ISSL Reflections August 20 2023 1 Corinthians 4:1–6, 17–21 Post 3

Posted on by
Reply

VII.
Let’s take one more season with Paul’s words and pay attention for all the indicators and traits that he would associate with “servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.”

VIII.
1 Corinthians 4:1-6, 17-21 (NRSVue)

Think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.

I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us what “Not beyond what is written” means, so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of one against another.

For this reason I sent you Timothy, who is my beloved and trustworthy child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, as I teach them everywhere in every church. But some of you, thinking that I am not coming to you, have become arrogant. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God depends not on talk but on power. What would you prefer? Am I to come to you with a stick or with love in a spirit of gentleness?

IX.
What did you notice?

What is “required of stewards … “? What do you think he includes when he writes “… that they be found trustworthy”?

He speaks of some who have “become arrogant.” Is Paul arrogant when he writes, “I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted”?

He associates that some may be “puffed up in favor of one against another” with “Not beyond what is written.” Do you think he might be thinking of those of the community who are trying to “add” something to the Gospel Paul has taught and/or reinterpret aspects of the Hebrew Scripture that are inconsistent with the teachings of Rabbi Jesus?

Take some time to consider, “… the Kingdom of God depends not on talk but on power.”

What in your life as a disciple of Jesus goes beyond “talk” to the “power” Paul envisions?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections August 20 2023 1 Corinthians 4:1–6, 17–21 Post 2

Posted on by
Reply

IV.
Did you notice –

“What would you prefer? Am I to come to you with a stick or with love in a spirit of gentleness?”

How do you hear that? How do you think the Christian community in Corinth heard that?

V.
1 Corinthians 4:1-6, 17-21 (NRSVue)

Think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.

I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us what “Not beyond what is written” means, so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of one against another.

For this reason I sent you Timothy, who is my beloved and trustworthy child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, as I teach them everywhere in every church. But some of you, thinking that I am not coming to you, have become arrogant. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God depends not on talk but on power. What would you prefer? Am I to come to you with a stick or with love in a spirit of gentleness?

VI.
It seems there is “much” in 1 Corinthians that displays why Paul might mention a “stick.” He says the community has those in it who are arrogant, puffed-up, judgemental, immature in the faith, causing divisions in the community and otherwise not growing in love toward each other.

Yet, he sends Timothy to them and plans to return to them himself so as to remind them of the foundation of their faith and the unity that should be part of a Christian community.

How would you respond to Paul if he was addressing you this way?

Do you think you have even been in a place to need this kind of “talking to”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections August 20 2023 1 Corinthians 4:1–6, 17–21 Post 1

Posted on by
Reply

I.
In this passage Paul asks the Christian community at Corinth to think of himself, Apollos and Timothy as –

“… servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.”

What do you hear Paul telling you about “servants” and “stewards”?

II.
1 Corinthians 4:1-6, 17-21 (NRSVue)

Think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.

I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us what “Not beyond what is written” means, so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of one against another.

For this reason I sent you Timothy, who is my beloved and trustworthy child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, as I teach them everywhere in every church. But some of you, thinking that I am not coming to you, have become arrogant. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God depends not on talk but on power. What would you prefer? Am I to come to you with a stick or with love in a spirit of gentleness?

III.
As I read this, I wonder why verse 15 was not included in this week’s reading.

“For though you might have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers.”

He would have them consider “servants of Christ,” “stewards of God’s mysteries,” “guardians” and “fathers” in the faith.

Take some time to think of those individuals and communities who have helped birthed you into the life of disciples of Jesus.

Who are they? When were they there for you? What have you taken from them? What path did they direct you on?

How have they encouraged you to become “servants of Christ,” “stewards of God’s mysteries” and spiritual parents to others?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections August 13 2023 Romans 14:10–23 Post 3

Posted on by
Reply

VII.
Today listen as Paul tells us –

“For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” (vv 17-19)

The phrase “mutual upbuilding” captures my attention.

Read this passage again with the above verses and our goal of “mutual upbuilding” in mind.

VIII.
Romans 14:10-23 (NRSVue)

Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall give praise to God.”

So then, each one of us will be held accountable.

Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother or sister. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who considers it unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. So do not let your good be slandered. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong to make someone stumble by what you eat; it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. Hold the conviction that you have as your own before God. Blessed are those who do not condemn themselves because of what they approve. But those who have doubts are condemned if they eat because they do not act from faith, for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

IX.
My reading of this passage suggests that Paul wants us to focus on “righteousness, peace … joy … mutual upbuilding.”

Well, maybe more than focus. Maybe our life as it is lived in Christian community should be founded on such.

Let’s go a step beyond that. Our life as disciples of Jesus should always seek to express “righteousness, peace … joy … mutual upbuilding” in all our relationships.

Take a moment to consider what might hinder us in this.

And then consider what might help us to relate to others this way.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections August 13 2023 Romans 14:10–23 Post 2

Posted on by
Reply

IV.
Paul told the church at Rome,

“resolve … never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother or sister.”

Hold that thought in mind as you read this passage.

V.
Romans 14:10-23 (NRSVue)

Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall give praise to God.”

So then, each one of us will be held accountable.

Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother or sister. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who considers it unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. So do not let your good be slandered. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong to make someone stumble by what you eat; it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. Hold the conviction that you have as your own before God. Blessed are those who do not condemn themselves because of what they approve. But those who have doubts are condemned if they eat because they do not act from faith, for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

VI.
What examples of such “stumbling blocks” does Paul offer?

Can you think of other actions or attitudes that might be “stumbling blocks

”?

Last week we read that we were “called to freedom.”

Do Paul’s words here suggest we should limit our freedom? Are we still free in Christ if we put these limitations on our actions and attitudes?

How do we balance “freedom” and not being a “stumbling block”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections August 13 2023 Romans 14:10–23 Post 1

Posted on by
Reply

I.
Paul asks us to not “pass-judgment on” or “despise” our sisters and brothers.

Read over these verses several times and take note of the ways in which we might be “passing-judgment” or “despising” our sisters and brothers.

II.
Romans 14:10-23 (NRSVue)

Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall give praise to God.”

So then, each one of us will be held accountable.

Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother or sister. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who considers it unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. So do not let your good be slandered. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong to make someone stumble by what you eat; it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. Hold the conviction that you have as your own before God. Blessed are those who do not condemn themselves because of what they approve. But those who have doubts are condemned if they eat because they do not act from faith, for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

III.
Who are the “sisters and brothers Paul is asking us not to judge or despise? Are they members or our natural families? Or members of the community of faith? Or does he go so far as to call all humans our sisters and brothers? Or maybe all of God’s creation sisters and brothers?

How do you come to your answer?

How do you understand Paul’s comment that “… in the Lord Jesus … nothing is unclean in itself…”

Can you give some examples of the kind of things Paul is writing about?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections August 6 2023 Galatians 5:13–26 – Post 3

Posted on by
Reply

VII.
Let’s take another look at this passage and take special note of the way (and ways) freedom can be expressed by those who are part of the Christian community.

VIII.
Galatians 5:13-26 (NRSVue)

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become enslaved to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.

IX.
Where does the freedom Paul speaks of lead? How is it lived out in our communities of believers?

You might look at what he says should not be part of our communities.

You also can take note of where the Spirit guides us?

Which is easier for you to deal with? A list of what not to do or a list of the “fruit” (behaviors and attitudes) the Spirit guides us to?

How do you sense the Spirit guiding you to this kind of freedom?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections August 6 2023 Galatians 5:13–26 – Post 2

Posted on by
Reply

IV.
In contrasting the freedom that comes as we “live by the Spirit” and experience “the fruit of the Spirit” Paul admonishes us not to “bite and devour one another.”

In reflecting on Paul’s cautions to us, notice how he draws out what it is to “bite and devour one another.”

V.
Galatians 5:13-26 (NRSVue)

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become enslaved to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.

VI.
In these several sentences Paul gives us a couple of lists. First, he lists what he calls “obvious” “works of the flesh,” and then lists what he regards as “the fruit of the Spirit.”

In looking at both of these lists, what do you notice that might be at the bottom of the biting and devouring he warns against.

How does “conceit” and “envy” work its way into our communities of faith?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections August 6 2023 Galatians 5:13–26 – Post 1

Posted on by
Reply

I.
Let’s take our cue for our reflections this week from the opening words of this Scripture passage –

“For you were called to freedom … enslaved to one another”

As you read this passage, take note of what this freedom, Kingdom of God freedom, brings us.

II.
Galatians 5:13-26 (NRSVue)

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become enslaved to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.

III.
Does “freedom” have limits?

What do you notice we are freed to and freed from?

Which is easier to deal with? What Paul reports is outside a Kingdom of God life or the “fruit of the Spirit“?

Which is easier, to make a list of things to avoid or a list of attitudes and dispositions to cultivate?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections July 30 2023 Matthew 13:44–52 Post 3

Posted on by
Reply

VII.
If you had been with Jesus’ listeners that day, how would you have answered his question, “Have you understood all this?”

With the “Yes” of the listeners or maybe with the silence of not knowing how to answer or maybe even a, “Well, no, not really…..”

Listen to Jesus again, take some time to rest with his words and then hear his question to you once more.

VIII.
Matthew 13:44-52 (NRSVue)

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

IX.
I suspect we need to consider what we value the most. What do we consider a treasure worth enough for us to sell all else so we can have it.

Then again, as the fishermen discover not all we bring with us is good and some must be separated and discarded.

What about the one who is “master of the household”? Do we have the insight to not only see what is new and what is old but to be able to judge its value and to know what its purpose is?

Have we traveled with Rabbi Jesus long enough to answer his question, “Have you understood all this?” in the affirmative or do we need to spend more time listening and walking with him?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}