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Into the Wilderness: Instruction

Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12

We continue our study of the wilderness in Scripture. We’ve seen it is a place of wandering. But it is also a place of transition. Last week through Jacob’s story we saw that the restoration of relationships can happen in the wilderness. This week we’ll consider the apostle Paul and his time in the wilderness, a time of personal instruction.

Paul was a rising young star among the Pharisees. He had studied with the most respected rabbi of his day, Gamaliel. He was born a Roman citizen, affording him all the political advantages in his society. Of course all of that changed when he met Jesus. We can read about this encounter in Acts chapter 9 (and Paul retells the story in chapters 22 an 26).

From Acts and Galatians 1, we can piece together what happened next. After preaching the gospel for a short time in Damascus, Paul left for the Arabian desert for three years before he returned to Damascus then headed to Jerusalem. Because neither Luke nor Paul gives us details, that opens the door for a lot of speculation. Some have parsed the original words translated “Arabian desert” and determined that they actually referred to the area of Sinai. That leads them to conclude Paul spent the time in prayer, study and meditation reevaluating his understanding of the Law in light of the gospel. From Paul’s writing in Romans and Galatians, it is clear he had a good handle on that, so that’s a possibility.

Others believe Paul spent the time in the same three-year training program the other apostles got, receiving personal instruction from Jesus Christ Himself. In Galatians 1:16, Paul says he did not consult or confer with any man, any “flesh and blood.” They point to 1 Corinthians 15:8 as corroborating evidence. This is also a possibility.

No matter how exactly that wilderness instruction time came together or worked itself out, Paul benefited from it and we are still benefiting from it. Besides the deep theological truths Paul explained for us, we can learn from his example.

We need instruction – If the great apostle needed to learn and grow, how much more do we need it? For Paul, it was urgent and compelling enough that he set everything else aside while he learned. We need to be humble enough to receive instruction

Further instruction equips us for our calling – In Acts 9:15, Jesus tells us that Paul was called specially to carry the gospel to Gentiles and kings. But he didn’t embark on that mission until after his time in the wilderness.

The Holy Spirit makes the best teacher – This is not to say that we can’t learn from brothers and sisters who are farther along in their walk than we are. I mean, there wouldn’t be much point in these posts if that were the case. But the very best teacher is the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised He would explain things, guide us into all the truth (John 16:13). Sometimes, we need to get rid of the distractions in our lives and get away to the wilderness where we can listen.

If Jesus personally instructed Paul in Arabia, it wasn’t His first time in the wilderness. Next week, we’ll look at Jesus’s own wilderness experience.

A Study in Contrasts: Zerubbabel

By Paula

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6

We are continuing our look at contrasts in Scripture marked by the conjunction “but.” Last week we looked at the stand taken by Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael while they were in Babylonian captivity. That captivity lasted seventy years. After the Babylonian Empire was conquered by the Persians, King Cyrus issued a decree allowing any Jews to return home to Israel and restore the cities and the land. You can read about that return in Nehemiah and Ezra. The restoration happened in fits and starts marked by opposition, distraction and discouragement.

Eventually a guy named Zerubbabel was named the governor and Joshua served as high priest. God raised up the prophet Zechariah, who prophesied a lot about the Messiah who would come, but he also gave messages of encouragement to the governor and the high priest. Chapter 4 is the fifth message Zechariah records and it is especially for the governor, Zerubbabel. It is one of the most powerfully encouraging messages in Scripture. Here are some of the encouragements in this message.

God has a mighty work for us to participate in. You can argue that Zerubbabel was the governor, of course HE had an important work. Not everyone is a leader. We’ll come back to that in just a second. The reality of this undertaking was that governor was not going to lay every block in the Temple himself, nor was he going to personally rebuild the wall. These words to the leader apply to the people who will follow.

Now about leaders. We are “in-between” in our relationships. There are those we follow and then, there are those we lead. We follow ministry leaders and supervisors at our place of employment. We follow laws and ordinances. We also have the opportunity to lead our children, to be oversee to new hires, to be examples in society or even on social media. In all of those circumstances, let’s embrace the work God has for us.

God knows the work is a big one. After all, He sent the prophet. Zerubbabel wouldn’t have needed a message from Zechariah if the work was easy or ordinary. Rebuilding a temple and a city wall with a bunch of people with little or no experience, who had their own homes and safety to worry about, with limited materials and funds, not to mention the marauding bands of vandals who terrorized the people.

What God has called us to, what God has called you to, is an important work for the kingdom. In a general sense, it’s carrying the gospel out to a world that doesn’t want to hear, a world that has established itself as God’s enemies. More specifically, the work that God has called you to is nothing to sneeze at. You may have hard-hearted family members. You may have hostile co-workers. You may struggle with temptation and hardship. Jesus said we would have trouble and suffering, but He also promised that He had overcome it. (John 16:33)

God promises to accomplish the work. The message to the governor is NOT by power or by might, not by your strength, your talent, your resources BUT BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord of hosts. Now some of the modern translations give you a better idea what that name for God means. Hosts make me think of dinner parties and making sure everyone has enough to eat and drink. It’s not that kind of host. It’s an army, a heavenly army. So God makes this promise and then reassures Zerubbabel (and us) that He can bring it to pass. No one can stand in opposition to God accomplishing His purposes.

When we try to accomplish God’s purposes in our own strength and energy we get discouraged and even burned out. Think about your work right now. Which best describes your gut reaction? Energy or exhaustion? I don’t think God calls us to frustration. That could be a signal to evaluate whose work we’re doing and whose strength doing it in.

The Apostle Paul brought intellect, theological rigor and a strong work ethic to his ministry. But he knew that wasn’t what let people see the grace of God. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Take hold of that message today.

Underappreciated Virtues: Contentment

By Paula

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

We’re continuing our look at some underrated traits that are no less necessary in the body of Christ than some of these other fruits. We’ve covered encouragement, maturity, and equity. We finish up this week with contentment. (Which is particularly appropriate as we look forward to Thanksgiving in the U.S.)

What is contentment?

The dictionary defines it as having our desires limited to what we have. The second definition is not disposed to complain or grumble.

Contentment is a sign of maturity. It is evidence that we trust God and His care for us. We have faith in His goodness and His provision for us. We understand that what we have is exactly what we need. We don’t have to be validated by our possessions, by our position, by who we know or even by our circumstances.

Since it’s a sign of maturity, contentment is something we learn. Consider what Paul says:
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13)

Catch that? Paul, the great apostle, learned to be content. Paul had been through enough, had seen God’s hand at work and was at peace no matter what state he was in.

Contentment is a sign of having an eternal, Christ-focused perspective.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Paul faced more hardships than most of us, especially in our cushy, modern culture. But in each one, he saw the greater purpose – getting the gospel to as many people as possible. Because that was his ultimate goal and not his own comfort, he accepted each circumstance.

Contentment keeps our possessions in their proper place.
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. (1 Timothy 6:6-8)

Our things aren’t supposed to control us … but they often do. We have to store them, repair them, clean them, and then dispose of them when we grow tired of them. And to be honest, in many cases, we are still making payments on them when the boredom hits. Then there’s the bigger house, the better neighborhood. Additionally, we are constantly pressed to get ahead, to be more, to do more, to experience more.

It’s no wonder we are stressed, exhausted and constantly feel inadequate. Contentment removes that pressure.

Let’s stop right here and make some important clarifications. Contentment is NOT:

Laziness – No one should be “content” with a dead-end job while his or her family struggles to meet their basics needs.

Disobedience – No one should be “content” with filling a pew when God is clearly calling them to deeper commitment or ministry.

Asceticism – No one should disavow everything just to prove a point.

How does discontent show up among God’s people?

Envy/ jealousy/ covetousness – At their root, each of these feelings reveals our belief that God is NOT fair, just, or good. If that weren’t sinful and presumptuous enough, over time, they lead to…

Bitterness – Bitterness will eat up and individual and infect the whole body. The writer of Hebrews admonishes, Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord. Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many. (Hebrews 12:14-15)

Grumbling – And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, (Exodus 16:2). The Israelites wandering in the desert displayed the opposite of contentment at every turn. Not only did it result in a failure to embrace the promises God had made, it cost their leaders as well. Moses, Aaron and Miriam died in the desert with them. Each of the leaders’ sins — anger, idolatry, jealousy — can be directly traced to discontent, either their own or the pressures from a grumbling people.

How do we achieve contentment?

Realize you are cared for by a good God. We are all familiar with Psalm 23, but take some time to consider the tender care God has for us. For a new Testament perspective, ponder Paul’s words in Romans 8:31-32:
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Focus on what is more important. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). Money, position, and stuff are all temporal. Christ is eternal and His promise to never leave us or forsake is greater than anything we could have in this life. As you do this, it may prompt you to…

Reorder your priorities. Follow Paul’s lead.

Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

Becoming more like Christ is our singular goal as believers. Hopefully these last few weeks we’ve been challenged to work toward that as we strive to be encouraging, to be mature, to treat others with equity and to be content.

No post next week. See you in December as we look toward the celebration of Christ’s birth!

For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, (1 Thessalonians 3:9).

Underappreciated Virtues: Maturity

By Paula

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Hebrews 5:12

We’re continuing our look at some underrated traits that are no less necessary in the body of Christ than some of these other fruits. Last week we looked at encouragement. This week we’ll think about maturity.

What does spiritual maturity look like?

Hebrews 5:14 tells us the mature are those have “trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” They have taken the time and put in the effort. And implicit in distinguishing good from evil is choosing good consistently.

In 1 Timothy 3:6, among the qualifications for pastor, Paul says that the candidate “must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.” So, in contrast, humility is a mark of the mature. So is resisting temptation.

Perhaps the most straightforward lists are in Titus 2. Paul describes how older men and women should conduct themselves within the body of Christ. There is an underlying assumption that the physically mature are also spiritually mature. You can read the lists for yourself but I want to highlight a couple of broad characteristics.

The mature are reverent. They hold God and His Word in high esteem and show the respect due.

The mature are even-tempered. They aren’t given to angry outbursts. They think before they speak.

The mature mentor. They lead by example. They welcome the opportunity to help others grow and benefit from their wisdom and experience. (They aren’t bossy, know-it-alls, or demand that things be dome their way. Remember humility is a key characteristic of the mature.)

How do we become mature?

The short answer – the hard way. The slightly longer answer is that maturity happens as we commit ourselves to learn what it means to be Christlike. More practically, we let Christ stretch our faith. That means going through challenging circumstances. There is no shortcut or instant formula for maturity. Granted some mature more quickly than others. I think this may be because some are more surrendered to the Holy Spirit working in us. Some are more willing to renounce the things the Spirit asks us to change. Some are more willing to walk through the doors the Spirit opens.

Peter gives us an outline of the process. “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. (2 Peter 1:5-7). I won’t take the time to walk through each of those virtues, but I will point out the instruction to “make every effort.” It must be a high priority, worthy of our sustained efforts.

Why does the church need mature believers?

For the answer to that, let’s go back to the verse at the top of the post. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, Hebrews 5:12. The church’s ability to function, to carry out its mission is hampered by immaturity. How can we disciple others if we haven’t moved past the very basics of our faith? How can we live by biblical principles if we don’t know what those are? We will be governed more by our emotions than by the Holy Spirit. We will be influenced more by the culture around us than the example of Christ. Paul and James both warn of the dangers of not detecting false doctrine because we are immature and easily swayed. Once false doctrine takes over, the church is in real spiritual danger as the letters in Revelation attest.

Maturity is necessary for the church to carry out the Commission. We have to make sure we are doing all we can to reach it, as well as not fighting God when He works in our lives to bring it about.

Next week: Equity

Underappreciated Virtues: Encouragement

By Paula

And when he had passed through those areas and offered them many words of encouragement, he came to Greece. Acts 20:2

You’ve no doubt seen the list at the end of 1 Corinthians 13 with faith, hope, and love. And I’m sure you’re familiar with the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in Galatians 5:22-23. Over the next few weeks, let’s take a moment or two to consider some underrated traits that are no less necessary in the body of Christ than some of these other fruits.

First up is energy-infusing encouragement. Not too long ago, we discussed Barnabas. Encouragement (also called exhortation or edification) was his specialty. A quick word search shows it popping up regularly in the book of Acts which means it was key to the growth of the early church. It’s safe to say it will help our churches grow today.

We all need encouragement. Even guys like the Apostle Paul need it. Think about that for a moment. The Apostle Paul needed encouragement from other believers. Romans 1:12 and Philippians 2:19 both mention how Paul looks forward to the encouragement he will receive from his fellow believers. (When you consider he was in prison when he wrote Philippians, that encouragement must have been extremely precious.)

Sometimes we focus on other things at the expense of encouragement. Paul reminds the Thessalonians, “As you know, like a father with his own children, we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to live worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12). He also instructed Timothy, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2). Paul listed three things. Rebuke – tell where we need to straighten up. Correct – show us where we can do better. Encourage – tell us what we need to keep doing.

We need a balance. If we only ever hear things that give us warm fuzzies, we’ll get soft. If we’re only yelled at, we’ll get discouraged and maybe give up. Think of the very best coaches you or your kids played for or the best boss you worked for. What made the difference? I’m going to guess it was the encouragement received.

How do we encourage others?

I wish there was a verse with three or four easy ways to encourage others. But a thoughtful reading, especially of Paul’s instructions to the churches, can give us some ideas.

1. Watch our words – Ephesians 4:29 is very straightforward. “No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.” It’s easy to read that verse and think because we don’t use R-rated vocabulary, it doesn’t apply. Let’s stretch it out to the spirit of the instruction, not just the strict letter. No gossip. No mean-spirited criticism. No disparaging, Spirit-quenching remarks. What if we expand it to body-language? No eye-rolls or frowns. Let’s replace those with kindness, with smiles, with compliments, with appreciation.

2. Do our part – In Ephesians 4:16, Paul says, “From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.” See that? The body, that is, believers encourage each there when we all take part in ministry. We know this is true. One of the most DIS-couraging, burnout-inducing things is when we have to carry a heavy ministry load alone. How encouraging would it be if someone recognized that we could use a hand and offered it? How would it encourage your pastor to see the whole church involved in carrying out the Commission? Think about your church. Who is doing double or triple duty? How and where could you step up? If you’re unsure, make it a matter of prayer.

3. Love each other – That is the root and foundation of encouragement. 1 Corinthians 8:1 states exactly that. Love builds up. Our family of fellow believers is a refuge for us. They are a haven for us to escape to when life is challenging. OR at least they should be. Let’s deliberately decide that our church is not going to add another level of drama and frustration to our lives but that we come alongside one another with genuine love. Notice I said “decide.” Christlike love is not based on merit, nor is it reciprocation. It is an active choice to give of yourself for someone else.

There are other ways to encourage, but I think if we focus on these until we are really good at them, things will change. By the way, you don’t have to wait until Sunday to get started.

Next week: Maturity

Paul’s Partners: Titus

By Paula

To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 1:4

Paul was the most influential figure in the establishment of the early church. However, he didn’t work alone. He had several key partners who gave him very necessary support. We’ve been taking a closer look at some of these guys and learning how we can follow their examples even today. So far we’ve studied Barnabas, Silas, and Timothy.

This week, we’ll finish up with Titus.

Titus is not mentioned in the book of Acts, so what we know about him is pieced together from a careful reading of Paul’s letters. He was a Gentile convert and one of Paul’s earliest associates accompanying Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem and attending the important Council there. In fact, he was probably the prime example of a Gentile convert, filled with the Holy Spirit, proving that adhering to the traditions of Judaism were unnecessary to follow Christ. He pastored the church in Crete where Paul wrote a letter to him that we have in the New Testament. In 2 Timothy, we learn that Paul sent him to Dalmatia.

Titus worked closely with Paul. Paul makes mention of him in Corinth, in Galatia, and in Crete. At least part of that time Titus also served alongside Barnabas. As a result, he becomes a people-person like Barnabas and solid doctrinally like Paul. Not a bad combination.

Do we find mentors to serve with who can help us grow in key areas?
Admittedly, this can be challenging, especially if you are the mentor most of the time. However, we should never be satisfied with where we are and always learning and growing.

Titus was a good administrator. He collected and delivered a special famine offering to Jerusalem. He oversaw the churches on the island of Crete.

Are we careful, conscientious stewards of the things God has entrusted to us?
Maybe administration and leadership are not our gifts. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be counted on to faithfully carry out whatever tasks we’re given or roles we’re called to fill.

Titus was trusted with tricky situations. The Council in Jerusalem addressed the question of how Judaism fit with belief in Christ. Titus was in on all those discussions. Not only that, but he carried Paul’s “severe” letter with strong words for the church at Corinth. Because of his tact and wisdom, the Corinthians received the letter in the spirit Paul intended but he brought news back to Paul. Titus was then re-dispatched with Paul’s reply, the letter we have as 2 Corinthians.

Are we good at communicating the truth, even hard truth, in love?
No one likes conflict. However, it can be handled in a wise loving way that honors God. Titus mastered it. The next point may be the secret.

Titus genuinely loved the people he ministered to and rejoiced at their growth and obedience. (2 Cor. 7:15) Delivering that difficult letter wasn’t a matter of simply accomplishing a task. Titus wanted to see the people in the church restored in their relationships with each other and strengthened in their relationship with Christ. All of this would work to grow the church and spread the gospel message.

Do we have a heart for seeing people with restored relationships, both with each other and with Christ?
Or are we more likely to see conflict as none of our business or maybe as too much trouble and not worth the hassle of getting involved?

Over the last four weeks, we’ve taken a look at some of the close companions Paul traveled with on his evangelism trips. Each of the men had different talents and temperaments, varied skills and spirits. However, Paul would not, could not have accomplished all he did without their support.

What if we strove to be more generous and encouraging? Or maybe more serving and persevering? What if our character and reputation were spotless? What if driven by love for others and wanting the best for them?

The parting question, then, is how would the missions of our local churches be impacted if we poured ourselves into them the way Paul’s companions did for his mission? Isn’t it all the same mission, anyway? Seeing lives transformed by the gospel?

Maybe if we were more like Paul’s companions, we would more fruit like the New Testament churches.

Into the Wilderness: Instruction

A Study in Contrasts: Zerubbabel

Underappreciated Virtues: Contentment

What is contentment?

How does discontent show up among God’s people?

How do we achieve contentment?

Underappreciated Virtues: Maturity

What does spiritual maturity look like?

How do we become mature?

Why does the church need mature believers?

Underappreciated Virtues: Encouragement

Paul’s Partners: Titus

Encounters Series

Covenant of Trust Series

Foundations Series