St. Matthew Lutheran Church

Today we read two of Paul’s short letters–Philippians and Colossians. Philippians was written by Paul from prison, most likely in Rome. Colossians was also written while Paul was imprisoned, perhaps the same imprisonment as Philippians. In Colossians, Paul is defending the church against false teaching–especially false teaching about placing too much emphasis on ceremony, angels and human traditions. So throughout Colossians, we see Paul speaking about the supremacy of Christ over all these things.

Look at Colossians 1:15-20:

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”

Let’s center our thoughts there. Read the words again. In everything Jesus has supremacy. Everything. God has given it to Him. There is nothing higher, nothing more powerful, nothing more worthy, nothing for honorable than Jesus.

Let’s let that say at least two things to us.

First, Jesus occupies the supreme spot in our lives. Nothing gives us more hope, more joy, more happiness, more peace. Nothing is a bigger factor in the decisions we make. Nothing deserves more of our time, attention and service. Jesus is supreme.

Secondly, and this is what makes it all so great, this Supreme Son of God made Himself nothing and made us supreme so He could become our servant and take on our sins and our death.

Philippians 2:6-7–”Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

In all things, especially in His love for us, Jesus is supreme.

What Biblical truths does God show me in these verses?
Jesus is supreme.

Since God tells in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
Today I will seek to give Jesus the supreme place in my life, and let Him be the motivation behind my words, thoughts and actions.

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Day 31 brings us to the book of Ephesians.. One of the key ideas in the book of Ephesians is “purpose.” Paul, the author of Ephesians, begins in chapter 1 by displaying God’s divine purpose. He then prays that Christians may realize God’s purpose. Chapters 2-3 show steps toward fulfillment of God’s purpose. And chapters 4-6 show practical ways to fulfill God’s purpose in the church.

It is in this last section that I want us to focus today, particularly Ephesians 5:8-10.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.”

Look at that last phrase again: “find out what pleases the Lord.” Whenever we talk mission, vision, strategic planning as a church, this is what we are talking about. What does God love? What does God value? These are mission and vision type questions. How do we become transformed to the point where we love what God loves and value what God values? These are strategic planning questions.

And God, through Paul, tells us how to go about answering them: “Live as children of light…and find out what pleases the Lord.” He will go on to further define this in the following verses:

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

What Biblical truths does God show me in these verses?
God wants His people to do what pleases Him.

Since God tells in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
Jesus brings light to my life. Today I will seek to live as a child of light and discover what pleases the Lord.

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There is one Gospel – the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ “who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father…” This is how Paul begins his letter to the Galatians.

Today we read the book of Galatians. In this book, Paul speaks to the people, telling them not to change the Gospel. It is complete and shouldn’t be changed to accommodate the people’s attitudes or actions. As he shares this completeness, he also encourages that the Gospel and saving grace of Christ is for everyone. In Galatians 3:26-29 he writes, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

These were big words at the time of Paul, for the Christians who had been Jews were saying that the Gentiles of Galatia needed to do certain Jewish practices prior to conversion to Christianity.  Paul said, ‘no.’  He expresses that it is faith in Christ that brings salvation, not practices and rituals. Christ is the fulfillment of the law, so grace and forgiveness are a free gift from God.

Lent is a time to remember these words and be reminded of the abundance of God’s love for us. Our salvation is not based on anything that we do, but belief in Christ as our Savior.

What Biblical truths does God show me in these verses?
That the gift of salvation is for all people, and through Christ Jesus alone.

Since God tells in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
In realizing that salvation is a free gift, I can joyfully serve God throughout my day, and share that free gift with others.

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Today we read the entire book (13 chapters) of 2 Corinthians.

One of my favorite passages in this book is 2 Corinthians 4:7-12.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you

I can summarize this passage in this way: Life is hard, but God is good. Life is hard. We know what Paul means when he talks about being hard-pressed, perplexed, struck down.

But let’s not lose this point–how we react to those hard things can display Jesus to others. By the way we hold up under the hard stuff, we bear witness to how good God is. When we go through those things that make us hurt, but doing it knowing that God is good, others see that and are drawn to our good God. That is what Paul means when he says “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”

What Biblical truths does God show us in these verses?
Life is hard, but God is good. We display God’s goodness when we persevere under hard stuff.

Since God tells us in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
Today I will remember that the world is watching how I hold up under trial. I will seek to display God’s goodness, even when life is hard.

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Today we read 1 Corinthians 10:1-16:24.

1 Corinthians is a letter that is largely about what it means to be “the church.” The Christians in Corinth were having trouble being the church–there was a lot of disunity, practices brought in from other religions, some confusion about things like resurrection, marriage, worship, and others. So Paul wrote a letter to help them do a better job of being the church.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul uses the analogy of the human body to describe the church. He points that in the human body, there are all sorts of parts, all with different functions, but all every bit as much a part of the body as any other. And they all work together as one body for one purpose. Then he says it is the same way in the church. There are different people with different gifts and different roles, but they all work together for one purpose–to be the church, the body of Christ and to carry out the mission of the church.

This theme of the church being many individuals united as one is common throughout the Bible. Jesus will say “I am the vine; you are the branches” (John 15:5).

Peter says, “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…” (1 Peter 2:5).

Here at St. Matthew we even have a ministry called Living Stones that helps people find their role in the body of Christ.

God does not call us only to be individual Christians; He calls us to interact with other Christians and be part of His One Body.

What Biblical truths does God show us in these verses?
God calls us to be part of a whole (the Body of Christ), one part among many, working for one purpose.

Since God tells us in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
Today I will seek to be not one Christian working alone, but one who is part of the entire Body of Christ, using my special gifts and responsibilities, working with others to carry out the mission.

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Hello, and Welcome! Our readings today are 1 Corinthians 1:1 to 1 Corinthians 9:27.

Faithfulness and Obedience.

Those are the strong words that come to my mind when I read 1 Corinthians Chapter 4. We are blessed when we live with faithfulness and obedience. Imagine the world if every person was faithful and obedient at all times. What a vision.

It is not easy to achieve those standards and sin gets in the way here on earth. Paul wanted the church leaders in Corinth to think of him and the other apostles as fellow servants of God. He said that ministers were accountable to God and that their faithful service would bring praise from God. Faithfulness is revealed in the first few verses: “So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.” He tells them, if they are faithful, they will be blessed. Later In Chapter 4 verse 21, Paul asks the people: “What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?” He is asking the people to be obedient. He is revealing that love and gentle spirit is the preferred way to obedience. Think about it, would we rather be told with a whip to be faithful, or rather with the kind gentle spirit like Christ did? Think about this next time you are spending time with your loved ones. Teach them faith and teach them obedience? Most definitely, but take the time to do it gently, kindly and lovingly, as Jesus does for us.

What Biblical Truths does God show me in these verses?
Faith and Obedience. They should guide our everyday life and our choices we make.

How can I apply these biblical truths to my life?
I will pray to God, asking him to help me live my life faithfully and obediently. I will share His love with others and encourage them to be faithful and obedient, in a kind and gentle way, not harshly and without love.

Day 26 brings us to Romans 12-16. There is great joy in reading the the New Testament in large chunks like this. But there are struggles as well. There is so much to dwell on, it is sometimes hard to get all the way through the reading. That was the case for me today. I got caught up in the very first word in the very first verse of today’s reading.

Romans 12 begins with the word “therefore.” “Therefore” is not a word you start a sentence with unless you have said something just previously that is supporting what you are about to say. The “therefore” in Romans 12:1 points back to all that Paul has been saying about what God has done to give us salvation. He has said that salvation has been completed perfectly by Jesus’ death on the cross. Now he turns to how that free gift of salvation is lived out in our lives. This is what he will spend the remaining chapters of Romans on. Here is how he begins this section on our response to salvation:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

There is much to digest in those two verses–probably enough to fill a few books. But I think I will key in on the sentence “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Here are a few things I want to note about this:

• We do this because of what God has done for us (don’t forget the “therefore” that started all this).

• The world has “patterns” of living. These patterns of living are often the opposite of the patterns of living that Jesus’ followers are called to live.

• The followers of Jesus (us) are called to avoid being conformed by the world–to go against the flow.

• Being transformed is not a one time event. It is a life-long process.

• This transformation happens as God changes our thinking.

What Biblical truths does God show us in these verses?
God has acted on our behalf to give us forgiveness and salvation. He has done this freely. Now as a response that free gift, we are called to offer our lives to Him to be transformed into what He wants them to be.

Since God tells us in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
Today I will seek to be aware of what patterns I am choosing to let influence my life. I will look for areas where I am being conformed to the world rather than allowing myself to be transformed by God and seek to change.

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Today we begin the book of Romans. We are only going to be spending two days in this great book, so let me give you a quick overview.

Paul spends the first 2 chapters showing humanity’s need for forgiveness. The next 6 chapters deal with how God gives that forgiveness to all people through faith in Jesus. Chapters 9-11 deal with what that message of forgiveness means to the Jewish people. And chapters 12 through the end deal with what our lives look like as people who have received that forgiveness.

Today we read chapters 1-8 and I will focus my attention on Romans 1, particularly verse 12. Paul expresses a desire to come to Rome. One of the reasons he wants to come, he states in this way:

“that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”

That is what ministry to other Christians is all about. My faith is to be used by God to encourage your faith and vice versa. And that happens when we let faith have its way. Too often though we don’t let faith have its way. Instead we let the devil have his way. Those are the time when rather than our faith encouraging someone else’s faith, our anger encourages someone else’s anger; or our frustration encourages someone else’s frustration; or our sin hurts someone else’s faith. That is not the way of faith.

Faith encourages faith. Faith builds, grows, strengthens and edifies faith.

What Biblical truths does God show us in these verses?
One Christian’s faith can be used to encourage another Christian’s faith.

Since God tells us in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
Today, I will look for opportunities to let my faith be used by God to encourage someone else’s faith.

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Wow! What a story we read today in Acts 23-28! The story surrounding the apostle Paul includes arrest, imprisonment, assassination plans, rescue in the dark of night, soldiers, horsemen, spearmen, rides with the cavalry, travel over hundreds of miles, more ambush plans, accusations of insanity, audience with kings, house arrest, sailing, northeaster storm, shipwreck, saving of the crew, collection of firewood with islanders, snake bite, healing of the sick, and even a happy ending. All of this in a few short chapters. Can’t you just imagine the movie that Steven Spielberg could make with this?

Luke writes this story in great detail. Why? What do we learn from this besides the historical information? My overall impression of this account is Paul’s behavior. He remains steadfast throughout the hardships. He refrains from the simpering flattery that the Romans employ when speaking with their governors, he merely speaks the truth of the events with simplicity. Paul endures physical difficulties while preaching about Jesus. He shares his story without shame or embellishment – he simply speaks the truth.  He speaks with equal sincerity to kings, politicians, jailers, Jews and Gentiles.

However, while Paul is a pillar of strength, the general population is severely divided as to their beliefs regarding the resurrection. The Sadducees do not accept resurrection, the Pharisees do. They argue back and forth in the beginning of the story, leading to Paul’s arrest, imprisonment, and their plans to assassinate him. At the end of the story, after all of Paul’s preaching and speaking and all the events of the previous years, they are still arguing. Chapter 28, verses 24-25 say “Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. They disagreed among themselves and began to leave…”

It was not Paul’s job to stop the disagreements or to control the end result. Paul’s work from the Holy Spirit was to preach and witness. The end result was not for Paul to control, that was and is, for God.

What Biblical truths does God show us in these verses?
Ultimately, God is in control. He gives us gifts to use according to His will and we are to use them to the utmost, regardless of the consequences or results.

Since God tells us in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
Today I will do my best to listen to God’s will for my actions and use the gifts he has given me in the best way possible. I will not worry about results, but will place my trust in God’s grace.

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As we continue working our through the New Testament we find ourselves in Paul’s third missionary journey in the book Acts. Today we read Acts 17:1-22:30.

One of the things that strikes me as we read through the book of Acts is the variety of ways in which the disciples witness to their faith. Sometimes it is through debate, sometimes through miracles, sometimes through presenting Old Testament prophecy about Jesus, sometimes through kind treatment of strangers.

In Acts 17:16-34, we see Paul share the Gospel in a unique way. He sees the many idols that the people of Athens worship, including one to an “unknown god.” He then meets the people where they are with something with which they are familiar, and then uses that as an opportunity to share the True God with them.

It would have been easy for Paul to pass on this witnessing opportunity. It would have been easy for him to look at how devoted they were to false gods, given up on them and moved on somewhere else. But he didn’t. He saw something which gave Him an opportunity to talk about Jesus and he took it, and then let the Holy Spirit do His work of making unbelievers into believers.

This is possible in our lives as well. Countless times as we go through our days, if we are watching, we have lots of opportunities to connect Jesus to something in someone’s life and share Him.

What Biblical truths does God show me in these verses?
God wants all people, no matter who or what they are worshiping, to worship Him.

Since God tells us in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
Today I will look for opportunities to connect Jesus to something in someone’s life and share Him.