It's been my priviledge to contribute to this blog each Monday. This is an especially good slot because I get to reflect on Sunday's preaching while it is still fresh in my mind.
Yesterday's message was taken from the life and example of the great apostle Paul. There's no one quite like Paul! It's no wonder or Lord chose him to be the one who would unveil the mystery of the ages... salvation to the Gentiles, a righteousness that comes by faith, and "Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Brian skillfully preached about a man, (Paul) who lived a holy and joyful life inspite of sufferings, privation, persecutions, overwhelming responsibilities, and imprisonment-- and who managed to do all this without complaining!
The wonderful and practical conclusion we collectively drew from Paul's example was this: That we, like Paul, could live holy and joyful lives today! There was this almost palpable sense of relief as the point of the sermon began to hit home. It was a message that took a profoundly important truth, and managed to crystallize it in a simple, practical, and believable way.
We were reminded, through Paul's example, that that no matter what difficulties come our way, we (like Paul) can obediently rejoice our way through life, because of a confident faith that tells us our loving and sovereign God is in absolute control, working out all things in us, for his good pleasure.
Brothers and sisters, this is liberating! This means there is never a time for me to worry, or fret, or fear, or doubt, or be dismayed by circumstances. God is always at work! My sole responsibility is to walk with him, trust in him, and obey him.
God grant that as we reflect on what Brian preached this week, we may enter into a new rest, and that our hearts and minds would remain guarded by the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding... a Pauline peace!
Doing all without wispering or dialog. These are frequent ways the two Greek words are used in the New Testament. Our Bibles often translate them grumbling and disputing. I suggest they go so far as to condemn what I was convicted of this morning when I said to myself, let me take a quick look at the original language of Brians text. It's one thing not to grumble or dispute.....how about repeatedly talking about something that seems unfair or inconvenient? I really wasn't disputing, or even grumbling, or was I? That word translated disputing can mean even just bringing the subject up, either vocally or in our hearts. I stand condemned while so many are loosing jobs and I complain about the length of my work day. I talk about it all the time. Did you know I have a 12 1/2 hour work day? There, I did it again. May God cleanse my heart of chronic dialoging about my inconviences. I am convicted that even talking about hardships may often fall under Pauls prohibition of grumbling.
ReplyDeleteHow much I need the Saviors grace.
JR
12 1/2 hour work day...that's it?!?! In air conditioning...with a lunch break...no physical abuse?!?!
ReplyDeleteThat's a dream come true for about 85% of the world.
Thanks for sharing an even deeper meaning of the passage. I've done my fair share of 'whispering' all under the guise of, "I'm not complaining!"
Thank you.