction between these verses and 11:5 where Paul speaks of women praying and prophesying?
The explanation may be that in chapter 11 Paul does not say that women were doing these things in public worship as discussed in chapter 14.
In 1 Timothy 2:11-12, Paul is once again talking about the public assemblies of the church where men and women have gathered for worship and teaching.
The expression "full submission" needs to be treated intelligently.
Vine offers this helpful comment:
"The injunction is not directed towards a surrender of mind and conscience, or the abandonment of the duty of private judgment; the phrase `with all subjection' is a warning against the usurpation of God's preordained authority."
The verses in Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:22; 1 Timothy 2:11-12, and Titus 2:5 do not say that women do not play a vital role in the spiritual upbringing and growth to many people, male and female in the Christian body.
Paul speaks appreciatively of the fact that Timothy himself had been taught the right way by his godly mother and grandmother (2Tim 1:5; 3:15)
Women and mothers obviously still play key and critical roles in the church, teaching children (girls and boys), leading other women (Titus 2:3-4)…just not in the role as the pastor or main teacher in the church.
1 Cor. 14:36… is an important verse with this topic and it really applies to all of us and in essence is saying, "Who are you to make up new rules?"
Evidently, the Corinthians had their own separate customs regarding the role of women in public worship and were tending to act independently of the other churches who also had received these commands.
Conclusion:
Again one of the main points here is order in the public worship service. Really, no one should be speaking out of order and causing disorder.
I don't think we need to have an issue with women worship leaders, women who pray in church, give announcements, give a "testimony" as Mina did a few weeks ago etc.
See 1 Cor. 11:5 which includes prayer and prophesies, as well as Acts 2:17-18 and 21:8-9
Women can participate in the worship service, even verbally!
We just need to remember that the men need to step up their roles as leaders in the home and in the church.
God has ordained that men should be pastors in the church and do their, "by the grace of God" best to lead the church.
"Paul's operative principle for congregational life and worship is constant. Whatever hinders the movement of the gospel, causes confusion rather than growth, offends rather than encourages or strengthens, builds up the self as the expense of others—all this is contrary to God's intention. And insofar as the women in Corinth and elsewhere in the young churches used their gifts contrary to God's intention, the injunction to silence is an appropriate, authoritative word. The principle which underlies the injunction is authoritative for both men and women in all churches." Manfred T. Brauch
More discussion/questions on my blog site this week?
Communion intro…GOSPEL
August 5th, 2007
Difficult Bible passages, Romans 6, Dead to sin?
Intro…Spiderman 3, wrestling with the "sin nature", Lord of the Rings, Gollum, with his split personality…Kevin Costners latest movie….etc.
Everyone is aware of it, in and outside of the Christian faith…
It's the part of us we don't want anyone to see…
I've counseled with people before what have basically said to me, "I'm not sure what happened, I just went to the "dark side" for awhile."
We've all been there, and can relate.
Romans 6:1-4
As Christians, haven't we started a new life (symbolized in Baptism as we'll see today with Grant)?
Romans 6:5-7, 11-14, 17-18, 22-23.
This all sounds good, but even Paul the author of Romans, speaks of this struggle one chapter after our verses for today.
Romans 7:15-25.
As Christians, we're stuck in this, "Life in Christ/life in original sin."
It's not only confusing to us, but certainly more confusing to those outside the faith looking in, we know we have not died to sin completely.
"Those Christians…I don't know, you should've seen what my Christian friend did the other day…"
What Paul does present here is not the impossibility of committing a single sin, but the impossibility (as a true Christian) of continuing in a life dominated by sin.
If you do, people will have a right to question your faith.
As Christians, we know the potential is there to not sin. We are now living a new life in Christ.
It is not into Christ's burial that believers are baptized but into his death, because it was there that he dealt with sin.
Christ conquered sin on the cross and we need to remember to tap into that power when we are tempted to sin.
What to do? How do we wrestle with these two natures and allow the Christ-like character that we have outshine our propensity to sin?
Hint: it's all about relationship.
After all, even the concept of "being in Christ" or "buried, died and risen" with Christ are hard concepts to grasp.
Back to the illustration of Baptism…it is a great visual illustration of dying to sins (underwater) and then being raised in Christ (coming up out of the water).
These are facts we need to remember: (all from Rom. 6:2-8)
We are dead to sin, no longer enslaved by sin, freed from sin, our old self was crucified, we have a newness of life, a union with Christ, new life with Christ, we have new self that has emerged in our being raised with him.
When someone is baptized we hear their testimony, we see the visual of a old life passing away and a new life rising up.
We have full confidence and optimism that this person will from this point on do their best to live for God and not their carnal nature.
When you are struggling with sin in your life (the evil side or old nature) remember your baptism, brimming with confidence.
That potential to not sin is still there and strengthened by the power of God present in your life.
It's kinda like someone who is trying really hard to lose weight or just get in shape…
Without a good diet plan, exercise etc. they have a hard time getting in shape. They struggle on their own.
Once they get advice/guidance on how to eat right and exercise, everything changes.
The potential was always there, they just needed help.
As Christians, we have the potential to not sin. But It's tough to do that on your own.
We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit as well as the support of other Christians.
So, in relationship to God (symbolized in baptism) we are dead to sin and alive to God.
In our relationship with Christ we are free from the bondage to sin, yet it is possible even for the Christian to "let sin reign" (6:12).
When our relationship with Christ does not influence every aspect of our lives, then other relationships end up filling this need.
Most often those relationships are the very thing which led us back into our sinful nature.
As Christians, our lives need to be lived in the indicative, (we are raised with Christ) and the imperative, (don't let sin reign in your mortal body.) This should consume your thoughts.
Only by the empowering presence of God's Spirit can the imperative find realization in our living.
God has given us the ability and power not to sin.
Will we use that power or chose to continue to live in sin?
Conclusion:
In church life, we often get to see this radical change in people's lives. Barry Bond vs. Henry Aaron…