"Declaring the Praises of God" (Psalm 96)

1 Peter 2:9 (NRSV) – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light”.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) concludes – “… that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”.

What does this mean???

This is about worshipping God, but more than worshipping God.

This is about speaking about God, but more than speaking about God.

This is about encouraging one another, but more than encouraging one another.

This is about living for God in a way that declares all the wonderful things God has done … primarily moving people from darkness to light.

This is going public with the wonders of being in relationship with God.

This is about having a caring and serving attitude.

Within this is not only testimonies about how we ourselves have moved from darkness to light, but also a witness to the potential of everybody around us experiencing this movement from darkness to light.

This is expressed well in Psalm 96.

The occasion of this psalm’s writing is not clear – it might have been constructed as part of a celebration of a return from exile, or it might have been a challenge to be God’s people even when dispersed and under pressure. There certainly does seem to be a great celebration going on here, with tremendous faith, grateful hearts, high expectations and much optimism.

We see in this psalm many reasons for declaring the praise of God.

We also see how this praise was to emanate through Israel to all the nations.

And we see how the declaring of God’s praise was to gain momentum and grow – from individuals, through families and communities, through the whole world. I get a vision here of an ever-increasing season of praise growing legs and expanding right before our very eyes.

However it starts with those who have already experienced God getting on to the front foot.

Are we prepared to “declare the praises of God”?

Just as Israel’s praise was meant to be heard by foreign nations, the church’s praise is meant to be heard way beyond its walls and confines. The words, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised” (v.4) can drift on the breeze to all those within earshot … to all those with an ear to hear.

Many Gentiles, having heard such ‘praises’, found their way to Jewish synagogues, to see if their need for a true God would be found there.

Just like some of Israel’s practices seemed strange to other nearby nations, yet were true to God – our practices of worship, bible reading, prayer and communion, which might also seem strange to many, should still be able to broadly demonstrate God’s glory … and thereby have a ripple effect! In fact they should all operate as a sort of summons, or at least invitation. Largely because, we do whatever we do, with integrity, sincerity and true faith.

John Dickson writes as follows: Our friends and neighbours live and breathe in the presence of the greatest Lord. Yet, they do not know it. We, the people of the Lord, who know his majesty over heaven and earth, must stand up on the bus, so to speak, and, in whatever way is appropriate to our gifts, personality and circumstances, promote [God’s] glory.

Of course, this is not just about going to church … this is being the church in all environments. Then, my voice here, joins with your voice there, wherever we may be, building a declaration of praise. And, your life here, joins with my life there, wherever we may be, building the praises of God.

Let’s read together Psalm 96 verses 1 to 6.

Verse 1 – a bit of a heading; summarising the content to come.

Personal praise will lead to the whole earth praising God.

We express praise with both the desire and expectation that such praise will expand.

This is what God desires.

We are to sing a “new” song (v.1) – what might that mean???

It’s a song about our relationship with God; but not just what has happened in the past … what is continuing to happen.

Each new day brings new reasons to sing songs of praise. So our declaration of praise is up-to-date and connects with everyday life now (and possibly to other people’s lives). We celebrate not just a historical faith, but also a vibrant and current faith.

We should express the freshness of God’s mercies – “The steadfast love of Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22).

To “bless God’s name” (v.2) is to make God’s name more accessible to others (and thus more praiseworthy), building up God’s reputation in the sight of others. It’s to tell the great stories about God.

What particularly are we praising God about??

·        Our experience of salvation (v.2) – darkness into light; from being lost to being found; from guilty to forgiven. We have the good news of hope!

·         God’s other great achievements (v.3) … “declare … his marvellous works among all the peoples” – whatever these have been in our lives, families, churches, communities … how we have seen God alive and active, present, caring, healing, answering the prayers of His people, being interactive with us guiding His Church.

Many people have their own ‘gods’, things that they are deeply attached to (v.4-5), referred to in verse 5 as “idols”. Things that they put value in, that eventually and inevitably will let them down – ‘treadmills to nowhere’. We worship God, who will never let us down. Our God needs to be seen in ways that deeply and graphically contrast with the pretend ’gods’ – the fake ‘gods’ of never satisfying consumerism or deeply troubling addiction. We “declare the praises of God” to present something that will be preferred to any possible alternative. “Idols” (v.5) are man-made, our God made the heavens and the earth and everything else (and renews all things)!

Later in the psalm (v.11-13), we see how, as the declaration of God’s praise by God’s people builds, the creation itself can be seen to be praising God.

Our praise should point away from “idols” to the only real God worth trusting in. Why … how? Because what God promises – He delivers! God is life enriching – there is “strength and beauty in his sanctuary … [where God dwells]” (v.6).

Not to say that everything always go well. We know quite the opposite. But God’s praises are declared as we cope with all what comes across our path, recognising that God dwells in our suffering and in our striving, brings us coping resources and facilitates new growth.

We are amazed and reinvigorated when the new green shoots appear after devastating fire.

When people say to us, “How can you cope”, our response (according to our particular situation) declares the praise of God.

As has been said, this psalm senses a praise which builds – there is a growing response to God. From individuals and worshipping communities to the “families of the peoples” (v.7). However we understand this phrase, it represents a broadening appreciation of God – the coming of heaven to earth – the advancing of the Kingdom of God.

Let’s read together verses 7 to 9.

Within this, there are also notes of challenge. In verse 8, there is the need to bring an “offering”, for the worship of God is not a superficial thing, but rather something that should be deeply rooted in who we are. This offering, especially in a new testament sense, would be the commitment of ourselves to God’s cause. Paul expresses it well, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). This connects with the “trembling” of verse 9 in our psalm – to be truly God’s people requires confession, repentance (the mindset to take a new direction), and a reconciliation. Paul continues, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Again to quote Paul, “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12b), meaning, do not take things too lightly (just because God’s grace is free).

Being of the mindset of declaring God’s praises gives purpose to even the most mundane activities of life.

Let’s read verses 10 to 13.

As we move to the vision of all the nations praising God (beginning at verse 10), we hear that God is faithful and can be completely trusted. Yet people (our “neighbours” around the world) will not know this … not until they are shown. When they do become convinced, praise for God will be the result. This is because people come to learn that God has created well … what God has done is ‘very good’. And that God is just, and his judgements will be totally fair. Where human judgements and justice have left a lot to be desired, this is not the case with God. God is the source and essence of truth.

Sometimes people will look at us and say, ‘they must be kidding themselves’. Well, fair enough … that’s where they are at present. It is up to us to declare our praises (and demonstrate our faith) in ways that will connect with where people are at, and the experiences that have contributed to who they are – and seek to help them to connect with God anyway.

God coming to judge the world (v.13) would have once been a scary thing … a very threatening notion; yet now, for the those declaring praise, this is a tremendous thing – something only to be looked forward to! We will be vindicated, and encapsulated in the ‘Loving Arms’. We will be seen through the eyes of Jesus. God is love, and because of this, even the “trees of the forest sing for joy”. When we are convinced that God loves us, and that we are surrounded by God’s loving presence – then all of the beautiful creation around us seems to be praising God as well. What a glorious vision!

So let’s get in touch with the fact that we are: God’s own people following Jesus, his representatives on mission, forgiven and forgiving, set apart for a purpose – declaring the praises (the mighty acts) of God. Our declaration is not flimsy and variable (like an IOU written on tissue paper), but rather based on the eternal truths of who God is, what He has done in the world, and what He is doing for us day by day. We declare God’s praises through words and actions that are gentle yet confident, humble yet faith-filled, sensitive yet productive. These praises are public and practical demonstrations of God’s grace.

What happens when God’s praise is declared?

·        God’s presence can be more easily noticed

·        Pretend gods or ‘idols’ will be more easily seen as lacking value

·        God will be newly appreciated as Creator of the universe

·        There might be a new interest in peace, truth and justice

·        People will find a new relationship with God.

"The Church: who are we?" (1 Peter 2:4-10)

Introduction

The Church: what can we say about it?

How would you describe the Church?

·        A collective of Jesus people

·        Worshippers of the Living God

·        Forgiven people

·        A serving community

·        Sharing together in the risen life of Jesus

·        Empowered and equipped by the Holy Spirit

The Church is called the Body of Christ

·        Jesus is at the head

·        Each person is an important part with a role to perform

·        Represents Jesus in today’s world

Acts 2 tells us about some of the activities of the early church:

·        Bible study, prayer, worship, communion, hospitality, building relationships, giving, serving, healing

The Big Vision

In 1 Peter chapter 2, especially verse 9, we read a great vision of the church. In this letter, Peter uses a whole lot of old testament verses and concepts (that originally applied to God’s people Israel) to now describe the church of the new testament. This is because the church would be (in so many ways) the new Israel. Whereas God’s intentions and hopes had centred around the historical people of Israel, now this focus is on the church that has been founded by Jesus. The promises made to Abraham about the blessings coming to all nations will be ultimately fulfilled through the outwardly looking church of Jesus. As Jesus issued his great missional challenge, the church would go into all the world making disciples for Jesus.

Having said this, there is also a biblical continuity between the faithful people of the Hebrew Scriptures and the church founded by Jesus. In being obedient to God, heroes like Abraham and Moses (and all those listed in Hebrews 11) prepared the way for what would follow when Jesus came. Now Gentiles in large numbers would flock to participate in the church. Peter himself would have a great interest in this subject. Why? When Peter uttered those words, “You are the Christ, Son of the Living God”, Jesus replied, “On this rock I will build my church” [i.e. “on this foundation of belief/faith …”] (Matthew 16:16,18).

The church starts with Jesus, referred to here as a “living stone” (v.4). This is the Jesus who came into this world as God incarnate, and demonstrated in all his deeds and teaching what God was actually like. After three years of ministry, the opposition to Jesus built to the extent that he was crucified on a Roman cross. Ironically, this would open our path to forgiveness and salvation as we accepted this Jesus as our Saviour. As well, on the third day Jesus would rise from the tomb and lead us all into an experience of new life. Jesus would be the basis or the ‘foundation stone’ on which the church would be built. Hence, Jesus, the “living stone”.

The laying of Jesus as the “cornerstone” or foundation of the church is described in verses 6-8. Jesus is the “stone” that the entire structure is built upon … the first “stone” that is laid … the foundation “stone”. This “cornerstone” Jesus, is the only foundation that is perfectly safe, sure and true. For all who believe in Jesus and stake their life on him, he is the most “precious” gift to us imaginable, and in knowing him we will be wholly vindicated in our faith – we will “not be put to shame”. This means that our decision to follow Jesus will be ultimately and publically proven to have been right.

We need to digress to notice that there are others who will stumble over this “cornerstone”. Jesus will be the point of decision … through whom we say either yes or no to God. Some will say ‘no’ to Jesus, and this will be a real hurdle for them. Those who Peter is thinking about here, are not those who haven’t heard about Jesus, but rather those who have refused to believe even though they have been given enough evidence to do so; and not only refused, but also tried to subvert Jesus’ mission. Peter had personally encountered those who had had their minds set on Jesus’ destruction. These ones would also be those now persecuting Peter and his believing community as he writes.

So we “come to him, a living stone” (v.4). Now we should carefully notice what is said next – how Peter refers to us … “living stones” (v.5)! We are referred to in the same fashion as Jesus, making the assumption that this is our quest – being like Jesus. As we respond positively to the “living stone” Jesus, we become one of the many “living stones” making up God’s spiritual house. [When we rented in Point Cook in Melbourne for a while, we lived at 7 Livingstone Square!!] As “living stones” we are destined to be important and functioning members of the church, but sometimes barriers are put up to disrupt this. You might begin to think what some of those barriers might be. But the text says to “let yourselves …” or “allow yourselves …” i.e. let God have his way!

The NIV and other versions translate in a positive sense, that as we are coming to him … we are thereby already being built into a spiritual house. So therefore the emphasis is on our decision to “come” and be involved with Jesus. In so doing, our destiny will be as a part of a “spiritual house”. What that means is then further expressed in verses 5 and 9. Together we are a “chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation, God’s own people”. But this is not so that we will feel superior or satisfied. This is not so we can revel in our own good fortune. This is not so that we can look down at others who may not be described in this way. This is so that we “may proclaim the mighty acts [of God] … the One who has brought us out of darkness and into the light. This is a call to ‘go public’! When we speak about God, we want to be overheard!!

As verse 10 points out, this is a big change – a “mighty act” if you like. From being bereft of God to becoming children of God, from being stuck in sin to being a forgiven people. Being estranged from God is here likened to not having any real identity. [We know the pain people suffer when they don’t have anywhere that they feel they belong; like being born in a refugee camp. This is why we see great big smiles when refugees to this country become Australian citizens; many have never had this sense of belonging before.] Coming to Jesus offers a radically new start, with a new home thrown in. Also, implicit in the statement “but now you are God’s people”, is the idea that from here we should never regress.

Definitions

So what do the phrases in verse 9 mean (for us now)? What roles have we inherited?

·        A “chosen race” – Israel was called to be a light to the nations, a nation which would allow the gentile nations to see the glory of God. They had mixed success with this. Now the church of Jesus is the light on the hill, the salt of the earth. Thus, a “chosen race” is a specially representative and missional people, who join God on His mission in the world. This is based on a truly faith-based loving relationship with God through Jesus, that is in turn nurtured and guided by the Holy Spirit.

·        A royal priesthood” – priests in Israel facilitated the sacrifices for the atonement of people’s sins. This was a two-way process of bringing God to the people, and the people back to God. Now Jesus stands as the only ‘sacrifice’ acceptable to God for the forgiveness of sins. So, our priestly role is to support and encourage one another in our reception of God’s forgiveness through Jesus. We point each other to the mercy of God available to each of us. This would also mean that we, through our very lives, point all people that we are in contact with, to that mercy of God. We are all ministers of God’s grace (together), according to the spiritual gifts each of us have been given (for the common good).

·        A “holy nation” – we can easily get this word “holy” wrong … it doesn’t mean some sort of spiritual elitism that we have to continually strive for. Rather it means that we are “set apart” for a purpose, and this is not something we strive to be, it’s just something that we are by definition. A “nation” is a people group; so therefore a “holy nation” is a collective of people set apart for God’s purposes! The church is distinctive, but at the same time engaged!

·        “God’s own people” (or, “a people belonging to God” NIV) – as we live our lives we sense that we are completely and utterly God’s children who want to follow in the way of Jesus, doing exactly what God wants us to do. At the same time we appreciate on a daily basis God’s love and care for us, and God’s continual offerings of compassion and forgiveness. As we belong to Him, we are treasured by God. God’s own people will also be channels of God’s blessing to others.

Now in reflecting back to the “spiritual house” in verse 5, we should move our thoughts away from a physical building to a vision of God’s assembled people. In this sense, the glory of God is not seen in architecture, but rather in the beauty of transformed grace-bearing lives. And this is not just to be evident when the church is gathered, but also when the church is dispersed. As Gil Cann writes: The primary ministry of a church is the sum total of everything which every one of its members says and does in every situation on every day of the week (Courtesy of OIKOS Magazine).

Also in verse 5, the “holy” or “set-apartness” is attached to the “priesthood”, and then this is directed towards “spiritual sacrifices …”. This indicates, that if we are to conduct a positive and redemptive ministry amongst each other and in the general community, then we will have to be repentant people ourselves, always looking toward our own growth and maturity. According to N T Wright, “the call of the Gospel is for the church to implement the victory of God in the world” (from Surprised by Scripture). By this he means living out how the risen Christ has endured suffering and death for our forgiveness and the forgiveness of the world, yet also risen back to life to usher willing people into a new life of salvation.

Conclusion

Coming to Jesus incorporates us into God’s church. This means accepting and honouring and blessing and encouraging all other members of God’s church. It also means participating in God’s mission into the world. Let us express our unique role. Let us be who we were called to be, and thereby declare the “mighty acts” of God – the God who offers to deliver people out of their particular darkness and into a new light.

"Gifts of Grace" (1 Peter 4:7-11)

Last week, we talked about being ‘grace-bearers’. Having been given so much of God’s grace, we have been called to encourage and build others up – offering to them words of grace … words that draw them closer to God’s design for them.

There are other ways we can serve others, and particular ways we can share and serve together. This is clearly pointed out in verse 10 of our reading from  1 Peter chapter 4.

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

Before we go on, let’s look at the earlier verses that give us some context. 7 The end of all things is near. The first disciples (or apostles) believed that time was limited. Of course two thousand years later things are still rolling along. Clearly the early disciples were heavily impacted by the persecution they were experiencing. Anytime we are under deep stress we might prefer that Jesus would come again. But the deeper point being made here is the seriousness and urgency of the church’s mission. There is never any time to waste. If things in the world are going in a direction that you don’t like, and might be categorised as anti-God, then this is the time, not to run, but rather to engage.

7b … therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. So that our prayers for positive change might be answered, we take on the personal challenges of discipleship (which relates to our attitudes, priorities and lifestyle). This is all a matter of integrity and discipline; bringing our lives into line with all our spiritual hopes.

8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Basically, we practice love. We have a heart moved by the plight of others. We are open to building relationship with people. We move beyond our comfort zones with practical expressions of love. And we share what we have been given.

10 Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 

Ø The “grace of God” is here described as “manifold” … meaning multifaceted. “Grace” not only saves us, but prepares us for sharing that “grace” with others.

Ø A “steward” is a person who has been entrusted to manage another’s property; “good stewards” doing everything they can to ensure that this property is well cared for, maintains its value, without any damage being done to it. A “good steward” in this context manages the “grace” they have received from God well – in a proper way. This ‘proper way’ is described as “serving” others with their (spiritual) gifts!

The New Testament (in various places) talks about gifts being given by the Holy Spirit to the people who have accepted and followed Jesus into the church. If you bring the various areas of gifting together it becomes quite a long list. Each Christian has at least one gift and often more (through which we are to serve one another). It is God who has given the gifts, God certainly knowing best how to bestow such blessings, and how all these gifts will best come together in a mutually effective way.

Some of these gifts are given a higher grading, yet all areas of giftedness are equally needed. It is when all these gifts are brought together into a harmonious expression of God’s grace that great things tend to happen.

And of course, these gifts are never for the elevation or benefit of any single individual. We should never seek praise for ourselves – all we should expect is encouragement from our brothers and sisters in the faith. These gifts are always to be used to point to Jesus and bring glory to God. 11 Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. These gifts are given by God, to be sensitively used under the guidance of God’s Spirit, toward the goal of people experiencing for themselves the true and living God.

One of the lists of spiritual gifts is given by Paul in the context of his ‘body’ theology. This is where the church resembles and functions like a human body. This discussion can be found in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. [This follows Paul’s teaching about the Lord’s Supper.] This is where every part of the body is essential, and no part is dispensable. If certain parts decide not to work, then this negatively affects the overall functioning of the body. Also, all these parts have to work together in unison (with Jesus at the head) for the right result to happen in terms of good functioning.

The key verse in 1 Corinthians 12 is this: “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (verse 7). Although the parts, like human personalities and areas of spiritual giftedness are very diverse, being part of a whole, they can come together in unity (i.e. with unified purpose) to everybody’s benefit. And the “common good” should be seen in its most inclusive and broadest sense!!

Because of all this inspired and complimentary gift-giving, there should never be jealously or competitiveness; but rather supportive, cohesive and joyful interaction. Spiritual gifts are not given for personal enjoyment, nor as any mark of special merit; but rather to address the problems in the world. As they are seen and experienced working together cohesively and lovingly, spiritual gifts can offer new hope toward a better reality.

Bright Church of Christ has a good vision statement, and there are plenty of opportunities and ideas through which to address this vision. “The purpose of this church is to allow Christ to transform us together, so that His character, ministry and mission are expressed through all of us.” So last week we looked at some behaviour patterns, most specially the use of words, and the need to use them in encouraging ways, as part of this need to be transformed. This week we address a bit the idea of Christ’s ministry and mission being expressed through all of us. This happens as we discover, encourage, develop and apply the gifts God’s Spirit has given to each of us.

Whereas there is no one definitive list, various bible passages mention different giftings (usually in the context of the proper use of such gifts). Here is the list of biblical possibilities (they come from Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, with a bit of Exodus 31 thrown in) – gifts which have also been evident in church life over the centuries:

·        Apostleship (missionary/church planter) – the initiator of new ideas or ministries; the adventurer

·        Shepherding (pastoral) – particularly good caring and support skills, nurturing people in faith, guiding people’s growth toward spiritual maturity

·        Leadership – able to promote vision, guide ministries, motivate activity; able to gain the trust of people

·        Intercession (prayer) – demonstrates a high commitment to prayer and a certainty concerning God’s response

·        Wisdom – provides proven good counsel and guidance, offering helpful solutions through times of conflict or turmoil; applies knowledge effectively in specific situations

·        Knowledge (clarity/special revelation) – clear understanding of God’s ways and means

·        Discernment – provides vital and Godly insight into issues and decision-making; distinguishes well between truth and error

·        Prophecy (speaking into problem areas) – able to communicate strongly (with God-sensitively) into societal evils and perpetual problems

·        Teaching – interpret, explain and apply God’s Word; the capacity to put concerted effort into study, reflection and preparation

·        Encouragement (exhortation/preaching) – speaking words that strengthen, comfort or challenge people toward a deeper relationship with God

·        Evangelism – intentionally building relationships with people through which to share the good news, and facilitating a response

·        Artistic communication (musician/singer/artist/writer/actor) – inspiring and moving people toward a deeper connection with God and an understanding of the Gospel message

·        Administration – efficiently dealing with matters of organisation and finance

·        Faith (radical/out of comfort zone) – an exceptional and unwavering confidence in God (that leads them to places others may fear)

·        Healing – able to touch people’s lives in a way that brings new wholeness, health and well-being

·        Miracles (signs) – special instrument in God’s hands to bring about supernatural interventions, pointing towards the need for a relationship with Jesus

·        Mercy (compassion) – elevated empathy with the broken-hearted and downtrodden, sharing and lightening their burden; addressing systemic suffering and injustice

·        Giving (generosity) – offers resources to others

·        Helping (practical ministries) – contributing to practical projects and maintenance

·        Hospitality (welcoming) – provides fellowship, food, shelter, a sense of safety, a point of relational connection, a feeling of belonging

·        Craftsmanship – especially creative and good with their hands

·        Tongues – brings messages from God in unfamiliar languages.

Four further points:

(i)                Some of these could be seen as natural talents or attributes in people, but also they can be special; e.g. we are all called and equipped to be encouragers, but there are some with a special gift of encouragement, such that this is clearly one of the main things they do. We all need faith, but some are really able to inspire others through the application of their faith.

(ii)              Also, some of these gifts could have their origin in our natural talents and abilities, e.g. the artistic gifts, practical helping or administration, but when these are further touched by the Holy Spirit, they become serious tools for the sharing of the gospel.

(iii)            Some of these gifts may come to us as a total surprise, and the first we may know about them is that someone else recognises such a gift in us.

(iv)            It’s difficult to pull off the proper, sensitive and effective use of these gifts without working together. Why???

Ø Because some of these giftings are incomplete in themselves and need to be combined with others to be fully effective (e.g. leadership & discernment, knowledge & wisdom).

Ø Just like our bones join together, these gifts are interactive with each other.

Ø Also, the growth and development of our gifts require the feedback of others.

So, what is my gift? What can I contribute? Where do I best fit in participating in a ministry to the world? I invite a wide-ranging consideration of these questions.

What are your interests? What are you drawn to? What would you like to have a go at? Also be prepared for the mini-steps of preparation that might be involved. Be prepared also to receive feedback. But having said that, being in a loving, welcoming, encouraging community of people – don’t be shy to put your hand up!!

It’s easy for leaders to keep going back to the same trusted people. We need to challenge that! At the same time, understand that there may be some work you have to do with God first, getting you ready. We will certainly be approaching people as well, to see if certain ideas resonate with you.

I believe in “EM – ME”. That is, everyone in ministry and a ministry for everyone! That is the practical application of the New Testament’s teaching on spiritual giftedness. In the same way as we can “grieve the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 4:30) through using our words badly, we can also “grieve the Holy Spirit” by wasting the gifts that have been given to us.

People grow best when they are involved (especially when they are involved in the biggest cause of all – the sharing of the Gospel and advancement of God’s Kingdom)! People grow (and I mean in all areas of their lives) as they use and share their gifts in cooperative community. People grow:

Ø as experiments succeed (and sometimes fail),

Ø as people receive and give constructive feedback and thereby become more effective,

Ø as ministries and projects take off, and,

Ø as people work hand-in-hand as never before.

Granted … there are other things happening for us in life, and sometimes these are hugely time consuming, however to still have in the front of our mind our contribution to church (and therefore community) – keeps us on the right growth curve.

We should not be deterred by what we might see as personal limitations. God doesn’t make mistakes when gifts are bestowed. We should not be too easily discouraged if using our gift becomes difficult in some way or another. God is with us, blessing others, even with meagre efforts that are done with the right attitude.

Early in his career, jazz player Herbie Hancock was invited to play in the quintet of Miles Davis, already a musical legend. In an interview, Hancock admitted being nervous but described it as a wonderful experience because Davis was so nurturing. During one performance, when Davis was near the high point of his solo, Hancock played the wrong chord. He was mortified, but Davis continued as if nothing had happened. “He played some notes that made my chord right”, Hancock said. (Courtesy of “Our Daily Bread” and Julie Ackerman Link.). 

As we together put our gifts into action (as best we can), it is God who brings about the positive outcomes. As we recognise, utilise and mature each of our spiritual gifts in a unified way, the body of Christ can appear to be very cohesive, beautiful, with lots of vitality!

"Words of Grace"

We have received grace!

Now we are called to be grace-bearers. Because we have received God’s grace, there are implications for our behaviour going forward. Many passages in the New Testament teach us and challenge us how we should live in the light of God’s grace. Ephesians 4:25-32 is one of them.

This is good stuff for a new year! Sitting at my desk wondering what would be good to talk about as this new year unfolds, I wrote down words like: “growing, encouraging, building, sharing, serving, vitality”. Certainly this Ephesians passage is a good starting point here … it takes us from a view of the ‘old life’, to a vastly different view of the ‘new life’.

We read here about many areas of interpersonal living:

·        we should speak the truth (and never falsehoods), because we sense a brotherly and sisterly solidarity with other people;

·        we should deal well with our anger, and not let it develop toward any negative or destructive outcomes;

·        we should work productively, rather than presuming to take what belongs to others (and those who are able to earn an income should be prepared to share with the needy);

·        we should be careful with our words, only using words that build others up (not tear them down); and,

·        instead of being continually bitter, revengeful, argumentative or vindictive – we should rather be kind, compassionate and forgiving.

Remaining in those negative behaviour patterns is referred to here in terms of “grieving the Holy Spirit” (v.30). To be given such a gift as grace, and then to ignore it in terms of its transforming nature, is to “grieve” (i.e. disappoint, upset, hurt) the giver.

The verse I want to centre on … is verse 29.

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.

This is not just an endeavour to stop saying the wrong things, but more so to develop in saying helpful (and growthful) things … saying things that build others up and take them forward (especially in terms of God’s plans for their lives). My interest is continually grabbed by the last phrase – the notion of giving grace to people through our words (i.e. being grace-bearers in the way we communicate). It’s like saying … ‘this is what we do now’ – pass on to others a new experience of God’s grace. We’ll come back to this.

But first, how would you define “evil talk”??? The Greek word here means “rotten and decaying speech”.

·        untruthful, obscene, as well as idle gossip

·        uncaring, unfairly critical, harsh, negative, discouraging, aggravating, abusive, destructive (leading to psychological injury and emotional pain)

·        rash (sometimes seen as funny) put-downs

Once spoken, any such “evil talk” takes on a life of its own – it can be forgiven, but it cannot ever be unspoken. Such “evil talk” can destroy relationships, turn neighbour against neighbour, even nation against nation.

There’s the old saying: “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me” – NOT TRUE!

Then there’s Proverbs 15:4 – A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit – VERY TRUE!

Also Proverbs 12:18 – Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing – ALSO VERY TRUE.

We know that frustration easily builds, and often pours out the mouth. Things happen every day that draw angry responses. There are excuses, and there is forgiveness. Yet there is also a responsibility we bear to others, a cause – the Kingdom cause, our ‘set apartness’ for God’s purposes, the companionship of the Holy Spirit – the fact that we have received God’s grace. We need to think about expressing God’s grace in the same way as we are receiving it! This is what I was made for … this is what I’ve been redeemed for!

The book of James also famously warns us to be careful and consistent when   it comes to our tongue. If we use our tongue as a tool through which to praise God, we should not use this same tool to curse others … that means to weigh others down (James 3:9-10). To “curse” others in this context means to depreciate their value. This takes in all those “who are made in the likeness    of God” i.e. everyone. To praise and to curse with the same mouth is hypocrisy – the two things do not go together. So, this goes to the sincerity of our worship.

Okay, so all “evil talk” is eliminated. We now concentrate on encouragement, building others up, and speaking words of grace.

As a further reference, we go to 1 Thessalonians 5:11, which reads … Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

It is certainly worth noting Paul’s commendation of the church community at Thessalonica here. I can bring a commendation for the church community in Bright. However, anyone can drift and lose their focus or emphasis on something like encouragement, thus the need for Paul to keep mentioning it.

To “encourage” means: to give courage to. This is what the angel of Lord did for Joseph in explaining what God was up to in the birth of Jesus. To encourage is also to bring out and develop the good capacities that lie deep within a person. To “build someone up” is to stimulate their enthusiasm and growth, and to help lift them up towards their God-given potential.

Sometimes this encouragement may be difficult to bring and even more difficult to receive. Later in this Thessalonians chapter we read, “admonish the idlers” (5:14). Those who Paul calls “idlers” are likely to have been complacent and uncooperative. Thus, to encourage can also be to draw alongside and offer some hopefully honest and wise feedback. This level of encouragement is certainly loving, gentle and patient work.

And encouragement should also be seen as a mutual collective dynamic, something for us to do together; for Hebrews 10:24 reads: Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Interesting word … “provoke” – normally used in a negative sense, but here aiming at a positive outcome. Other translations have ‘stimulate, spur, urge, or stir’; but as the original Greek word “paroxysmos” has elements of meaning like ‘irritate’ and ‘incite’, “provoke” seems most appropriate. To “provoke” is to act in a way that causes a reaction in others. So what would be a Christian way to “provoke”? Leading by example, would be one way. [I like to think of this in terms of “awakening” one another …”. If you want to see people living outside their comfort zones for Jesus’ sake, then … live out of your comfort zone!]

People need encouragement and building up as they take on new responsibilities, or try themselves out in new areas of endeavour. This is especially so as people take on new areas of ministry in the church. People also need encouragement as they struggle in various areas of daily living, or find it difficult when certain decisions need to be made. People on new and unfamiliar roads need building up. Good offers of encouragement will tend to build confidence and faith in others.

People also need encouragement if they are unwell or incapacitated, suffering or discouraged, depressed or just jaded in some way. In such cases, encouragement can take the form of practical and emotional support. We can stand in the gap [or sit in the void], where some of our positive experiences of God’s grace can offer some measure of comfort and hope to others. Through the process of encouragement stomachs can become untwisted, hunched shoulders are lifted, and people can regain an understanding of their intrinsic value.

As said earlier, Ephesians 4:29 lifts the bar on all this toward the concept of grace-bearing! The idea here is that we become channels through which God’s grace is reflected or revealed.

How can our words “give grace” i.e. God’s grace? How can our speech be grace-bearing i.e. represent God’s love and mercy?? These are important questions for us! After Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue and had attributed the fulfilment of that prophecy to himself, we read: All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth (Luke 4:22). As Jesus-followers and recipients of God’s grace, we are, by definition, grace-bearers. How can this become part of our everyday conversational patterns???

Now this would include conversations with those people who already know and follow Jesus … so that they might grow, but also all our conversations with people who are yet to know Jesus. We are grace-bearers in both these situations. If there are any barriers to us being grace-bearers, we better deal with these before they become an impediment to others experiencing God’s grace through us.

Some steps to “Grace-bearing” are:

1.     An Emphasis on GOOD LISTENING

Good listening helps us understand how a person is feeling about a particular situation. Good listening begins the process through which we may be able to offer appropriate and targeted encouragement. Also, good physical attentiveness and eye-contact help the other person feel valued and safe.

There are barriers to good listening. You cannot listen while you are talking (or otherwise distracted). And to interrupt someone (or change the subject) is often to destroy the moment (a moment that might never be regained). You cannot really listen while you think you already have the answer. You cannot listen while tuned into your own agenda.

2.     Showing EMPATHY

Good listening and attending leads to developing an empathy with a person, such that we begin to enter their level of need and understand where they are coming from. This is a compassion based on understanding. A foundation of trust can then start to build. Empathy also involves accepting that God loves this other person just as much as he loves you, and that God wants to love this person through you. Remembering just how much God has had to forgive us, humbles us sufficiently for us to be open to help others. We may need to visualise Jesus loving this other person from the cross.

Sometimes empathy will mean just sitting with another person, or come down to the statement of Romans 12:15 … Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Silence – a mutual state of being ‘lost-for-words’ can also be relationship building.

There are barriers to empathy developing … like jumping to conclusions, judgemental attitudes, denying the right of someone to their feelings, and offering ‘black-and-white’ solutions to ‘grey’ problems.

3.     An acute GOD AWARENESS

As we listen to another person, we can also reflect on God’s presence with us and seek God’s special insight … ‘O Lord, how can I respond wisely to this’?  Again, this may centre on seeing the person as God sees them – developing positives about this person and what they can become with Jesus on their side. God sees this person as valuable … ‘So how can I assist this person to feel that way’? God’s Spirit is available to us as an ‘inner voice’ (as we successfully clear our mind of other thoughts); and this will help us understand with more clarity and respond with more wisdom. We need to rehearse the reality of God’s presence being with us! In this way our sharing becomes a deeply prayerful experience.

Is there any barrier to having God awareness? Having lost touch with God ourselves!

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Through listening well, showing empathy and thereby developing trust, and having a God awareness, we now might (cautiously) be in a position to offer some insight and fresh perspectives that bring some new hope. We can also offer feedback concerning the strengths we see in another person and what we know of their successes in the past. As trust between ourselves and another continues to build, there comes a more natural and honest sharing    of life’s issues, and conversations develop toward a mutual giving and  receiving of feedback and support.

Proverbs 15:23 – To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone, and a word in season, how good it is!

Ultimately ‘grace-bearing’ is determined by whether another person, the one you are communicating with, has been enabled to move closer to God, and become more open to the work of God’s Spirit in their lives!