ISSL Reflections June 16 2024 Romans 15:1–13 Post 1

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I.
Paul writes to the Disciples of Jesus in Rome,

“…. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace…”

How?

As you meditate on these sentences from Paul, see if you notice why Paul suggests “joy” and “peace” are possible for them.

II.
Romans 15:1-13 (NRSVue)

We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. For Christ did not please himself, but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the ancestors and that the gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

    “Therefore I will confess you among the gentiles
        and sing praises to your name”;

and again he says,
    “Rejoice, O gentiles, with his people”;

and again,
“Praise the Lord, all you gentiles,
        and let all the peoples praise him”;

and again Isaiah says,
    “The root of Jesse shall come,
        the one who rises to rule the gentiles;
    in him the gentiles shall hope.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

III.
What stands out to you?

  • Paul’s quotes from the Hebrew Scriptures?
  • His mention of “power of the Holy Spirit”?
  • That “Christ has welcomed you”?
  • The “mercy” of God?
  • That their purpose is “building up the neighbor”
  • That they are to “put up with the failings of the weak”?
  • That God is the “God of steadfastness and encouragement”?

What else do you notice?

What in this passage encourages you to consider “joy and peace” are possible?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections June 9 2024 2 Corinthians 3:5–18 Post 2

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IV.
As you read this passage, notice the contrast between a way of living and a way of dying.

V.
2 Corinthians 3:5-18 (NRSVue)

Not that we are qualified of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our qualification is from God, who has made us qualified to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Now if the ministry of death, chiseled in letters on stone tablets, came in glory so that the people of Israel could not gaze at Moses’s face because of the glory of his face, a glory now set aside, how much more will the ministry of the Spirit come in glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, much more does the ministry of justification abound in glory! Indeed, what once had glory has in this respect lost its glory because of the greater glory, for if what was set aside came through glory, much more has the permanent come in glory!

Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with complete frankness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, the same veil is still there; it is not unveiled since in Christ it is set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds, but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.

VI.
What does Paul write of living and dying?

  • for the letter kills
  • ministry of death,
  • ministry of condemnation
  • what … has … lost its glory
  • glory that was being set aside
  • a veil lies over their minds
  • but the Spirit gives life
  • ministry of justification
  • the greater glory … the permanent
  • when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.
  • where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom

Can you think of this as two poles of existence?

Where do you find yourself today? Moving toward living or dying?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections June 9 2024 2 Corinthians 3:5–18 Post 1

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I.
In the first paragraph of this week’s Scripture Paul makes the claim that, “…the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

Then he begins to speak of “glory.”

Read this passage a couple of times paying close attention to how Paul speaks of “glory.” Notice not only what he says about “glory” but where and how “glory” shows up.

II.
2 Corinthians 3:5-18 (NRSVue)

Not that we are qualified of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our qualification is from God, who has made us qualified to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Now if the ministry of death, chiseled in letters on stone tablets, came in glory so that the people of Israel could not gaze at Moses’s face because of the glory of his face, a glory now set aside, how much more will the ministry of the Spirit come in glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, much more does the ministry of justification abound in glory! Indeed, what once had glory has in this respect lost its glory because of the greater glory, for if what was set aside came through glory, much more has the permanent come in glory!

Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with complete frankness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, the same veil is still there; it is not unveiled since in Christ it is set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds, but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.

III.
Did you notice he claims even “… the ministry of death … came in glory…”

He writes of a “glory” that was evident in Moses’ face (see Exodus 34:29-35).

How else does he speak of “glory”?

What do you think Paul means by “glory”? How would you define the “glory” he speaks of here?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections June 2 2024 Colossians 1:24–2:3 Post 3

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VII.
Today let’s spend time with these words of Paul and pay attention to what he identifies as his hope for the recipients of his letter.

VIII.
Colossians 1:24-2:3 (NRSVue)

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its minister according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. 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. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and strive with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.

For I want you to know how greatly I strive for you and for those in Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face. I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

IX.
We’ve already noticed Paul writes, “For I want you to know …”

Would it be correct to say he wants them (and those in Laodicea) to know how much he works for them?

He also writes that he is “rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake.”

How do you understand his comment that “… I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church”?

And on top of all this – “It is he whom we proclaim … so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”

Do you catch Paul’s hope and vision that all may be “mature in Christ”?

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections June 2 2024 Colossians 1:24–2:3 Post 2

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IV.
In the last post we focused on Paul’s statement, “ … I want you to know …” and that led us to consider his focus on knowing, knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

With that still in mind, today notice Paul calling our attention to “mystery.”

V.
Colossians 1:24-2:3 (NRSVue)

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its minister according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. 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. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and strive with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.

For I want you to know how greatly I strive for you and for those in Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face. I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

VI.
In this brief passage Paul mentions mystery three times.

We probably usually think of a mystery as something hidden from our understanding or something that is difficult to grasp.

Is that what Paul means by mystery?

How might you explain to someone what you think he means?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections June 2 2024 Colossians 1:24–2:3 Post 1

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I.
In the second paragraph of this week’s Scripture focus Paul writes,

“ … I want you to know …”

As you spend time with this passage, what do you think Paul wants us to know?

II.
Colossians 1:24-2:3 (NRSVue)

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its minister according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. 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. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and strive with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.

For I want you to know how greatly I strive for you and for those in Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face. I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

III.
How often does Paul mention knowing, knowledge, understanding and wisdom?

What does he want the church in Colossae to know about him?

How would you characterize what he wants them to know about God?

What is the goal (or goals) of the knowledge he wants his readers to grasp?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections May 26 2024 Romans 10:1–17 Post 3

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VII.
Today, let’s take note of Paul’s reference to Deuteronomy 30:14,

“The word is near you,
in your mouth and in your heart”

How does that image find expression in these words from Paul?

VIII.
Romans 10:1-17 (NRSVue)

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not based on knowledge. Not knowing the righteousness of God and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?

“The word is near you,
in your mouth and in your heart”

(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim), because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart, leading to righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, leading to salvation. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

IX.
Might we consider Paul’s word as an exposition of the sentence from Deuteronomy?

Paul does mention heart and mouth in reference to believing and confessing.

And those together “leading to salvation.”

He puts this in contrast to “righteousness that comes from the law.”

Then he seems to sum up the matter as,

“So faith comes from what is heard,
and what is heard comes through
the word of Christ.”

How would you relate faith to the “word of Christ”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections May 26 2024 Romans 10:1–17 Post 2

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IV.
Let’s spend a little more time thinking about “zeal.”

What do you take to be Paul’s warning about “zeal”?

V.
Romans 10:1-17 (NRSVue)

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not based on knowledge. Not knowing the righteousness of God and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?

“The word is near you,
in your mouth and in your heart”

(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim), because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart, leading to righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, leading to salvation. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

VI.
How is it that Paul can claim “zeal for God” is misplaced or misdirected?

If I read him correctly, the “zeal” he has a problem with does not have knowledge of or experience with God as its foundation. Does that seem accurate to you?

What do you think Paul considers is the foundation or starting point of such misplaced zeal?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections May 26 2024 Romans 10:1–17 Post 1

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I.
This week’s focus passage has us thinking about faith and righteousness once again.

Paul attempts to contrast for us “righteousness that comes from the law” with “righteousness that comes from faith.”

Hold that contrast as you spend time with these words.

II.
Romans 10:1-17 (NRSVue)

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not based on knowledge. Not knowing the righteousness of God and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?

“The word is near you,
in your mouth and in your heart”

(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim), because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart, leading to righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, leading to salvation. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

III.
One other phrase that caught my attention was, “… they have a zeal for God, but …”

He suggests their “zeal” is misplaced. And he adds that this “zeal” is “not based on knowledge.”

How do you think “zeal,” “knowledge,” and “faith” relate to one another especially as it relates to “righteousness”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections May 19 2024 Romans 5:1–11 Post 3

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VII.
Do you think we can agree that Paul believes we “are justified,” or at the very least can be “justified”?

What do you think about that? How do you feel about that? Do you really think and feel “justified” and at “peace with God.”

VIII.
Romans 5:1-11 (NRSVue)

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely, therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

IX.
I know different Christian folk can have different definitions of justification and have different understanding of the “process,” but for the moment think about how justification, peace, hope, and reconciliation relate to one another.

Do these words point to vastly different aspects of our relationship to God and to one another or do they rather all point to a central matter of the heart, mind, soul and relationship?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}