Ephesians 6:6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart (ESV)
Now we see Paul specifically address the reader to be a bondservant of Christ. Thus another piece of evidence to back my hypothesis that the term slave in verse five is not condoning the slavery this world misconstrues. Rather Paul is giving us a biblical worldview of the master-servant relationship. This verse has been one that has convicted me since the day I received Christ. Considering everything I did before I knew Christ, was to hold an appearance that would be accepted by those around me. I find myself in the ministry struggling with this same problem. Am I worried about the thoughts of those around me? Do I do what I do to seek praise from those around me? These are questions I have to constantly ask myself of. What are my motives for doing the things I do.
The more I live out this life of faith and the more begin to understand the love God has for his people, I begin to realize how empty and shallow the praise of man truly is. Working to please man, is a laborious task that reaps little reward. Usually at best you might receive a shallow praise. At any rate, what benefit is this? Congratulations, you have been noticed. Then what, off to the next task, to toil long and hard. And for what? Another shallow praise. Now I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a vicious cycle. Not to mention that fact that we were not created to be praised. You see, we were created to praise. To praise God and only him. When man receives the worship that was intended for God it’s a nasty thing. Look at the lives of so many celebrities. Miserable, addicted and for what? To die of an overdose or be buried and forgotten in a hundred years. Don’t allow yourself to receive the praise that was meant for God. You were not created to handle this kind of worship and in turn will see a life of self destruction play out.
“Doing the will of God from the heart.” There it is. Its one thing to know Gods will, its another thing to do it out of the right motive. I don’t really know if its possible to be in his will and to be doing it out of selfish ambition. I would have to say probably not. So although the work your doing may be were God has lead you, the condition of the heart is what makes or breaks it. God cannot be glorified in our grumbling or in our complaining. For what kind of servant loves his master yet despises the work he has placed before him. So praise the Lord from a joyful heart, and may his name be glorified and worshiped through your actions.
Application:
Today if I receive any praise I will point it God, giving him all the glory.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Who's the Slave?
Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ (ESV)
This term slaves is translated bondservant in the Greek. This verse is addressing the master-servant relationship. Paul is writing this letter to the Ephesians, the same Paul that refers to himself as a bondservant of Christ Jesus in the book of Philippians. I know this verse can be controversial, being used to say that the bible condones slavery. The way I interpret this verse is very different. We are given much insight into the life of the author, Paul. A man who’s identity was one of a servant of Christ Jesus. He had an eternal perspective and was indebted to the service of Christ. I think this term slaves, is simply addressing the servants of Christ Jesus, me and you.
Taking that mind set this section of scripture applies to every believer, indebted to an earthly master or not, we all serve a heavenly master, Christ Jesus. And what is being said is that we should take that same mindset with our earthly masters, knowing that “there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” So how are we to obey our earthly masters? We are told with fear and trembling. “In scripture, fear is used to express a filial or a slavish passion. In good men, the fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God and his laws, which springs from a just view and real love of the divine character, leading the subjects of it to hate and shun every thing that can offend such a holy being, and inclining them to aim at perfect obedience. This is filial fear.” We are not motivated by the fear of punishment. Knowing that we were created to bring glory to God, his name can not be glorified if we serve him out of a fear of punishment. But on the contrast Gods name is glorified when we serve him in love, out of a joyful heart. It is in this love that we find a Godly fear.
So how do we apply this to our earthly masters. Well I couldn’t have said it any better then this verse, “as you would Christ.” I am a firm believer that if you are doing your part to keep the vertical in check (the relationship between you and Christ), then the horizontal (your relationship with the things of this world) will be in alignment with a biblical worldview.
Secondly we do this with a sincere heart. “Being in reality what it appears to be; not feigned; not simulated; not assumed or said for the sake of appearance; real; not hypocritical or pretended.” This is crucial, without sincerity we might as well not even bother. In my life this is something that has taken a long time to get from my mind to my heart. It is only through Christ that I have been able to do so, and even then I have a long ways to go. Before I knew Christ the sincerity of what I did was next to none. In turn my pursuits were in vain, they were meaningless and quite honestly not rewarding. Today I have found meaning to what I do. Its all for the glory of God. Outside of this there is no meaning. From dust we came and to dust we shall return. Its been said you “gotta serve somebody”, if its not Christ your out of his will.
Application:
Today I will remember it is Christ I am serving as I got about to chores at Manna.
This term slaves is translated bondservant in the Greek. This verse is addressing the master-servant relationship. Paul is writing this letter to the Ephesians, the same Paul that refers to himself as a bondservant of Christ Jesus in the book of Philippians. I know this verse can be controversial, being used to say that the bible condones slavery. The way I interpret this verse is very different. We are given much insight into the life of the author, Paul. A man who’s identity was one of a servant of Christ Jesus. He had an eternal perspective and was indebted to the service of Christ. I think this term slaves, is simply addressing the servants of Christ Jesus, me and you.
Taking that mind set this section of scripture applies to every believer, indebted to an earthly master or not, we all serve a heavenly master, Christ Jesus. And what is being said is that we should take that same mindset with our earthly masters, knowing that “there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” So how are we to obey our earthly masters? We are told with fear and trembling. “In scripture, fear is used to express a filial or a slavish passion. In good men, the fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God and his laws, which springs from a just view and real love of the divine character, leading the subjects of it to hate and shun every thing that can offend such a holy being, and inclining them to aim at perfect obedience. This is filial fear.” We are not motivated by the fear of punishment. Knowing that we were created to bring glory to God, his name can not be glorified if we serve him out of a fear of punishment. But on the contrast Gods name is glorified when we serve him in love, out of a joyful heart. It is in this love that we find a Godly fear.
So how do we apply this to our earthly masters. Well I couldn’t have said it any better then this verse, “as you would Christ.” I am a firm believer that if you are doing your part to keep the vertical in check (the relationship between you and Christ), then the horizontal (your relationship with the things of this world) will be in alignment with a biblical worldview.
Secondly we do this with a sincere heart. “Being in reality what it appears to be; not feigned; not simulated; not assumed or said for the sake of appearance; real; not hypocritical or pretended.” This is crucial, without sincerity we might as well not even bother. In my life this is something that has taken a long time to get from my mind to my heart. It is only through Christ that I have been able to do so, and even then I have a long ways to go. Before I knew Christ the sincerity of what I did was next to none. In turn my pursuits were in vain, they were meaningless and quite honestly not rewarding. Today I have found meaning to what I do. Its all for the glory of God. Outside of this there is no meaning. From dust we came and to dust we shall return. Its been said you “gotta serve somebody”, if its not Christ your out of his will.
Application:
Today I will remember it is Christ I am serving as I got about to chores at Manna.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Kenya Missions Update
Hey All,
I wanted to send out a quick update to those who are following my stay here in Kenya. I appreciate all the support and prayers of my followers. It has been a busy couple weeks since my arrival. We jumped right into it when we got here and it doesn't look like its going to slow down. I thank God for the group I am with as I know the Lord has prepared us for his ministry. Today I have a day off to rest. Here is an overview of what a normal week should look like (which by the way there wont be a normal week, the saying around here is TIA - This Is Africa.): Monday - free day, Tuesday - morning devotion at Manna Bible College and Home Fellowship in the night, Wednesday is bible study at the church, and Thursday will be a day for ministry in the slum most likely. Friday is another day of rest to prepare for Saturday kids club and worship practice at night, Sunday is church and possible youth events in the evening. With another kids program to launch in the coming months, lots of ministry opportunities and work to be done, this schedule is highly subject to change. Although its coming together nicely, as I have mentioned in the past we are setting up the Potters Field Ignite base here in Kenya so there was not much structure before arriving.
A little more detail about what we are doing. We are attending a church in Rongai, headed by Pastor George. The fellowship is very welcoming and has been a huge blessing and encouragement already. The Saturday kids program has around 120-150 kids that come on any given week. Personally i have committed to working with the teens 13 and up. There was about a group of 25 this last Saturday. I am very excited about this as I will be working with them on Sundays as well, building a relationship with them and growing together as we study the Word of God. We also help with teachings at the home fellowships, and bible studies. The home fellowship was a very African experience and was a blessing to see ministry take place in that setting, as I got to share the word.
We spent a day going through Kibera (the largest slum in Africa) and checked out a couple of the medical clinics. They were busy as you could imagine with over a million living in this slum. There are ministries that could use much assistance and volunteer work within the slum, as well as other local slums that we will be working in. My experience in Kibera was so fast paced its almost surreal, but I saw enough to know we have a blessed life. They sure were entertained as it started to rain and three "muzungos" (white people), were walking through the mud soaking wet. We had a real Kenyan experience is how Pastor George put it. The Kenyans are always apologizing that we are here in the country this time of the year, "its so cold they say", we just laugh and tell them how warm we are.
I am so blessed to be here, its humbling, encouraging, exciting and different all at the same time. I appreciate your prayers as I would not be able to do this without them. I could use prayer in the specific area of the teens ministry, that the Lord would equip me to reach into their world and connect with them. As a team, we need vision to make wise ministry decisions and that we may each listen to the voice of the Lord as he guides and directs.
Mungu Akubariki (God Bless You)
Austin Hiatt
I wanted to send out a quick update to those who are following my stay here in Kenya. I appreciate all the support and prayers of my followers. It has been a busy couple weeks since my arrival. We jumped right into it when we got here and it doesn't look like its going to slow down. I thank God for the group I am with as I know the Lord has prepared us for his ministry. Today I have a day off to rest. Here is an overview of what a normal week should look like (which by the way there wont be a normal week, the saying around here is TIA - This Is Africa.): Monday - free day, Tuesday - morning devotion at Manna Bible College and Home Fellowship in the night, Wednesday is bible study at the church, and Thursday will be a day for ministry in the slum most likely. Friday is another day of rest to prepare for Saturday kids club and worship practice at night, Sunday is church and possible youth events in the evening. With another kids program to launch in the coming months, lots of ministry opportunities and work to be done, this schedule is highly subject to change. Although its coming together nicely, as I have mentioned in the past we are setting up the Potters Field Ignite base here in Kenya so there was not much structure before arriving.
A little more detail about what we are doing. We are attending a church in Rongai, headed by Pastor George. The fellowship is very welcoming and has been a huge blessing and encouragement already. The Saturday kids program has around 120-150 kids that come on any given week. Personally i have committed to working with the teens 13 and up. There was about a group of 25 this last Saturday. I am very excited about this as I will be working with them on Sundays as well, building a relationship with them and growing together as we study the Word of God. We also help with teachings at the home fellowships, and bible studies. The home fellowship was a very African experience and was a blessing to see ministry take place in that setting, as I got to share the word.
We spent a day going through Kibera (the largest slum in Africa) and checked out a couple of the medical clinics. They were busy as you could imagine with over a million living in this slum. There are ministries that could use much assistance and volunteer work within the slum, as well as other local slums that we will be working in. My experience in Kibera was so fast paced its almost surreal, but I saw enough to know we have a blessed life. They sure were entertained as it started to rain and three "muzungos" (white people), were walking through the mud soaking wet. We had a real Kenyan experience is how Pastor George put it. The Kenyans are always apologizing that we are here in the country this time of the year, "its so cold they say", we just laugh and tell them how warm we are.
I am so blessed to be here, its humbling, encouraging, exciting and different all at the same time. I appreciate your prayers as I would not be able to do this without them. I could use prayer in the specific area of the teens ministry, that the Lord would equip me to reach into their world and connect with them. As a team, we need vision to make wise ministry decisions and that we may each listen to the voice of the Lord as he guides and directs.
Mungu Akubariki (God Bless You)
Austin Hiatt
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| Teaching at Saturday Kids Club |
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| Too Cute |
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| Head bone connected to the Neck bone... |
Where is the Justice?
Matthew 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. (ESV)
This is a very graphic illustration. Although being words from Jesus, I know this is an area God does not take lightly. We all know a sin is a sin is a sin in Gods eyes, but I think often times we drown out the justice and righteousness of God with his mercy and grace. The old testament is full of Gods justice and wrath being poured out upon the disobedient. We see the cycle of fallen man, sin, repent and fall back into sin again and the cycle continues on, even to this day. But one things does remain throughout, is Gods justice. The Lords commandments are just and he is only looking out for our good. Often we think he is trying to take away from us, but really the creator of the universe knows what will keep us safe, what will keep us pure and what will rob us of our joy in him. So I take the commandments of God seriously, don’t get me wrong, daily I fall short. But his word is powerful to me. Every word of it has meaning and was given to us for a purpose. That through it we might find eternal life, we might know the answers to the big questions we hear so often in life.
Coming to the end of this section in Matthew 18, I know God has expressed his heart for the children in these scriptures. To sum it up with this verse I think only drives the point home. We see his wrath expressed, I would call it a righteous anger towards one who might cause a child to stumble. This is not rage, this is justice. And I believe if when we read a verse like this and let Gods grace overpower his justice then we have missed the point. We have grace because we are fallen, its in our nature to stray away, but we do not have grace so we can continue on in sin. When God speaks to us, through his word, warning us of sin, we should allow the verse to make us uncomfortable. Remember the bible is to be looked at in context of Genesis to Revelation. Often when this is stated its brought up that, yeah we have grace in Christ. Which amen to that because its true. But so often we forget the justice and wrath as well. It’s a balance that cant be overlooked any longer. Without it we are lacking in our image of the character of God.
We have become weak in our faith, relaxed in our devotions and mock the grace of God by our day to day actions. Its time to put things back into context. Let the weight of Gods wrath sink in for a moment before you let his grace take it away. Because once you experience a taste of what we truly deserve, his grace will take on a whole new meaning. This is when are changed from the inside out. When we recognize what we deserve, and because we are freed from it, we are then filled with a joy to serve God. To be sanctified, to be pure and to be holy, as he was holy.
Application:
I write this just as guilty as the next person who may be reading it. I am not saying that I have not fallen into this mindset myself. Today I will take sometime to meditate on Gods righteousness, justice and wrath through the old testament scriptures
This is a very graphic illustration. Although being words from Jesus, I know this is an area God does not take lightly. We all know a sin is a sin is a sin in Gods eyes, but I think often times we drown out the justice and righteousness of God with his mercy and grace. The old testament is full of Gods justice and wrath being poured out upon the disobedient. We see the cycle of fallen man, sin, repent and fall back into sin again and the cycle continues on, even to this day. But one things does remain throughout, is Gods justice. The Lords commandments are just and he is only looking out for our good. Often we think he is trying to take away from us, but really the creator of the universe knows what will keep us safe, what will keep us pure and what will rob us of our joy in him. So I take the commandments of God seriously, don’t get me wrong, daily I fall short. But his word is powerful to me. Every word of it has meaning and was given to us for a purpose. That through it we might find eternal life, we might know the answers to the big questions we hear so often in life.
Coming to the end of this section in Matthew 18, I know God has expressed his heart for the children in these scriptures. To sum it up with this verse I think only drives the point home. We see his wrath expressed, I would call it a righteous anger towards one who might cause a child to stumble. This is not rage, this is justice. And I believe if when we read a verse like this and let Gods grace overpower his justice then we have missed the point. We have grace because we are fallen, its in our nature to stray away, but we do not have grace so we can continue on in sin. When God speaks to us, through his word, warning us of sin, we should allow the verse to make us uncomfortable. Remember the bible is to be looked at in context of Genesis to Revelation. Often when this is stated its brought up that, yeah we have grace in Christ. Which amen to that because its true. But so often we forget the justice and wrath as well. It’s a balance that cant be overlooked any longer. Without it we are lacking in our image of the character of God.
We have become weak in our faith, relaxed in our devotions and mock the grace of God by our day to day actions. Its time to put things back into context. Let the weight of Gods wrath sink in for a moment before you let his grace take it away. Because once you experience a taste of what we truly deserve, his grace will take on a whole new meaning. This is when are changed from the inside out. When we recognize what we deserve, and because we are freed from it, we are then filled with a joy to serve God. To be sanctified, to be pure and to be holy, as he was holy.
Application:
I write this just as guilty as the next person who may be reading it. I am not saying that I have not fallen into this mindset myself. Today I will take sometime to meditate on Gods righteousness, justice and wrath through the old testament scriptures
What about the Children?
Matthew 18:5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me” (ESV)
What a powerful verse. I know I have been guilty as writing the children off as not important. Although God is radically changing my view on that, and I think this verse about sums it up for me. To receive a child in Jesus’ name is to receive Christ himself. This is a very clear illustration of the heart of Christ. It would be like me to think differently then Christ, that is in my flesh anyways. I know the children’s ministry in the church has never been an area I have asked Christ to speak to me on. Its not that he hasn’t, its that I have never allowed him. Being that the ministry I am serving under has a heart for the children, for the youth of this generation, has allowed me to open my eyes and heart to the need of the young ones. My ministry to walk in for the next six months is specifically targeted towards the youth of Africa. I have really came into this experience with an open mind and God has given me a real heart to extend my soul to the children. As I have allowed this work to take place, its truly been a blessing.
Application:
Today I will take time to pray specifically for the children’s ministry and the kids we will minister to.
What a powerful verse. I know I have been guilty as writing the children off as not important. Although God is radically changing my view on that, and I think this verse about sums it up for me. To receive a child in Jesus’ name is to receive Christ himself. This is a very clear illustration of the heart of Christ. It would be like me to think differently then Christ, that is in my flesh anyways. I know the children’s ministry in the church has never been an area I have asked Christ to speak to me on. Its not that he hasn’t, its that I have never allowed him. Being that the ministry I am serving under has a heart for the children, for the youth of this generation, has allowed me to open my eyes and heart to the need of the young ones. My ministry to walk in for the next six months is specifically targeted towards the youth of Africa. I have really came into this experience with an open mind and God has given me a real heart to extend my soul to the children. As I have allowed this work to take place, its truly been a blessing.
Application:
Today I will take time to pray specifically for the children’s ministry and the kids we will minister to.
How Low Can you Go
Matthew 18:4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (ESV)
This verse is really speaking something to me. I have been blessed to watch the children interact in the church here in Rongai, Kenya. These young ones are like family, forced to grow up quick. They play hard and learn to hold their own at a young age, yet one things remains, the love of their brother and sister can not be compared to any love I have seen. These kids, still in their early years of 7 to 10, are carrying babies around and taking care of them as if they were their mother. And for what? They are not doing this to be seen by anyone, they are not doing this to receive some kind of praise, they are doing this out of a love that can only be explained by God. The self sacrifice, missing out on their childhood years of playing to watch after those who are not yet old enough to do so. This is such a selfless love, and is so humbling to see. We know love bears all things, this can mean to literally carry another’s burden or weight upon their own shoulders. I would say these kids get this, they do not do this out of obligation, cause I have seen plenty of young ones let to fend for themselves, but these ones who have reached out are truly humble. Not thinking of themselves, their own needs, what they might benefit from this, but a genuine concern for the well being of their loved ones.
If only I could be so humble, I know I could not say the same to be true in my own life. But what I can say is there is a lot to be learned from this selfless love these children demonstrate. I am honored to pour into their lives as they are such a witness by their actions and heart to nourish one another. I am honored to say that I get to serve next to these children, for they have truly shown me what it means to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
This verse is really speaking something to me. I have been blessed to watch the children interact in the church here in Rongai, Kenya. These young ones are like family, forced to grow up quick. They play hard and learn to hold their own at a young age, yet one things remains, the love of their brother and sister can not be compared to any love I have seen. These kids, still in their early years of 7 to 10, are carrying babies around and taking care of them as if they were their mother. And for what? They are not doing this to be seen by anyone, they are not doing this to receive some kind of praise, they are doing this out of a love that can only be explained by God. The self sacrifice, missing out on their childhood years of playing to watch after those who are not yet old enough to do so. This is such a selfless love, and is so humbling to see. We know love bears all things, this can mean to literally carry another’s burden or weight upon their own shoulders. I would say these kids get this, they do not do this out of obligation, cause I have seen plenty of young ones let to fend for themselves, but these ones who have reached out are truly humble. Not thinking of themselves, their own needs, what they might benefit from this, but a genuine concern for the well being of their loved ones.
If only I could be so humble, I know I could not say the same to be true in my own life. But what I can say is there is a lot to be learned from this selfless love these children demonstrate. I am honored to pour into their lives as they are such a witness by their actions and heart to nourish one another. I am honored to say that I get to serve next to these children, for they have truly shown me what it means to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Faith Like a Child
Matthew 18:3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (ESV)
What does it mean to turn and become like a child? I am always hearing have child like faith. To me it’s a little something like this. The gospel is simple enough that a child could understand it. The Christian life we live and faith we have in Christ is such that a child can walk it out. Yet we complicate it, over analyze, question it, bring legalism into it and ultimately become like the Pharisees. Who knew the word mind you, but did not live it, they had become hypocrites, “who clean the outside of the cup and plate, but inside they are full of greed and self indulgence.” So we are to stay like a child in our faith, to minimize corruption of our walk. The theology of the Christian faith is so simple, if only we could understand it like a child then we would be able to focus our time on the Lords work. Not none salvific issues that tear and divide the body of Christ. To have childlike faith is to take the word of God for what it is. Do not try and argue the truth or defy it with your limited logic. Believe it, live it, endure it.
Application:
Today I will be like a child. Believe the word and act on it.
What does it mean to turn and become like a child? I am always hearing have child like faith. To me it’s a little something like this. The gospel is simple enough that a child could understand it. The Christian life we live and faith we have in Christ is such that a child can walk it out. Yet we complicate it, over analyze, question it, bring legalism into it and ultimately become like the Pharisees. Who knew the word mind you, but did not live it, they had become hypocrites, “who clean the outside of the cup and plate, but inside they are full of greed and self indulgence.” So we are to stay like a child in our faith, to minimize corruption of our walk. The theology of the Christian faith is so simple, if only we could understand it like a child then we would be able to focus our time on the Lords work. Not none salvific issues that tear and divide the body of Christ. To have childlike faith is to take the word of God for what it is. Do not try and argue the truth or defy it with your limited logic. Believe it, live it, endure it.
Application:
Today I will be like a child. Believe the word and act on it.
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