Luke 10:25-37
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was
going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who
stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” (ESV)
I'm sure you have heard this Bible story before, but instead of focusing on the fact that anyone in need is your neighbor, I want to focus on the kindness that was shown by the Samaritan, which is our next fruit of the Spirit.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (or patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."(Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV, parenthesis and emphasis mine)
In this story, we have a man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho on a road that was often traveled. Before he reached his destination, he was attacked by robbers and left for dead. The robbers took all that he had, including his clothes and beat him to the point where he could not leave on his own. They were brutal! As he was lying on the side of the road, in pain and agony, a priest walks by, but instead of helping this fellow Jew, he goes out of his way to walk past on the other side of the road. Then a Levite, who would have been in the priestly family, but not actually a priest, walked by. He also did what the priest did; he went out of his way to walk by on the other side of the road. Both of these men were Jews, just like the traveler, but neither was willing to help him. Then a Samaritan walked by. We know that the Samaritans were often hated by the Jews, because they were not full-blooded Jews, but were of both Jewish and Gentile decent. Here was a man who had no reason to think that this man would have done the same for him, yet he had compassion on the traveler. He kindly treated the man's wounds, put the man on his own donkey, which meant he walked the rest of the way himself, and paid for him to stay at an inn and be cared for once they reached the city! I can only say that this is a true picture of the kindness that God wants us to show to others.
Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
When was the last time you went out of your way to help someone who was in need of some kindness? It is almost never convenient for us to do an act of kindness, but we are still command to do so. God is kind to us in many ways every day. He gives us peace, hope, comfort, joy, and on and on; He guides us to walk in His ways; He is always there to listen to us when we pray; and He protects us from Satan. Why are we not more kind to those around us by doing what we can to treat them the way God treats us? Let's try together this week to be more kind in our dealing with others.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Fruit of the Spirit--Patience
Instant messaging, instant meals, next day shipping, everything in life seems to be about instant gratification. We are not expected to wait for anything. I believe that it is these kinds of things that have resulted in a general lack of patience in our society. We get frustrated when we have to wait in line at the store. We are easily upset when there is a delay in traffic. If our pizza delivery guy is late, we vow to never order from that restaurant again.
When we look back at our verses that list the Fruit of the Spirit, we see that the next fruit is patience. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (or patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."(Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV, parenthesis mine) Patience is a virtue that many of us struggle with on a daily basis. Let's take a look at the importance of patience throughout the Bible.
In the Old Testament, we see many instances where God showed great patience with the children of Israel. God always gave them many chances to turn back to Him before He punished them. Each time they began to turn from Him, God patiently disciplined them and tried to direct them back to Himself.
In the same way, God pursued us to make us His children. 2 Peter 3:9 says, " The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."(ESV) Many of us did not immediately answer when the Holy Spirit was working in our hearts to help us see our need for salvation or when God was calling us to serve Him in some way or another, but He patiently continued to work until we obeyed. And when we mess up and don't do the things that we know we should, God patiently chastises us and waits for us to repent and come back to Him. Isn't it amazing that such a holy God is so patient with us?
In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul instructs the church to "admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all." (verse 14) This should come as no surprise. If God is patient with us, why wouldn't He expect us to be patient with one another? There really should be no end to our patience with others. After all, when we are measured against God's holiness, we fall way short, yet God is patient with us when we fail. Why aren't we more patient with others when they mess up or get on our nerves?
Another verse in the Bible talks about waiting with patience. James 5:7-8 says, " Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." Here we see that we are supposed to be patiently waiting for the coming of the Lord. I think if we remember that this is the end goal, we might find it easier to be patient with everyday matters. A few extra minutes in line or on the road isn't anything worth getting bent out of shape over compared to what we are truly waiting for. Hebrews 6 talks about the promise God made so Abraham and how sure it was because it was made by God. Verse 15 says, "And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise." We need to take the example of Abraham and be patiently waiting for God's promise of Heaven to be fulfilled.
So my challenge to you today is to focus on patiently waiting for "the coming of the Lord." And while you are waiting, be patient with one another as well, remembering that God is patient with you and wants you to be like Him.
When we look back at our verses that list the Fruit of the Spirit, we see that the next fruit is patience. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (or patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."(Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV, parenthesis mine) Patience is a virtue that many of us struggle with on a daily basis. Let's take a look at the importance of patience throughout the Bible.
In the Old Testament, we see many instances where God showed great patience with the children of Israel. God always gave them many chances to turn back to Him before He punished them. Each time they began to turn from Him, God patiently disciplined them and tried to direct them back to Himself.
In the same way, God pursued us to make us His children. 2 Peter 3:9 says, " The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."(ESV) Many of us did not immediately answer when the Holy Spirit was working in our hearts to help us see our need for salvation or when God was calling us to serve Him in some way or another, but He patiently continued to work until we obeyed. And when we mess up and don't do the things that we know we should, God patiently chastises us and waits for us to repent and come back to Him. Isn't it amazing that such a holy God is so patient with us?
In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul instructs the church to "admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all." (verse 14) This should come as no surprise. If God is patient with us, why wouldn't He expect us to be patient with one another? There really should be no end to our patience with others. After all, when we are measured against God's holiness, we fall way short, yet God is patient with us when we fail. Why aren't we more patient with others when they mess up or get on our nerves?
Another verse in the Bible talks about waiting with patience. James 5:7-8 says, " Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." Here we see that we are supposed to be patiently waiting for the coming of the Lord. I think if we remember that this is the end goal, we might find it easier to be patient with everyday matters. A few extra minutes in line or on the road isn't anything worth getting bent out of shape over compared to what we are truly waiting for. Hebrews 6 talks about the promise God made so Abraham and how sure it was because it was made by God. Verse 15 says, "And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise." We need to take the example of Abraham and be patiently waiting for God's promise of Heaven to be fulfilled.
So my challenge to you today is to focus on patiently waiting for "the coming of the Lord." And while you are waiting, be patient with one another as well, remembering that God is patient with you and wants you to be like Him.
Friday, September 7, 2012
The Fruit of the Spirit--Peace
Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." (NKJV)
Since we have already covered joy in a previous post, which you can find here, we will take a look at peace today. The Bible has quite a bit to say about peace, but to keep this blog from being too long I am choosing to look at two aspects of peace in particular--Peace in the midst of troubles and Peace with fellow believers.
First, I want to look at Peace in the midst of troubles. Philippians 4:6-7 says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (this and all other verses are from the ESV unless otherwise noted) I have to admit, I have had my fair share of anxiety, but when I read this verse I find that there is no reason to hold onto this anxiety. Paul says not to worry about ANYTHING. That seems like quite a tall order, doesn't it? But here is the key, pray about EVERYTHING. When you are worried about your job, pray about it. When you are anxious over the actions of your children, pray about it. When your future is uncertain, pray about it. Then what? Verse 7 says, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." It cannot be explained or understood, it just happens. God gives peace to your troubled heart through His Son, Jesus Christ. Trust me, it works. I have been there. I would like to tell you that my first response any time I am anxious is to pray, but that is not the case. However, as soon as I do talk to God about my problem and begin to leave it in His hands, His peace washes over me. It is a wonderful, yet unexplainable feeling. You should try it sometime!
John 16 also promises peace. In this chapter, Christ was preparing His disciples for His death by telling them that He would not always be with them. At the very end on the chapter he tells them why He has told them these things. "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (v 33) There are many problems that we face in this world that cause us to worry, but Jesus has already overcome this sinful world. That is why we can have peace in the midst of tribulation, because we have the hope of Heaven because Christ has already overcome.
The second aspect of peace is Peace among ourselves. Time and time again Paul writes in his letters to the different church that they should live peaceably with one another.
"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." Romans 14:19
"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14
One of the marks of a true Christian who is following the Fruit of the Spirit is that he tries to be at peace with those around him. How can we expect to point others to Christ, if they cannot feel welcome at our church because we are always fighting and arguing with one another? We are different people and we will not always agree with one another, but we must strive to settle those disagreements and restore peace. We all belong to God and should all be working to become more like Him and to lead others to Him. That means that ultimately our goals are the same and that we should make it a point to be united with one another.
Are you living at peace with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Are you praying about your anxiety and allowing God to give you His peace that is beyond understanding? If not I want to encourage you to spend some time in prayer today, asking God to help you in this area of your life.
Since we have already covered joy in a previous post, which you can find here, we will take a look at peace today. The Bible has quite a bit to say about peace, but to keep this blog from being too long I am choosing to look at two aspects of peace in particular--Peace in the midst of troubles and Peace with fellow believers.
First, I want to look at Peace in the midst of troubles. Philippians 4:6-7 says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (this and all other verses are from the ESV unless otherwise noted) I have to admit, I have had my fair share of anxiety, but when I read this verse I find that there is no reason to hold onto this anxiety. Paul says not to worry about ANYTHING. That seems like quite a tall order, doesn't it? But here is the key, pray about EVERYTHING. When you are worried about your job, pray about it. When you are anxious over the actions of your children, pray about it. When your future is uncertain, pray about it. Then what? Verse 7 says, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." It cannot be explained or understood, it just happens. God gives peace to your troubled heart through His Son, Jesus Christ. Trust me, it works. I have been there. I would like to tell you that my first response any time I am anxious is to pray, but that is not the case. However, as soon as I do talk to God about my problem and begin to leave it in His hands, His peace washes over me. It is a wonderful, yet unexplainable feeling. You should try it sometime!
John 16 also promises peace. In this chapter, Christ was preparing His disciples for His death by telling them that He would not always be with them. At the very end on the chapter he tells them why He has told them these things. "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (v 33) There are many problems that we face in this world that cause us to worry, but Jesus has already overcome this sinful world. That is why we can have peace in the midst of tribulation, because we have the hope of Heaven because Christ has already overcome.
The second aspect of peace is Peace among ourselves. Time and time again Paul writes in his letters to the different church that they should live peaceably with one another.
"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." Romans 14:19
"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14
One of the marks of a true Christian who is following the Fruit of the Spirit is that he tries to be at peace with those around him. How can we expect to point others to Christ, if they cannot feel welcome at our church because we are always fighting and arguing with one another? We are different people and we will not always agree with one another, but we must strive to settle those disagreements and restore peace. We all belong to God and should all be working to become more like Him and to lead others to Him. That means that ultimately our goals are the same and that we should make it a point to be united with one another.
Are you living at peace with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Are you praying about your anxiety and allowing God to give you His peace that is beyond understanding? If not I want to encourage you to spend some time in prayer today, asking God to help you in this area of your life.
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