year 1 week 50 day 344-350totalgrowth.org/devotion/lgc_devotion_2012_wk50_eng.pdf · year 1 week 50...

Year 1 Week 50 Day 344-350

Year 1 Week 50 Day 344 - 350

I. Invocation and Adoration:

1. Invocation Prayer

“Our Father, we thank you for the Bible which tells us the Christmas story. Thank

you, too, for the writings, centuries before, which tell of the coming Savior and King.

Thank you for those who toiled and gave their lives so that we could have the Bible

in our own language. Help us to understand your Word and to treasure it as you speak

to us from it, preparing our hearts for Christmas.” In Jesus’ name. Amen. (For

Advent)

2. Adoration through Psalm 50

We’ll use this Psalm, not for today’s Bible reading, but for the sake of focusing our

thoughts on God. Read slowly this passage at least three times and each day gather

one thought about this psalm that points to God’s character that should be reflected in

our lives and translate it into a prayer of adoration.

II. Confession

Pause now and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you your sins and ask for forgiveness.

III. Thanksgiving

List, one by one, things for which you should give thanks.

Day 344

IV. Scriptural Reflection: Romans 14:13-23

This week we shall be finished with the study of the Book of Romans. Read slowly and

reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below each

day.

(1) This section began with the word “therefore”. What is Paul referring to, in telling

us not to judge one another in Christ?

(2) Instead of using our mind to judge others, what does Paul now asks us to use our

mind to resolve not to do?

(3) Paul does agree that no food is unclean in itself, why then should I be bound by

someone’s opinion which is not correct? How would someone who is weak in faith

in this respect be destroyed by my insistence in eating foods of all kind?

(4) Mull over v. 17 carefully:

a. Why is the Kingdom of God not a matter of eating and drinking?

b. However, in what way(s) might they become (or turn into) a matter of the

Kingdom of God? (i.e. one of righteousness, peace and joy in the Spirit)

(5) In our case today, the eating of things once offered to idols may not be an issue. Can

you think of similar (non-Kingdom) issues that may lead to the destruction of the

faith of our brothers and sisters in Christ?

(6) Try to sum up the exhortations in vv. 13-17 and see how we should serve (in the

church) so that it will be pleasing to God. (Rom. 12:2)

(7) Compare your answer above to vv. 19-21. How does Paul’s conclusion in vv.

19-21 add to your answer above?

(8) Are you the kind of Christian who cannot hold your peace, but seek to instantly

correct (what you perceive as) erroneous views of others concerning the Bible

(whether in a Sunday school class or a Bible study group)? How might v. 22 speak

to such an attitude?

(9) However, Paul does not only exhort the “strong” believers, but the “weak” ones too

in v. 23. What is his exhortation to the weak? How may you apply it to your life?

(10) What is the main message to you today that you can apply to your life?

V. Meditative Reflection: Exercising Faith in Love

Paul certainly believes that “no food is unclean in itself” (Rom. 14:20), and he

considers those who believe in the eating of food sacrificed to idols and the drinking of

wine as strong believers, but repeatedly he urges them not to destroy those with weaker

faith who believe otherwise.

It reminds me of what I heard years ago about the confession of a pastor. He was

invited to a dinner celebrating the baptism of a couple of new believers. At the dinner,

the pastor ordered a glass of wine, as was his usual habit. The couple was very puzzled,

in fact alarmed, and asked the pastor “Is it alright for Christians to drink?” The

seasoned pastor then gave his usual and convincing proofs from scripture that it is more

than alright to drink in moderation; even Paul advised Timothy to take a little wine too to

improve his health. The couple was so glad to know that it was okay for Christians to

drink, because both were former alcoholics.

But because they resumed drinking, they not only ended up in divorce, but one of

them ended up in the psychiatric ward. I am glad that the pastor was willing to share

this testimony in public. It has not only enabled me to understand Paul’s admonition, it

has, I believed, prevented me from making the same mistake that he made in my own

ministry.

Day 345


Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the

questions below.

As Paul makes one final effort to exhort us to bear with the weaker ones in faith, he

appeals to the example of Christ.

(1) Psalm 69:9 is the prophetic word concerning Christ, the Messiah, in that He has

received the insult on God’s behalf for the sake of His Zeal for God’s house.

How does He then demonstrate that He does not seek to please Himself?

(2) How may we emulate Christ then, according to 15:1-2?

(3) How does Christ’s example teach us endurance?

(4) How does Christ’s example provide us with encouragement?

(5) According to v. 7, Christ has also demonstrated another example that we need to

emulate. What is it?

(6) How does our unity (in one mind and one voice) bring glory and praise to God?

(7) What then will a church divided and in conflict bring to the name of God?

(8) According to the original writing of vv. 8-9, “on behalf of God’s truth” appears as

parallel to “on behalf of mercy”. Why does Paul refer to “God’s truth” concerning

the circumcised (i.e. the Jews), but “God’s mercy” concerning the Gentiles?

(9) In support of his teaching, Paul quotes from Psalm 18:49; Deuteronomy 32:43;

Psalm 117:1 & Isaiah 11:10. With such clear prophetic words, why would the Jews

discriminate against the Gentiles spiritually and how could the early Jewish

Christians still look at the gospel as essentially a Jewish gospel?

(10) How do Paul’s words of benedictions echo what the Kingdom of God is about in

14:17?

(11) Of joy, peace and hope, which one means the most to you? Why?

(12) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

V. Meditative Reflection: We were Weak Once

Over the years, I have had the privilege to lead Christian men and women to learn to

pray through spending 24 hours to three days in a retreat center. We learned to pray the

biblical way, spending time in reflection based on Scriptures and Scripture-based

devotional materials. I am grateful to see many of them being ushered to pursue greater

intimacy with the Lord through learning to set aside time, away from the distractions of

their usual environment, and free from the pressure of time and the tyranny of the next

things. However, invariably, those who come for retreat for the first time have a tough

time really being still. For those who realize that their prayer life needs to be drastically

transformed, they would follow the materials, and make an effort to learn to read slowly,

repeatedly and reflectively. Given time, they are able to focus and concentrate, and be

still.

However, I am very anxious about those who think that their prayer life is good, and

yet it is obvious to me that they do not have the ability to be still and be alone with God

for an extended period of time. They would scan through the materials as if they are

reading the fine prints of an insurance policy. As a result, while others are able to learn

and benefit greatly with their time of solitude with God, they remain fixed in their way of

approaching God more with their mind and less with their spirit.

However, my anxiety reflects my impatience with them, forgetting that it has taken

years, or rather decades, for me to learn to be still, to learn that “being” is far more

important than “doing”, to learn to read slowly, repeatedly and reflectively, and to learn

not only to pray, but also to listen. And yet, what took years for me to learn, I expect

others to learn overnight. Somebody puts it well — I am like a former drug addict who

has taken years to rehabilitate, and yet expect other addicts to recover instantly.

Day 346



questions below.

(1) Do you detect a change of tone in this passage? What do you think is the reason?

(2) Since Paul is a minister of the gospel, why does he feel the need to almost apologize

for the boldness of using rather harsh words of admonition in the previous chapters?

What does it say about Paul?

(3) How can we learn from him as we minister to our brothers and sisters in boldness?

(4) Paul uses the language of a priest, presenting a sacrifice to describe his ministry to

the Gentiles which echoes the language used in Romans 12:1-2.

a. Have you ever thought of your ministry as being the offer of a sacrifice to God?

b. If you are a Sunday School teacher or someone with whom God has entrusted

His people, how does this priestly language remind you in terms of the

sacredness and importance of your ministry?

(5) Vv. 18-19 is a “clumsy sentence”, but Paul has not been speaking “anything other

than what Christ has wrought through him by word and deed, in the power of signs

and wonders, in the power of the Spirit, to bring about obedience of the Gentiles”

and this “seems to be the simplest and most natural way to understand it” (Cranfield,

738). As much as it affirms the authority of Paul’s previous admonitions, how does

it also reveal the integrity of Paul’s ministry?

(6) Paul now gives us some insight into his ministry’s priority in that he strives to go

where Christ has yet been known:

a. Is it right for Paul to set his priority this way?

b. Is it prideful of him not wishing to build on someone else’s foundation? Why

or why not?

c. Do you think Paul should stick to one location instead of being an itinerant

apostle? Why?

(7) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

V. Meditative Reflection: All on the Altar

Romans 12:1-2 are perhaps two of the most quoted verses in the Book of Romans,

and a powerful exhortation for us to give all of ourselves as a living sacrifice to the Lord.

But Paul’s use of a priestly duty to sacrifice continues in Romans 15:16 as he applies his

calling as the apostle to the Gentiles as part of his duty at the altar. I invite you to

reflect on the lyrics of the following hymn and ask yourself this question — “Is my all on

the altar of sacrifice laid?”

1. You have longed for sweet peace,

And for faith to increase,

And have earnestly, fervently prayed;

But you cannot have rest,

Or be perfectly blest,

Until all on the altar is laid.

Refrain

Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?

Your heart does the Spirit control?

You can only be blest,

And have peace and sweet rest,

As you yield Him your body and soul.

2. Would you walk with the Lord,

In the light of His Word,

And have peace and contentment alway?

You must do His sweet will,

To be free from all ill,

On the altar your all you must lay.

Refrain






3. O we never can know

What the Lord will bestow

Of the blessings for which we have prayed,

Till our body and soul

He doth fully control,

And our all on the altar is laid.

Refrain






4. Who can tell all the love

He will send from above,

And how happy our hearts will be made,

Of the fellowship sweet

We shall share at His feet,

When our all on the altar is laid.

Refrain






Elisha Hoffman, 1839-1929

Day 347



questions below.

(1) Why does Paul say that “there is no place for me to work in these regions”? What

“work” is he referring to? (15:23)

(2) Why does he want to go to Spain?

(3) What does he desire to achieve by stopping over in Rome?

(4) However, he has decided to go to Jerusalem first. What are the purposes for his

Jerusalem journey?

(5) We understand that numerous warnings have been given to Paul concerning his

journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4; 11), why then would he insist on going?

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/h/o/f/hoffman_ea.htm

(6) Sensing the danger ahead, Paul appeals for help to the Roman Christians:

a. What is his appeal?

b. Why does he say that his appeal is by the Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of

the Spirit?

c. What is meant by joining him in his “struggle” in prayer? (Gen. 32:22-32)

d. Asking to be rescued from the unbelievers is understandable, why does he also

ask to be “acceptable to the saints there”? What does it say about his

relationship with the Jerusalem’s disciples? (Refer to Acts 21:20-22)

(7) Reflect on the donations by the church in Macedonia and Achaia:

a. Why do they feel the urge to send money to the saints in Jerusalem?

b. Why only for the poor among them?

c. Do you agree with what Paul’s reasoning in v. 27? Why or why not?

d. What can you learn from the above?

(8) What is the main message to you today and how might you apply it to your life?

V. Meditative Reflection: Mutual Intercession

It is interesting to read of Paul’s own plan and desire in going to Spain the reason for

which is probably because it is a mission front and has yet to be reached by the gospel of

Christ. As Rome already has a well-established church, Paul’s desire to visit them is

made obvious by the long list of “beloved” greetings of people whom he definitely

wishes to see again, not the least would be Priscilla and Aquila, his long-time co-laborers

in Christ. But, through the many warnings by the Spirit, he knows that he will face

quite severe persecution in Jerusalem. As much as he longs to share in the suffering of

Christ (Phil. 3:10), he also knows that he himself could not bear it alone, so he asks the

church in Rome to join him in his “struggle by praying to God” for him (Rom. 15:30).

As it turns out, he was severely beaten and was almost killed by the Jews in

Jerusalem. It is by the grace of the Lord that he was spared, and I believe that it was also

a result of the intercession of the saints, including the Roman believers.

Paul was beaten by the Jews only to be rescued at the last minute by the commander

of the Roman army. Then he faced the assassination plot by some 40 Jews and was

escorted to face trial after trial, ending with the journey to Rome as a prisoner. Yes, it is

not the way he has planned or hoped for, but nonetheless, God has granted him the desire

to go to Rome at last. His prayer has been answered, and he would be seeing all these

beloved co-laborers of his. Paul knows the church in Rome has indeed prayed for him

and their wish has also been granted.

It is indeed a great privilege to know that you are loved by your brothers and sisters

and that they are willing to participate in your struggle in prayers.

Over the years, I have promised sincerely to pray for others who obviously were

counting on my faithful intercession. At times, I have failed to remember them,

especially when the list of people who needed my prayers has grown. Knowing both the

importance of faithful intercession and my own forgetfulness, I have designed a weekly

chart for intercession (see the last page of this weekly devotion). By scheduling people

and ministries into my daily intercession time slot, I have been able to be more faithful in

my promise to pray, but more importantly, I have been able to have the privilege of

participating in the struggle of the people whom I love through prayer.

Day 348

IV. Scriptural Reflection: Romans 16:1-16 (I)


questions below.

Paul sends a list of greetings to the brothers and sister in Rome. It shows that many who

left by the Emperor’s decree have returned to Rome. But his personal greetings also

give us a glimpse into the life of the early church. We shall be reflecting on this passage

today and tomorrow:

(1) Can you list the greetings to the house churches within the church in Rome?

(2) Can you count how many individual names and names of family are within this list

of greetings?

(3) How does the fact that Paul chooses to greet so many of them personally speak to

you?

(4) Do you know how many of these being greeted are women?* What does this tell you

about the ministry and status of sisters within the early church?

(5) Who are those commended by Paul for being hard working? Is there anyone in

your church that you can commend for their hard work?

(6) Who are those whom Paul call beloved or dear? Why does Paul call them beloved

instead of commending them for other virtues?

(7) Two names stand out as famous household: Aristobulus and Narcissus. The

former is believed to be the brother of King Herod Agrippa I and he died in Ad. 48

or 49, and the latter is believed to have served the Emperor Claudius and committed

suicide just before Paul wrote the letter to the Roman Church. They were probably

non-believers and their families had come to Christ. What might be the implication

for Paul to greet these households?

(8) It is worth noting that many noted scholars believe that Rufus is the son of Simon of

Cyrene who was forced to carry the cross for Jesus (Mk. 15:21) At least for Mark

to have made mention of Rufus, it indicates that he was known in the early church

community. What then can you make of Paul’s special greeting in v. 13?


*Note: While some of names could not really be identified historically, these are

presumably names of women: Priscilla, Junias, Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis (and of

course, Mary).

V. Meditative Reflection: Paul — A Model Minister of the Gospel

Normally we would frown as we come across a passage in the Bible that is full of

names, but the list of names written at the end of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome is a

very interesting and informative reading. While it is not helpful to speculate on some of

the names, like Mary (Rom. 16:6), the listing of 26 individuals, two “families” and

several “house churches” has provided invaluable insight for us into the life of the early

church. But, it is equally telling about what kind of minister of the gospel Paul is.

Paul has so many co-workers that he could call dear friends, beloved,

fellow-prisoners, and many of whom are women. It proves that Paul is far from being a

chauvinist. Indeed, he has to be such a people-person that he is loved by many, as we

read that the elders of Ephesus wept as they bid Paul farewell. (Acts 20:37)

Indeed, too, Paul is not just a preacher of words, but a doer of what he preaches.

His life is an open book for all to see (Acts 20:18), and he is not just sharing the words,

but his life also with all the believers he ministers to. (1 Thess. 2:8).

And, as gifted as he is, he is no lone-ranger. He demonstrates to us that no leader

should act on his own, but should surround himself with close friends for support,

encouragement and accountability.

Day 349

IV. Scriptural Reflection: Romans 16:1-16 (II)


questions below.

Phoebe, Priscilla, Aquila, Andronicus and Junias are mentioned by Paul in more details

(vv. 1-2; 3-5 & 7). We shall be reflecting on them in greater details today:

(1) Phoebe: she is the first deaconess mentioned by name in the church (Lenski), and

her church in Cenchreae is about 8 miles from Corinth where Paul writes this letter.

She is probably the bearer of this letter (on her business trip to Rome, it is believed):

a. How special is she as a believer?

b. How special is she to Paul?

c. What is her contribution to the early church?

(2) Priscilla and Aquila: Read Acts 18 to reacquaint yourself with this missionary

couple:

a. How special are they as believers?

b. How special are they to Paul and even to Apollo?

c. What is their contribution to the early church and the Great Commission as a

lay-couple?

d. Why would Paul mention Priscilla before Aquila?

e. How should you emulate them?

(3) Andronicus and Junias: as Paul’s relatives, they are Jewish with Greek and Latin

name, respectively.

a. How special are they as believers?

b. How special are they to Paul?

c. What is their contribution to the early church and the Great Commission?

Note; we do not exactly know when and where they were in prison with Paul. Paul

uses the term “apostles” in a more general sense.

(4) What can you learn about the early church from this list of greeting, especially from

these five individuals above?


V. Meditative Reflection: The Church in Rome—A Model Church of the Gospel

Yesterday, I was sharing about how the long list of names of people greeted by Paul

allows us to understand what kind of a minister Paul is, but the list also gives us insight

into the life of the early church, especially the church in Rome:

(a) A multi-ethnic church: the list of names includes Greek names, Latin names and

Jewish names. This gives us such a great picture of the reality of the gospel — a

gospel for all peoples. The church in Rome does not just preach a gospel of

reconciliation; they practice it by breaking down cultural and ethnic barriers and

become one in Christ.

(b) A gender equal church: Many people, Christians included, think that Paul is a

chauvinist because of his stands on the covering of hair by women and other strong

languages he used to maintain order in the church. The truth of the matter is, he

does treat men and women equal in Christ. He even greets Priscilla before her

husband Aquila. He sends greetings to many women in Rome and commends them

for their work in the Lord. And Phoebe, in particular, is being addressed as a

deaconess. The early church, especially this church in Rome, is truly color-blind

and gender-blind. All are equal in Christ.

A lay-driven church: It is obvious that most, if not all of these saints greeted by

Paul, are lay-people, having their own professions and their own families. But together,

they form the key leadership group of the church, not necessarily with any official

capacity. Many even open their homes for gathering. Priscilla and Aquila are prime

examples, as they themselves have their tent-making career. But wherever they go, they

carry the gospel with them, and they even disciple important figures like Apollo (Acts

18:26). Now that Emperor Claudius’ decree to drive away the Jews has lapsed (because

of his death in A.D. 54), they returned to Rome and opened their home as a house church.

Day 350



questions below.

(1) Now we come to the very end of this long letter:

a. Spend some time to reflect on the main issues addressed by Paul in this letter?

b. Can you tell why he has to write this letter?

(2) Now, what kind of warning does he end with and why?

(3) Judging from the main contents of this letter, who are these people he is warning

against?

a. What effect do they have on the church of God?

b. Why are they apparently quite effective?

c. What is their motive according to Paul?

d. How should the believers treat them? Why?

(4) Paul has some choice words to admonish the believers in v. 19. What is meant by

a. Wise about what is good, and

b. Innocent about what is evil?

(5) Do you find v. 20 odd? Why or why not?

a. Whose feet is Paul referring to in v. 20?

b. Why does he refer to God as the God of peace in this context?

(6) The final benediction is rather “loaded”:

a. To Whom does Paul give glory?

b. What is God able to do concerning the believers?

c. Why does Paul refer to Him as the only wise God?

d. According to you, how is God’s wisdom revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ?


(8) Use this doxology to give praise to God as you come to the end of the study of this

letter.

V. Meditative Reflection: Inter-Faith Business

These days, in the name of tolerance, many Christian ministers or believers join

inter-faith service for what is often considered a good cause. I have no doubt that God

will not hear the prayers offered in the name of idols or false gods. But when it comes

to the prayers offered by Christian ministers in such a setting, would God hear, especially

when His servants even shy away from invoking the name of Jesus in their prayers?

I was once leading a prayer in a Christian setting, attended by Christians of many

different denominations, and I prayed very explicitly in the name of Jesus and I received

less than enthusiastic “Amens”, as most other leaders prayed their “synagogue prayers”

(meaning prayers that only addressed God without invoking the name of Christ).

I wonder how Paul would react in such settings!

As Paul draws his lengthy epistle to the Roman church to a close, having argued

passionately for justification of faith and absolute equality before Christ of Jews and

Gentiles, he concludes once more with strong words against the teachings that are

contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He admonishes the believers in Rome to watch

out for people who preach such heresies and to “keep away from them” (Rom. 16:17)

I have no doubt that Paul would not condone such so-called inter-faith services,

because as he puts it in 2 Corinthians 6:15, “What harmony is there between Christ and

Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?”

No, Paul is not advocating that we should not be associated with non-believers, or

“we would have to leave the world” (1 Co. 5:10), but he is against condoning teachings

and beliefs that are contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

VI. A Time for Silence

You have meditated much with your intellectual faculty today. Now have a moment of

silence (the length is up to you, 5 or even 30 minutes), and ask God quietly, “Lord, is

there any important message from you today that I might have missed? Show me, your

servant is listening?”

VII. Supplication

Use the following chart to cover people and ministries that you want to remember before

the Lord, apart from praying for yourself:

Your

family

Other

people

Church

Ministries

Other

Ministries

City &

World Others

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

VIII. Benediction

“Christ, the Son of God, born of Mary, fill you with His grace to trust His promises and

obey His will.” In Jesus’ name. Amen. (The Alternative Service Book, 1980)

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