Bible Study

A few months ago God called our family to a new church where I have had the exciting opportunity to serve in ways that God has been leading me for a few years. As I serve both at church and at home, God seems to be moving me in a new direction for this website.

I have been working on the content of an entirely redesigned site that will be more focused on discipleship. My prayer is that the clear process will better equip people to experience a dynamic relationship with God.

Meanwhile, I will continue to update the Bible Store Browser Xanga site on a relatively regular basis. Much of the recent content there has been related to leadership and ministry. I hope you will subscribe either through Xanga or the RSS feed.

I can't say for certain when the redesign will be finalized, as it's only in planning and content stages right now. The final work will be dependent on my wonderful, supportive husband, whose time is just as precious. Please pray for a clear direction for a site that will glorify God and draw many to know Him in a real and personal way.

What does a mature Christian look like? What does an immature Christian look like? Read through Ephesians 4 to find some things Paul brought out about this subject.

Read verses 11-16 again. How is the body to grow?

Ideally, as Christians are brought up from babies to maturity, they will be able to contribute to the growth of others. But what happens when that cycle is broken? What if not enough mature Christians aren't making more mature Christians to build up a new generation of mature Christians, and so on?

We get a lot of children being tossed about on the winds of various teachings--just like we have today.

Meditation:
Take some time in the coming days to meditate on these verses and others God leads you to. What is God telling you?
Do you need to seek help in moving from being a baby Christian?
Is there a position of influence you have been given from which you can begin to build up those who are less mature?
How can you use the talents you have been given to fulfill the second half of verse 16?

"Flip for joy in Philippians!" That's one way you might remember the theme of Philippians.

Take ten or fifteen minutes to read through this brief book and take note of what Paul has to say about what brings him joy and rejoicing.

For reflection:
What's the relationship between joy and the actions of others?
What part does God play?
How can envy bring about joy?

If you can, compare Philippians 3:1 in several versions. You may see the words safe, safeguard, safety, sure, or necessary. How does this instruction bring safety?

In Psalm 30, David recounts a period in his life when he became overly confident in himself. As a result God hid His face from David.

David evidently thought he would soon die; for he asked God, "What profit would there be in my blood?" He reasoned that he could not praise God if he was dead.

God granted David's petition and turned His mourning into dancing.

If we were faced with the same situation, could we ask God so boldly, "What profit would there be in my blood?" Are we praising God like we should?

What causes you to praise God? Does He have to do something for you in order for you to praise Him, or can you praise Him just because HE IS?

Take some time to praise God for Who He is.

A Step Further:
Is your life one that can say, "There is no profit in my death"? How are you using the gifts God has given you to bring glory to Him? Read the article "Finding a Ministry that Fits" and pray that God would direct you to use your life in a way that will bring Him the most glory.

My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:2-8 NET)

How do you respond to hard times? Do you try to run from them? Do you grin and bear it, hoping it will soon pass?

These are pretty normal responses for anyone. But have you ever rejoiced over them?

As strange as it may sound at first, that is what we are told to do in the above passage. Why? Because trials ultimately make us better people.

God allows trials to test the strength of our faith. It is not enough to just endure, but to "let endurance have its perfect effect." The word translated "let . . . have" is in the imperative mood. It commands us to allow endurance to work in us.

Let's relate this to raising children, particularly of the preschool variety! A preschooler's day is filled with moments of disobedience, much to the chagrin of his or her parents. Dealing with adults or even older children is one thing, as they are reasoning individuals. A preschooler, however, tries mommy's and daddy's patience because they continue to disobey no matter how many times they are told how to behave.

Some parents may run away from the source of frustration, whether by leaving physically or giving in to the child's wishes. Others act out in anger verbally or physically. Still others harbor anger that festers inside toward the child, which is just as much a sin as acting out.

If we try to look at it from the perspective of James 1 instead, we might find help for both ourselves and our children. First, we know this test is intended to bring endurance. We need to persevere to the end, not running away.

Next we note that to really get something out of the experience, we can't be running away mentally, either. We need productive endurance; an endurance that produces a lesson learned--not just a sigh of relief. As we work through the experience we need to continually ask what God wants us to do and what God wants us to learn, seeking wisdom from Him about how to approach the child in a way that will reach him or her.

From this productive endurance we will become a person who is closer to completion in Christ. And that's something worth rejoicing about!

Application
The next time you're going through a trial, remember it is not something to merely endure. Meditate on the situation throughout the day, asking God to make clear what He wants to show you. Take notes. (Maybe you can journal or even blog about it.) Then when God brings someone to your path who is struggling with the same thing, ask if you can share your experience and what you learned.

Do you feel like an OUTCAST? As Christians we've been chosen out of the world and are not to be conformed to the world. That means we shouldn't act the way the rest of the world acts. If we don't look like the world, the world will hate us. (John 15:19, Romans 12:1-2)

What does the world have to offer? John Wesley says of 1 John 2:16 in his Explanatory Notes on the Bible:

The desire of the flesh - Of the pleasure of the outward senses, whether of the taste, smell, or touch.
The desire of the eye - Of the pleasures of imagination, to which the eye chiefly is subservient; of that internal sense whereby we relish whatever is grand, new, or beautiful.
The pride of life - All that pomp in clothes, houses, furniture, equipage, manner of living, which generally procure honour from the bulk of mankind, and so gratify pride and vanity. It therefore directly includes the desire of praise, and, remotely, covetousness.

Meditation:
Does the world love you? (Read John 15:19)
Do you love the world? (Read 1 John 2:15)
How much of the world's ways can we embrace before we are no longer separate? (Read 2 Cor. 6:17)

Therefore as you go along, make disciples of all nations [by] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit [and by] teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20a, author's translation)

Some churches today are so wrapped up in preaching the Gospel that they neglect the process of making disciples. It's not enough to merely preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15, cf. footnote 9). Making disciples requires an investment in the lives of those who make a decision to follow Christ.

What is a disciple, anyway? A disciple, as intended here, is one who adheres to his master's teachings both in belief and practice.

How is your church doing with the "other half" of the Great Commission?
How does this translation affect the way you see your part in fulfilling the Great Commission?
Does the description of a disciple fit you?

Do you know of "Christians" who don't practice the Master's teachings? Jesus would call these "hypocrites"--those who are only playacting! In His day, no group received greater condemnation from our Lord than those whom He called hypocrites.

Do you think Jesus would call you a hypocrite? If so, pray earnestly for conviction and guidance in this area. God is merciful to those who humble themselves before Him. Suggested reading: 1 John.

It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God – a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christ’s full stature. (Ephesians 4:11-13 NET)

What's the purpose of the administration of the church? In many churches it seems to be the job of the pastors and staff to visit, call, counsel, evangelize, pray, lead ministries, teach, . . . You get the picture.

But Paul (and therefore God) had a different picture. He says the administration of the church is there for equipping. Equipping whom? The saints. Who are the saints? Those who have been saved through faith in Christ Jesus.

For what are the saints being equipped? The work of the ministry! That's right. They ought to be equipped for visiting, calling, counseling, . . . everything God is calling the church to be and to do. Essentially, for doing whatever builds up the body of Christ till we all become like Christ.

But church staff can't take all the blame for the problem. Something known as the 80-20 rule has a lot to do with it too. That's technical jargon for the idea that 20% of the people are doing 80% of the work. For whatever reasons (some entirely legitimate), 80% of the saints aren't involved in ministry.

Wouldn't it be great if every church fully grasped the concept of equipping for ministry? Can you even begin to imagine the impact the Church, the body of Christ, could have if its members were being equipped and were answering the call to be everything God intended?

What's keeping you from answering that call? There is something out there God wants you to do. Are you ready to find it? Great! Once you have it pursue it faithfully!

You may find help in the God's Will and Your Life section at CBD. I also highly recommend the book S.H.A.P.E.: Finding & Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose for Life by Erik Rees.

What is a resolution? In the context of the new year, it is one or several things you have set your mind toward accomplishing in the coming year. It is a firm decision, something that is not meant to waver under any circumstance.

You may have heard it said January is the busiest time of the year for gyms. Many people resolve to "get in shape" and so they begin the year with a gym membership. They're faithful for a while, getting up early to make sure they fit that workout into their day. And then February comes. Suddenly the newness of the year--what brought the sense of confidence that they could live out their commitment--has worn off.

"Oh, well. There's always next year.

"Resolutions" have become more of an "I wish I could" list than an "I'm going to" list. They are no longer about commitment, but are decisions made with an opt-out clause. Instead of a covenant appoach there is instead a prenuptial agreement to a no-fault, no-strings-attached divorce should the individual wish to part ways from his new way of life.

Is that how you are with your spiritual life? Are there commitments you've made to God that said as long as you are comfortable, you'll stick with it? Then once the initial resolve of commitment wore off, or something "better" came along, or you missed a day or messed up one time, you just felt they weren't worth pursuing anymore? At least I tried. God will understand my excuse, right?

Maybe you decided to read the Bible through in a year. One missed day means there's twice as much to fit into your schedule. Before you know it, you're a week behind. Then a month. Why bother? The Old Testament is boring anyway. And I hear Revelation is so cryptic no one can really understand it, so what's the use in trying?

Maybe you determined to keep a prayer journal and pray daily for all the prayer requests you hear about at church. One problem. You're not a prayer warrior. I don't know these people, and trying to get through all the requests is more like reciting a shopping list than spending quality time with God. I don't see much happening, so I guess my prayers aren't getting to Him.

Whatever it was, it may have left you a bit hesitant to try again. Why set myself up for failure?

What if there were a way you could keep your commitment all year through? What if you could enter into that commitment without having to add conditions? What if that commitment might lead up to accomplishing something better than you set out to do? Would you be willing to at least try?

Here's the proposal: Start small and take it a day, a week, a month at a time. Then as you become faithful in the small things, you can make them a little bigger over time. No more pressure. Just a new way of looking at long-term commitments.

One financial guru champions what he calls snowballing debt. List all your debts. Start paying off the smallest first. When that is paid off, take the money you'd normally use for that debt and roll it into the next smallest. You're already used to living without it, so it won't be missed. Then, continue to do the same until everything is paid off. You may wonder, "Why start with the smallest and not the highest-interest debt?" Because momentum is being built with every success. If you pay off one debt fairly quickly, you get excited. A few months down the line, the next debt is paid off and before you know it, you're on a roll, actually looking forward to paying down debt and stretching to see if you can pay it all off even more quickly.

Why not do something similar with your spiritual life? Ask God how you might be able to use or adapt the following suggestions:

Pick a book of the Bible to chew on over a month's time. If you finish before the month is up, read up on answers to any questions you had. If you don't finish it, make it the book you read the following month as well. Or maybe it's so boring you've lost interest. Choose another book and come back when you're ready. If you choose a short book, give yourself two weeks and read it through more than once. Looking for something longer term? Try reading the works of a single author over a few months. Some scholars have spent decades devoted to Pauline theology and still learn from Paul's books after all that time.

Commit to choosing one prayer request a week. If others come to mind and you're compelled to pray, do it. As one request becomes easy, add another as you feel capable.

If you know you need to be telling people about Jesus, but you're uncomfortable just walking up to someone and asking them about their relationship with Him, try blogging about it. It's okay to start subtly with a little "God" here and a "pray" there. As you get comfortable with the little words here and there, challenge yourself with something less subtle. Stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone a little at a time.

A day of fasting can sound overwhelming if you've never done it, or if you have special health concerns. Forty days? Impossible! Try a half day fast just to give yourself a taste of what it's like. You may choose to do half day fasts on a regular basis or increase the length of your fasts.

Finally, don't give up. Consider Paul's example.

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19 ESV)

In the context of the above Scriptures, Paul speaks highly of being content with food and shelter alone. Striving for money, he warns, has led some to stray from the faith. For those who have money, he gives a formula for how to use those riches to glorify God.

Before we look at that formula, let's ask ourselves, "Am I rich?"

Many probably don't see themselves as rich, but that's a matter of perspective. Consider:

• the orphan girl in Ukraine who's never had the luxury of a slice of pizza;
  
• the millions in Nairobi without running water;
  
• the Brazilian family sandwiched into a house the size of your living room; or even
  
• the Appalachian mother who doesn't know whether her child will have shoes to replace those with soles that flap with every step.

So let's ask ourselves again, "Am I rich?"

Chances are, you were forced to answer in the affirmative. Praise God for His goodness! Now, what responsibilities do those riches bring?

First, we need to check our attitude towards others. Do we think ourselves better than those who appear less fortunate? When you see the older lady with the twenty-year-old clothes or smell the unmistakable odor of ammonia that emanates from the disheveled man in the wheelchair, what are your thoughts? Disdain? Fear? Pity? Maybe, just maybe, you can answer love. God sees them no differently. They are people in as much need of a Savior as you.

Second, we need to put our trust in God, not the security of money. Money can be fleeting. One day you can have a lucrative position with what you believe is a secure future. The next day your company might announce 120 layoffs, and you're one of the casualties. This is a time for God to remind you that He is the ultimate Provider. And His provisions are good. He wants us to enjoy his gifts.

Third, we need to use our gifts wisely. We are "to do good to others, to be rich in good works, to be ready to impart, liberal." It's not all about what we do with money, is it? Doing good to others requires our time and thoughtfulness, and our good works ought to be abundant. The word "rich" is the same word used to refer to monetary riches in 1 Timothy 6:9. Our ultimate responsibility with riches, though, is to give to others--liberally.

These responsibilities are not without reward to those who perform them. The result is treasure stored up as a good foundation for the future. This way, we may take hold of that which is truly life. That is, eternal life.

Meditation:
When have you been forced to rely on God as the ultimate Provider? How did He show his faithfulness? Has that experience changed the way you view money?
Do you regard yourself as a giving person? Do you hesitate to spend money on your own needs? Do you hesitate to use money for others' needs? How much money is "enough" that you would be ready to give to others liberally? Pray that God would give you the right attitude toward the money He has given you. Ask Him to lead you to the right opportunities to bless others in the most effective way.

Quick! Name the fourth commandment!

If you don't know it off the top of your head, you're not alone. It's one of those commandments that is practiced so little, you'd think it wasn't relevant today. But to God it is:

Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. For six days you may labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; on it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, or your male servant, or your female servant, or your cattle, or your resident foreigner who is in your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, and he rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it. (Exodus 20:8-11 NET)

Did you catch that last part? The Lord blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it. (The word sanctified means made holy, or set apart.) Before the earth became as we know it today, God created light, thus forming day and night. The seventh of these days He rested.

Why was the Sabbath blessed and sanctified? Turning back to Genesis 2:3, we see that God blessed it and sanctified it because this was when He ceased from the work He'd been doing in creation.

What day is the Sabbath? Sunday, right? Well, no. The Sabbath is actually from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. Many Christians today worship corporately on the first day of the week because it is the day Christ rose from the dead. Some, however, have reclaimed the Sabbath as the day of corporate worship for reasons rooted in the Old Testament's teachings.

Did Jesus ever work on the Sabbath? Sure! It became well-known among the Pharisees that Jesus did not keep the Sabbath according to their traditions (John 9:16). In fact, many a time they watched specifically to see whether He would heal on the Sabbath.

What is lawful on the Sabbath? In Matthew 12, the Pharisees ask (in order to accuse Him) whether it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath. Jesus responds by asking which of them wouldn't rescue his sheep if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath. He reasoned that since a man is more valuable than a sheep, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.

What is the purpose of the Sabbath? In Mark 2:27 Jesus says the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. That is, it was not intended to put a burden on men, but to free them. Luke 13 relates the story of the woman who was freed from her disability on the Sabbath. When the ruler of the synagogue told the people to come for healing any day but the Sabbath, the Lord rebuked the religious leaders there saying that even they untie and lead their animals to get water on the Sabbath. How fitting, then, that on the day of rest this lady be released from Satan's bonds (Luke 13:16).

How should Christians keep the Sabbath? There are many views on this, but Colossians gives good advice: Therefore do not let anyone judge you with respect to food or drink, or in the matter of a feast, new moon, or Sabbath days -these are only the shadow of the things to come, but the reality is Christ! (Colossians 2:16-17 NET)

For further study:

• Read Romans 14. Are you fully convinced that your actions on the Sabbath are acceptable to God? If you have not taken time to explore the subject with the Holy Spirit as your guide, invite Him to speak to you as you study the Scriptures.
• Read Hebrews 3:1-4:11, noting the word "rest". What insights do you gain from these verses that you can remember as you celebrate the Sabbath?

You are invited to visit my Xanga where I will be posting some of my thoughts about the Sabbath. There you can also let me know how God has used His word to speak to you recently.

What use are the Ten Commandments today? Do we really need to follow them all if we're living under the new covenant?

Ah, it is a new covenant, and an even better one because it brings true freedom through Jesus Christ. It's also a more challenging covenant. Here are two examples from Jesus' teachings:

"You have heard that it was said to an older generation, 'Do not murder,' and 'whoever murders will be subjected to judgment.' But I say to you that anyone who is angry with a brother will be subjected to judgment. And whoever insults a brother will be brought before the council, and whoever says 'Fool' will be sent to fiery hell.(Matthew 5:21-22 NET)

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to desire her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28 NET)

Whoa! So have you MURDERED? Are you an ADULTERER at heart? What about LYING? Have you ever told "little white lies" to avoid hurting others' feelings? Do you ever take the Lord's name in vain? That means you use it without acknowledging in your heart the power of the name. (Do you say it just out of habit instead of in faith at the end of your prayers?) That's BLASPHEMY!

No, not one of us is perfect. Only Jesus is. The Ten Commandments are of great use today because they show us just how much we need a Savior. And that Savior is Jesus Christ. Having received the salvation that is free through Christ Jesus, we live to walk in a better covenant.

One that is still summed up by "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and and with all your might" and "Love your neighbor as yourself." One that asks, "What would love do?"

So, do we need to follow them all? What do you think? Or, better yet, what is the Holy Spirit saying to you about the Ten Commandments? Forget what men say. Seek God's heart. He's the One you'll have to answer to in judgment (Romans 14).

Assignment:
Read Exodus 20:1-17. Summarize each of the commandments by writing them on paper. How many are related to God? How many are aimed at your relationship with others?
Meditation:
Which of the commandments are the most challenging for you when viewed as Jesus would interpret them? (e.g., anger is murder, looking to lust is adultery)
What is one victory Christ has given you over a sin? Praise Him for this and proclaim it as you pray for deliverance from other sins. He is not without power!

This is the fifth and final entry in a series on Christian service. You can begin with the first blog, entitled Whom Do You Serve in Ministry? Also be sure to check out the complementary guide to this series for questions that will help you find a ministry that fits the way God made you.

So we must not grow weary in doing good (acting virtuously), for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good (commit beneficial acts) to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10 NET, parentheticals mine)

We may have our niche in a ministry, or if we're really fortunate our job is ministry to which God has called us. But ministry is more than just serving in a church or working at one job. It is a way of life that also goes beyond the walls of a building and happens outside a particular time slot. We ought to jump at the chance to help people as we are able, whether they're Christians or not.

Admittedly, there are times to use restraint. For example, in situations involving strangers (such as a disabled car on a deserted road in the middle of the night) it may sometimes be better to call for help or gather a group.

There are also times when helping others the way they want to be helped would only hurt them in the long run. Perhaps in this case, as the Chinese proverb suggests, the loving thing to do would be teaching the individual to fish instead of giving him the fish.

Despite these exceptions there are plenty of opportunities to help if we just look for them.

How good are you at seeing the needs of others?
In the last week, have you seen a need you could have met, but didn't do it? Why not?
Do you think there are times we simply must say no? Can you find Scripture to back up your answer?
Pray that God would reveal to you opportunities to meet the needs of those around you with gifts He has given you. Pray also for the motivation to meet those needs.

This is the fourth entry in a series on Christian service. You can begin with the first blog, entitled Whom Do You Serve in Ministry? Also be sure to check out the complementary guide to this series for questions that will help you find a ministry that fits the way God made you.

Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to complete his work. (John 4:34 NET)

Jesus set the ultimate standard for us to serve God. Never once was He out of God's will, but faithfully performed it day in and day out, everything to completion. He wasn't involved in church-organized ministries; there were none. He was simply out doing His Father's business. At times he became physically tired and hungry, but doing God's will was far more important and satisfying.

We can find the same fulfillment and great reward when we serve others even if we're not involved in a long-term ministry. What we do for the least of God's children is the same as doing it for Jesus. (Read Matthew 25:31-40.) It doesn't have to be something big. It may be only a cup of cold water, but if we do it because they are a disciple of Christ, we will be rewarded (Matthew 10:42).

Have you ever passed up eating because you were being fulfilled through your work for God? If so, what were you doing?

When we consider Christian ministry, we are more often in the mindset of looking for big projects and long-term service. It is easy to forget the importance of doing little things for others. What are some "little things" you can do to build up one or more people in the body of Christ? Plan to do at least one of those in the next week. (One "little thing" can be listing your ideas here.)

Go to the next installment in this series, When is the Right Time to Serve?

This is the third entry in a series on Christian service. You can begin with the first blog, entitled Whom Do You Serve in Ministry? Also be sure to check out the complementary guide to this series for questions that will help you find a ministry that fits the way God made you.

Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:3-8 NET)

See others above yourself! What challenging words! In a society of hedonists, it is sometimes easy to give in to the world's wisdom to concentrate only on "me." As selfish beings, we find it hard to be concerned about others, much less to see them as greater than ourselves.

But that's what Jesus did, lowering Himself to our level, forsaking a life of worldly pleasures in order to serve. The Greek for slave in the Scripture above refers to one permanently devoted to serving another, giving up his own interests either voluntarily or involuntarily. In this case, Jesus willingly "emptied Himself" to appear as a slave.

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. (John 13:14 VW)

What's the "lowest" job you've ever done in your service to Christ?
God may not ask us to wash another person's feet, but we should be ready to say "yes" to His leading no matter what. What job are you afraid God may ask of you? Befriending a peculiar individual? Working with a group of people who are different from you? Leaving what you know (e.g., locale, job, present ministry) to serve elsewhere or in another fashion?
Pray for God's heart on this. If you have resolved to move forward with something God has revealed to you, tell someone who will keep you accountable.

Go to the next installment of this series, Can I Serve If I'm Not in a Long-Term Ministry?

This is the second entry in a series on Christian service. See the first entry, entitled Whom Do You Serve in Ministry? Also be sure to check out the complementary guide to this series for questions that will help you find a ministry that fits the way God made you.

Just as each one has received a gift (chárisma), use it to serve (diakonounte) one another as good stewards of the varied grace (cháritos) of God. Whoever speaks, let it be with God's words. Whoever serves (diakonei), do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11 NET, Greek words my additions)

Whatever you have received from God should be used to serve other Christians. The Greek word for gift here is chárisma. It is something that comes out of the grace of God through nothing you have done on your own. It may be in the form of money, talents, spiritual gifts, or even time.

Service (Or, assisting, ministering, "deaconing") should be done with the mighty power of God. This way, God will be glorified through Jesus Christ.

Are you being faithful in what God has gifted you? Name some of the gifts God has given you and list ways you could use them. (Your ideas here might help others.)
Can others see the mighty power of God in your ministry? It's easy to get so focused on the task that you forget the goal of glorifying God. When you set out to minister to others, pray first and foremost that God be glorified.

Other passages on stewardship:
The one who had received the five talents came and brought five more, saying, 'Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.' His master answered, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.' (Matthew 25:20-21 NET) For the rest of this story, see Matthew 25:14-30.

But the one who did not know his master's will and did things worthy of punishment will receive a light beating. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked. (Luke 12:48 NET) For the rest of this story, see Luke 12:42-48.

She did what she could. She anointed my body beforehand for burial. (Mark 14:8 NET) For the rest of this story, see Mark 14:3-9.

Go to the next installment of this series, What Kind of Attitude is Required for Service?

If anyone wants to serve (diakonēi) me, he must follow me, and where I am, my servant (diákonos) will be too. If anyone serves (diakonēi) me, the Father will honor him. (John 12:26 NET, Greek words added)

The words for serve and servant here are interesting. The words are commonly translated into English throughout the New Testament as serve/servant, minister/ministry, and deacon. They could also be translated attend/attendant. Thayer's Greek Definitions defines the noun as "one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master, a servant, attendant, minister."

Do you want to serve Jesus? Follow Him as your Master. If you are His servant, you'll be at His side ready to do as He asks and you will be honored by the Father.

Is your ministry where Jesus is at work? Did He lead you there? Do you continue to seek his leading each time you serve? Make it your aim in your service to submit yourself to his command as Your master.

Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men: knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free. (Ephesians 6:5-8 ASV, emphasis mine)

This is the first entry in a series on service. Go to the next installment of this series, What Does God Want You to Do with Your Gifts? Also be sure to check out the guide entitled "Finding a Ministry that Fits".

There is another guide available here at BibleStoreBrowser.com. If you're in the market for a study Bible, you won't want to miss this article!

FAQ: I want to buy a study Bible. How do I find a good one?

There are so many study Bibles on the market today, it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices. As with finding a good Bible translation, there are some questions you can ask yourself before beginning your research:

What's the reader's age?

The majority of study Bibles are fit for adults and mature teenagers. If the reader is younger, there are specialty Bibles available for kids as young as six. There are considerably fewer options for the younger age groups.

What Bible translation would you prefer?

Some study Bibles come in only one translation and others come in many. Selecting one or a few acceptable translations will lower the number of choices.

My take:
I personally prefer the New American Standard Bible for its accuracy, but, depending on the type of study Bible, I would also accept a New King James Version or Holman Christian Standard Bible and possibly a New International Version. When I chose the version for my Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible, I considered the NKJV and NIV, but determined that the purpose of the study Bible (i.e., to study the breadth of Scripture on different topics) would be more effectively met with the more literal NASB.

What is the primary purpose for the Bible? What kind of notes do you want? Is there a particular church tradition you're seeking?

Do you want a Bible that interprets the scripture for you or one that helps you apply it to your life? Do you want commentary-style notes? historical/archaeological notes? word study notes? reference notes? Some Bibles will have at least a little of each, but will be made up mostly of one or another type of note.

Just as there is no English Bible translation entirely free of some level of interpretation, neither is there a study Bible that does not have some level of interpretation. (Even the Thompson Chain Reference Bible and Nave's Topical Study Bible required some interpretation.) Some study Bibles are readily identifiable as ascribing to a particular theology, such as the Reformation Study Bible. Others you may have to research by finding out more about the person or group who put it together or through turning to several debated passages and reading the interpretation.

Tip:
You certainly don't have to stick to your own theological tradition. Sometimes it is good to be exposed to some alternate interpretations provided you are also studying the depth and breadth of the topic for yourself. Studying the topics for yourself protects against leaning more on the teachings of men than on what God actually said. Instead of ascribing to one side of an issue or the other, you may find yourself somewhere in the middle or determining that your understanding is not extensive enough to make a decision at the time. Don't forget that any study of the Bible should be bathed in prayer.

The Study Bible Shop at Christianbook.com is a good place to shop for a study Bible online. Their EasyFind for Bibles will help you narrow your search. The resources on the right hand side of the page are also helpful when looking for a study Bible. If you come across some unfamiliar terms while browsing the descriptions of the Bibles, you can use the Glossary of Bible Terms. You can also take a look at their list of Popular Study Bibles for Bibles that have stood the test of the masses.

I highly recommend looking inside a study Bible before buying it. Either check it out online or go to your local Christian store if they have it. Reading some of the notes and viewing the layout will help you determine how well it fits your expectations. Once you've found what you're looking for, congratulations! You have a Bible you're a lot more likely to use! Now before you open your Bible at home for the first time, be sure to read my article, A New Bible! Now What? to find out how you can get the most out of your new Bible.

Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:5-6 ESV)

How well did you measure up to this today? At work. At the store. Anywhere you found yourself.

No word from your mouth should call into question your Christianity. Be on your guard, considering what your speech sounds like to others, even your brothers and sisters in Christ. If you've flubbed up, you're not the first. No one has mastered the tongue completely (James 3:8). Confess your shortcoming to God and ask Him for direction. And don't be surprised if he tells you to apologize to someone!

For more on this subject, see my Xanga entitled An Experiment in Silence.

In case you haven't seen it, there's a new guide available in the Bible and Reference Guides section (on the left side) here at BibleStoreBrowser.com. If you're looking for the best Bible translation to meet your needs, I have some tips on how to find it. Here is the new guide:

FAQ: What Bible translation should I use?

I have been asked a number of times, "What's the best Bible version?" There is no easy answer to this as there are many translations with their own strong points and weak points. What is best for one person will be insufficient for another. There are a few questions you can ask yourself to help with your choice.

What's your purpose for the Bible? What do you want to do with it? Is it for devotions or for study? Are you the only one who will be reading it? What do you like and not like about the current Bible version you use? Describe your ideal Bible.

Some versions are better than others for a person's Bible reading goals. Once you have defined your goals, start learning about your options. I like Bible comparison charts as a good start. You can find one online or look for what will probably be a large laminated chart somewhere in the Bible display area at your local Christian store. I was pleasantly surprised by Amazon's Bible Comparison Chart. The Bible translation information pages at Christian Book Distributors give a good discussion of the most popular translations as well as a brief introduction to formal and dynamic equivalence and paraphrases. Using these tools, you will likely be able to narrow your choices.

My final suggestion for choosing a translation is to look at them for yourself. Flip through them and read some passages, evaluating how well they will meet your reading goals. I also like to turn to at least one passage with which I am familiar or that I have studied recently to see how they compare. You can either find the translations online or go to your local Christian store.

As always, the most important ongoing step is to read your Bible. The best Bible for you is no good if it's collecting dust.

[To Saul:] But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you." (1 Samuel 13:14 ESV)

Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. (2 Samuel 7:22 ESV)

So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people. (2 Samuel 8:15 ESV)

Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. (2 Samuel 12:9 ESV)

King Saul lost his kingdom because he didn't do what the Lord commanded. The Lord had instead sought a man who was after His own heart. Finally on the throne, David praised God for the marvelous things He had done in his life. At some point, though, his heart must have begun wandering.

For further study:
Saul lost his kingdom because he didn't follow God's commands. Why do you think David was not punished in the same way?

As you look at the above verses, you may find it hard to believe they all pertain to the same man. How can someone called a man after God's own heart drift so far from that same God that he would sin so grievously? He coveted his neighbor's wife, committed adultery with her, and lied about it with an attempt to cover it up by arranging for the murder of her husband. He was so blind to the sin that he didn't even realize he'd done something wrong until Nathan the prophet told him (See 2 Samuel 12:1-7).

Something like this doesn't just happen overnight. The drift--the slippery slope, if you will--comes long before such a fall as this. It happens in the heart, that within us which is able to deceive unlike any other (Jeremiah 17:9). Therefore, we must be careful to guard our hearts. We must pray regularly for God to search our hearts and try our thoughts to see if there is grievousness in them and to lead us in the way everlasting (from Psalm 139, before David became king over all Israel).

There is one more vital Scripture for us to see. It is one of utter brokenness over sin.

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. (Psalms 51:1-4 ESV)

Are you so far in sin you don't even know it? Maybe your heart has deceived you. If it has, you may not even know the answer is "yes." Take the time right now to pray that God would reveal to you any error in your ways. Be ready for the truth, no matter how ugly it is! . . .Because when you have confessed and repented, you will feel more free than you have in a long, long time. That's the freedom that Jesus brings! Remember it?

So maybe you're not in sin on a regular basis, but perhaps there is at least one area of obedience where you are lacking. Reading your Bible regularly? Praying? Ridding your surroundings of things that disgrace the Lord? What about following through on something God has shown you, but you just keep allowing to slip by? In your quiet time today, begin to seek God's counsel on this and watch how He works. You might also enjoy my friend Jé's convicting article on seeking God first.

Glorify God for the things He reveals!

In the last few Bible Study entries, we have been using a passage in 1 Corinthians to learn more about studying the Bible. We began with a summary of the text, then investigated the context, and finally learned about several tools for word studies. To wrap up this series we compare some translations and, in the process, learn something interesting about Bible translation. . .

Here's a stumper. Compare 1 Corinthians 3:3 in a few different translations. (The Search the Bible box to the right is really handy if you don't have Bible software on your computer.) If you look at some translations like the King James Version, you might notice that 1 Corinthians 3:3 includes "divisions" in its list of characteristics of the worldly (also, fleshly, carnal) individual, while most others do not.

What's up with that?

Well, one could go into a lengthy discussion on the subject of codices and texts and the like, but the short and simple answer is that not all translations use the same set of sources from which to translate the Bible. In regard to this particular verse, it can be noted that "and divisions" is not found in the Alexandrian copy, the Latin Vulgate, and other sources.

Can we trust the Bible if the sources don't agree?

Absolutely! Because God provided His message across the breadth of Scripture, there is not one difference between sources that will call any doctrine into dispute.

Praise God for keeping His Word together and providing it for us to study in ways previous generations never dreamed!

If you did the activities in the last entry you may have noted that "men of flesh" was not exactly the same as "natural man". Hopefully, through the use of context, you picked up that Paul was somewhat comparing the baby Christians to natural men, who are also contrasted with those who are spiritual. Like the natural man, the fleshly, worldly men aren't ready for the wisdom of God. Until they are more mature, the deep things of God will seem foolish, so Paul must give them milk.

So, what's the difference between a man who is fleshly and one who is natural?

That's a good question. From context, we know that the fleshly (Or carnal, worldly) man being described is a Christian, but he has not been growing spiritually as he should. We can use some Bible study tools to learn more.

First, we can consult a lexicon. This is kind of like a foreign language dictionary, but its renderings are broader. One drawback to looking in a lexicon is that you have to look up the Strong's number or the original word if you don't have software (such as e-Sword) that provides the information automatically. Our goal here, though, is just to show the usefulness of a lexicon.

Read the definition for psuchikos, the word translated natural in the New American Standard Bible. Now look at the definition for sarkikos (fleshly in the NASB). We see psuchikos (the word rendered natural) has to do with breath and sarkikos (the word rendered fleshly) has to do with flesh.

Let's go a step further and look at another tool, a commentary called Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament. This resource may be Greek-heavy for many, but if one takes the time to think through what is said, he or she may be enlightened by the nuances of the Greek language. In this case, we look up the entries for 1 Corinthians 2:14 and 1 Corinthians 3:3.

Finally, there is a resource from AMG Publishers that you have likely seen referenced by such authors as Kay Arthur and Beth Moore. It is The Complete Word Study Dictionary. This reference gives a thorough discussion of each word used in the Bible. If you find yourself often wondering about the real meanings of words in your Bible, this dictionary is for you. It is not available for free, so no link can be provided, but it is available with e-Sword for a considerable savings over what you would pay for the hard copy set.

Once you've gone to the trouble of looking up words you want to learn more about, it is important to reread your Scripture and insert what you have learned to see if it reveals something to you. Did it change the way you see the passage? Do you see a way to apply it to your life that you didn't see before?

That's enough for now. Let's take a break! But don't forget to check out the next installment of this short series designed to help you get more out of your Bible study!

Previously, we briefly discussed the idea of some of the Corinthians who were still infants in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1-7). Now, it's time to flex our Bible study muscles! The given passage could stand on its own, but it takes on more meaning when we read the preceding chapters. Following prayer for clarity, read 1 Corinthians 1 and 2 with 3:1-7. (There is a search tool on the right side of this page.)

Once you have read the passage in its preceding context, consider doing one or both of the following exercises to shed light on some key words and ideas in 1 Corinthians 3:1-7:

• Contrast the natural man with the spiritual man. Based on this, what does Paul mean when he calls the individuals "men of flesh" (NASB) in 1 Corinthians 3:1?
• Make a list of what is said about wisdom and foolishness. How does the natural man react to the Spirit of God? (Hint: see 1 Corinthians 2:14) Apply that to their need for spiritual milk in 1 Corinthians 3:1-2.

Be sure to drop by again because next time we'll explore another aspect of Bible study using this passage!

Brothers, I couldn't talk to you as spiritual people but as worldly people, as mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, because you weren't ready for it. Why, you're still not ready for it! That's because you are still worldly. As long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, you are worldly and living by human standards, aren't you? For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apollos," you are merely human, aren't you? What is Apollos anyhow? Or what is Paul? Mere servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord gave to each of us his task. I did the planting, Apollos did the watering, but God kept everything growing. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is significant, but God, who keeps everything growing, is the one who matters. (1 Corinthians 3:1-7, ISV)

When Paul wrote this epistle the Corinthian church was somewhat divided. Paul had preached the gospel, having baptized a few, and Apollos had continued the work (chapter 1).

While he was there in Corinth, Paul had given only spiritual milk to these infants in Christ. Now, he still must speak to them as babes. They are not ready for solid food because they are still worldly. What a wake-up call this must have been to some!

What about today? Do you think parts of the Church need a wake-up call? Do YOU need a wake-up call?

Stay tuned for a closer look at this passage!

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19, ESV)

Your money is not your own. Neither is anything you have. Everything you possess was given to you by God for your enjoyment. As such, God provides some guidelines on handling material goods.

In 1 Timothy, Paul is writing to Timothy, whom he had left in Ephesus as his representative to the church. This passage comes near the end of the letter, following shortly after a brief discussion of the dangers of riches.

First, Paul warns those who are rich not to be haughty or to rely on riches instead of God. Then, he describes the lifestyle the rich should have. Do good, be rich in good works, and be generous and ready to share. Note that these apply not only to how to spend money, but to one's overall character as well. Finally, he describes the benefits of following such guidelines: storing up treasure in order to take hold of what is “truly life” (i.e., eternal life).

Are you rich? You may not think it, but just look at all the things God has provided for you. Things like your home, land, and other possessions.

What is your attitude toward your material wealth? Are you haughty, proud, arrogant? In other words, do you think you are better than others because you have such things? Even a little better? (Be honest!) Do you trust in your possessions instead of in the God who has given them to you? Pray for God to show you any wrong attitudes toward the things you possess and ask Him to replace them with the right attitudes.

Are you using what God has given you to do good? Are you rich in good works? Are you generous with what you have and ready to share your belongings? Pray about how you can use your blessings to bless others and glorify God. Pray also for the opportunities to do so.

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome." When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near." (Acts 23:11-15, ESV)

Paul made his way to Rome, fully aware that he would undergo persecution, perhaps to the point of death. Indeed, more than forty men swore against eating or drinking till they had killed Paul. They made arrangements with the chief priests and elders and were lying in wait for him (v. 21), certain their plan could not fail.

But the Lord had other plans for Paul. He had put Paul's nephew in the right place at the right time to learn of the plot and he was able to warn the Roman tribune of the ambush. The tribune sent Paul to the governor that same night with 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen (v.23). So much for the well-laid plans of the men. When they ignored God's plans to glorify Himself, they foolishly bound themselves by an oath that would lead them to their deaths if they honored it!

Do you think God will take care of you when you submit to His leading?
In what ways have you witnessed God's protection in your life?
Have there been times in your life when God did not appear to protect you from harm, but afterwards you could see how He glorified Himself in the circumstance?
Do you believe God has more plans for you here on earth? Pray for wisdom and the humility to serve God in ways far beyond what you could ever plan for yourself.

As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'" When we heard this, we and the people there begged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, "The will of the Lord be done." After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. (Acts 21:1-15, Common Edition, New Testament, 1865)

Generally, self-preservation is a natural trait. Most of us tend to avoid situations that could physically hurt us. Now here's Paul being told that going to Jerusalem would bring certain adversity. He had apparently been sensing this for a while because it was not long before that he had called the Ephesian elders to him at Miletus to bid them fairwell (Acts 20:17-38).

Upon hearing the prophet Agabus's words, Paul's friends were frightened for him and begged that he not go. Despite this heartfelt opposition, he was not to be dissuaded from his trip to Jerusalem; for his mind was not on himself, but on the glory of God. Paul's steadfastness in his decision and his testifying of his willingness to die for the name of the Lord Jesus allowed his friends to finally give in and desire that the will of the Lord be done.

Have you ever told your family or friends of a decision you felt the Lord leading you into that could bring you hardship? If so, what was their reaction? How did you handle any opposition? What was the end result?
Have you ever been the naysayer when a friend or family member told you his plans to pursue something? What were your reasons for objecting? If the individual went forward with the plan, what happened?
What are you willing to sacrifice for the glory of God? Would you sacrifice your reputation? your material possessions? your physical well-being? REALLY? Tell God and ask that His will be done.

You shall not make a graven image for yourself, or any likeness in the heavens above, or in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth; (Exodus 20:4, LITV)

GOD. What comes to mind? A concept? A divine being? A relationship?

Through the ages there have been many ideas about God. Who He is. How important He is. What He can or will do. Why He does what He does.

On the opening page of the Christian classic The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer writes, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." Think on that for a moment.

What you think about God will dictate how you relate to God and others and how you react to circumstances in your life. A biblical view of God will result in healthy relationships and reactions, thus glorifying Him. At the other extreme an image of God that you have formed for yourself will result in frustration and discontent.

No one can know all there is to know about God. All the learning on earth could not encompass all that is God, but He revealed some of Himself to us in the Bible. Without it we can never hope to have the right thoughts about God.

How have your thoughts of God changed over the years?
How does what you believe about God shape your relationships? your reactions to circumstances?
Are there areas of frustration and discontent in your life? Is it because you have created a god whose ways are not higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9)? Or is it because you have forgotten how perfect His way is (Psalm 18:30)?
What changes do you need to make to reflect accurately Who God is that He might be glorified in you?