I've been told that I was saved at the age of five but, needless to say, I don't really recall it. I've considered myself a Christian as far back as I can remember, and was always a part of church. Looking back from where I now stand, I wonder very much where I was spiritually then - my relationship with God seems to have been based primarily on fear. My devotional life consisted mostly of trying to catalog and repent of sins that I though God might send me to Hell for.
Aside from my stagnant spirituallity, other things were developing at the same time. I was very unpopular, particulaerly during high school. At the same time several things came together to foster in me an interest in the occult. There I thought I could find the power to repay those that had caused me so much pain. Maybe in that way I could gain the popularity and other much nastier things that I craved. Not that I ever put it into words, but vengeance was in my heart, and magic would be my weapon. I was also seeing a girl a few years younger than myself. Although we were both supposedly Christians, our relationship was not exactly spiritual in nature.
During the year following my High School graduation, for some forgotten reason I challenged my sister and girlfriend to race me in reading the entire Bible. At the same time, I would at times be going to a certain hill near my home to work on certain occult visualizations. The main point of focus in these was a sword, to possess which meant great power. It seems strange to me that this was occurring at the same time as the `Great Bible Race'.
One night during this time I had a dream. I stood on the same hillside as always, and with my sword, I fought against a host of my enemies. I would tell more of this dream, but that's all there was - just a single image, with at most a two second duration. I don't remember waking. What I remember is finding myself at my bedside, physically and spiritually throwing myself at God's feet. After a while, I went back to sleep.
In retrospect, I suppose what I saw was the futility of trying to win the struggle I had set up for myself. In pursuing the course I was on, I would have no shortage of enemies, and no matter how many I defeated, more would arise. Most frightening was the knowledge that I was making God himself my enemy.
Whatever the meaning of the dream, I became in truth a Christian that night. I devoured the Bible from that point (I won the race, my sister placed second, and the girlfriend, after a pause, crossed the finish line at last), and I began attending church services where and when I could find them. None of this was done out of fear or obligation (indeed, fear had vanished from my spiritual life), but instead out of the joy of being with my Lord.
That was twenty years ago. Life has not always been easy, and I have not grown nearly as strong as I wish had. I still struggle with anger and arrogance sometimes. I don't always know how to balance everything, and miss out on opportunities. But HE is always there, as undeniable as the air I breath - I can forget about it, but cannot do without it! I am more sure of Him than ever, and ask only that He allow me to follow Him for ever. Strengthen me and guide me, my Lord and God!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Introduction to The Khayah Encampment: Numbers 21:4-9
Statement of Purpose:
1. To promote spiritual health and healing through spiritual disciplines and Godly counsel,
2. To provide shelter to those experiencing times of great need and spiritual trial,
3. To provide instruction so as to equip the saints intellectually for battle in the World arena.
In short, it is the purpose of the Khayah Encampment to assist Christians in becoming fully effective in their walk with Christ.
Expansion of Statement of Purpose:
1. To promote spiritual health through the instruction and practice of spiritual disciplines and Godly counsel;
A) Through worship, prayer and Bible study on a daily basis,
B) Through the availability of spiritual counseling and resources,
C) Through classes dealing with various issues of spiritual health and development.
2. To provide for the physical requirements of those in great need:
A) By sheltering the unwed mother;
B) By sheltering the battered wife and her children;
C) By sheltering the runaway.
3. To provide instruction so as to equip the saints for intellectual battle in the World's arena;
A) Through the teaching of Christian apologetics,
B) By exposing the failures of evolutionary theory,
C) By instructing the saints in appropriate responses to current moral issues.
Further Information:
The Khayah Encampment appears at first glance to be simply a retreat center or camp ground. However, Khayah exists for some very specific reasons, and as such has some very different requirements, as well as benefits. First, participation in all worship services is mandatory. As Khayah is intended to be a place for reflection and healing, loud music or other such disturbances are forbidden, as are any form of alcohol or tobacco or other potentially addictive substances. Dress is expected to be unquestionably modest at all times. The Khayah Encampment recognizes the freedom Christians have in Christ, but since we are a ministry specifically to the Weaker Brother, it is expected that guests do all in their power to avoid causing their brother or sister to stumble.
The Khayah Encampment is intended to be a place of spiritual healing, refreshment and preparation. Here the weary or wounded soul may find a place of rest within a nurturing Christian atmosphere. Worship services are held thrice daily, accompanied by prayer and the reading of the Word. Classes are held regularly which address the needs of Christians in many stages and situations.
The Khayah Encampment seeks to work cooperatively with other ministries to provide temporary housing for the displaced, homeless or needy. Counseling is available for these individuals, as are the necessities of life.
The Khayah Encampment is intended, not to supplant the local church and her ministries, but to support and extend it. Therefore the Khayah Encampment seeks to establish and strengthen it's bonds to local churches and other ministries.
Although the Khayah Encampment will work cooperatively with any Bible-based ministry adhering to the beliefs expressed in the Apostle's Creed, the counsel and theology given there will be based upon Wesley-Armenian doctrine.
Development Plan (thus far):
1. Prayer and Vision Support and Counsel.
2. Land Research and Purchase. Complete tract must be at least five acres in size, preferably rural.
3. Building and grounds development.
4. Campground analysis and startup.
5. Spiritual Discipline Training curriculum development. Complete courses in general worship, prayer, service (including
spiritual gifts), and Bible study.
6. Ministry contact and interface.
Q&A
Q: Is the Kayah Encampent a cloister or monastery?
A: No. A cloister is a closed community which rejects nearly all contact with the World. Cloisters are usually formed by people who feel that in order to be close to God one needs to avoid contact with people who do not believe the same things as they do. Such people may gain a feeling of security by living in an environment which does not question their beliefs. However, this ignores the mandate that Jesus left his disciples with to 'go into all the world and make disciples.' We are called to be in the world, but not of it. We cannot do these things if we fence out the world and refuse to interact with it.
A monastery is similar, but adds an ascetic element. Usually persons living in a monastery have taken strict vows of self- denial, which they believe will enhance them spiritually. Both cloisters and monasterys are long-term affairs as well.
The Kayah Encampment by contrast is not an attempt to set up a permanent or semi-permanent communal living arrangement, with or without the elements of self-denial. Kayah is intended to be a place set aside for christians to temporarily withdraw from the World, not to escape from it, but rather to be empowered to again engage it. Jesus often retreated into the wilderness for times of refreshment and commuion with his Father. In modern society, however, it is increasingly difficult to find places of solitude where a Christian can truly rest, apart from many of the temptations and distractions of the World. The Kayah Encampment is intended to help supply that need.
Q: Why are there so many rules?
A: For one, because the Encampment is intended as a place for nurture and refreshment, we intend to cater to the 'weaker brother', and the 'babe in Christ' - those who are easily offended or tempted. Although it is impossible to remove all possible sources of spiritual distraction or disorder, we believe that we must attempt to at least moderate such distractions so as to allow the christian the greatest opportunity for spiritual refreshment.
Secondly, we wish to insure that persons at the encampemt do not come for other reasons, such as simple recreation. The rules that we insist on send a clear message that the Encampment is not a campground in the recreational sense, but is instead a place for worship and spiritual retreat.
Statement of Purpose:
1. To promote spiritual health and healing through spiritual disciplines and Godly counsel,
2. To provide shelter to those experiencing times of great need and spiritual trial,
3. To provide instruction so as to equip the saints intellectually for battle in the World arena.
In short, it is the purpose of the Khayah Encampment to assist Christians in becoming fully effective in their walk with Christ.
Expansion of Statement of Purpose:
1. To promote spiritual health through the instruction and practice of spiritual disciplines and Godly counsel;
A) Through worship, prayer and Bible study on a daily basis,
B) Through the availability of spiritual counseling and resources,
C) Through classes dealing with various issues of spiritual health and development.
2. To provide for the physical requirements of those in great need:
A) By sheltering the unwed mother;
B) By sheltering the battered wife and her children;
C) By sheltering the runaway.
3. To provide instruction so as to equip the saints for intellectual battle in the World's arena;
A) Through the teaching of Christian apologetics,
B) By exposing the failures of evolutionary theory,
C) By instructing the saints in appropriate responses to current moral issues.
Further Information:
The Khayah Encampment appears at first glance to be simply a retreat center or camp ground. However, Khayah exists for some very specific reasons, and as such has some very different requirements, as well as benefits. First, participation in all worship services is mandatory. As Khayah is intended to be a place for reflection and healing, loud music or other such disturbances are forbidden, as are any form of alcohol or tobacco or other potentially addictive substances. Dress is expected to be unquestionably modest at all times. The Khayah Encampment recognizes the freedom Christians have in Christ, but since we are a ministry specifically to the Weaker Brother, it is expected that guests do all in their power to avoid causing their brother or sister to stumble.
The Khayah Encampment is intended to be a place of spiritual healing, refreshment and preparation. Here the weary or wounded soul may find a place of rest within a nurturing Christian atmosphere. Worship services are held thrice daily, accompanied by prayer and the reading of the Word. Classes are held regularly which address the needs of Christians in many stages and situations.
The Khayah Encampment seeks to work cooperatively with other ministries to provide temporary housing for the displaced, homeless or needy. Counseling is available for these individuals, as are the necessities of life.
The Khayah Encampment is intended, not to supplant the local church and her ministries, but to support and extend it. Therefore the Khayah Encampment seeks to establish and strengthen it's bonds to local churches and other ministries.
Although the Khayah Encampment will work cooperatively with any Bible-based ministry adhering to the beliefs expressed in the Apostle's Creed, the counsel and theology given there will be based upon Wesley-Armenian doctrine.
Development Plan (thus far):
1. Prayer and Vision Support and Counsel.
2. Land Research and Purchase. Complete tract must be at least five acres in size, preferably rural.
3. Building and grounds development.
4. Campground analysis and startup.
5. Spiritual Discipline Training curriculum development. Complete courses in general worship, prayer, service (including
spiritual gifts), and Bible study.
6. Ministry contact and interface.
Q&A
Q: Is the Kayah Encampent a cloister or monastery?
A: No. A cloister is a closed community which rejects nearly all contact with the World. Cloisters are usually formed by people who feel that in order to be close to God one needs to avoid contact with people who do not believe the same things as they do. Such people may gain a feeling of security by living in an environment which does not question their beliefs. However, this ignores the mandate that Jesus left his disciples with to 'go into all the world and make disciples.' We are called to be in the world, but not of it. We cannot do these things if we fence out the world and refuse to interact with it.
A monastery is similar, but adds an ascetic element. Usually persons living in a monastery have taken strict vows of self- denial, which they believe will enhance them spiritually. Both cloisters and monasterys are long-term affairs as well.
The Kayah Encampment by contrast is not an attempt to set up a permanent or semi-permanent communal living arrangement, with or without the elements of self-denial. Kayah is intended to be a place set aside for christians to temporarily withdraw from the World, not to escape from it, but rather to be empowered to again engage it. Jesus often retreated into the wilderness for times of refreshment and commuion with his Father. In modern society, however, it is increasingly difficult to find places of solitude where a Christian can truly rest, apart from many of the temptations and distractions of the World. The Kayah Encampment is intended to help supply that need.
Q: Why are there so many rules?
A: For one, because the Encampment is intended as a place for nurture and refreshment, we intend to cater to the 'weaker brother', and the 'babe in Christ' - those who are easily offended or tempted. Although it is impossible to remove all possible sources of spiritual distraction or disorder, we believe that we must attempt to at least moderate such distractions so as to allow the christian the greatest opportunity for spiritual refreshment.
Secondly, we wish to insure that persons at the encampemt do not come for other reasons, such as simple recreation. The rules that we insist on send a clear message that the Encampment is not a campground in the recreational sense, but is instead a place for worship and spiritual retreat.
Hardened Hearts
God never permanently hardens anyone's heart.
- God is love. Hardening someone's heart against Himself would not be loving.
- The Bible espouses our choice in coming to Christ:
- Behold, I stand at the door and knock....
- By grace are we saved, through faith....
- For God so loved the World...that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
Examples.
- Exodous 4:21."The LORD said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go."
God hardens the heart of Pharoah. However, He hardens his heart in a specific way; namely against the release of the Israelites. Pharaoh had already earned the judgement God was about to bring against him. Could he have repented and been spared? The Lord hardened his heart against releasing the Israelites, not against turning from his mistreatment of them or any of his other sins. If he had turned his heart toward the Lord, then as in the case of the people of Nineva after Jonah prophesied their impending doom, he too might have been spared. Romans 9. 1 I speak the truth in Christ--I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit-- 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised![1] Amen. 6 It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."[2] 8 In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring. 9 For this was how the promise was stated: "At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son."[3] 10 Not only that, but Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad--in order that God's purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls--she was told, "The older will serve the younger."[4] 13 Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."[5] 14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."[6] 16 It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."[7] 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. 19 One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" 20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, `Why did you make me like this?'"[8] 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? 22 What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath--prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory-- 24 even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25 As he says in Hosea: "I will call them `my people' who are not my people; and I will call her `my loved one' who is not my loved one,"[9] 26 and, "It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, `You are not my people,' they will be called `sons of the living God.'"[10] 27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: "Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved. 28 For the Lord will carry out his sentence on earth with speed and finality."[11] 29 It is just as Isaiah said previously: "Unless the Lord Almighty had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah."[12] 30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." 33 As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."[13]
If taken a verse at a time, out of context, some parts of this chapter seem to speak of God arbitrarily Speaks of the hardening of Israel. However it is selective in nature, since the apostles themselves were Jews. From the full context it would appear that God further hardens the hearts of those who have hardened their own hearts against Him. See 9:31, 32.
- Romans 11:25, 26. These verses show that this hardening is temporary. God's promises are irrevocable.
- 2 Peter 1:10. Shows that our election (and therefore other's hardening as well) is based on God's choice, but His choice is based on the grace already promised and given, namely to all who come to Him in faith. Our election or rejection is based on His choice, but His choice is based on ours. His word has already gone out from Him.
Scriptural Tithing
Scriptural Foundation of Tithing (Storehouse and otherwise)
These verses give the legal basis for tithing. As can be seen elsewhere, I don't believe that we are legally bound by the command to tithe. However, as a rule of behavior, tithing has value.
These verses give the complete set of directives on how and when to tithe.
Leviticus 27:30 - 32
Numbers 18:21 - 32
Deuteronomy 12:5b - 7
Deuteronomy 14:22 - 29
Deuteronomy 26:12 - 15
These verses give the legal basis for tithing. As can be seen elsewhere, I don't believe that we are legally bound by the command to tithe. However, as a rule of behavior, tithing has value.
These verses give the complete set of directives on how and when to tithe.
Leviticus 27:30 - 32
Numbers 18:21 - 32
Deuteronomy 12:5b - 7
Deuteronomy 14:22 - 29
Deuteronomy 26:12 - 15
1) Why do we work?
- Our likeness to God.
- Specific responsibilities.
- Love for those that benefit.
- Commanded.
2) What is our life’s work?
- Where do our gifts and talents lie?
- Explore and develop.
- Pray for guidance.
- Have faith in God to open doors.
- Bearing fruit?
3) What is our attitude toward work?
- Do it to God’s glory.
- "The least of these".
- Work as worship.
Why do we work? First, it is part of our nature. Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15. God is an active being.
"In His image" means we will be like Him. As God creates, we create. As He builds, so we build (govern, heal, etc.). None of the works of God are without a parallel in man. It is our nature, which is God’s nature in us, to do good things. This is the true source of work.
Second, to fulfill our responsibilities. Just exactly how this comes into play needs to be discussed and well thought out. The object is to lighten the labor load when possible.
Third, for the love of those who benefit from your work. This is easiest to see in service oriented occupations, but is applicable everywhere –
- Engineers,
- Stock-boys,
- Proof Readers;
All can be motivated by the love of those who are on the receiving end of their labors.
Fourth, we are commanded to work.
:12 Commanded in the Lord Jesus Christ.
4) Life’s work.
What do you want to be? What does God want you to be? There is aneed today to place God’s will in priority in regards to work. (When I say work, I may or may not be referring to employment).
First we need to know where our gifts lie. Small things do count. Anything you have to offer, God can use. Talents and Spiritual Gifts. If you know that you have a particular spiritual gift, then you can know at least part of God’s plan. He doesn’t give out gifts if He doesn’t want them used. A spiritual gift definitely goes beyond human nature. Actually, I’m of the opinion that God doesn’t give anything for no reason. He has a purpose for everything. Parable of the Talents. Matt. 25:14-30. Use them. Look for opportunities. Again, don’t think an opportunity is too small. Then go fruit inspecting. Good fruit is a guarantee of your position in the will of God. And, as in everything, pray for guidance, having faith that God goes before you. For example:
Talent -> Writing
Opportunity -> Letter writing to the elderly
Reaction -> Pray about it and give it a try
Fruit -> Good, bad, none?
If no fruit is apparent, give it time, and keep praying. If good fruit, continue in God’s will. If bad fruit, get out and redirect yourself. Also, these things can change. God’s will for our lives is not static. Something that doesn’t work out now might later. Continue to seek God’s will. Ps. 127:1.
Attitude towards work. Mark 9:41. Here it is in a nutshell: do it unto the Lord. Work ethic.
Forgiveness: Study
Matthew 18:21-35.
(24) – the word ‘owed’ here is translated ‘guilty of’ in Luke 13:4. Links the primary story line of the parable to the actual subject – forgiveness.
A talent was worth more than a thousand dollars, so the size of the debt owed the King was in excess of $10,000,000.00.
(25) – would this have paid the debt? Doubtful, but it was all he could get, as it was all his debtor had.
(27) – Cancelled the debt. Not rescheduled, not renegotiated the terms of payment. Erased. No real chance of repayment anyway.
The greek word translated ‘cancelled’ means more literally to release or cease to possess. When we forgive, we stop ‘owning’ the harm done to us and the right of reteibution. Often one hear’s people say "I’ll never forget what they did to me". The meaning is not ‘my memory will never be purged of this event’, but rather ‘I refuse to stop meditating on the memory of the wrong done to me’. We need to ‘release’ the memory, i.e., stop obsessing over it. Also, we need to ‘release’ our right to retribution, whether real or imagined.
(28) – under a thousand dollars – utterly insignificant in comparison to the amount of the debt his master had forgiven. A considerable amount in it’s own right though, roughly representing four months wages. The servant viewed his collegues debt from a "world view", the commonalities of everyday life, rather than looking at the big picture.
Began to choke him – the King was trying to get justice. This guy wasn’t even up to that level. He had no right to abuse his fellow servant, no matter how much he owed. Sunk to the level of the ‘Self’ view.
(24) – the word ‘owed’ here is translated ‘guilty of’ in Luke 13:4. Links the primary story line of the parable to the actual subject – forgiveness.
A talent was worth more than a thousand dollars, so the size of the debt owed the King was in excess of $10,000,000.00.
(25) – would this have paid the debt? Doubtful, but it was all he could get, as it was all his debtor had.
(27) – Cancelled the debt. Not rescheduled, not renegotiated the terms of payment. Erased. No real chance of repayment anyway.
The greek word translated ‘cancelled’ means more literally to release or cease to possess. When we forgive, we stop ‘owning’ the harm done to us and the right of reteibution. Often one hear’s people say "I’ll never forget what they did to me". The meaning is not ‘my memory will never be purged of this event’, but rather ‘I refuse to stop meditating on the memory of the wrong done to me’. We need to ‘release’ the memory, i.e., stop obsessing over it. Also, we need to ‘release’ our right to retribution, whether real or imagined.
(28) – under a thousand dollars – utterly insignificant in comparison to the amount of the debt his master had forgiven. A considerable amount in it’s own right though, roughly representing four months wages. The servant viewed his collegues debt from a "world view", the commonalities of everyday life, rather than looking at the big picture.
Began to choke him – the King was trying to get justice. This guy wasn’t even up to that level. He had no right to abuse his fellow servant, no matter how much he owed. Sunk to the level of the ‘Self’ view.
We see then three viewpoints –
- Self View – in which the only relevance is one’s own desire. Lawless, not concerned with rights and responsibilities.
- World View – life seen through day to day structures. Concerned with defined rights and responsibilities, and with justice.
- Kingdom View – events seen in terms of their relevance to Eternity.
Persons who see through the ‘Self View’, often imagine or act as if they had rights that don’t actually exist. For example, the ‘right’ to be thought well of and paid attention to. Though in reality no one has these ‘rights’, someone deeply ingrained in the ‘Self View’ acts as if they do. Persons with either a ‘World’ or ‘Kingdom’ view would not see snobbery as a legitimate offense – they realize they have no right to command the adoration of anyone. Someone deep in the ‘Self View’, however, will seek retribution for it.
(30) – the greek implies that he unswervingly continued in his original intent to punish his fellow servant.
(34) – It would take 70 million years at laborer’s wages to pay back the debt – for all intents and purposes, forever.
(35) – from the heart – genuinely. How can we do this?
- Change ‘View’. The more solid your ‘Kingdom View’ is, the less easy it become to be hurt, and the easier it becomes to forgive. People caught up in a ‘World’ or ‘Self View’ cannot forgive.
- Honesty. To deny that one has been hurt by another is to lie. One cannot reach the point of true forgiveness unless he has honestly faced and dealt with the pain.
This whole subject is interlocked with the subject of loving one’s neighbors and enemies. Matthew 5:38-48. Don’t settle for the ‘World’ view, go for the "Kingdom"!
Mark 12:28-31. How do we love ourselves. We don’t necessarily approve of everything we do, but we desire the best for ourselves, wishing to be the best we can be, protecting and caring for ourselves. See Mere Christianity, C.S.Lewis, book three, chapter seven.
Look for a moment through the ‘Kingdom View’. The one whom you have not forgiven is at this moment either
- On his way to Hell, and thus needs our love and help and prayers, or
- On his way to Heaven, in which case you’d better get used to him, or be prepared not to get to Heaven yourself. There will be no room in Heaven for grudges, so one of you would have to go – namely the one bearing the grudge.
Either way, let’s elect now to see the situation from the perspective of eternity, and act out of that perspective. Let’s pray for honesty in our emotional lives, the strength and insight to forgive our enemies, and the courage to love them.
Servanthood: Study
John 13:1 – 17.
:6 Peter is shocked. Why?
Still clinging to the idea of Jesus as an earthly king – the idea of hierarchy – that there is an order to work – the most noble men do the most noble (i.e. Least menial) work. Jesus, being king, made this foot-washing shocking. As God as well, it should be far more so!
Luke 22:24 – 27
What right have we to be proud?
Areas of pride:
Body
Intelligence
Skills
Position
Possessions
Relationships
How many of these do we have any baseline control over? None! We have nothing to be proud of. In reality, there is no inherent hierarchy among men! There is order, but based upon authority, rather than prideful traits. What it will be in heaven we don’t know.
Some have greater talents, skills, etc., but that does not make the person greater – our only measure in Christ is the fruit we produce. Luke 9:46 – 48.
Authority is a different thing altogether. We may have great authority, and still live out full servanthood.
What is authority? Power to influence behavior? Does the possession of authority demand the use of authority?
Jesus has the ultimate authority – but here, He does not exercise it, but Himself serves.
RELATIONSHIP TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Spirit is God, but spends His time in service, instructing and leading us.
Security – why do we feel the need to place ourselves in a hierarchy?
:6 Peter is shocked. Why?
Still clinging to the idea of Jesus as an earthly king – the idea of hierarchy – that there is an order to work – the most noble men do the most noble (i.e. Least menial) work. Jesus, being king, made this foot-washing shocking. As God as well, it should be far more so!
Luke 22:24 – 27
What right have we to be proud?
Areas of pride:
Body
Intelligence
Skills
Position
Possessions
Relationships
How many of these do we have any baseline control over? None! We have nothing to be proud of. In reality, there is no inherent hierarchy among men! There is order, but based upon authority, rather than prideful traits. What it will be in heaven we don’t know.
Some have greater talents, skills, etc., but that does not make the person greater – our only measure in Christ is the fruit we produce. Luke 9:46 – 48.
Authority is a different thing altogether. We may have great authority, and still live out full servanthood.
What is authority? Power to influence behavior? Does the possession of authority demand the use of authority?
Jesus has the ultimate authority – but here, He does not exercise it, but Himself serves.
RELATIONSHIP TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Spirit is God, but spends His time in service, instructing and leading us.
Security – why do we feel the need to place ourselves in a hierarchy?
- Pride
- Lack of self-worth
Our worth is solely dependent on God’s view of us – who loved us enough to die – there is no other measure! Thus we don’t have to protect our dignity.
Phillipians 2:1 – 11.
We should not be concerned with whether anyone recognises our ‘greatness’, we should simply increase it (bear fruit).
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