Grace in the Church

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:12-18 ESV). I have worked in many different churches. Some were small, others were large; some were formal, others informal; some were urban, others were rural; each carried their own personality and ministry focus. However, all of them had one thing in common. They each required the right kind of organizational structure. There are those who lament that the church is too much like an “organization.” Perhaps that is true. Though, as someone said, maybe the organization is to the church what the bark is to a tree. Both exist to protect the life that is inside. Of course, a church is more than its organization, just as a tree is more than its bark. Paul here addresses the church in Philippi as his beloved. This word suggests the lover in Paul. Here there are feelings of tenderness and affection that unite pastor and people in one family: Beloved. Raymond Carver wrote: “And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so? I did. And what did you want? To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the earth.” Every Christian should be able to say these words. As members of the church, we can say that we’ve gotten what everyone most needs from life. We are the beloved of God and of each other. This love is the life-blood of the church. Every ministry ought to reek with this application of grace. The sermon should center around it; the ministry should abound with it; and each member should communicate it to each other. We rejoice in the love God shows us, and we seek to bless one another in love. Listen to Jesus: “But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (cf. Matthew 19:14). This is one of my favorite stories in the Gospels. In a society that, in many ways, treated children as little more than property, Jesus refused to let them be brushed aside. Rather, he spent time with them, blessed them, and make a special point to teach his followers that his Kingdom was made for “such as these.” He was outlining a clear path to bless one another in love. In short, if we truly desire to have grace in the church, we ought to lift up the broken, enlarge the small, and favor the weak. How are you doing today?

Grace and Competition

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4 ESV). I could not help but dig a bit deeper in our reading from yesterday. The apostle says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (vv. 3-4). Paul is talking about competition.

We are in the midst of the 2016 Summer Olympics, known officially as the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. We commonly refer to these games as “Rio 2016.” They are a major international multi-sport event in the tradition of the Olympic Games of ancient times. Opening rounds in certain events began on August 3rd, two days before the opening ceremony, and will formally run from August 5th to 21st this year. There aren’t many more competitive environments that the Olympics. While this is both normal and good in that setting; competition in our relationships are neither normal nor good for the child of grace. The admonition of the apostle is so counter intuitive for us. Paul knows that the life he describes does not come to us naturally or even by trying hard. He bases his appeal on the assumption that we have a richly satisfying life in God, that we know what it is to be encouraged in Christ, consoled by the Father’s love, and in fellowship with the Spirit (v. 1). This is what frees us from the all-consuming need to look out for ourselves. On an airplane, a flight attendant will instruct the passengers what to do in an emergency. Few pay attention, but there is one bit of advice that is eminently worthwhile. We’re told that if there is a lowering of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the overhead. We are first to put the oxygen mask over our own mouth and nose, and then assist our children. We’re no good to our children or anyone else if we are gasping for air ourselves. As Christians we are to first breathe in deeply the powerful love of the; this frees us to then give our attention to others. That is the heart of a life immersed in the grace of God through Christ. Stop your competing within your relationships of family and friends. We can all be winners in Christ.

Grace in Relationship

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:1-11 ESV). There are two new things I will be involved with in the coming months. They are both exciting to me. Both of these will be offered through the ministry of Gospel City Church in Arlington, Texas. The first is a “marriage tune-up” which will involve three one-hour sessions in which we look at the basics of relationship and how to best relate to your spouse in the midst of conflict. The second is a brief group study dealing with parenting. During these four sessions we’ll cover subjects that deal with various aspects of the relational dynamics within a family. Both are essential in today’s culture. In fact, I read somewhere recently that every marriage is six months away from a divorce. I’m not sure of the accuracy of that assertion; however, it cannot be denied that a relationship, no matter how strong is always vulnerable to the hurts and difficulties of challenging circumstances. Some injury is not forgiven, it festers, causes harsh words, more slights, a distance develops, and the marriage is in jeopardy. Relationships are fragile. Our reading today speaks to that issue. The church in Philippi is nowhere near collapse. There are hints of trouble in the previous chapter, and there is some difficulty between Euodia and Syntyche (cf. 4:2), but Philippi is no Corinth. Nevertheless, Paul knows there is always the potential for divisiveness. Our egos swell quickly, they want their own way, and are easily bruised. In all groups, a family, a social or service club, a church, a corporation, or an athletic team, the primary problems involve not the task the organization exists to perform, but conflict management between people. Thus the apostle’s concern and appeal to be watchful, to be of the same mind and love. Grace simply demands that we be like minded. It is Paul’s way of saying that we adopt a conciliatory manner in life. That’s real grace in relationship.

Practical Grace

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (Philippians 1:27-30 ESV). Grace is wonderful as it relates to our future; however, it should be said that it is not a future gift alone. It has very practical implications. Paul is clear in our reading today about the necessity of living this lie in a way that reflects the gift of grace in our lives. Grace must make a difference in our life here and now. A.W. Tozer spoke to that point as well: He feels supreme love for one whom he has never seen. He talks familiarly every day to someone he cannot see, expects to go to Heaven on the virtue of another, empties himself in order that he might be full, admits that he is wrong so he can be declared right, goes down in order to get up. He is strongest when he is weakest, richest when he is poorest, and happiest when he feels worst. He dies so he can live, forsakes in order to have, gives away so he can keep, sees the invisible, hears the inaudible, and knows that which passeth knowledge. A good deal of our practical, everyday living begins with the estimate we have of ourselves. It may be high or low, wise or foolish, but it informs the choices we make. Today there are those who deny humanity’s privileged standing as the crown of creation. Paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould has said that a crab is not lower or less complex than a human being in any meaningful way. Another argues: “All forms of life are equally remarkable and equally expendable.” It is hard to imagine that such views will not diminish and demoralize people. After all, how do you live a life worthy of someone no higher than a crab? More ominously, what happens when people are viewed as equally expendable with any other animal? Paul calls us to live a life worthy of our identity as the beloved of God. This means, as Paul will spell out later, that selfish ambition, vain conceit, grumbling and angry disputes are inappropriate. There are some things we will insist on doing because they fit us, while other things we refuse to do because they are simply beneath us - too stingy, too mean, too “beastly.” This is not false pride. It is a healthy Christian self-image. Today, let’s remind ourselves of how great a future we have and how great that makes our present. Live a life today that reflects that in every relationship you have.

Unafraid

Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. (Philippians 1:19-27 ESV) One of the many benefits of grace in our lives is found in the fact that we no longer need to fear the future. We can live unafraid. This is true because it settles the question of life after death. There are those who minimize the belief in life after death. They would have us imagine there is no heaven. Their mantra is to live this life to the fullest and be satisfied. However, that simply is not enough to live unafraid. In fact, should we decide to truly adopt that philosophy it would alter the nature of life profoundly. If death were the end, life would be a steady descent, not a long ascent; a growing sadness, not a deepening joy; and, an ultimate tragedy, not a great adventure. God’s love would be inferior to our love. Our love would not, had it the power, permit death to claim those precious to us. The wailing siren of an ambulance gives eloquent testimony to human love’s fight against death. Christ’s victory would be a minor victory. His lordship would have minimal range. The world would still be enslaved to death. My response to any thought that this life is the end is a little too graphic for this venue! Suffice it to say that would be a nightmare, and the apostle Paul certainly opposes such a belief. His declaration is that in Christ’s resurrection, a new, unending day has dawned. Paul writes: “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (v. 23), to depart not in the sense of escaping life, but in the sense of entering it more fully. This is a direct result of an understanding of grace. The very foundation of grace is that Jesus has not merely made the atonement for our sin, but he has become our leader into eternal life. His death was essential; but, his resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith. Because he has died and been resurrected, it proves to us that this life is mere prelude. This life cannot compare with the greatness that awaits us. Whatever circumstance we face today is inconsequential compared to what awaits us in heaven. No opponent, real or imagined, can shake us. Now that’s a great gift of grace! Live unafraid!

Advance to Go

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1-2 ESV). Faith and Logan have “invented” a game. They have called it “Atheleteopoly.” As you may guess from the name it is based on the old stand-by board game of Monopoly. You may recall Monopoly first originated in the United States in 1903 as a way to demonstrate that an economy which rewards wealth creation is better than one in which monopolists work under few constraints and to promote the economic theories of Henry George and in particular his ideas about taxation. The current version was first published by Parker Brothers in 1935. It is now produced by the United States game and toy company Hasbro. Players move around the game-board buying or trading properties, developing their properties with houses and hotels, and collecting rent from their opponents, with the goal being to drive them all into bankruptcy leaving one monopolist in control of the entire economy. Since the board game was first commercially sold in the 1930s, it has become a part of popular world culture, having been locally licensed in more than 103 countries and printed in more than thirty-seven languages. Faith and Logan’s version substitutes the names of famous athletes for the properties, though the rules remain the same. They have a Chance Card that advances the player to “Go.” As you know, as the game progresses, that card is most welcome at times. It gives you a “salary” and keeps you from landing on someone else’s property where you are required to pay rent.

Returning to “go” is often a good thing. I have found that returning from time to time to the beginning of our faith and hope is always helpful. That’s why the Apostle Paul always begins his letters with grace. It is going back to “go.” For the apostle Paul grace is the sum total of God’s goodness toward his children. Karl Barth, defines grace as that merciful “Nevertheless!” with which God steps out from the mystery of his majesty and holiness and turns to address us as “beloved.” Grace isn’t grace without that “nevertheless.” We are sinners; nevertheless we become beloved saints when we receive God’s grace. To know this grace is to experience peace, a deep sense of well-being, of being saved. A remarkable footnote to all this is that this grace and peace flow to us from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Our salvation is a joint venture. Jesus is no mere preacher who must wait till the fourth century and the Nicene Council to be assigned a divine status. From the very beginning he is the Lord who works for our total peace. For the next few days we are going to examine grace a bit. Today, return to “go.”

Happy Trails

The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them. Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life. (Genesis 3:20-24 ESV).

“Happy Trails” was the theme song by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans at the end of all of their programs. It is still remembered fondly today by thousands. The lyrics were: Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then. Who cares about the clouds when we're together? Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather. Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again. As I wrote yesterday about the grandeur of the creation and God’s great gift of life to us through Christ, I couldn’t help but think of how different Adam and Eve might have felt as they were banished from the garden. I have told that story many times. I always remember to finish the story with the inclusion of God’s grace. Even with that being true, I have been told a time or two that talking about God banishing Adam and Eve is a very depressing story. One particular instance took place after Vacation Bible School when a mom came to me and said that she really didn’t understand why we need to tell children such depressing things. The truth is that the Bible is filled with stories about God’s people making poor choices and suffering the consequences. Our personal stories are filled with those choices as well. We don’t enjoy the consequences of the poor decisions we make. However, it only serves to remind us of the good news. We must not forget that before God sent them out of the garden to face the harsh world fallen as a result of their sin, he also made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them. Not only did that act take care of their immediate need, it prophesied the provision he would make for their ultimate need. God always knew what would happen when he created man. He also knew the solution. While the beginning of the story might be difficult, the end of the story can be so much better. Through Jesus God really did provide a means for all of us to have “Happy Trails.” Trust in the work of Christ on the cross. He is the only means by which you may have eternal life!