History and Theology

2 Peter 1:12-15

8/12/10

Peter writes that he will always remind his people of the person and work of Christ, even if his people already know these things (1:12). He even offers a defense: “I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of his body” (1:13). He does not stop there. In these short verses, he also gives a reason for his approach – so that his people always remember (1:14). In essence, he is saying, “I am writing these things to you, so that you will remember; I know you know these things, but I really don’t want you to forget. And I need to remind you of these things while I am alive, because one day I won’t be here. At that point who will remind you?” Peter sounds like an old man who is wont to repeat himself over and over again. For this reason, we may feel the temptation to listen politely, but half-heartedly, and seek more novel things; this would be a grave mistake.

Peter knows a thing or two about human nature. He knows that people are fickle and that there is a strong tendency to forget about the most important things in life, perhaps even from moment to moment. Perhaps he knows this firsthand as he recalls his past interaction with Jesus. In one sentence, he has a pellucid insight into the identity of Christ, and then immediately revolts at the idea of the cross of his master. Jesus even says, “Get behind me Satan” (Matthew 16:23; Mark 8:33). Or perhaps he recalls his bold assertion that he would never betray Jesus, only to betray him three times shortly thereafter (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 18).

Christians forget. Christian need to be reminded on a daily basis of who Jesus is, what he has done, and what these things mean for the people of God. Without this constant reminder, we will forget. I am reminded of this everyday not only in the life of my congregation, but also in my own life. We forget about the costliness of his grace, the beauty of his love, and profundity of his forgiveness. We forget that there is nothing better than knowing him and that we are rich beyond our wildest dreams in view of who we are in him (2 Peter 1:3). We forget his precious promises (2 Peter 1:4). We forget to rejoice in suffering and depend on his grace. We forget to give thanks. We forget that he has called us to be in missions, and the list goes on. Continue reading…

Luke 10:17-20

8/6/10
In this context, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to carry on his work. Jesus reminds them that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. In light of this, it is good that they go. When they return, they rejoice at the ministry that they were able to conduct. They even say, “even the demons submit to your name.” At this point Jesus offers an interesting response. Continue reading…

Titus 1:6, 7

7/7/10

Reading the Bible in another language usually forces a person to read slowly and therefore carefully. This fact alone is probably the single most important advice a person can follow. What struck me was that Titus 1:6 and 1:7 use the same adjective twice, anegkletos, which can be translated as blameless. It is used five times in the New Testament with the same general shade of meaning (1 Cor. 1:8, 1:22, 1 Tim. 3:10, Titus 1:6, 1:7). Continue reading…

Titus 1:5-16

7/6/10

In our generally anti-institution ethos, most do not want to talk about structure and organization. It all smells of corruption and the misuse of power. However, the purpose of the book of Titus is about structuring the church. This is an important point to make, because even when there is little talk of organization or the downright resistance to it, in the end there will be some sort of structure. Therefore, it behooves us to see what Titus teaches concerning the importance of church organization in general and elders in particular. Continue reading…

Colossians 1:7

7/5/10

Paul thanks God for the Colossians, because he has heard of their faith in Christ and their love for all the saints (1 Col. 3, 4). This point is worth pondering, because it shows that faith and love are gifts of God’s grace. To prove this point, you only need to consider a faithless and loveless person and his or her transformation. Only God can do this! Hence, the proper response for growth in faith and love is to offer thanks to God for creating or increasing these qualities in people.

This section also offers one of the means God uses to bring about faith and love, namely, the hope that is laid up in heaven, which Epaphras has been faithful to preach among the Colossians (1:7).

If Paul’s words are correct, then perhaps our contemporary focus on the “immediate” is a big hindrance to growing in faith and love. I suspect this is so, because robust love and faith have to be longsuffering, which can only take place when there is an unshakable hope reserved in heaven.

Do we ponder eternity and heaven with unshakable hope? If not, how can we live a life of faith and love? May God open our eyes to grow in wisdom and knowledge more and more (Col. 1:9).

Psalm 119:8-16

7/4/10

No matter how intelligent and freethinking a person thinks he or she is, no one is autonomous. There are so many influences that shape a person’s life and worldview – family life, education, friendships, the media, and the list goes on. There is simply no way around it. Even if a person resists these influences, the very exertion will mold a person. All this is to say that we are built for counsel and this counsel will shape us.

Continue reading…

I John 4:18

7/2/10

To say that the world is unpredictable is a woeful understatement. There are so many variables.  Or to put it another way, there are so many things that could go wrong. In the last few years, we have lived through some of these events: natural disasters, financial markets crashing, wars, oil spills, and so much more. In light of these things it is easy to make future decisions based on fear. Or if you prefer to be more euphemistic about terms, you can say it is easier to make responsible decisions.

The Christian must be better. In the final analysis, he or she should not be motivated by fear, or even a sense of being responsible; no, the love of God in Christ must be the prime motivation. In fact, John 4:18 says that perfect love casts our fear and that God has demonstrated his love for us in the sending of Christ (1 John 4:9). Therefore, when we experience God’s amazing love and grace in Christ, our decisions (and the church’s decisions) will be made in view of love.

This point is essential, because the perspective of God’s love will give clarity to what is really important from a divine standpoint, namely, to love others (1 John 4:7, 4:20, 4:21). Apart from God’s love, there is only darkness or dimness at best (1 John 2:9, 10). My prayer is that as we face greater challenges in our lifetime, no matter what they be, that we would be fully persuaded of the love of God and make strong decisions of love, not just responsible ones. May the vision of the reckless love of God, which sent Christ to the cross, cause us to love in like manner. May God give us all his grace.