Study Guide 01-17-10
Resolutions vs Purpose & Goals
Below are scriptures about human experience and how God’s purposes utilize our ordinary lives to accomplish his ministry. Passages are from the New Living Trans., 2nd ed.
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Matt. 19:23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 24 I'll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" 25 The disciples were astounded. "Then who in the world can be saved?" they asked. 26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." 27 Then Peter said to him, "We've given up everything to follow you. What will we get?" 28 Jesus replied, "I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”
The above are companion verses to the Scripture Reading (see Sermon Notes). In the reading, some very hard and practical questions were voiced by the disciples. Jesus’ statement raised questions of their identity and place with Christ (i.e., with God). Did they really have a chance at salvation, and in the whole, did anyone? The unspoken question was about the seeming unreasonableness of God’s requirements for salvation. And Jesus’ point was that the standard is indeed extremely high and therefore impossible to achieve by human effort. But God was reaching out in Jesus to accomplish the humanly impossible for us. That is the Good News (gospel) that the disciples initially missed.
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1 Cor. 2:1-11 1 So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. 2 For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved. 3 That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won't be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. 4 I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn't want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.
5 I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. 6 Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. 7 Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him, otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. 8 So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. 9 I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. 10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority for your benefit, 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.
The above are companion verses to the Sermon Text (see Sermon Notes). In this reading from 1 Cor., Paul helped his friends with some perspective on their lives-- their place with God, their purpose in life as Christians. That place is best understood from God’s vantage. His view of us, regardless of the opinions of others, is that our aim in ministry is first pleasing Christ (not others), and secondly it is to deliver the Good News to those who are open to receive it. For those persons receiving God’s Good News, we offer a lifeline of hope, forgiveness, of new life—and are a sweet smelling fragrance—a breath of fresh air—straight from the breath of God!
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1 Chron. 17:16 “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me thus far?”
And in this passage from 1 Chron. 17, David is viewing his life in retrospect after many experiences. He is simply overwhelmed with the sight of the long stream of God’s amazing grace faithfully administered to him over time--from his days of being the runt of his father’s household, a shepherd boy in seeming obscurity, through being anointed King of Israel, and during horrendous days of depravity involving adultery, murder, and grief, to God’s faithfulness in bringing him to the place where his kingdom and family line will rule forever (the prophet Nathan’s decree). Like King David, we too can look back with a sense of deep gratitude, amazement, wonder, joy, and humility.
Offer up a prayer of thanksgiving now for God’s faithfulness to you.
Dear God…………………… Amen.
