Encouraged

Rom 1:8-15

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 13 I want you to know, brothers, [1] that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, [2] both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Footnotes
[1] 1:13 Or brothers and sisters. The plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, adelphoi may refer either to men or to both men and women who are siblings (brothers and sisters) in God's family, the church
[2] 1:14 That is, non-Greeks

• How would you feel if someone told you that your faith is being talked about all over the world?
  
• Why might the Roman Christians have been encouraged by these comments?
  
• What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "spiritual gifts"?
  
• What spiritual gift did Paul have in mind for the Roman Christians?
• Why would he call this a spiritual gift?
  
• Who in your life encourages you by their faith?
  
• Who do you encourage by your faith?
  
• What is necessary about a relationship for you to encourage and be encouraged by it?
  
• When have you hidden your faith?
• What harvest do you hope to reap from what you have sown?
  

Word and Song

Col 3:16

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

• If the dwelling of the word of Christ in you could be measured as money, what would your account look like? Would you be poor, comfortable, wealthy, or what?
  
• What is one reason to have the word of Christ in you?
  
• How often do you sing lessons to someone from Christ's word?
  
• Why do you sing at church gatherings?
  
• When was the last time you sang with thankfulness?

Harold's Musings:
I must admit this is a frustrating verse for me. First I don't particularly like to sing. I sing along with songs that I like in my car or when I'm listening to my iPod but it is in response to the music, not because I inherently like to sing. I do sing at church gatherings, even though I don't particularly like to. Why? Because I am supposed to sing teaching and encouragement. Because I am supposed to express my thankfulness to God. I don't have a problem teaching, encouraging, or being thankful. I just don't want to sing it, but I do because that is what God wants. Because I don't want to be singing, it annoys me to look around at a church gathering and see people refusing to sing. Now you see I have even worse attitudes than just not singing. My point is this: God wants us to do what he wants us to do even when we don't like it. God does not want me to be annoyed by how others do or do not act; that is His concern. Boy, do I have a lot to work on today!

Fill ups

Col 2:9-12

9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

• What lives in Jesus body?
  
• According to this passage, what happens to you when you are in Christ?
  
• If Christ is the head over all rule and authorities and you are in Christ, what do you have to fear?
  
• What is the body of flesh that baptism removes?
  
• What is the significance of being buried with Christ in baptism?
  
• What is the significance of being raised with Christ?
  
• What is the means through which you were raised?

Harold's Musings:
The phrase "in Christ" and its variants, e.g. in Him, is frequently overlooked in passages. We recognize the "Christ" part but read over the "in" part. This passage tells us that the fullness of deity lives in Christ and then states that as Christians you and I are filled in Him. The various translations use phrases like "made full", "made complete", etc. It is interesting to muse over why the Holy Spirit put the fact that Christ was filled with Deity in Him and that we are filled in Him next to each other in the passage. If Christ is filled with Deity and we are in Christ, then we are at least sharing space with Deity. Perhaps this is related to our receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps this speaks to our being a temple. Perhaps it is about our being partakers of the devine nature. The bigger questions are "what does it mean to me" and "what will I do with it".

The Mystery

Col 1:24-27

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

• What sort of feelings do you get when you find out a secret?
  
• How would you react if you discovered something that would help a lot of people?
  
• What was the mystery that had been hidden?
  
• How does knowing this mystery influence your life?
  
• Why is this mystery so important to you? To your friends?
  
• What is your hope? How often do you feel hopeless?

Harold's Musings
Maybe this is a reason why we are so reluctant to tell others about Jesus. We simply do not feel that we have anything to offer them. We do not have anything to offer; Jesus does. Perhaps we do not feel the hope of glory that comes from realizing that Christ is in us. We go through our day accomplishing what we do or failing in what we try with our hope of glory firmly resting on our own abilities. Dale Carnegie summarized a number of authors when he wrote "everyone wants to feel important". We frequently fail to recognize just how important we are to God and only focus on how important we are to the humans around us. The secret though is "Christ in you, the hope of glory".

Reconciliation

Col. 1:18-23

18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation [1] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Footnotes
[1] 1:23 Or to every creature

• How do you feel realizing that the one who is over everything died for you?
  
• What does the word reconcile mean to you? What must be present for reconciliation to be needed?
  
• When did you realize you were an enemy of God?
  
• Why would Jesus die for His enemies?
  
• What conditions are stated here for remaining reconciled to God?
  
• How important is hope in this passage?

Our Rescuer

Col. 1:15-18

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by [1] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

Footnotes
[1] 1:16 That is, by means of; or in

• How does it feel to be on the winning team? How about the championship team?
  
• What do you feel about Jesus Christ when you read this passage?
  
• What struggle in your life is outside of Jesus Christ's control?
  
• Where in the universe is something held together outside of Christ?
  
• As the head of the church, what control does he have over you, a member of the body?
• When you read this, what feelings does it evoke or is it merely intellectual fluff?
  

Faith, Love and Hope

Col 1:1-8

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brothers [1] in Christ at Colossae. Grace to you and peace from God our Father.3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. [2] He is a faithful minister of Christ on your [3] behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

Footnotes
[1] 1:2 Or brothers and sisters. The plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, adelphoi may refer either to men or to both men and women who are siblings (brothers and sisters) in God's family, the church
[2] 1:7 Greek fellow bondservant
[3] 1:7 Some manuscripts our

• How often do you consider the hopes that fuel your life? Is it easy
  for you to feel hopeless?
  
• Who do you always pray for?
  
• How is the hope you have expressed in your faith and love?
  
• Where does your hope come from?
  
• How is the gospel producing fruit in your life?
  
• Why is it necessary to understand the gospel instead of just hearing it?
  
• What does it mean to understand the grace of God in truth?

Instructions to elders

1 Pe 5:1-4

5:1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, [1] not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; [2] not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Footnotes
[1] 5:2 Some manuscripts omit exercising oversight
[2] 5:2 Some manuscripts omit as God would have you

• What is your understanding of an elder's functions?
  
• What does it mean to shepherd?
  
• What does the phrase "the flock of God" say to you?
  
• How does an elder exercise oversight? What does it look like?
  
• Why might a man be compelled to exercise oversight involuntarily?
  
• Why is it God's will that oversight be performed voluntarily?
  
• How might an elder receive "sordid gain"?
  
• How is not getting money related to eagerness?
  
• How might an elder "lord it over" the flock?
  
• What does being an example accomplish among the flock?
  
• How effective will an elder be if the flock does not want to be overseen?
  
• What is your role in regard to your elders?
  
• Why did Peter wait until he had discussed suffering many times before talking to elders?

A Holy Priesthood

1 Pe. 2:4-5

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

• What is a living stone?
  
• Who was the first living stone?
  
• Who are living stones now?
  
• Why are living stones needed?
  
• What are the living stones being used to build?
  
• Which is more beautiful in God's eyes?
  - a huge, marvelously designed cathedral?
  - a large functional church building
  - a living spiritual church built using living spiritual people
  
• How do you feel knowing that you are a living stone?
  - delighted that you can participate with Christ
  - pleased to be connected to other living stones in a permanent bond
  - unhappy that people seldom see the individual stones in a building
  - disappointed to be "just another brick in the wall"
  
• Who makes up the holy priesthood that serves in the spiritual house?
• What is the apparent attraction of having a few designated priests instead of all believers being priests?
  
• How would your daily life be different if you realized your priesthood?
  
• What are the spiritual sacrifices that you as a priest are to offer? [Consider Rom. 6:11-13, Rom. 12:1-2, Heb. 13:15-16]
  
• What makes your spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God?
  
• Through what means are you sacrifices offered to God?
  
• Why do we have such a tendency to focus on the physical when God focuses on the spiritual?

Harold's Musings:
If I could just keep this passage in the front of my mind all day every day, I would be more content with my walk here on earth. This passage sums up what should drive a Christian's attitude and actions. My self-image would not be fragile and prone to being hurt. My every action would be a priestly service towards God. What a challenge we have!

Ruled by Peace

Colossians 3:15

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

• What does peace mean to you?
• What is the peace of Christ?
• Compare the peace of Christ with your idea of peace?
• What does it mean for something to rule you?
• How does this rule impact the church?

Harold's Musings:
This verse popped out yesterday. I started thinking about what it would be like to be totally at peace. No stress at work. No stress at home or church. No stress from struggling against self. At first it seemed so appealing. Then I realized that it would be boring. As humans we seem to look for stress and struggles. People all over the world are sports fans and they thrive on the competition, which is not peaceful. The peace of Christ is something special. Recently I had an experience where I had to prepare a plan for work. It took me some time to form it in my mind but I was not at peace with it. I showed it to my fellow workers who thought it was good. I was still uneasy. I finally showed it to my president, who not only agreed with it but actively discussed it and added his thoughts to the overall plan. I left that meeting at peace. Are your daily plans in line with what Christ would want? Are your relationships with others ruled by the peace and mercy you receive from God through Christ? Do you know that you can have the full backing of Heaven itself if you and Christ agree on your plans to do His will? Peace Out!

Clothed in Righteous Deeds

Rev. 19:6-8

6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure — for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

• Who is the Bride in this passage?
• How has the Bride made herself ready?
• How was she granted/given the ability to clothe herself?
• What is the purpose for righteous deeds?
  
• How often do you recognize yourself as the church?
• How often do you appreciate the gift of doing righteous deeds?

Harold's Musings:
Funny how God works. This was part of the text for the sermon yesterday. As it was being read, verse 8 jumped out. We know we cannot save ourselves. We know that Jesus' blood is what washes us. We know we are not worthy on our own. So why bother with doing good? It indicates here that we have been granted (NIV/NASB given) the right to clothe ourselves in righteous deeds. Our righteous deeds are part of God's grace. If you will, God has given his Son's future bride a line of credit so that she can have an appropriate wedding gown. The image in the passage shows the gown to be white and dazzling. Are you content with the blue jeans and flannel shirt you have on now? Ouch! I need to go change clothes.