Church In Toronto Sermon Audio: Recent Episodes
Church In Toronto
At CIT we believe real love, real life, and real community, happens in the church. Whatever your walk and where ever you are in life, God loves you just as you are. If you're in Toronto, we'd love to see you in person at one of our Sunday services. For more information visit us at churchintoronto.com.
Christians confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh (1 Jn. 4:2); but, what kind of flesh? At incarnation did God’s Son assume fallen flesh like ours? Or was his human nature unfallen, like Adam in Eden? All agree Jesus never sinned; but, was his human nature fallen or not? Historically the latter view prevailed. To ‘save Jesus from the Fall,’ Roman Catholics rely on Mary’s ‘immaculate conception;’ Reformed invoke the Spirit’s sanctification. And doctrinal dogma asserts Jesus’ ‘impeccability’–he was incapable of ever sinning. Such tenets insulate Christ, distancing the Savior from us; being immune to temptation, he sails effortlessly through trials. But Scripture says Christ came in the ‘likeness of our sinful flesh,’ he’s ‘like us in every way, except sin.’ Some contemporary theologians affirm God’s Son took our fallen human nature, yet his person never sinned. Rather, through a lifelong struggle–from the manger to the cross–sin was condemned in his flesh & he sanctified that nature aligning it with God’s will. Today, as we struggle, he’s our great High Priest.
What are you willing to put your name on? As a professional engineer, architect or a medical doctor you have the privilege of signing official prescriptions, reports, drawings, etc. As a person of integrity, you’re not going to put your signature on things that are below approved standards. In Phil. 2:9-11, we see God putting his name on the life & work of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:6-8). Why? Because all he did aligned perfectly with God! Therefore God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name. God’s evaluation is clear. Men & women also have the chance to evaluate the life & work of Jesus. Do we see him as God sees him, or as the collective ‘wisdom’ of humanity sees him. If your evaluation aligns with God’s, you see him as he really is, God, & you confess that to all. With whose evaluation of Jesus do you line up: God’s or man’s?
The hymn in Philippians 2 highlights the fact that Jesus was obedient to the point of death. The book of Hebrews points out that Jesus learned obedience even though he was the Son. As the Son of God, Jesus was neither disobedient or obedient because he was equal with God. There was no need for obedience as the divine Son of God. In his divine nature, his will was the Father’s will. However, in his humanity he had a human will. It was this human will that learned obedience. It didn’t mean he went from disobedience to obedience but that as a man he brought his will into line with God’s will. This was evident in his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.
What does this mean for us? As disciples and followers of Jesus, we also need our will brought into line with God’s will. This is learning to become obedient. Today’s society does not look favourably on people who are obedient. However, if we truly desire to follow Christ, we will learn obedience. Obedience actually will bring us into a freedom that most people do not know.
Philippians 2:6-11 is a ‘Christ Hymn’ for worship which encapsulates early Christian beliefs. It became a goto resource for distinguishing between orthodox beliefs and competing heresies. That enterprise produced the faithdefining Creeds of Nicaea, Chalcedon, etc. These documents delve into the mysteries of the Trinity and the incarnation. Chalcedon’s daring distinction between Christ’s one Person (expressed as ‘I’) & his two natures has proved invaluable; the incarnation’s subject is a single Person—God’s eternal Son, the 2nd of the Trinity. At incarnation he assumed the human nature, but not a human person. So, in his person Christ is not a ‘hybrid God-man;’ rather he is the divine Logos who was ‘with God in the beginning’. We don’t have a ‘Phantom Christ,’ a ‘Miracle-Man Christ,’ an ‘Adopted Christ,’ a ‘Multiplepersonality Christ.’ Our Christ was and is God’s eternal Son, the 2nd of the Trinity, who incarnated to redeem & restore us.
Many people talk about Jesus today, but the Jesus they present can be significantly different from the biblical Jesus. Some think he is merely a man, or a good man. Others think he was a prophet. Some think the ‘idea’ of Jesus is what really matters. But Phil. 2:5-11 presents Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, not exploiting his divine position & status, but willingly becoming a human being in order to serve us. This Jesus was 100% God, 100% human! He came not to be served, but to serve mankind by humbling himself, and even going to the point of dying on a cross for us. Why does Paul place this beautiful, self-emptying poem before the Philippians in this letter? Not for them to try to outwardly imitate, but rather to see what God & Christ have done for them. By believing in Christ, they & we, can be empowered by him to live a life in community that is willing to let go of our rights, our privileges, our status so we can serve others well.
Reading Phil. 2:6-11 we glimpse the praise & worship offered to Jesus by the earliest Christians. Paul adapts this ‘hymn’ as his ‘Master Story.’ It’s breathtaking in scope–from the eternal past before all time, to eternal future when every creature worships Jesus as cosmic Lord. It covers Christ’s descent from the heights of equality with God down to the depths of human suffering, climaxing in the cross, yet followed by God’s exaltation of him far above all. Some scholars adamantly refuse to recognize Christ’s preexistence and incarnation here; they see only a sinless ‘Second Adam,’ succeeding where the First Adam failed, promoted as God’s ‘Adopted Son’ worthy only of admiration and imitation. Rejecting this prejudicial view, we ought to see God’s pre-existing Son, equal with God the Father, actively renouncing divine privilege, emptying himself to participate in humanity. Now, through his cross, we participate in our Savior’s benefits, confess Jesus as Lord, & worship him to God’s glory.
As heavenly citizens, we not only conduct ourselves personally but we also live together as citizens of heaven. We have the ability to live as proper heavenly citizens because we are united with Christ, we are “in Christ.” As those in Christ, we, together with our fellow citizens, have encouragement, love, fellowship in the Spirit and affection for one another. For us to live as heavenly citizens in Christ, it is crucial for us to see and appreciate that we have been gifted with all these things. This is the mindset that Paul is trying to help the Philippians have. It is the mindset of Christ. With this mindset comes considering others more important than ourselves and setting aside any selfish ambition and concern only for ourselves. This mindset we have in Christ. May this corporate heavenly citizenship be lived out practically among us.
Ask most Christians about their experience in the gospel, and they usually head for the hills because the very thought of approaching another person to tell them about their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ terrifies them. We all have stories and scars to talk about our bad experiences in the gospel. And while speaking to others is a critical element of the gospel, Paul says there is something more important to see about it. On the one hand we need to believe it and speak it. But on the other hand, Paul says we need to ‘become’ the gospel. In other words, it’s not just what you say that unveils the gospel, it’s your living. Paul says, “As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27a). Christians first and foremost are citizens of heaven. Which means our source for all we do and say should come from heaven. But in addition, as Christians, we are called to live heavenly lives here on earth, in our daily situations in order that our colleagues, classmates and family to see the gospel lived out right before their eyes. By the power of the Spirit Paul and the Philippians did it. Now it’s our turn.
Evangelicals hope to ‘go to heaven’ when they die. Catholics expect a Purgatory-detour before going there. Lifeafter-death for Paul is different; dying is ‘departure to be with Christ’; its being ‘absent from the body, but present with the Lord.’ Christ’s ‘interim state,’ between dying and rising, will be matched by believers–they’ll be disembodied ‘naked souls,’ but ‘re-clothed’ at the Resurrection. Yet, Jesus’ parables are dramatically different. His ‘Rich Man & Lazarus’ story portrays both men conscious and embodied after death, already experiencing reward or punishment prior to the Last Judgment. Is Lazarus experiencing Eternal bliss with Abraham? Is the Rich Man’s fate the Eternal Hellfire threatened by Fundamentalist preachers, or is it Catholic Purgatory? Where’s the ‘Interim State’ in this story? Can the diverse scenarios of Paul & Jesus be reconciled? A crucial key is recognizing that Jesus’ story is a parable, not an historical account. It’s not a ‘roadmap beyond the grave’; Jesus challenged the Pharisees using their own Life-after-Death folklore. So, does Jesus’ parable really conflict with Paul’s ‘interim state’? Do resurrection, reward &/or punishment all begin immediately after death? Is there a Biblical basis for Purgatory? Such questions deserve Bible-based answers.
Paul indicates that we have been given the gift of believing in Christ and suffering for the sake of Christ. We have no problem with the gift of believing but we struggle with the thought that suffering is a gift. Paul’s mindset is that since Christ suffered, as followers of Christ we will also suffer and this is a gracious gift. This attitude went against the perception of success and honor in the society at his time. It is not much different today. Although we should not ask for suffering, when it comes, we need to have the right mindset regarding suffering. Paul indicates that this suffering can result in future resurrection (Phil. 3:10) and that it produces endurance, character and hope (Rom. 5:3-4.) Paul is trying to change our mindset regarding suffering. It is a gift and it produces something and forms us for resurrection. It also makes us people who can walk with others through their suffering.
What happens to Christians when we die? Some would confidently answer, “That’s easy, we go to heaven!” And while that answer rolls off the tongue of so many Christians, is that what we can look forward to when we die? Paul lays out a pathway that follows the same one that our Saviour Jesus also took. A bodily existence here on earth. Followed upon death of a disembodied temporary state where we will enjoy the presence of God. But that is not our final state! There will be a final resurrection for believers. At that point we will receive a new resurrected body that is suitable for the new creation. We have such a beautiful future in store for us. No wonder Paul tells us we should rejoice at the prospect of this incredible future with God and his people!
Paul had supporters, but also detractors—critics & rivals who doubted his apostleship, questioned his mission, & saw his incarceration as divine disfavor. Responding Paul declares, “this will turn out to my salvation…” (1:19). What does “salvation” mean here? Is it being saved from eternal punishment, or deliverance—release from prison? Is it rescue from anxiety & shame? The key is that Paul quotes directly from OT Job (13:16); this narrows the interpretational options. Assailed by inexplicable loss, Job suffered unrelenting accusation from his ‘friends,’ assured of his sin. Courageously Job appealed to God for vindication and received it. Now Paul invokes Job’s voice calling for divine vindication; ultimately only God’s verdict counts. What about you? Do you feel misunderstood, unjustly criticized, unfairly maligned? Did you ever ask “why do ‘bad things’ happen to me?” Can we—like Job & Paul—appeal for God’s vindication? Let’s look at Paul, asking: do we match his example?
Paul’s hope was that, whether he would live or die, Christ would be honoured. He would not be ashamed as a prisoner, nor ashamed if he should die. He shared this as a pattern for the Philippian believers. Paul’s thoughts and view of life and death are different than most of ours. He did not view one as bad and the other good, rather, he viewed them both as good. For Paul, to live was Christ and to die was gain. He depicts dying as the “better of two goods.” Most people today avoid the topic of death. But for Paul, he considered dying as a gain (Phil. 1:21), being with Christ (Phil. 1:23) or being at home with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8). For Paul the deciding factor in his present situation was what was best for the Philippian believers. He believed that God would release him from prison so that he could remain with them for their progress and joy in the faith. Paul didn’t live for himself but for others.
Oftentimes when we face hardships, sufferings and difficulties, we might think God can’t possibly use us at that time. We disqualify ourselves from serving him because we are too busy licking our wounds. But what if God wanted to use us even in the midst of our most difficult times? The Philippians knew Paul was in prison and faced an uncertain future. What would that mean for the gospel? Paul gave them a new way of looking at his situation, and all difficult situations when it comes to working with God. Where we see hindrance, blockage or frustration, God sees a new way for the gospel to advance. What a mindset Paul had! “Lord, renew our minds to see all the opportunities you give us to advance your gospel .”
We’re inundated by news, messages, & media–all competing for our attention & resources; how to cut through the
‘noise’ and focus on what really matters? Paul, ‘the slave of Christ,’ prayed for believers to discern ‘the things that matter most.’ This isn’t a generic call to pursue excellence or better prioritize our time and resources. It’s more profound; Paul exemplifies that some things matter, others don’t. For Paul, the Gospel’s progress matters, not his imprisonment or rival preachers’ motives. Christ’s exaltation matters, not his trial’s verdict—life or death. The Philippians’ progress matters, not Paul’s presence or absence. Ultimately, what matters most for Paul? Only Christ matters; he counts everything else as loss. Adopting this criterion, the Philippians won’t grieve over Paul’s incarceration or even execution; they’d rejoice (like Paul) in the success of God’s mission
In most of Paul’s letters he expresses his thankfulness to God for the believers to whom he is writing. As well he expresses thanks to God for His work and what He has done in various places. Paul’s gratitude spills over into joy especially in his epistle to the Philippians. Paul’s gratitude is for all things even when circumstances are not in his favor. Not only does he model thankfulness but he exhorts the believers to give thanks in and for all things. And so we should do likewise.
Paul is confident that the work that God began in the Philippians will be completed. He bases this on both God and the response that the Philippians have had and continue to have in their partnership with Paul and God in the gospel. On the one had they are partnering with Paul; on the other hand, they are partnering with God in His mission. Their response gave Paul this confidence. Let us partner with each other and with God in his mission.
The way Paul begins his letter to the Philippians is so very important because it begins the theme of servanthood which we find illustrated again & again in the letter. He speaks of himself & Timothy as ‘slaves of Christ Jesus’ (1:1). Slave, not apostle. As Christ laid aside his authority as God and became a slave in order to serve humanity (2:6-8), so too Paul laid aside his apostolic authority to serve others for his Master, Jesus. We might all agree that that’s appropriate for an apostle, afterall he is in complete service to God. But is that also an appropriate expectation for you & I? Are we called to be slaves of Christ & therefore servants to all as well? Philippians offers us this one and only one way to live a worthy life! Are there other ways to live? Of course. But Paul encourages us all to be slaves of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Luke, the master storyteller, recounts the risen Jesus’ journey to Emmaus accompanying two disillusioned disciples. This trip is more than a mission to restore the deserting duo; it’s not just a proof of Jesus’ resurrection. The Emmaus episode demonstrates how Jesus is experienced in the new era, after the cross & empty tomb. Supposedly a stranger, Jesus joins the disappointed duo and engages their hopes & fears. He adjusts their inadequate view of his Messianic mission by opening God’s Word igniting their hope. Responding, they invite Jesus to their home, where he transforms an ordinary meal into a sacred Lord’s Supper revealing his true identity. It is via both these means—the Scriptures and the Sacrament (breaking of bread), through Word and Worship—that Christian believers know and experience the risen Christ today.
The letter to the Philippians is a friendly, compassionate, and family type letter. Paul does not present himself as an apostle but as a servant. The church in Philippi might be could be considered as the church Paul was closest to.
In this letter Paul does his best to address the mindset of the Philippians by sharing his own mindset on how he lives in all circumstances. He has a mindset on suffering and on joy. This mindset is dominated by his aspiration to pursue Christ, to gain Christ and to have Christ the reason for living. By sharing his mindset he is trying to help the Philippians (and us) have the same kind of mindset.
Before we turn our attention to the actual text of the Philippian letter, let’s look at how the gospel first came to the city of Philippi. We’re introduced in Acts 16 to Lydia, an unmarried (widowed) immigrant. As a wealthy & successful business woman who sold the highly sought after purple dyed cloth (a luxury item for the powerful & wealthy), we might imagine that she was living ‘a life worth living’. Yet with all her wealth, status & achievement she sought a deeper meaning to life; the kind that goes beyond the fading thrill of conquering yet another goal or seeing a bank account swell. Later in the chapter we meet an ex-Roman soldier dutifully carrying out his role as a jailer. He, unlike Lydia, wasn’t seeking God at all, but then a violent earthquake shook his exterior & interior worlds. As his ‘life worth living’ crumbled, his attention turned to something more, something deeper & more meaningful. In both of these people’s lives, God brought the good news of Jesus to them through Paul & Silas, and they & their households were led into salvation, & Philippi’s church had its first members.
As Paul concludes Galatians, he wants to underscore the importance of living life with the Spirit. He’s already mentioned ‘walking by the Spirit’ and ‘being led by the Spirit,’ but here in chapter 6 he says, ‘sow to the Spirit’ (6:8). Sowing here is a form of investing. We can invest in what the Spirit is doing, or what the corrupting flesh wants. As we consider where to sow (invest), Paul turns our attention again towards others. Sowing to the Spirit is not just a personal endeavour, but more importantly, one done in and for the building of Christian community. Are you investing well? And maybe more importantly, where, or in whom are you investing? It matters because God sees and is not mocked (6:7). The cold reality is that we may be deceiving ourselves as we sow to the flesh and think everything is just fine. Sow today for your present and future experience of eternal life?
Galatians 6 gives an example of what living by the Spirit looks like. The example is restoring a person who has sinned or has manifested the “works of the flesh.” Restoration should be carried out by those who experience the Spirit producing humility in them. This restoration should also include walking with the person until they learn to walk by the Spirit. This is to carry one another’s burdens.
Although only one example is given here, there are many other examples of carrying one another’s burdens. We need to learn to give help and also to ask for help. We are designed to walk by the Spirit in community. However, on the other hand, before God, we must carry our own load. One day, each of us will give an account of our life to God.
When we think about the ‘works of the flesh’ and the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ we often think individually. But is that what Paul is pointing to in Gal. 5:19-23? He is actually much more concerned with our community life. Hatred, envy, strife, etc. are all aimed at others, with the result of destroying community. Whereas, love – sacrificial love for others – exhibited in a joy and peace and patience, that love always builds community. Why? Because that is the kind of love lived by Christ who “loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20b). That is life the Spirit of God is leading us to live every day. In this way he is leading us to build the Christian community God has placed us in.
Freedom as revealed in Scripture is very different from freedom that is promoted in society. Freedom in society is individualistic and self centered. Freedom in the Spirit, which is a gift from God, is focused on taking care of others, serving others, and promoting the welfare of community, especially the Christian community, the church. The works of the flesh are mainly against the community of faith.
This section also contrasts walking by the Spirit and carrying out the desires of the flesh. The Spirit was given to us when we received salvation. It is this Spirit, who has the power that is stronger than the power of the flesh. We do not fight against the flesh, we get in step with the Spirit, who is the One with power over the flesh. If we think that we have to fight the flesh we fall into the trap of keeping the law.
If you asked 100 people to tell you what they thought freedom was, it’s likely you’d get 100 different answers. As Christians we can be persuaded by all kinds of ideas about what freedom is or should be. But, how does God see freedom? As Christians, his thoughts on freedom are what should and must govern our lives. In Galatians 5:1a, Paul says, “For freedom Christ has set us free.” Our freedom was won by Christ’s work for us. It’s a freedom ‘from’ sin, ‘from’ self, and ‘from’ the influence of the evil forces. But God’s freedom is also ‘for’ something. God frees us to live the life he has designed for us. We are freed to love and serve others in righteousness. And we are told to remain in that freedom. What we have to guard ourselves against is that we do not return to any yoke of slavery again (Gal. 5:1b).
Paul’s churches were imperiled by zealous Jewish-Christians pressuring Gentile-believers to proselytize. They argued that all Abraham’s descendants were circumcised. Paul rebuts this ‘false gospel.’ He creatively applies OT Scripture, ‘turning the tables’ on his opponents. Abraham had two sons, not just one; Ishmael, Abraham’s natural son via Hagar, represents slavery. Only Isaac, Sarah’s son via God’s promise, portrays freedom. Despite their DNA, the Jewish agitators are not today’s ‘Isaac;’ they are ‘Ishmael,’ slaves under Law, destined for expulsion. Who is today’s ‘Isaac’? In the era of freedom launched by Christ, the churches expressing the Spirit’s fruit and responding to Scripture’s living voice—they are today’s ‘Isaac.’ Let’s test ourselves by these criteria; do we manifest the characteristics of ‘Isaac’ or of ‘Ishmael’?
The letter to the Galatian churches is Paul’s passionate attempt to recover and rescue the Galatian believers from leaving the gospel. Initially he used rebuke (1:6; 3:1, 3) and a lot of theological and intellectual arguments. Now in this section he uses emotional arguments. Firstly, he presents himself as a pattern to them and charges them to become like him. He abandoned the law and took his stand as crucified with Christ and living by him (2:20). Secondly, he reminds them of their initial response to the gospel. Thirdly, he accuses the circumcision party of making the Galatians feel “outside of God’s people” unless they become circumcised. Finally, he expresses maternal sentiment as he struggles that Christ would be formed in the Galatians. This section is full of emotion.
Paul has been making the point that those who are of faith in Christ are sons of God and therefore heirs of God’s promises also (Gal. 3:26-29). In 4:1-11, Paul shows us that every single one of us, no matter our background, was in slavery prior to meeting Christ. We were all held in slavery to something. Jews were enslaved to God’s law. Gentiles didn’t have God’s law, but were enslaved nevertheless to cultural, national, and tribal ideas, values, philosophies, prejudices, power imbalances, etc. And yes, even we enlightened North American, western thinkers were and are enslaved too! Behind the scenes, evil spiritual beings are manipulating and twisting things to such an extent that we are enslaved under them. How do we come out from under this slavery? Most of us don’t even know we are slaves. We think we are free human beings determining our own fate.
We have a God who is always pursuing us to release us from our slavery and make us his sons and heirs! If he hadn’t moved through his Son and in his Spirit we would still be slaves. Let’s worship him for who he is and for all he has and is still doing to rescue us!
The letter to the Galatian churches is Paul’s attempt to address the division caused by Jewish believers not accepting the Gentile believers without their conforming to Jewish practices. The root cause of this was that Jewish people felt they were superior to non-Jews. This led them to practice separation and avoiding fellowship with non-Jewish believers. In this final portion of chapter 3, Paul clearly concludes that since all believers are accepted by God based on their response to the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, then there should be no separation among people with different backgrounds.
Paul’s understanding went beyond Jew versus Greek. He extended this principle and theology to include slaves and free as well as male and female. He clearly states that all, regardless of their differences, are one in Christ, because all have been baptized into Christ. Furthermore, since they are all in Christ, they are also heirs of the promises. There is no difference in worth between the various different people.
Most of the world’s population identify with an Abrahamic religion. So, who are Abraham’s true descendants? Jews? Muslims? Christians? Galatia’s churches faced the same issue; agitators pressured Gentile-believers to adopt Jewish rites to become Abraham’s bone fide Paul reacts with an audacious claim: Abraham’s singular ‘seed’ is Jesus Christ alone, not OT Israel. Plus everyone belonging to Christ—the church–is also Abraham’s seed. Critics find such claims ‘grotesque,’ ‘anti- Semitic,’ & a ‘violent & unfaithful reading’ of Genesis. Yet, Paul isn’t twisting history; he reinterprets Israel’s founding story in the light of the Christ event. The trajectory of the divine promise diverges from Israel’s history, bypassing the Law. God’s sovereign action—the coming of faith, of Christ, of the Spirit–are not dependent on human cooperation; no person or people (Israel, church, etc.) is indispensable to God’s plan. So, let’s trust & wait for God to do what only God can do, believing we will see surprising things!
When you think of yourself, would you say you are a child of Abraham? On the surface you may say, NO! But if you dig deeper you may see some striking similarities in your temperament and psychology to his, and if you are a follower of Jesus by faith, then Paul says you definitely are one of his descendants (Gal. 3:7, 9). God called him, and God called you to follow him. If you are his child then you are blessed (Gal. 3:9)!
Some Jewish Christians in Galatia wanted the new non-Jewish (Gentile) followers of Jesus to keep the Old Testament law. But Paul says that places them under a curse (Gal. 3:10) just like Israel has been. Israel was cursed because they couldn’t keep the law. God was so concerned about this that Christ came to redeem (deliver or liberate) those who were under that curse (Gal. 3:13). Why? So that everyone could enjoy his blessing!
Paul uses the example of Abraham to illustrate that being considered righteous before God is based on faith and not keeping the Torah. Most likely his opposers used Abraham’s circumcision to insist that the Gentiles should become circumcised to become accepted as part of the people of God. Paul never mentions circumcision but quotes Gen. 15:6 to prove that righteousness comes through faith. Implicit in his argument is that it is either faith or keeping the Torah that makes us righteous. It cannot be both. And he argues it is faith and only faith.
Paul’s use of Abraham also could be understood that Abraham is a type of Christ. As the father of faith, he has many “sons.” They are his descendants because of their faith. We are sons of God by faith. Abraham’s faithfulness (even if it was sometimes questionable) is also a type of the faithfulness of Christ. The fact that the nations are blessed with Abraham is also a type of Christ becoming a blessing to the whole world.
Abraham had many failures, yet he is still considered the father of faith. God did not discard him because of his failures. This should be a great encouragement to us. Remember, we live by the faithfulness of the Son of God who loved us and gave himself for us, not by our own merit.
Paul proclaimed Christ crucified & observed the Galatians’ life-changing reception of the Holy Spirit. Now Paul unleashes a barrage of questions—on what basis did they get the Spirit—by adopting Jewish rites, or via faith? That’s a ‘no-brainer;’ as ex-pagans the Jewish option was a non-starter. Today’s Protestants & Evangelicals know the kneejerk answer–‘Saved by faith, not works.’ But maybe we’re missing something crucial—God’s initiative precedes ours. ‘Faith’ here isn’t our fragile human faith, it’s the ‘faith of Jesus Christ’—his faithfulness in fulfilling God’s mission even to the cross. His faithfulness trumps our wavering faith. Christians may suffer ‘salvation anxiety;’ they can question or even ‘lose their faith.’ Nevertheless our salvation & the Spirit’s reception are secured by Christ’s own faith. Our believing simply ‘echoes’ the Son of God’s faith.
Galatians 2:19-21 are some of the most important verses in the New Testament. Paul describes his identity and his living in Christ. Paul’s relationship with the law (Torah) was ended because he was crucified with Christ. Even though he felt that he was able to keep the law, he realized that his acceptance by God was not based on keeping the law but on faith in Christ. He no longer lived a ego-centric life, but now Christ lived in him. This did not mean he was replaced or annihilated. But now the source of his life and living was guided by the faithfulness of the Son of God who loved him and gave himself for Paul. Paul considered his identity in Christ and his living in this new identity and relationship was what should be everyone’s experience. He did not consider himself special, he considered himself simply to be an example.
In Scripture God made it clear that the old covenant he made with the Jews would one day be over and a new covenant would replace it (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:26-27; Gal. 3:24a, 25). Instead of people maintaining their relationship to God through a variety of practices (circumcision, law, diet), they would do that through Christ alone! This new covenant was enacted through his death and resurrection, which brought an end to all these practices. And while that seems so obvious to you and I, leaving those old practices behind for Jewish Christians was not easy at all. In Gal. 2:15-21, Paul reminds Peter what happens when anyone believes into Jesus: they are accepted or approved (justified) by God; they enter into a new relationship with God! What, then, are we to do to maintain this relationship? Simply keep a daily walk in Christ, even if it means that some think that we are “sinning.” But what we shouldn’t do is rebuild the very things that God tore down through Christ’s death and resurrection, that separate people from one another.
This week we address the topic of justification. However, we need to keep in mind that in Galatians, justification is in the context of Jewish believers and Gentile believers living in community together. The Jewish believers needed to realize that their believing in Jesus implied that keeping the Mosaic law did not make them accepted and approved by God otherwise there was no need to put their trust and faith in Jesus. The Mosaic law refers to practices such as special diet, circumcision, not associating with non-Jews (Gentiles), hence separation, keeping the Sabbath and many other regulations.
Our acceptance (justification) is based on our faith in Jesus the Christ. This faith is not merely mental agreement, it is a trust relationship. Faith is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8). Faith is a trust and personal dependence on what God has done in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Our initial trust justified us (approved us) however we continue to have a trust relationship with the crucified and resurrected Jesus, continuing our acceptance and approval. We continue to endeavor to be justified (Gal. 2:17) based on this relationship of trust and faith. May we continue to have this personal dependence of trust on the crucified and resurrected Jesus and enjoy the table fellowship will all of those who have believed.
Church conflicts are ugly & painful; yet they happen. Scripture eschews a utopian ideal; it realistically reports conflict, even among church leaders—e.g., Paul, Peter, & James. We can learn from their actions & reactions. The church’s emergence from Judaism produced tensions–some soon resolved, others not. The ‘Antioch incident’ was no ‘tempest in a teapot;’ it was a major watershed. Both major players had divine revelations. Paul testified, “I did not disobey the heavenly vision.” Peter couldn’t say that. When James’ delegation arrived, insisting Jewish believers segregate from Gentile “sinners” at fellowship meals, Peter retreated, splitting the church between Jews & Gentiles. Paul reacted, rebuking Peter to his face. This was no power play. Paul saw that this violated the gospel truth–all believers justified by faith, are equal members in God’s family. Paul’s rearguard action, despite the other leaders’ defection, prevented Christianity from being reabsorbed back into Judaism. The other leaders’ intransigence left Paul isolated, yet Church history vindicates Paul. In the church old distinctions along ethnic/racial lines can’t coexist with faith in Christ—new creation’s sole distinctive. At Antioch Paul was a ‘midwife’ birthing the church out of Judaism.
In Galatians 2:11-14, Paul fights for the truth of the gospel as he points out a critical error that Peter made with regards the Gentile believers. But before we can truly understand what’s going on in Galatians, we must see the background in Acts 10 & 11. There we see Peter received a vision from God that the Jewish food laws of the Old Covenant, and the separation from Gentiles were now over! Of course, Peter needed some time to understand this. Eventually he realized that God did it to make a way for all peoples on earth to enter the family of God through Jesus Christ.
Having seen this vision, then, why would he take a step backwards in Antioch? (Gal. 2:11-12) How often have we ourselves seen something from God, walked in it for some time, and later to live as though we’d never seen it? Thankfully we have a God who is for our progress & growth in the faith he has called us too. He restores those who take a step backwards. He did this for Peter, and we see evidence of this in Acts 15:7b-10. There, Peter speaks clearly about how God has opened the way for the Gentiles in his family.
Paul worked for around 14 years in a hidden way far away from Jerusalem. He preached the gospel that had been revealed to him. While he laboured he continued to receive revelations regarding the gospel. At the same time he also suffered while spreading the word of the gospel in the regions of Syria and Cilicia (modern day Turkey). Yet Paul worked in a hidden way, not trying to gain a name for himself but being faithful to the commission given him by God.
Fourteen years later he went to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus, most likely to bring money for the poor in Judea. Here he presented what he was preaching and how Gentiles were responding to the gospel. The leaders in Jerusalem had nothing to add to what Paul was preaching. This confirmation by the Jerusalem apostles should have given the Galatian believers confidence in the gospel Paul was preaching.
However, there were people in Jerusalem, false brothers, who wanted to impose Jewish observances such as circumcision upon the Gentile believers in order for them to be received into the people of God. Paul strongly objected to this so that the truth of the gospel would be preserved especially for the gentile believers.
If you were asked, “What is the essential message of Paul’s gospel?” what would you say? If you look at all of Paul’s messages in Acts and all of his letters, what does he focus on? It’s not Jesus’ life and ministry recorded in the four Gospels: his teachings, miracles, or parables. Rather, he is intensely focused on Jesus’ death & resurrection. Why? It’s because those are the very things that bring about change in our lives! Who did you believe in? Jesus, the one who died and rose for you. Why were you baptised? To be identified with Jesus’ death and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-5)! That doesn’t diminish the Gospels in any way. Rather, Paul zeroes in on what really makes the difference for people: Jesus’ death and resurrection!
Paul’s encounter with the risen Jesus on the Damascus road is the most crucial event in Christian history, second only to Christ’s death & resurrection. Luke—the ‘great storyteller’–narrates the dramatic story three times in Yet it’s easy to miss the real significance in the outward drama. Notably Paul himself never recounts the outward drama. His autobiographical references trace the inner repercussions of that seismic event. Paul had to rethink his fundamental values, priorities and goals. He didn’t simply add Jesus to his former way of life. Paul declares, “God revealed His Son in me” (not simply ‘to me’); that God “shined into our hearts” in new creation; that he saw the “supreme value of Christ,” which depreciated everything else. We don’t need the outward drama, yet the same inward transforming experiences can be ours.
Paul was desperate for his new brothers and sisters in Christ who were being persuaded to move away from Christ for their further salvation. Paul took to helping them see that his apostleship was not of a human origin (Gal. 1:1), nor his gospel (Gal. 1:11-17). He received both in one life-changing event, as he journeyed to Damascus to drag any errant Jews who had turned to the false Messiah Jesus back to Jerusalem to be imprisoned (Acts 9:1-6). In the heat and passion of that determined journey, Paul was visited and commissioned by the resurrected Christ! This is when the gospel was revealed to him. It was that divinely originated gospel that Paul fought to defend for the sake of the Galatian believers.
Galatians 1:10 is often overlooked, yet it’s a key statement of Paul’s modus operandi—not to please people, but to be a God-Pleaser. These are mutually-exclusive options—you either please people, or God; you cannot do both. Today there’s intense pressure to please people at school, work, & via social media. Too often we’re governed by others’ approval/disapproval; we aren’t true to our own convictions. What’s the solution? Some sermons advise—‘be more assertive; define your boundaries; you’re responsible for your own happiness.’ That may be good advice, but it’s not the gospel! The NT message is not to be an autonomous ‘Self-Pleaser,’ but to become a ‘God-Pleaser,’ serving Christ as Lord. We examine how to do that. Paul exemplifies God-pleasing and says ‘imitate me.’ He’s clear about his divine commitment; he resists peer-pressure from influential people. Paul was not arrogant, or egotistical; rather he values God’s approval over human acceptance or rejection. We should too!
The churches in Galatia were birthed by Paul’s first mission journey. Soon after Jewish-Christian missionaries arrived, pressuring Gentile believers to get circumcised to be full-members of God’s family. Paul was livid; he struck back with white-hot diatribe—Galatians. He asserts that Christ’s coming is not an ‘add-on, topping up’ Judaism –that is a ‘false gospel.’ Rather, the Christ-event is God’s disruptive invasion; Christ’s cross is a radical rescue from the present evil age, launching new creation. Everything is changed; the ‘new age’ is here. Like oil & water, the new & old don’t mix; they’re opposites. The Galatians shouldn’t “stand in 2 boats;” they should reject this distorted gospel & enter fully into the Spirit’s new creation. So should we!
Paul draws his thoughts and counsel on Gods armor to the believers in Ephesus to a close. In doing so he advises them to pray! He is making a vital and definite connection between the two. If you want to experience Gods armor more and more try putting more emphasis onto your prayer times each day.
Paul is not too important to ask for prayer and support from the believers. Do you have some who you are willing to open up to about what you are struggling with? Some who can support you in prayer? Paul encourages us through his example to fight through prayer, to stand through prayer, to take God`s armor through prayer. Make it a critical part of your Christian walk.
This week we will do an intense dive into what it can look like for a follower of Jesus to TAKE the word of God (Eph. 6:17). In todays age its easy to get caught in the trap of being very superficial. We have superficial social media connections, we interact with important news events quite superficially because the news shifts to something else so quickly, and many of our real relationships can be reduced to being superficial as the pace and hurry of life doesn`t allow us to really spend quality time with our loved ones.
In order to stand and resist in our evil day, Paul tells us to TAKE the word of God! No one else can do this for us. Either we do it, or it just doesnt happen. In this message we explore 5 ways to TAKE Gods word into ourselves: hearing it, reading it, memorizing it, studying it and meditating on it. Our prayer for you is that this message will not end once our time together is done. Our hope is that you will begin a new journey or revive an old one to engage with God through his word. In doing so you will arm yourself to resist the devils attacks by putting on Gods armor.
Salvation is the helmet we wear into daily battle against the evil powers! God gives us his complete and tested salvation, just as he wore himself into battle for his people in Isaiah 59. His salvation is all that he has done for you and I to rescue, redeem, renew, revive and restore us from sin, death, and those evil powers. Paul charges us to take, or grab the salvation that God provides for us so we can protect us from the damaging and discouraging thoughts that Satan loves to inject into our minds.
Gods salvation not only deals with our past. God is still saving us in the present, and promises that we will obtain salvation even in the future (1 Thess. 5:9). What is our battle plan against Satans attacks? First, we take every thought captive and tear down any strongholds or fortresses that have been established in us (1 Cor. 10:4~5). Second, we think on all the good things that God has done and is doing in and around us (Phil. 4:8).
Paul charges us to ‘take up the shield of faith’ in order to repulse the devil’s attempts to distract, deceive & discourage us. But, what is this ‘faith’? Christians are not just generic ‘people of faith,’ nor vaguely ‘spiritual.’ Biblical faith is not mere assent to church creeds, nor simply passive trust. The bedrock of Christians’ belief is Jesus Christ; he’s the ‘capital’ for their lifelong commitment. The Bible’s term for ‘faith’ (Greek: pistis) encompasses belief, trust, & loyalty (faithfulness), issuing in action. This key word describes the faithfulness of God & Christ, the believing that unites us to Him, plus the fruit of faithfulness in our lives. When we respond to the Lord’s leading with believing obedience we build our faith and faithfulness; faith’s ‘shield’ is enhanced. Faithful following enrolled the OT saints in God’s ‘Hall of Faith,’ where each record starts with the words, “By faith…” May we leave a similar mark!
God’s armor includes ‘feet sandaled with…the gospel of peace.’ Contrary to the context—spiritual warfare—Bible translators & teachers find here a call to evangelize, Paul’s version of the ‘Great Commission.’ Yet, that notion is foreign to the text. The call is to ‘stand’ in cosmic combat, not to ‘go’ with the gospel. The New Testament never applies military metaphors to the church’s evangelism. ‘‘Gospel shoes” are the firm foundation issuing from the ‘gospel of peace.’ We stand on gospel ground—peace with God & people obtained by Christ—as we war with cosmic powers. Applying the divine attributes of God’s armor—truth, righteousness, & peace—the church ‘becomes the gospel.’ By ‘holding to the word of life’ (Phil. 2:16) the church shines in the world, while manifesting God’s wisdom to the defeated cosmic powers (Eph. 3:10). Let’s stand on ‘gospel ground’ in these ‘gospel shoes’!
God gives us his battle worn and battle tested armor to stand in the evil day. Each piece of his armor is one of his attributes that we stand and resist in. Without these attributes we will be tossed around by the devil and his schemes. So what kind righteousness are we called to take up? It isn’t our self-righteousness (Phil. 3:9a) because we know that that is like a stinking rag to God (Isa. 64:6). Its also not merely Gods imputed righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21). While that is important, it can`t be that alone. It must also be practical or ethical righteousness lived out of us (Eph. 5:8b~9).
God asks those who follow Jesus to stand against the devil`s schemes by taking up his armor. He gives us this responsibility to finish the job that he started. Whether it be at home, at work, at the mall, we need to be properly armed in righteousness each and every day.
This letter alerts us that we’re under satanic attack. We need weapons to survive and prevail. The good news is that God—the Divine Warrior—provides his own battle-tested armor. The Armor of God is given us to complete the Mission of God. The first piece is the ‘belt of truth;’ a ‘belt’ restricts, stabilizes & fortifies us. ‘Truth’ here is not ‘my truth,’ or yours; it’s God’s truth embodied in Christ, witnessed by the Spirit, attested in God’s Word. Truth becomes our ‘weapon,’ not merely by affirming doctrines, but by being applied—Paul calls it “truth-ing”—so that it governs our personal life & church-life. So let’s ask: will we as a church be fortified & restricted by God’s truth as we ‘fight the good fight’? Popular spiritual warfare strategies—‘territorial spirits/defilement,’ ‘spiritual mapping,’ ‘interrogating demons,’ ‘generational curses,’ etc.--should be subjected to the ‘truth-test’ prior to implementation.
Most of us are quite aware of our weaknesses & vulnerabilities, our insecurities & fears. But, I wonder if we have put it together yet that these are also where the devil often aims his attack? His attacks are carefully designed to attack our weak points and others at their weak points. He did exactly the same thing to Jesus in the wilderness (Lk. 4:1~13). He didn’t use the typical temptations to lure him into sin: sex, power & money. Rather, he tempted him with very real things to him, things that he could do, but chose not to.
How then do we stand against the schemes of the devil? God has given us his word so we can understand his will and the direction he would like us to take. We need to take it in each day. We have the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11). We have to learn to remain in its effectiveness. We have the helmet of salvation (Eph. 6:16b, 17a) with which we can protect out minds. And, we have the name of Jesus (Phil. 2:10, 11). We need to hide ourselves in that victorious name by speaking it, breathing it & relying on it for strength.
What are the universal, over-arching schemes of God’s enemy? That’s what we will look at this week. But we have to see who the devil and the satan are to do that. The devil is the accuser of all people (Rev. 12:10), & the satan is the adversary who opposes every good thing. This spirit-being is God’s enemy. He wants nothing more than to steal, kill and destroy (Jn. 10:10a). He is a liar and the father of lies (Jn. 8:44). So what are his schemes? 2 Corinthians 2:11 tells us not be ignorant of them. So what are they?
In Gen. 3 we see 3 specific schemes that the satan and the devil use to trap us: disguise, deception & doubt. He comes in forms you and I would not expect as a way to engage and entice us. He deceives! It’s all he knows to do. Deception is at his very core! Lastly he sows seeds of doubt in our hearts about God’s word & God’s good motives. I hope you would not simply dismiss these things as they come to you. First, recognize them and then, lean into God for his strength to stand firm in the evil day (Eph. 6:10, 13).
The Bible declares God is warring to reclaim his world from opposing cosmic forces. Jesus Christ’s cross marks God’s ‘D-Day invasion’ securing a beachhead in enemy-0ccupied territory. Believers are co-opted into this combat. Neutrality is not an option; we’re on one side or the other. We don’t fight ‘flesh & blood,’ humans—they’re merely ‘pawns,’ proxies. Some assert the ‘powers’ inhabit earthly institutions, corporations, & social structures; but our opponents are heavenly, spiritual. There’s an ‘air war’ against ‘rulers & authorities,’ plus a ‘ground war’ against the ‘evil cosmic power alliance’ of Sin, Death, & the Flesh. ‘Sin,’ like a wild animal, needs subduing; ‘Flesh’ highlights our vulnerabilities. Yet, God supplies his mighty strength & his full armor. We align with God by applying Christ’s victory & offering our whole being to God. Let’s fight the good fight!
The daily life we live in North America is usually so wrapped up with our daily affairs (kids, school, work, groceries, friends, etc.) that very few of us are even aware that we are in a war. And that war is not with our government or even with one another. Ephesians 6 shows us that our warfare is against evil, cosmic powers! That’s right, an unseen, but, oh, so real, foe. This spiritual warfare we are in is not a thought tacked on at the end of this letter. Rather, it’s a crucial theme that Paul weaves throughout.
Being aware of one’s enemy is a key component to successfully fighting a war. We don’t want to underestimate nor overestimate their ability. What we see in Ephesians is that these evil, cosmic forces have hijacked God’s good world and hold it, humans included, in their enslaving grip. But God has broken that grip through Christ’s death on the cross. Now those who are set free through Christ’s death, the church, are a sign of God’s victory on earth and are to display God’s wisdom to those enslaving and evil powers.
The NT ‘Household Codes’ (Eph. 5, 6; Col. 3) mandate the roles of wives/husbands, children/parents, & slaves/masters. They enshrine in Scripture modified versions of Roman-Greek ethical codes. In our era they have generated heated debate & bitter controversy; 150-years ago they were used to justify US slavery. Are they timeless divinely-ordained principles or historic protocols irrelevant today? Do they reflect ‘universal norms’ or an ‘interim ethic’ which tolerated 1st-century patriarchy and slavery? How can we treat them as “God’s Word,” and apply them today in our cultural context? What can we learn from Paul’s interaction with slavery on both personal & institutional levels?
The air that the Ephesians breathed was one steeped in hierarchy and patriarchy. As a male Roman citizen who owned land and an estate, you were a patriarch. And the society and culture around you, where more than 50% of people were slaves, served for so that you would gain benefit. As a patriarch, you were part of a very small minority of the total population. Nevertheless, no matter what, you as a patriarch would come out on top.
As a patriarch there would be certain household relationships as well: husband/wife, father/child, and master/slave. He again enjoyed the place of authority and power in each of those relationships. But what happens when that patriarch became a follower of Jesus? (Eg: Book of Philemon). Were they to live as their society and culture expected? Paul subtly subverts the expected societal behaviours in a typical household in Eph. 5:22-6:9, as husbands/fathers/masters were called to live in a new manner toward their “subordinates”. As we see in Jesus, we don’t serve and live out of power and authority, but out of love and a heart of humility.
Christian couples operate concurrently on two levels—relating as spouses, but also to Christ as Savior/Head & the Church as his Body/Bride. These relationships aren’t independent; they are interwoven. Ephesians 5:21-33 reflects this; it has a ‘chiastic (ring) structure’—like a nested set of ‘Russian dolls.’ It’s also like a nut—a hard outer ‘shell,’ with ‘meat’ inside. Some are repulsed by the ‘shell’—“Submission…headship!...What?”—so they miss the center. We should break through to grasp the ‘heart’—the Cosmic Union of Christ & the Church. Couples are simultaneously spouses, but also jointmembers of Christ’s Body. Not only wives, but also husbands, are charged to submit to Christ our Head. Receiving Christ’s love, sacrifice, cleansing, provision & cherishing (care) will transform, restore & uplift our marriages to match God’s design.
“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, & spiritual songs, singing & making music with your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ. 22 Wives, (submit) to your husbands as to the Lord” (Eph. 5:15-22 CSB)
“And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Chris to our God and Father” (Eph. 5:18-20 CSB) “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Col. 3:16-17 CSB)
“Spirit-filled” is a popular phrase among Christians. Yet it’s given diverse meanings—Spirit-baptism, tongue-speaking, inspired prophecy, ecstatic experiences, etc. Strikingly, ‘Spirit-filled’ occurs only once in all Paul’s writings—in Eph. 5:18. We ask: what does it mean here? It’s not the baptism, second blessing, anointing, or sealing of the Holy Spirit; nor does it involve ‘tongue-speaking,’ or being ‘slain in the Spirit.’ This directive is present, passive, indicative—‘‘Be being filled by the Spirit’--it’s a command to be constantly filled with God’s Spirit. We ask: how do we obey this passive command? In Ephesians the Spirit’s filling is not a private, personal pursuit; rather, together the believers constitute God’s Temple, his corporate priesthood. God’s Spirit fills us as we worship—through speaking, singing, psalm-ing, & hymning God’s word, with thanksgiving, in mutual submission. Our worship is not incidental; rather, it’s instrumental to our Spirit-filling!
In Eph. 5:16, Paul states something that if we aren’t careful we will miss its importance. He says the days we are living in are evil! In the entire book of Ephesians he continually alerts us to the oppressive, divisive and destructive work of the evil cosmic powers. But he also shines light on God’s mission in Christ that defeated them, and released people from every tribe, tongue and nation from their bondage. But just because we are released from their control in Christ doesn’t mean we can live in a manner that is oblivious to their continued influences in our days.
In Ephesians 5:15-18, Paul gives us an overarching principle and two practical ways to navigate through the darkness and evil we live in. We are encouraged to first lean into God’s wisdom and then walk in it by understanding his will and by being continually filled by his Spirit. These very things give us the way to make the most of every opportunity in our lives by demonstrating the Christian life to our family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours and classmates.
New Testament directives can sound like they are demanding the impossible, e.g. ‘Be imitators of God.’ But such directives are always based on what God has done for us. Technically, this is ‘the indicative-imperative relation.’ Some use the slogan—‘Be what you are.’ But that neglects our new creation status. It’s better rendered: “Become (in Christ) what you already are in Christ.” You’re God’s ‘beloved child,’ which equips you to ‘imitate your Father.’ We are loved by God, so we can ‘walk in love.’ We are ‘light in the Lord,’ so we can ‘walk as children of light.’ This week we examine what that means. It’s not asking for the impossible; it’s not an unattainable ideal. Paul gives practical pointers. Plus we will consider the puzzling saying: “Awake, sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
In Ephesians 4:25-32, Paul continues to contrast the old and the new. In 4:22 & 24 he said to put of the old and put on the new because they are in God’s new humanity. But it is a struggle, often a daily struggle. What Paul sets up for us in these verses follows a pattern: a negative command, a positive command, and finally the reason for that command. What’s striking, is that “reason.” We are in something together. Why lie to, steal from, damage, and divide what God has done so much to unite in Christ? In 4:30, Paul tells us that our poor behaviours also “grieve” his Holy Spirit! God is grieved when we mistreat a fellow-member of Christ’s body. So that should sober us as we consider what we are about to say or do to our spouse or kids, or to those we serve with at CIT. In 4:23, Paul gives us a way to align with God’s desire each day: “Be being renewed in your mind.” That is a continual and ongoing process. It’s not once for all. How are you doing that each day?
Among Evangelicals the Christian hope is often reduced to ‘going to Heaven when we die,’ as disembodied souls/spirits. Yet this pagan idea owes more to Plato than to Paul, who rebutted this notion when writing to Corinth (1 Cor. 15). It’s time to retrieve a genuine, biblical hope—the bodily resurrection and transfiguration of those ‘in Christ.’ En route we address some misunderstood Scriptures. Contrary to many, Paul’s enigmatic saying, ‘The last Adam became a lifegiving spirit,’ does not describe Christ’s relation to the Holy Spirit. Rather it denotes the glorified body of the risen Lord. That’s important, since Christians are promised fully conformity to Jesus, the glorified ‘Heavenly Man.’ Resurrection hope was a great incentive to Paul, governing his life & labor; it should do the same for us
We live under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Things aren’t the way they used to be; we long for the ‘normalcy’ promised by vaccines. In a small way this matches Biblical history. Things aren’t the way they started out in Eden. It’s not just that Adam sinned (like us all) & needed forgiveness. That’s correct, but incomplete. Humanity’s problems run deeper, &God’s salvation is greater. Dark cosmic powers have invaded God’s good creation. We live in ‘enemy-occupied territory,’ under Death’s dark shadow. Humanity is held hostage by the ‘strong man’–Satan. Jesus’ coming launched God’s liberating mission to regain his creation. Jesus’ cross defeated the cosmic powers; Satan was dispossessed, his captives released; Sin was condemned, God’s sovereignty restored. Plus Jesus’ resurrection defeated Death & Hades; it launched new creation--a new humanity began. By baptism we exit the Old Age of Adam & enter Christ’s new creation, expressed in his church, united with Christ the Victor.
In Ephesians 4:17-24, Paul reminds the believers of not sliding back into their old lives. Using words like futile, darkened, excluded and more, Paul paints a picture of what life was like prior to them receiving Christ. But then he contrasts that old life with the new life they have in Christ. Sliding back into our pre-Christian life is not as uncommon as you may think and in fact you yourself may have made many, many trips there. Paul asks the believers to put off that old life and to put on the new life we have in Christ. We do that by being renewed in our minds day by day. God’s word, prayer, meeting together with other Christians, worship and so many other things all aid us in being renewed and learning Christ.
The Bible repeatedly urges Christians to progress from the basics, ‘milk,’ to ‘solid food’ (profound life-changing truths). Moreover, God wants a mature church, not just a few, full-grown Christians. Ephesians provides the key to a mature church–it’s ‘truth-ing in love’ (Eph. 4:15 literal). ‘Truth-ing’ is not merely speaking the truth; it also includes doing, living & practicing biblical truths in our personal & community life. Guided by the Spirit of truth, let’s walk the way of truth together, step-by-step developing godly habits which will gradually change our disposition, enriching our church life until we all, as a church, arrive at maturity.
“Spiritual maturity as absolutely necessary & the lack of it as a dangerous state for the church to be in…”— Mbennah
“A Christian [could] participate…in Church activities & yet be spiritually immature…One could reflect good observable [Christian] behaviors, actively participate in church activities…& contribute financially…[to] the church without [becoming] spiritually mature.” –Emmanuel Mbennah
“Ephesians 4:13-16 presents spiritual maturity as absolutely necessary and the lack of it as a dangerous state for the church to be in…a church lacking in spiritual maturity will likely succumb to the machinations of false teachers and other forces of error who are resolved to deceive, mislead, and destroy.” (Emmanuel Mbennah, The Mature Church, p. xii)
“When the gifts operate in their God-appointed manner, and the saints are active in service for the Lord, three dangers are avoided: immaturity, instability and gulibility.” (William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 1936)
Jesus was crucified & buried on Easter Friday; he rose early Sunday. Where was Jesus during the interval? We hear a lot about ‘Good Friday’ & ‘Easter Sunday,’ very little about ‘Holy Saturday.’ What (if anything) did Jesus do that day? His body lay in the tomb; what about his (immaterial) soul & spirit? Were they with God the Father? Or did they simply “continue in the state of the dead” (Westminster Catechism)? Paul says Christ “descended into earth’s lower regions” (Eph. 4:8). The Apostles’ Creed’s cryptic phrase, “he descended into Hell,” echoes this; did they get it right? If so, why did Jesus descend; what does Scripture say? Diverse NT texts—from Jesus, Peter, & Paul–support the Creed’s descent clause. What did his ‘descent’ accomplish? Plus, what does all this imply for us today?
Christ gives gifts to each believer & gifted people to his church. Paul portrays Christ’s cosmic tour of a 3-tier universe (standard in 1st century science) to obtain the church. In the OT, God led Israel from Egypt via Sinai to Mt. Zion. Now, in the NT, Christ conquers his foes at the cross. Then he descends to Hades the realm of the dead, asserting his authority, changing our destiny & trajectory. From the depths Christ ascends to the heights as Lord of the universe & gifts his people. No sphere in the cosmos is outside his control. No event—life or death, depression or disease–can separate us. No being—good or evil; human, angelic, demonic, or satanic—can defeat God’s mission to build his church. The church is not just another human institution; it’s the end-product of Christ’s cosmic tour; the church has cosmic significance!
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the most important events for Christians. Of the many aspects to the death of Christ, reconciliation is something that we can easily relate to. Jesus' death removed the barrier of sin which alienated us from God. Now we can have access to God.
She was an educated, accomplished woman from the wealthy commercial city of Tyre. Yet she faced a crisis wealth, education & status couldn’t solve—her daughter’s psycho-spiritual affliction of demon possession. In desperation this mother sought out the visiting Healer-prophet—Jesus. Another obstacle arose—her status as an ‘outsider’ with respect to the Jewish people. But, nothing could deter this mother’s mission.
Jesus’ apparent rejection was harsh, yet it contained glimmer of hope; she laid hold of his enigmatic word, perceived its deeper meaning, and used it to leverage her daughter’s deliverance. As a result, she secured God’s grace despite her undeserving position—and that’s the Gospel! Jesus commended her “great faith” (Matt. 15:28) Yes, her faith was great, but it was also “intelligent faith,” not “blind faith.”
What can we learn from this mother’s quest? A lot: The power of a mother’s love. The value of persistent prayer uttered on behalf of our loved-ones. The need to comprehend God’s Word, to recognize our status within it, and to see how God’s promises & provisions apply to us, so we can claim them for ourselves & our loved-ones. That’s “intelligent faith,” which, combined with persistent prayer, is effective in its working (James 5:16).
This week we are looking at Mark 6:7-31. This is another example of one of Mark’s sandwiches. Two stories are told, one begins, gets interrupted and then concludes. But remember, with these sandwiches there is a unifying theme throughout.
This section deals with disciples of Jesus faithfully following him no matter what faces them. Jesus begins by preparing his 12 disciples to go out to preach repentance, cast out demons and heal the sick. The last part of the section, verse 30, sees the 12 returning and telling Jesus all they did and taught. Disciples need to not only listen and learn from Jesus, but also do as he did.
In the middle section, Mark tells the account of John the Baptist’s death at the hands of Herod and his vengeful wife. In spite of being faced with certain death, John remained faithful. What does this story have to do with the first? Why did Mark include it with the going out of the disciples? John lays down a pattern for all disciples of martyrdom and death. While it may seem extreme to us, death because of our faith is a very real experience for many disciples of Jesus throughout history. The challenge? Will we follow Jesus no matter what we are faced with?
There is one last verse, and it’s very instructive. That is verse 31. There Jesus invites his returning disciples to “come away to a remote place and rest.” While our following Jesus often means we are doing things with him, there is another critical, but often neglected element of discipleship. That is rest! We all need to learn to rest with Jesus, and to be refreshed in that rest. Sometimes I think it is fair to say of many disciples that they would rather die doing something than resting and being refreshed by Jesus.
The dramatic events this past week have generated anxiety, whether it be COVID-19, oil prices plunging, or stock market crashing. How should we respond to all this? Some responses seem motivated by fear--panic buying of groceries, household goods. How do we find faith that overcomes fear?
In this episode, teaching pastor Nigel talks about these topics and "Faith in The Face of Delay and Death".
This week we look at Mark 5:1-20 where we see Jesus take his first mission into Gentile territory. After one episode with a demon-possessed man, all Jesus gained there was that very same demon-possessed man now fully restored. Some would say that was not much of a mission, and from a result’s oriented stand point they could be right.
But Jesus had laid down a principle in Matthew 4 about mustard seeds: they have great potential, and they grow! While something may seem small and altogether incapable of bringing about real life-change to people, that seed has a potential in God’s hands to do just that. How did Jesus begin his invasion into gentile soil? He gained one man and sowed him into that soil. What was the result? Growth! In Mark 7:31-8:9 Jesus returned to that very same area that the restored man was sown into some time later. And this time, thanks to all the sowing the restored man had done, Jesus was able to heal and speak to thousands of people! One seed may not look like much, but in God’s hands, and with a willingness on our part to plant seed in others, God brings about the growth of his kingdom on earth. Are you part of the invasion?
This week we look at Mark 3:20-35. As Jesus was doing the will of God, bringing in God’s kingdom, he faced people who tried to stop him doing that. They were his very own family and the Scribes. His family were scandalized by him because of what he said and did, and they said of him, “He is out of his mind!” The Scribes tried to discredit him and his ministry by saying he cast out demons by Satan’s power.
Through all of this, Jesus remained focused on the task God had given him to do. In doing so he identified a new entity, a new family who joined him in his God-given task. They include those who follow him, listen to him, let him set the agenda for their life, and who join Jesus in his mission for God. Are you part of Jesus’ new family? Are you following him or do you want him to just follow you?
Mark 2:1-3:6 shows us 5 stories of opposition/conflict that Jesus encountered from the religious leaders of his day. As disciples of Jesus our ultimate goal is to be like him. So, we shouldn’t be surprised when we experience similar things as he did.
How did he face conflict? In times of prayer with God, and with courage and boldness. Why? Because while the religious leaders cared mostly for their man-made tradition, neglecting the needs of the people, Jesus cared for the needs of the hurting people and not for the burdens and traditions of men.
When you face conflict as an apprentice of Jesus are you spending time with him to strengthen yourself for the fight? An great, old hymn reminds us to “Turn your eyes upon Jesus! Look full in his wonderful face.”
Mark’s Jesus-story begins like an action-packed movie trailer. Jesus moves with his ‘band of brothers’ (Peter and Andrew, James and John) from the synagogue to a house, to the town, and out into the surrounding region. All the while Jesus’ sphere of influence is expanding; adoring crowds are growing exponentially.
Jesus has impact. The Jewish synagogue, accustomed to dreary sermons, is roused by Jesus’ authoritative address. He is interrupted by a demoniac, who issues a challenge from the ‘dark side.’ The supernatural conflict is brief; Jesus silences the evil spirit and delivers the demon-possessed man. Jesus quickly moves out, healing the sick and relieving the afflicted in ever-expanding circles. The crowds are awed, astonished and amazed; they gather to gawk at Jesus, the wisdom-teacher, powerful exorcist, and miraculous healer. The casual reader might sympathize with the crowd. But is this how Mark wants us to view Jesus? The careful reader suspects not.
Jesus has compassion on the situation of people but his priority is proclaiming God’s kingdom message and producing disciples. Through prayer with God, His Father, Jesus received renewed energy and direction for ministry. He got clear not to continue his work in Capernaum, but to go to nearby villages—a new initiative. If we spend time daily in prayer with God we will also be energized for work and/or inspired for new initiatives. Mark implies Jesus’ main focus was on gospel proclamation and producing disciples. Ours should be too.
The very first words Mark records of Jesus are, “The time is fulfilled. God’s kingdom has come. Repent and believe!” The long wait for God to come was over! God’s kingdom and king Jesus, his son, had come. How should they respond? Turn around, 180 degrees! Leave their old life, ways and thoughts, and follow Jesus. Psalm 2 similarly speaks of God’s king coming. As in Jesus’ baptism, God identifies the king as his Son, “You are my Son” (Psa. 2:7; Mk. 1:11) So how did those in Psalm 2 respond to God’s king, God’s Son? Some hated him. But God counselled them to “kiss the Son” and to “take refuge in him” (Psa. 2:12). This is what discipleship is. Having an intimate relationship with God’s Son and trusting him.
Mark’s Gospel is the earliest record of words & actions of Jesus Christ. Although Mark’s fluency in Greek was less than others’, that didn’t stop him writing down a coherent account of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. It initiated a new type of literature—a written “Gospel.” Other Gospel-writers—Matthew & Luke—built on Mark’s pioneering work.
This week, Pastor Ian dives into the story of Mary’s gratitude to Jesus in her action of pouring the ointment on Him. We also take a retroactive look over the past year and decade with gratitude to see what God has done among and for us here at CIT!
In this Christmas service, Del Martin shares a sermon on the greatest gift of all; God coming down to earth to provide salvation for all.
God has a generous heart and wants those who have resources to be likewise. We should be stewards of God's resources with a mind-set of God's abundance versus a mind-set of scarcity.
This week we look into the main storyline of the book of Esther. Haman plots the total annihilation of the Jews. Mordecai asks Esther to plead with the king on behalf of the Jews. When Esther hesitates, Mordecai responds, “Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
There is uncertainty in knowing what is to be done. There is no miraculous event, prophetic speaking or angelic announcement to let them know what to do. We too face this kind of uncertainty as we follow God, and often don’t know with certainty how exactly he is leading us. All they had was “Perhaps!” And that’s often all we have. Yet it is in that “Perhaps” that Esther and Mordecai are challenged to act on faith without full confidence that they know the will of God.
Marvin A. Sweeney- "The absence of God must be recognized as a fundamental premise of the book [Of Esther]...At times in human experience, God does not always act in the face of evil, and the book of Esther presents...that reality"
In the Book of Esther, we see a foil in how God works as opposed to the Book of Daniel. While Daniel shows God working front and center, Esther never once mentioned God's name. Rather, God is working in the background in Esther.
Using these two examples, we can see how we as Christians can live in our current Post-Christian, humanistic western society.
Message on the Book of Daniel CH 7, focusing on the human kingdoms/empires and seeing "one like a Son of Man".
This week we look at probably the best known of the stories in Daniel: the lions’ den! This chapter bears a striking similarity to Daniel 3, and so we won’t spend our time on the den experience itself. Rather, we will look at what Daniel went through as an older man, how he remained faithful to God, and most importantly how you and I can live such a life today as we encounter our lions’ dens.
This week, we have the privilege and blessing to have Greg and Diane Dekker deliver a sermon on Daniel 5. The well known story of "The Writing on the Wall" underscores the tension between Man's Pride and God's Sovereignty.
This week we explore Daniel 3 and see how our loyalty to Jesus Christ enables us to not bow down to the pressures we face in this post-Christian society.
This week we dive into Daniel 2 to consider the image from Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and the stone that obliterated it. The image represented human kingdoms, regimes and empires. The stone that grew into a great mountain filled the earth and represented God’s kingdom. One lasts for eternity. The other declines and degrades. Where do you place your hope? Thriving in our post-Christian culture means running up against the myth of prepress, but staying firm in our faith means we hold to the hope that God holds out to us. Who is the stone who established God’s Kingdom? Jesus!
This week we start our Fall series on the books of Daniel and Esther. To begin we will look at Daniel 1:1-8a. We will spend time considering the parallel between Daniel and his friends being displaced (exiled) to Babylon, a hostile culture to what they were used to in Jerusalem, and the culture we find ourselves in today that is almost entirely against the Judeo-Christian underpinnings of our country. To call Toronto post-Christian is not a stretch at all. But how has God asked us to live as a minority in such a culture? For that we look to His encouraging words to Daniel and his friends in Jeremiah 29:4-7.
This week we look at Exodus 19. As Israel arrives at Mount Sinai, God meets with them there and proposes to covenant with them. In a new level of relationship, they would be his kingdom of priests and his holy nation. But how will the awesome God communicate with his people?
This week we look at the manna and water experiences from Exodus 16 & 17. Israel had been delivered from Egypt, but their journey with God was not over. They had so much more to discover about him. As their food and water ran out, the Israelites complained bitterly. God, however, didn’t punish them, but graciously cared and provided for them. As you journey with God, how is he calling you to take further steps in your knowing of him, in trusting him, and in knowing yourself as he lovingly cares and provides for you?
This week we look at the Passover in Exodus 11-12. It is attached to the last of the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt in order for his people to be released from slavery and bondage. The Lord said he would pass through Egypt at midnight and the firstborn male in each family would die. But, if a lamb was slain and its blood was painted on the outside door posts and lintel, then God would Pass Over that household. The lamb was a substitute for the firstborn. When Jesus came to save people from the slavery to sin, he became a substitute for all. Is he your Saviour?
This week we will look at why God sent the plagues upon the Egyptians. On the one hand it was to bring about the release of Israel from their captivity. But two more reasons will also be explored: first, the plagues were for God to make himself known to Pharaoh, to the Egyptians and to the Israelites, and second, the plagues were God’s way of taking on the gods of Egypt, through which he showed his outright superiority over them.
This week we kick off our Summer series, Echoes of Eden. We will dive into the book of Exodus and discover that God is not satisfied with merely rescuing a people in oppressive bondage to a tyrannical King. While that is part of the narrative, God wants to restore what he had with mankind back in the Garden of Eden: He dwelt with us and we dwelt with him. What are the plagues, the Red Sea crossing, the manna, the water from the rock and the Ten Commandments for? They are a means for him to dwell among mankind and to have intimacy once again.
This week we conclude our “She-ology” series. So far we have seen how Jesus welcomed women into discipleship with him, alongside the male disciples, the critical role women carried in testifying to Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the role they played leading up to Pentecost and afterwards. In light of this we will look at how Paul regarded women in Ministry roles. Did he depart from the pattern set by Jesus and the early church, or did his practice align with it? Romans 16 holds some wonderful insight.
The women disciples who witnessed Jesus' death, burial and resurrection were also present at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came. All the 120 --both men and women--were filled with the Spirit and gifted to speak, fulfilling Joel's great prophecy. In the Old Testament only men were priests and the Spirit filled only a few. Now all believers are priests and the Spirit fills and gifts all believers--both women and men. Acts gives examples of gifted women--Lydia, Tabitha, Priscilla, etc.--used by God.
Who would entrust something important or valuable to non-important people or mere on-lookers? The answer is, only someone who didn’t care that much. So then, why would Jesus entrust to his women disciples the crucial responsibility of not only seeing his death, burial and resurrection, but of testifying of them for decades after the events if those women were not that important to him and his ministry? The truth is, they were important to Jesus and he was right to entrust such crucial and foundational items of the Christian message to them.
In this new series, She-ology, we will explore the role of women in the ministry of Jesus and the early church. Some say women had a more hidden role, and that they carried out a secondary or second level service. But in this first message we will see from the Gospels that the women who followed and served Jesus were as much his disciples as the more well known male disciples.
There are things that tear down marriage relationships and there are things that build up marriage relationships. And above all, make sure you have fun in your marriage.
This week we will explore the value of singleness as a gift of God. It affords freedom and opportunity to serve the Lord as we don’t have as married people. How do we do a disservice to our singles? By not incorporating them into our church community, by idolizing marriage in our churches, and by giving them the impression they are not valued among us.
Not all the Corinthians bought into the whole resurrection from the dead thing because of the influence of their Greek philosophy. Some just couldn’t accept that Jesus Christ, a man of flesh and blood, rose from the dead. They even went as far as to mock Paul with, “What kind of body will we have when we are raised?” Let’s see how Paul addresses their issue.
What is the Christian’s hope beyond their lifetime? Many say “Going to heaven when I die.” Is that a biblical thought or is it perhaps more in line with Plato’s line of reasoning? Just know that God values our entire being; he will clothe us with a transformed body at the resurrection. He did it for Jesus, and he will do the same for us!
We explore the mental stages of the followers and disciples of Jesus after his death and resurrection. We follow their journey through unbelief, God's plan revealed to them, and their eventual realization that Jesus' resurrection changed everything.
When Jesus was on the cross he was abandoned by God the Father. That is why he said "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" What was this experience and why was he abandoned?
1 Cor. 14:26-40 has been understood as Paul prohibiting women speaking in church. Have we misunderstood Paul? How can we reconcile this section with Paul’s empowering statements about women elsewhere?
Real love is a challenge as described by Gary Chapman "the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13 does not emphasize emotion but attitude and action - which are not beyond our control"