Good afternoon friends,
We jumped into it a bit late this year, but we're having an exciting picnic and concert on Saturday. From 1:30-3 this coming Saturday Alan and his band, the Mighty High and Dry, will be rocking out as we enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers and other delights. If you can, bring a dish to pass, but don't worry if that's not convenient. It's a great time to bring a friend and enjoy a great afternoon of music and fun.
Today's passage from Proverbs offers some fortune cookie style wisdom about wisdom and honesty. In particular I like the focus on how words can be either dangerous or healing depending on how they are used. The way we speak to each other matters. We learn as kids that "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." Later on, we learn that isn't really true; words can do a lot of damage. At the same time, Proverbs reminds us that, "The prudent ignores and insult." We can chose not only how we speak to each other, but also how we respond when others speak in negative ways. Words are powerful; use them well.
God bless,
Sam
Proverbs 12:14-28
14From the fruit of the mouth one is filled with good things,
and manual labor has its reward.
15Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice.
16Fools show their anger at once, but the prudent ignore an insult.
17Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness speaks deceitfully.
18Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.
21No harm happens to the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
23One who is clever conceals knowledge, but the mind of a fool broadcasts folly.
24The hand of the diligent will rule, while the lazy will be put to forced labor.
25Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up.
26The righteous gives good advice to friends, but the way of the wicked leads astray.
27The lazy do not roast their game, but the diligent obtain precious wealth.
28In the path of righteousness there is life, in walking its path there is no death.
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Adventures at sea, part 3
Good evening friends,
We just wrapped up our conference here after an inspiring worship service. It's been a real blessing to be in Florida for this conference, so thank you for the opportunity. Our reading this evening finishes this episode in Paul's adventure. The ship is in danger, but Paul has started to comfort the crew and passengers. So we'll see how they get out of this situation.
God bless,
Sam
We just wrapped up our conference here after an inspiring worship service. It's been a real blessing to be in Florida for this conference, so thank you for the opportunity. Our reading this evening finishes this episode in Paul's adventure. The ship is in danger, but Paul has started to comfort the crew and passengers. So we'll see how they get out of this situation.
God bless,
Sam
Acts 27:33-38
33 Just
before daybreak, Paul urged all of them to take some food, saying, ‘Today is
the fourteenth day that you have been in suspense and remaining without food,
having eaten nothing. 34Therefore I urge you to take some food, for
it will help you survive; for none of you will lose a hair from your heads.’ 35After
he had said this, he took bread; and giving thanks to God in the presence of
all, he broke it and began to eat. 36Then all of them were
encouraged and took food for themselves. 37(We were in all two
hundred and seventy-six persons in the
ship.) 38After they had satisfied their hunger, they lightened the
ship by throwing the wheat into the sea.
39 In the morning they did not recognize the land, but they
noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned to run the ship ashore, if
they could. 40So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea.
At the same time they loosened the ropes that tied the steering-oars; then
hoisting the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach. 41But
striking a reef, they ran the
ship aground; the bow stuck and remained immovable, but the stern was being
broken up by the force of the waves. 42The soldiers’ plan was to
kill the prisoners, so that none might swim away and escape; 43but
the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He
ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44and
the rest to follow, some on planks and others on pieces of the ship. And so it
was that all were brought safely to land.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
rights and relationships
Good afternoon friends,
It is certainly a beautiful day; I hope you're taking some time outside to enjoy it. Today's reading continues Paul's discussion on holding different opinions in the same community. He's talking specifically about food, which for many people was an expression of religion, but his point is much broader. We can believe different things about matters that aren't essential. That means, if you believe it's OK to eat any kind of food and you give thanks to God for it, that's fine. If you feel like you shouldn't eat some food, either because it represents another religion or for whatever reason, you shouldn't eat it. Even though it doesn't hurt God to eat it, if you believe it is wrong, you're going against your conscience and sinning if you eat it.
The other part of that freedom we have in Christ, and I think this is an interesting biblical idea when we think about things like gun control or free speech, is that love for our neighbor sometimes asks us to put our own rights aside. Paul says it's fine to eat whatever we want because all things are clean, at the same time, if eating something that other people might connect with idolatry risks leading them astray, the most loving thing could be not to eat it for the sake of the other person. We have great freedom in our faith and in our nation, but the most responsible and loving use of that freedom sometimes means accepting restrictions on what we have a right to for the sake of other people. In Christianity, love is the most important thing.
God bless,
Sam
It is certainly a beautiful day; I hope you're taking some time outside to enjoy it. Today's reading continues Paul's discussion on holding different opinions in the same community. He's talking specifically about food, which for many people was an expression of religion, but his point is much broader. We can believe different things about matters that aren't essential. That means, if you believe it's OK to eat any kind of food and you give thanks to God for it, that's fine. If you feel like you shouldn't eat some food, either because it represents another religion or for whatever reason, you shouldn't eat it. Even though it doesn't hurt God to eat it, if you believe it is wrong, you're going against your conscience and sinning if you eat it.
The other part of that freedom we have in Christ, and I think this is an interesting biblical idea when we think about things like gun control or free speech, is that love for our neighbor sometimes asks us to put our own rights aside. Paul says it's fine to eat whatever we want because all things are clean, at the same time, if eating something that other people might connect with idolatry risks leading them astray, the most loving thing could be not to eat it for the sake of the other person. We have great freedom in our faith and in our nation, but the most responsible and loving use of that freedom sometimes means accepting restrictions on what we have a right to for the sake of other people. In Christianity, love is the most important thing.
God bless,
Sam
Romans
14:13-23
13 Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but
resolve instead never to put a stumbling-block or hindrance in the way of
another. 14I know and am persuaded in the
Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for anyone who
thinks it unclean. 15If your brother or sister is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in
love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. 16So
do not let your good be spoken of as evil.
17For the kingdom
of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy
Spirit. 18The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and
has human approval. 19Let us then pursue what makes for peace and
for mutual edification. 20Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the
work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for you to make others
fall by what you eat; 21it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or
do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble.
22The faith that
you have, have as your own conviction before God. Blessed are those who have no
reason to condemn themselves because of what they approve. 23But
those who have doubts are condemned if they eat, because they do not act from
faith; for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
Monday, June 24, 2013
what to eat
Good afternoon friends,
We don't think much about clean and unclean foods in the church, but for our Jewish forebears these rules were, and still are, a big deal. The church began as a movement within Judaism, so food and who was part of the community were a big part of what the church needed to navigate as the gospel spread. For Jews in the first century, their faithfulness to God's law was what helped them maintain their identity despite Roman occupation. So, here are some of the basic rules of what observant Jews could and couldn't eat.
God bless,
Sam
We don't think much about clean and unclean foods in the church, but for our Jewish forebears these rules were, and still are, a big deal. The church began as a movement within Judaism, so food and who was part of the community were a big part of what the church needed to navigate as the gospel spread. For Jews in the first century, their faithfulness to God's law was what helped them maintain their identity despite Roman occupation. So, here are some of the basic rules of what observant Jews could and couldn't eat.
God bless,
Sam
Leviticus 11:1-8. 13-18, 45-47
The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them: 2Speak
to the people of Israel, saying: From among all the land animals, these are the
creatures that you may eat. 3Any animal that has divided hoofs and
is cleft-footed and chews the cud—such you may eat. 4But among those
that chew the cud or have divided hoofs, you shall not eat the following: the
camel, for even though it chews the cud, it does not have divided hoofs; it is
unclean for you. 5The rock badger, for even though it chews the cud,
it does not have divided hoofs; it is unclean for you. 6The hare,
for even though it chews the cud, it does not have divided hoofs; it is unclean
for you. 7The pig, for even though it has divided hoofs and is
cleft-footed, it does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. 8Of
their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch; they
are unclean for you…
13These you
shall regard as detestable among the birds. They shall not be eaten; they are
an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, the osprey, 14the buzzard,
the kite of any kind; 15every raven of any kind; 16the
ostrich, the nighthawk, the sea gull, the hawk of any kind; 17the
little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, 18the water hen, the
desert owl, the carrion vulture, 19the stork, the heron of any kind,
the hoopoe, and the bat…
45For I am the Lord who
brought you up from the land of Egypt, to be your God; you shall be holy, for I
am holy. 46This is the law pertaining to land animal and bird and
every living creature that moves through the waters and every creature that
swarms upon the earth, 47to make a distinction between the unclean
and the clean, and between the living creature that may be eaten and the living
creature that may not be eaten.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
glad and generous hearts
Good morning sisters and brothers,
We read yesterday about how Peter preached about Jesus to the crowd that had gathered after hearing the disciples speaking in other languages. Peter's message about how Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead touched the crowd and led them to repentance. Peter invites them into discipleship as well and from there the church grows. Notice what Luke thinks is important about the church: rejoicing, fellowship, prayer, taking care of those in need and eating together. Not a bad starting point.
God bless,
Sam
We read yesterday about how Peter preached about Jesus to the crowd that had gathered after hearing the disciples speaking in other languages. Peter's message about how Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead touched the crowd and led them to repentance. Peter invites them into discipleship as well and from there the church grows. Notice what Luke thinks is important about the church: rejoicing, fellowship, prayer, taking care of those in need and eating together. Not a bad starting point.
God bless,
Sam
Acts
2:37-47
37Now when they heard this, they were
cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what
should we do?” 38Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and
you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is
for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the
Lord our God calls to him.” 40And he testified with many other
arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt
generation.” 41So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and
that day about three thousand persons were added.
42They devoted themselves to the
apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43Awe
came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the
apostles. 44All who believed were together and had all things in
common; 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute
the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46Day by day, as they spent
much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food
with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having the
goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those
who were being saved.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
food and work
Good morning friends,
Our reading from Exodus is one of many episodes where the people complain about their situation in freedom and long for the comfort of Egypt and slavery. Moses and God are annoyed about this complaining and lack of trust, but God provides for the people.
Jesus' parable of the workers in the field is a favorite of mine for reminding us that God's economy is not like ours. We worry a lot about getting what we deserve. God gives to everyone fairly, but does not need to give some people more to make us feel special or better than others. It's also true that being in God's field is its own reward; the workers who started earlier may have worked longer, but they didn't have to carry the burden of not being hired. We know to whom we belong and that is a huge comfort.
God bless,
Sam
Exodus 16:2-15
2The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
4Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. 5On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.“ 6So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, 7and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?” 8And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him — what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.”
9Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’” 10And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. 11The Lord spoke to Moses and said, 12“I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’”
13In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. 15When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.”
*Sunday
Matthew 20:1-16
1“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; 4and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. 5When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. 6And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ 7They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’
8When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ 9When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. 10Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. 11And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Our reading from Exodus is one of many episodes where the people complain about their situation in freedom and long for the comfort of Egypt and slavery. Moses and God are annoyed about this complaining and lack of trust, but God provides for the people.
Jesus' parable of the workers in the field is a favorite of mine for reminding us that God's economy is not like ours. We worry a lot about getting what we deserve. God gives to everyone fairly, but does not need to give some people more to make us feel special or better than others. It's also true that being in God's field is its own reward; the workers who started earlier may have worked longer, but they didn't have to carry the burden of not being hired. We know to whom we belong and that is a huge comfort.
God bless,
Sam
Exodus 16:2-15
2The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
4Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. 5On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.“ 6So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, 7and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?” 8And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him — what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.”
9Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’” 10And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. 11The Lord spoke to Moses and said, 12“I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’”
13In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. 15When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.”
*Sunday
Matthew 20:1-16
1“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; 4and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. 5When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. 6And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ 7They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’
8When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ 9When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. 10Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. 11And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
food and speech
Good morning sisters and brothers,
Jesus continues his response to the Pharisees who criticized his disciples for eating with ceremonially unclean hands. He argues that eating with unclean hands doesn't make someone unclean because the food that we eat goes into our stomach, not into our soul. The same argument held up later as the church was figuring out how to relate to "unclean" food or sharing the table with gentiles. Food is just food. Where the mouth reflects and impacts our spiritual lives is in what we say. This passage reminds me again of the power of words and my own need to be more careful about how I use them.
God bless,
Sam
Matthew 15:10-20
10Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: 11it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” 12Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” 13He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.”
15But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” 16Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? 18But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. 19For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. 20These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”
Jesus continues his response to the Pharisees who criticized his disciples for eating with ceremonially unclean hands. He argues that eating with unclean hands doesn't make someone unclean because the food that we eat goes into our stomach, not into our soul. The same argument held up later as the church was figuring out how to relate to "unclean" food or sharing the table with gentiles. Food is just food. Where the mouth reflects and impacts our spiritual lives is in what we say. This passage reminds me again of the power of words and my own need to be more careful about how I use them.
God bless,
Sam
Matthew 15:10-20
10Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: 11it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” 12Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” 13He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.”
15But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” 16Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? 18But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. 19For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. 20These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Food and community
Good morning friends,
Here Paul is discussing the importance of supporting our brothers and sisters in community. Paul felt that Jewish purity laws about food didn't bind Christians, but he also knew that this was a touchy subject for some people. If someone felt that eating impure food was against God's law, then for them eating that food would be harmful. Paul encourages his readers to consider how their actions might affect others. We are free, but we're also responsible to make sure our freedom doesn't hurt other people's faith.
God bless,
Sam
Romans 14:10-17
10Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” 12So then, each of us will be accountable to God. 13Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of another. 14I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15If your brother or sister is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. 16So do not let your good be spoken of as evil. 17For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Here Paul is discussing the importance of supporting our brothers and sisters in community. Paul felt that Jewish purity laws about food didn't bind Christians, but he also knew that this was a touchy subject for some people. If someone felt that eating impure food was against God's law, then for them eating that food would be harmful. Paul encourages his readers to consider how their actions might affect others. We are free, but we're also responsible to make sure our freedom doesn't hurt other people's faith.
God bless,
Sam
Romans 14:10-17
10Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” 12So then, each of us will be accountable to God. 13Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of another. 14I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15If your brother or sister is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. 16So do not let your good be spoken of as evil. 17For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
marriage and food
Good morning friends,
In our passage for today Paul reminds Timothy that controversy in church will test the church and its leaders. He points to false teachings, citing those who "forbid marriage and demand abstinence from certain kinds of foods." The food issue probably refers to people who continued to follow the Law of Moses, keeping kosher as part of their Christian faith. Paul consistently rejects this standpoint, though often he counsels the church not to worry if some people in the church continue to keep those regulations.
Paul's teaching on marriage is interesting. In First Corinthians he lifts up some of the difficulties of making Christ the center of one's life if one is married: "The single woman worries about God, how to please God; but the married woman worries about how to please her husband." Even though he sees the virtue in remaining single he also knows it is not everyone's calling, and he sees that marriage can strengthen faith as well. He speaks out strongly here and elsewhere against leaders who forbid marriage. Paul also encourages Timothy and reminds him (and us) that leaders in the church need to make sure they are well nourished by God's word. We all need that nourishment to stay strong in our faith. So savor the word and give thanks for God's gifts.
God bless,
Sam
1 Timothy 4:1-6
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will renounce the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. 3They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving; 5for it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.
6If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed.
In our passage for today Paul reminds Timothy that controversy in church will test the church and its leaders. He points to false teachings, citing those who "forbid marriage and demand abstinence from certain kinds of foods." The food issue probably refers to people who continued to follow the Law of Moses, keeping kosher as part of their Christian faith. Paul consistently rejects this standpoint, though often he counsels the church not to worry if some people in the church continue to keep those regulations.
Paul's teaching on marriage is interesting. In First Corinthians he lifts up some of the difficulties of making Christ the center of one's life if one is married: "The single woman worries about God, how to please God; but the married woman worries about how to please her husband." Even though he sees the virtue in remaining single he also knows it is not everyone's calling, and he sees that marriage can strengthen faith as well. He speaks out strongly here and elsewhere against leaders who forbid marriage. Paul also encourages Timothy and reminds him (and us) that leaders in the church need to make sure they are well nourished by God's word. We all need that nourishment to stay strong in our faith. So savor the word and give thanks for God's gifts.
God bless,
Sam
1 Timothy 4:1-6
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will renounce the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. 3They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving; 5for it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.
6If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed.
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