Having grown up in a church that has a strong reformed background, and now attending a similar (but less legalistic) Dutch reformed church, I have often heard sermons explaining the Ten Commandments. However, I don’t recall ever hearing or reading anything that made connections to the Decalogue as a guide for man to reflect the image of God in us. Instead, I was always taught to obey the law because God’s holiness demanded it. Recently, I heard a sermon series on the Ten Commandments highlighting both the prohibitions of the laws as well as the freedom in following these commands- which had a significant impact on how I view the Law.
In a similar way, reflecting on the Decalogue as a way to manifest the image of God in which we were created, through the keeping thereof, is already beginning to impact my theology; in time, I suspect, this will produce change in my life also. Most significant at this point is simply the realization of how permeating the image of God is, both in Scripture and life. Writing this now, I can say to myself, “Yeah, d-uh, of course”, but until reading this chapter in Mangano I guess I really never thought about it. God gave us boundaries to live within, and by living within these limits we mirror God in specific ways. There is a great sanctity to the way we live life and treat God and other human beings.
This, of course, Mangano expands in the next chapter. The image of God ought to be reflected in our relationships- with our parents, spouse, kids, siblings, community. This all sounds right and good, but as I wrote a number of weeks ago, how often do I actually reflect on this? How often is this a topic of conversation, even among Christians? I think I, and perhaps this is true across the board, tend to think mostly in terms of becoming more like Christ, of being conformed into the image of God’s Son. Speaking along these lines, while true, misses that point that I already AM made in the image of God and I DO bear that image, as distorted as I may have made it. God is now at work in me to restore that image to its intended beauty.
So where do I go from here? I really need to consciously meditate on the reality of bearing the image of God. How do the traits of knowledge, righteousness, and holiness factor in my daily walk…or not? Surely they reflect how I ought to live before God and man. Furthermore, I think it would be beneficial to talk about this issue with others, sharing what I have learned and gleaning from them what they know.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Journal 7
I was just reading over the notes sent to me from last class, and something jumped out at me from the discussion on the book of Ephesians: there’s freedom in sharing joy with others rather than being envious. This comes in the wake of a crushing two-game defeat in the board game Settlers of Catan. I have a really competitive nature; I hate losing. So the question hits hard: am I joying in the happiness of others? I should be able to, especially in this instance since this is just a board game. However, the sinful passions of my heart dictate that somehow I am less of a man if I don’t win. I found myself quick to pout at my imminent second defeat; my attitude stunk. Therefore, I was disabled form sharing the joy my wife felt over her victories.
While this may seem like a petty thing that I ought to just get over, the realities of this inordinate desire spill over into other areas of my life. Why am I not more thrilled to see the blessing that God has showered on others and rejoice with them? Instead, the competitive and covetous desires of my heart are revealed in my attitude. I know this is wrong, and I usually try to deal with it by putting the lid on the proverbial pot. Of course, this is not ‘dealing with it’, and the issue will come up again next time…or, perhaps, not now that God has my attention.
There truly must be freedom in sharing in the joy of others. On the flip side, envy, covetousness, and the like are enslaving; they are blinding; these sins manifest insanity. I do not want to be ruled by these desires. I want to live freely in the joy of community.
Although God did give man the mandate for mastery over creation, perhaps he also created man male and female- in community- so that our desires for mastery would be kept in check. Of course, the summary of the Law given later dictates that the way we are to live in community is to be governed by a love for others. Envy, greed, selfishness- these all fly in the face of establishing loving relationships. In truth they are forms of hatred, and are exhibited by a shaking of the fist in the face of God from whom all blessings flow. When I did not win tonight, in essence I was offended at my Father for His providence.
Satan laid a trap for me, and I fell into it, heart, line and sinker. But praise be to God He had another plan. He used this moment to check my selfish motivations. He has displayed His sovereign faithfulness in using this “petty” happenstance to mold me and shape me more into the image of His Son. I pray that, lesson learned, I will be on guard next time, and will take the time to rejoice in the victory of others.
I guess I ought to be going now- I need to ask my wife for forgiveness.
While this may seem like a petty thing that I ought to just get over, the realities of this inordinate desire spill over into other areas of my life. Why am I not more thrilled to see the blessing that God has showered on others and rejoice with them? Instead, the competitive and covetous desires of my heart are revealed in my attitude. I know this is wrong, and I usually try to deal with it by putting the lid on the proverbial pot. Of course, this is not ‘dealing with it’, and the issue will come up again next time…or, perhaps, not now that God has my attention.
There truly must be freedom in sharing in the joy of others. On the flip side, envy, covetousness, and the like are enslaving; they are blinding; these sins manifest insanity. I do not want to be ruled by these desires. I want to live freely in the joy of community.
Although God did give man the mandate for mastery over creation, perhaps he also created man male and female- in community- so that our desires for mastery would be kept in check. Of course, the summary of the Law given later dictates that the way we are to live in community is to be governed by a love for others. Envy, greed, selfishness- these all fly in the face of establishing loving relationships. In truth they are forms of hatred, and are exhibited by a shaking of the fist in the face of God from whom all blessings flow. When I did not win tonight, in essence I was offended at my Father for His providence.
Satan laid a trap for me, and I fell into it, heart, line and sinker. But praise be to God He had another plan. He used this moment to check my selfish motivations. He has displayed His sovereign faithfulness in using this “petty” happenstance to mold me and shape me more into the image of His Son. I pray that, lesson learned, I will be on guard next time, and will take the time to rejoice in the victory of others.
I guess I ought to be going now- I need to ask my wife for forgiveness.
Ephesians And The Created Order
When reading through the book of Ephesians while at the same time having the creation account bookmarked, one can’t help but notice the parallels and examples that Paul draws from the opening chapters of Genesis. In the most basic sense, Paul acknowledges that God created all things (3:9) and that all families of heaven and earth are named after Him (3:15). All things, Paul says, are placed under the authority of Jesus Christ (1:22).
Man, the crown of the creation, is made in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:27). This image was distorted through the Fall; therefore, Paul urges believers- those created in Christ for good works (2:10)- to “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (4:24). Paul mentions in the opening salutation of the letter that believers have been adopted as sons into the family of God (1:5), echoing the fact that Adam was recognized as being the “son of God” in Luke’s genealogy (Luke 3:38; cf. Gen. 5:1-3).
Drawing parallels to man’s position and calling in the Garden of Eden, Paul mentions that we have been given an inheritance in Christ, and have been given His Spirit as a guarantor until that inheritance has been realized (1:11, 14). He also recognizes the stewardship with which we were entrusted, a stewardship of grace (3:2). Furthermore, we are called to labor in the church for the building up thereof (4:28-9). As part of the delegation of our stewardship, God has lavished us the riches of his mercy and saving grace (1:8, 18-19, 3:16).
Moreover, Paul directly quotes from the institution of marriage in Genesis where a man is called to leave his family and cling to his wife, joining into a one-flesh union (5:31). This he parallels with the unity between Christ and His Church. This theme of unity has been woven throughout the letter by Paul who revealed the mystery of the inclusion of the Gentiles into the family of God. Through His death and resurrection, Christ made both Jew and Gentile one (2:14-15); we are now “members one of another” in Him (4:25). In this corporate unity we move forward, are conformed more and more into the image of Christ, and in Him are together fulfilling our cultural mandate established at creation.
Through the creation language and parallels that Paul uses in this letter (and elsewhere in Scripture), we see that even the creation, declared by God to be very good, was meant to point us forward to even greater realities and glory in Christ.
Man, the crown of the creation, is made in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:27). This image was distorted through the Fall; therefore, Paul urges believers- those created in Christ for good works (2:10)- to “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (4:24). Paul mentions in the opening salutation of the letter that believers have been adopted as sons into the family of God (1:5), echoing the fact that Adam was recognized as being the “son of God” in Luke’s genealogy (Luke 3:38; cf. Gen. 5:1-3).
Drawing parallels to man’s position and calling in the Garden of Eden, Paul mentions that we have been given an inheritance in Christ, and have been given His Spirit as a guarantor until that inheritance has been realized (1:11, 14). He also recognizes the stewardship with which we were entrusted, a stewardship of grace (3:2). Furthermore, we are called to labor in the church for the building up thereof (4:28-9). As part of the delegation of our stewardship, God has lavished us the riches of his mercy and saving grace (1:8, 18-19, 3:16).
Moreover, Paul directly quotes from the institution of marriage in Genesis where a man is called to leave his family and cling to his wife, joining into a one-flesh union (5:31). This he parallels with the unity between Christ and His Church. This theme of unity has been woven throughout the letter by Paul who revealed the mystery of the inclusion of the Gentiles into the family of God. Through His death and resurrection, Christ made both Jew and Gentile one (2:14-15); we are now “members one of another” in Him (4:25). In this corporate unity we move forward, are conformed more and more into the image of Christ, and in Him are together fulfilling our cultural mandate established at creation.
Through the creation language and parallels that Paul uses in this letter (and elsewhere in Scripture), we see that even the creation, declared by God to be very good, was meant to point us forward to even greater realities and glory in Christ.
Journal 6
Well, I suppose you could say we haven’t had the easiest transition moving to Philadelphia, but, yes, we are settling in and settling down, and things are getting along fairly smoothly- thanks for asking! Discussing God’s abundance in class, and the reminders to look out for it, certainly have helped to get through the rougher waters, so thank you for that encouragement and discipling. Focusing on the goodness of God when things in life get hairy- like concerns with our pregnancy- genuinely help to calm my spirits, paving the way for me to serve my wife more effectively, which, I believe, brings glory to God.
Being mindful of the abundance with which God showers us almost seems counterintuitive in a sense. In a world that is not safe, having someone bless us so incessantly seems out of place- but then I am looking at life from the opposite perspective that God wants me to see from. The life of blessing, joy, abundance- the life of life, really- is the way that is truly human because it is the way we were created to live having been made in God’s image.
Unfortunately, the sinful bent of our hearts is to hoard things for ourselves; the philosophy of the world is to “look out for number one” and that number one is naturally me. Therefore, outside of Christ, people live to bless themselves, not others- a trait that I, to my shame, still see so often in myself. Consequently, I tend to build walls of self-protection around my own little kingdom separating myself from others so I do not have to part with my “selfs”: self- glory, esteem, aggrandizement, pleasure, service, worth, you-name-it. Thus, I drive myself to live in secrecy, as did Dave from the Yalom reading. A choose to live in the dark where no one can enter in and jeopardize my safety or plunder my treasure. At least, there are remnants of this in me; since Christ shed His light in my heart I have a new desire- to know and be known, and to share the blessings that God has lavished upon me.
The world is a scary place- because of the corruption of greedy sin. But with the deluge of blessings my God rains down on me the fears and worries of this life are like dust in the wind. His yoke is easy and His burden is light! And a life of humble service to Him is far better than being locked away in my dark castle. What a blessing to have been set free from my own selfish captivity by the bounty of his saving grace.
Being mindful of the abundance with which God showers us almost seems counterintuitive in a sense. In a world that is not safe, having someone bless us so incessantly seems out of place- but then I am looking at life from the opposite perspective that God wants me to see from. The life of blessing, joy, abundance- the life of life, really- is the way that is truly human because it is the way we were created to live having been made in God’s image.
Unfortunately, the sinful bent of our hearts is to hoard things for ourselves; the philosophy of the world is to “look out for number one” and that number one is naturally me. Therefore, outside of Christ, people live to bless themselves, not others- a trait that I, to my shame, still see so often in myself. Consequently, I tend to build walls of self-protection around my own little kingdom separating myself from others so I do not have to part with my “selfs”: self- glory, esteem, aggrandizement, pleasure, service, worth, you-name-it. Thus, I drive myself to live in secrecy, as did Dave from the Yalom reading. A choose to live in the dark where no one can enter in and jeopardize my safety or plunder my treasure. At least, there are remnants of this in me; since Christ shed His light in my heart I have a new desire- to know and be known, and to share the blessings that God has lavished upon me.
The world is a scary place- because of the corruption of greedy sin. But with the deluge of blessings my God rains down on me the fears and worries of this life are like dust in the wind. His yoke is easy and His burden is light! And a life of humble service to Him is far better than being locked away in my dark castle. What a blessing to have been set free from my own selfish captivity by the bounty of his saving grace.
Anthropological Theology- The Flesh
I really appreciated the way Welch dissected Jay Adam’s anthropology. I suppose in reading the beginning of the article it was rather apparent to me that Adams’ view that the sinfulness of a regenerated man is somehow tied up in the body only doesn’t seem to jive with the rest of Scripture. Moreover, this doesn’t seem to fit into a reformed view of progressive sanctification. Adams does admit that there has to be a renewal of habits that a sinful body is entrenched in; however, this would easily lead to the excuse of, “my body made me do it”- a strong echo to Adam and Eve’s blame shifting in the garden.
I can understand Adams’ concern with the efficacy of the work of Christ in our hearts when we come to faith in God. However, I believe the imputation of righteousness to us, our justification, has to do with our legal status before the Judge rather than with the actual condition of our souls. As is postulated in the article, this does not necessitate a two-nature view of man. We have one nature that is perfectly righteous in Christ, one which must still await the full realization of the reality of this new state. Thus, while we have been proclaimed to be perfectly holy in Christ through His righteousness, our sinful hearts are undergoing a transformation, a reformation, a sanctification- a change in our condition, not state- which is worked out over time as the Spirit works in us as we battle against remaining sin in our hearts.
Therefore, Adams’ counseling methods look a lot more like works righteousness than the battle against sin that Paul wrestled over in Romans 7.
Because of the finished work of Christ on the cross, we have been liberated from the power of sin, but not from its presence. This is where the battle continues. Paul desired to know the power of Christ’s resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, in order that he might one day realize the perfection for which Christ had apprehended him.
The blessing that remains for us is that we, as Christians, are also adopted into the family of God when we are saved. Therefore, we do not have to fight the good fight of faith alone; we can pray for, encourage, admonish, teach, uphold, and build up each other in the faith as we strive to be holy as God is holy. And we all will one day be with Jesus in glory!
I can understand Adams’ concern with the efficacy of the work of Christ in our hearts when we come to faith in God. However, I believe the imputation of righteousness to us, our justification, has to do with our legal status before the Judge rather than with the actual condition of our souls. As is postulated in the article, this does not necessitate a two-nature view of man. We have one nature that is perfectly righteous in Christ, one which must still await the full realization of the reality of this new state. Thus, while we have been proclaimed to be perfectly holy in Christ through His righteousness, our sinful hearts are undergoing a transformation, a reformation, a sanctification- a change in our condition, not state- which is worked out over time as the Spirit works in us as we battle against remaining sin in our hearts.
Therefore, Adams’ counseling methods look a lot more like works righteousness than the battle against sin that Paul wrestled over in Romans 7.
Because of the finished work of Christ on the cross, we have been liberated from the power of sin, but not from its presence. This is where the battle continues. Paul desired to know the power of Christ’s resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, in order that he might one day realize the perfection for which Christ had apprehended him.
The blessing that remains for us is that we, as Christians, are also adopted into the family of God when we are saved. Therefore, we do not have to fight the good fight of faith alone; we can pray for, encourage, admonish, teach, uphold, and build up each other in the faith as we strive to be holy as God is holy. And we all will one day be with Jesus in glory!
Journal 5
Well, I can’t say I have ever really sat down to think about what my strengths and weaknesses are in terms of the flesh. I have found this a rather difficult assignment, mostly because what I might deem a weakness can easily be explained as a spiritual issue. I think.
I suppose noting my strengths is the easier half of this equation. I believe I have good organizational skills; I do well with maps and spatial orientation, and I have been blessed with a memory which is keen on remembering trivial information as well as able to digest and apply complex concepts (which might seem contradictory given the difficulty I am currently experiencing with this assignment!) I write well- although, I am not sure if this is a strength or simply a learned skill; however, I am not as competent at speaking my thoughts.
My biggest weaknesses, I think, are also my strengths; they can be my weaknesses if I trust in them, which, I gather, puts me into the realm of the spiritual rather than the physical. Also, I know I do have a rather weak stomach. When our baby is born, I don’t know how well I will handle dirty diapers or the flu! Not very well, I’m afraid.
Another idea that came to mind that may have some biological bearing, but seems blurred into the spiritual, is a propensity to physical attraction and lust. Of course, the desire for physical pleasure was created by God for our enjoyment in the right context and in moderation (in the case of food, etc.). However, whether by nature or by nurture I find myself to be easily swayed into sinning in this area of life. James says that wars and strife come from our desires for pleasure at war in our members (4:1). Is it possible that we have physical weaknesses that the Tempter taps into to lead us astray also? Is it possible that we, while not denying responsibility for our sinful choices and actions, have a propensity to sin in certain areas because of a physical deficiency or weakness? I’ll have to sleep on that question.
Well, having slept on that, I still am no closer to an answer. Any thoughts?
I suppose noting my strengths is the easier half of this equation. I believe I have good organizational skills; I do well with maps and spatial orientation, and I have been blessed with a memory which is keen on remembering trivial information as well as able to digest and apply complex concepts (which might seem contradictory given the difficulty I am currently experiencing with this assignment!) I write well- although, I am not sure if this is a strength or simply a learned skill; however, I am not as competent at speaking my thoughts.
My biggest weaknesses, I think, are also my strengths; they can be my weaknesses if I trust in them, which, I gather, puts me into the realm of the spiritual rather than the physical. Also, I know I do have a rather weak stomach. When our baby is born, I don’t know how well I will handle dirty diapers or the flu! Not very well, I’m afraid.
Another idea that came to mind that may have some biological bearing, but seems blurred into the spiritual, is a propensity to physical attraction and lust. Of course, the desire for physical pleasure was created by God for our enjoyment in the right context and in moderation (in the case of food, etc.). However, whether by nature or by nurture I find myself to be easily swayed into sinning in this area of life. James says that wars and strife come from our desires for pleasure at war in our members (4:1). Is it possible that we have physical weaknesses that the Tempter taps into to lead us astray also? Is it possible that we, while not denying responsibility for our sinful choices and actions, have a propensity to sin in certain areas because of a physical deficiency or weakness? I’ll have to sleep on that question.
Well, having slept on that, I still am no closer to an answer. Any thoughts?
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Themes and Challenges In Joshua
Themes
- The fulfillment of the promises made to Moses
- The people’s faithful adherence to all that God had commanded them
- Joshua leading the people of Israel during the conquest
- God faithfulness in driving out the inhabitants of the land for the Israelites
- God’s presence with His people in the land He gave
- The promised land allotments to the ten tribes given
- Do not fear/be of good courage (trust in the word of the LORD)
- Exhortation to continue following after the LORD and not other gods
- Salvation- remembered, promised and given: Rahab spared, the Jordan crossing ( // Red Sea), the Cities of Refuge; cf. the rest established after the conquest
Challenges
- The allotments to the 10 tribes- any post-exilic applications?
- The ruthless extermination of the inhabitants of Canaan (although I don’t really see this as a problem per se, if parallels are drawn to Christ’s utterly defeating His enemies, and the command for us to ruthlessly rid of sin in our lives)
- The miracles performed (crossing the Jordan, fall of Jericho, the sun and moon standing still)- are there modern miracles and can we count on God to perform them today?
- Tribes east of the Jordan setting up their own memorial altar- does it demonstrate a lack of trust in God, or just practical faith?
- Some of the peoples NOT driven out (eg. the Jebusites in Jerusalem)
- The promise of Hebron to Caleb, then it is passed on to the Levites as a city of refuge- a true fulfillment of the promise to him and his family?
- Keeping all the commands of God would bring blessing- works righteousness?
- Giving equal division of land to 5 daughters of Zelophehad from Manasseh
- The mention of the death of Balaam
- The burial of Joseph’s bones
- The fulfillment of the promises made to Moses
- The people’s faithful adherence to all that God had commanded them
- Joshua leading the people of Israel during the conquest
- God faithfulness in driving out the inhabitants of the land for the Israelites
- God’s presence with His people in the land He gave
- The promised land allotments to the ten tribes given
- Do not fear/be of good courage (trust in the word of the LORD)
- Exhortation to continue following after the LORD and not other gods
- Salvation- remembered, promised and given: Rahab spared, the Jordan crossing ( // Red Sea), the Cities of Refuge; cf. the rest established after the conquest
Challenges
- The allotments to the 10 tribes- any post-exilic applications?
- The ruthless extermination of the inhabitants of Canaan (although I don’t really see this as a problem per se, if parallels are drawn to Christ’s utterly defeating His enemies, and the command for us to ruthlessly rid of sin in our lives)
- The miracles performed (crossing the Jordan, fall of Jericho, the sun and moon standing still)- are there modern miracles and can we count on God to perform them today?
- Tribes east of the Jordan setting up their own memorial altar- does it demonstrate a lack of trust in God, or just practical faith?
- Some of the peoples NOT driven out (eg. the Jebusites in Jerusalem)
- The promise of Hebron to Caleb, then it is passed on to the Levites as a city of refuge- a true fulfillment of the promise to him and his family?
- Keeping all the commands of God would bring blessing- works righteousness?
- Giving equal division of land to 5 daughters of Zelophehad from Manasseh
- The mention of the death of Balaam
- The burial of Joseph’s bones