Scott Lane – Page 43 – The Everyday Prayer

What does the Scripture say?

Re:Verse reading–Romans 4:1-25 (day five)

Romans 4:3- For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” In a culture where there are SO many different views and interpretations of the scripture, Paul gives us the best example for a starting place in our approach to understanding the Bible. Seems like lots of people these days “interpret” the scripture to mean whatever they want or whatever will endorse existing beliefs and behaviors. That approach often starts with “What does the scripture mean?” But the better starting point is, “What does the scripture say?” The Bible is crystal clear about SO many doctrines, principles, and prescriptions for living in relationship and fellowship with God. We need not hurriedly apply our own preferences and presumptions in interpreting the Bible. We need to start by asking the simple question, “What does the Scripture say?”

All

Re:Verse reading–Romans 3:21-31 (day five)

Romans 3:23 is a good reminder that God looks at the human race far differently than I do. It is easy is to compare my sins to the sins of others. I imagine that some sins are worse or more deplorable than others. The scripture leaves NO room for that kind of thinking/reasoning. There are no “unsatisfactory, poor, satisfactory“ levels of sin. I remember asking a group of students how many of you are included in the group “all”. Everyone raised a hand. Of course that’s the point isn’t it? All of us, each of us, belong in this group!! No grades or progress reports are given. Everyone has failed- a discouraging thought indeed.

But, the despair of the “all” in verse 23 finds great hope in the “all” in verse 22. (Look it up). The righteousness of God needed by all (Romans 3:23) “who have sinned”, is offered to all (Romans 3:22) “through faith in Christ”.

Both/And

Re:Verse reading–Romans 2:1-29 (day five)

⁴Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Many people have inaccurate pictures or views of God. 1) God is a “wise and loving patriarchal figure” (grandfather in the sky) filled with wisdom and knowledge, but not actively engaged in the lives of His children. He won’t challenge or confront sin, idleness, or apathy. He’s too loving to do that sort of thing. 2) He’s a “genie in a bottle” ready to answer and fulfill all our requests and petitions at a moments notice.

Each of God’s character traits (Love, Kindness, Sovereignty, Righteousness, Holiness, etc.) exist for the purpose of His Glory AND our good. They both go together. To separate them is poor theology at best, and manipulative theology at worst. John Stott says, “For God’s kindness leads us towards repentance. That is its goal. It is intended to give us space in which to repent, not to give us an excuse for sinning.”

We must seek to find and understand both God’s Glory and our good as we worship, follow, serve, and grow.

Different Vantage Points

Re:Verse reading–Romans 1:18-32 (day five)

Last summer I traveled to Alaska with our Chapel Singers. One of the highlights was a trip to Denali National Park. Our travel literally took us around what is now called Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley). There were several places to stop and see this magnificent landmark. Each one provided a different, yet amazing view of this mountain. The different vantage points when combined, gave me a better understanding and appreciation of the vastness and beauty of whole mountain. If I had only seen one side or perspective, it would have been spectacular, yet I would have missed seeing and experiencing SO much more.

In Romans chapter 1, Paul shares glimpses or snapshots of God’s character and nature. (Same Holy and Loving God- different vantage points) God’s Power (v. 16), God’s Righteousness (v. 17), God’s Wrath (v. 18), God’s Glory (v. 20).

If we don’t continue to observe and be in awe of the many facets of God’s Nature and Character, we will miss seeing and experiencing SO much more of Him.

Good Theology

Re: Verse reading–Romans 1:1–17 (day five)

In the first part of Romans chapter1, Paul does an amazing job of theologically expounding on who Jesus is and how He connects to the Gospel. It is strong, clear, and concise.

He also has theological thoughts and insights about how faith operates when Christians are gathered together. “¹²that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

Paul makes it clear that encouragement can come to each believer- from the strongest in faith to the weakest- from the newest to the most seasoned. Every one of us fits in these parameters somewhere.

Let us gather Sunday with anticipation and joy- from the weakest to the strongest- from the newest to the most seasoned. Let us be encouraged by vibrant and authentic faith as we pray, worship, study, and influence each other!!

Litmus

Re: Verse reading–2 Corinthians 5:11-21; 1 Peter 3:15-16; Colossians 4:2-6 (day five)

Every year we take our children to the doctor for their annual physical check-up/exam. Some visits bring pain and agony, while others are relatively pain free. But, it is necessary to track our children’s health and well-being.

It’s a similar practice for me. Every January I read the same book, “Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health” by Donald Whitney. It’s a way to help evaluate my spiritual health. Some “visits” are painful and others are encouraging. One of the “Litmus Tests” Whitney administers, is to check the way we see, feel, and express concern for others (primarily non-Christians).

He writes, “No one who is indwelled by the Spirit of Jesus can remain unfeeling toward the temporal or spiritual needs of others made plain. Growth in Christlikeness involves perceiving those needs sooner than before, and not just when they become obvious to everyone… There is no Christlikeness in throwing money at a physical need or in dutifully reading a few Bible verses to an unbeliever and apathetically sending him on his way to hell”

Read Colossians 4:5-6 Say “Amen” or “Ouch”!!

Distinguishing

Re: Verse reading– Acts 4:32-37; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Galatians 6:9-10; Hebrews 10:24-25 (day five)

Acts 4 ³²And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul.

There are many distinguishing marks of a person who has been given new life and a new heart in Christ: hunger for the scriptures, different strategy for battling sin, love for Jesus, love for others, and a love for the church (people/family of God). This love for the church results in more than appreciation and affection for other believers. Yes, something deeper and more significant happens to believers that who are called and placed by God to worship, serve, and be a light together. One of the distinguishing marks of a church (people) filled with Holy Spirit is unity. Only the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit can unify a group or body of believers in mission, purpose, priority, and activity. The presence and power of God are clearly on display when His children and church are unified and are joyfully and intentionally deepening friendships/relationships with each other.

Collision Course

Re: Verse reading–Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (day five)

Romans 13 begins to address the other side of the great collision between the Christian and Culture. In Romans 12, Paul writes the words that are SO familiar to many Christians. “Do not be conformed to this world”. So the tension and collision are created. The natural question the believers in Rome would ask is, “What do we do with Caesar?” “Do we support him?” So in chapter 13 Paul anticipates and answers. (By the way, Jesus had the same tension and same questions asked of Him.)

2 insights from this passage help navigate the tension. 1- We must remember that where we live and where we belong are different (Philippians 3:20). Paul uses the concept of “authority” to point this out. 2- Humility and Submission are often the ways that people see and sense our faith and love for God. (1 Peter 2:13-15)

John Piper comments. “Paul risked being misunderstood on the side of submission because he saw pride as a greater danger to Christians than government injustice.“

Worship in the Workplace

Re: Verse reading–Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:22-25; 1 Timothy 6:1-2; Titus 2:9-11 (day five) Let me start by asking a couple of questions. Where to do you go to worship? Are there several answers you could give that are honest and truthful? I have friends say, “I can worship God anywhere”. But, do they? There is significant and meaningful value in gathering with believers for Worship and Bible Study. (Hebrews 10) Can we worship at other times and places apart from Sundays in a sanctuary or church meeting space? Can we worship in the workplace? Can worship really happen there? Paul seems to think the answer is “Yes”(Colossians 3:23). Worship is likely to happen when we labor with passion and faithfulness as employees (“servants be obedient”). Worship also can occur as we manage and lead others (“masters do the same thing”) with compassion, integrity, conviction, and honesty. Jesus has given us examples that glorify God both as servants and masters.

Different Perspective Required

Re:Verse reading – Luke 6:27-36; Romans 12:17-21 (Day Five) Often times as believers, it seems a logical course of behavior and living would be to withdraw from society and forego the tension, unkindness, and overall lack of integrity found in secular culture. Its influences of scheming, cheating, and dishonesty bring unwanted problems and difficulties. But Jesus’ words in Luke 6 would indicate a different approach to this issue. Instead of insulation and isolation, Jesus promotes love, forgiveness, and compassion. He unapologetically presumes that believers should and will interact in secular culture and He truthfully shares what can be the result. Yet, when weighed against eternal perspective and promises (Luke 6:35), enduring these reactions and responses from “enemies” pales in comparison.