Tag: Paul

Individual Responsibility, Living in the Image of God

Sharing Things

Living in the Image of God M05S21

The study discusses the message of sharing from Isaiah, John the Baptist, and Apostle Paul to understand that sharing involves sacrificing something to benefit others in need. Sharing means caring for self-interest and the interest of others simultaneously, by recognizing that two or more can benefit from a supply of goods or service, either owned individually or collectively. Consistent with Christ teaching on compassion, a person earns blessing by giving up something to provide for others in need; that is, blessing through sharing by accepting less to accommodate the interest of others. Thus, sharing breeds goodwill because God blesses those that sacrifice something to benefit others in need. Therefore, a person that provides something for people to share has provided them an opportunity to share goodwill. This philosophy of goodwill by sharing is captured by a saying among Ndigbo of Nigeria that he who brings kola brings life. Life comes from sharing kola because of goodwill that comes from each participant accepting less so that others may get a share.

Sharing Things 20:43

This study seeks better understanding that God associates sharing with sacrifice and compassion. Sharing means caring for self-interest and the interest of others simultaneously and often involves accepting less so that others may get a share, from a supply of goods or service owned collectively or individually.

We discuss God’s message regarding sharing from Isaiah, John the Baptist, and Apostle Paul: to understand that God blesses those that share what they have to benefit the interest of others. Sharing is equivalent to sacrificing something in order to provide for the need of others. Therefore, consistent with Christ teaching on compassion, God blesses those that share what they have to benefit others in need.

Sharing breeds goodwill, because people provide mutual opportunities to earn blessing when they share things. Thus, a person that provides something for people to share has provided them an opportunity to share goodwill. This philosophy of goodwill by sharing is captured by a saying among Ndigbo of Nigeria that he who brings kola brings life. Each participant in sharing kola often accepts less so that others may get a share, which means the participants make mutual sacrifice to extend the benefits to others. Life comes from sharing kola because of goodwill that comes from sharing.

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Individual Responsibility, Living in the Image of God

Letter on Christian Living—Paul to Ephesians

Living in the Image of God M05S19

Paul’s letter to Ephesians regarding Christian living provides a three-part message. The first part is a call to Christian living, where he calls every person to depart from sin and turn to Living in the Image of God. Christian living is based on the understanding that God creates every person to represent him in human interactions with others: to interact with others as God would interact with them if he lived in human form among them. The second part of the message declares that the Holy Spirit is our partner for Christian living and enables a person to receive and follow God’s guidance to fulfill his purpose for you in every situation. Paul provides advice on being filled with the Holy Spirit, to understand God’s purpose for you in interactions with others. The third segment of the message provides examples to illustrate the individual responsibilities in human interactions for Christian living; specifically, regarding compassion, peace, mercy, and motivation for and practice of righteousness.

Letter on Christian Living—Paul to Ephesians 22:23

In this bible study, we discuss a section of Paul’s letter to Ephesians, where he provides a three-part message regarding Christian living. The first part of the message is a call to Christian living. Paul calls every person to depart from sin and turn to Living in the Image of God: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” [Ephesians 4: 22–24].

The second part of the message explains that God provides the Holy Spirit as partner in Christian living [Ephesians 5:17–19]: “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.”

In the third part of the message, Paul provides examples to describe the individual responsibilities in human interactions for Christian living. The examples include compassion, peace, mercy, motivation for righteousness, and several examples regarding practice of righteousness [Ephesians 5:4–5]: “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

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Individual Responsibility, Living in the Image of God

Accountability of Leadership Based on Samuel and Paul

Living in the Image of God M05S18

We discuss Samuel’s address at the inauguration of the first king of Israel and Paul’s farewell address to Ephesian elders: to understand the source of leadership authority and power, and the rights and responsibilities of the people regarding their leadership. Because the authority of government is mandated by God and belongs to the people, the power of leadership based on the authority is exercised on behalf of the people. Samuel gave account of his state leadership and called on the people of Israel to evaluate his performance regarding the state functions. He highlights the individual responsibility to hold government leadership accountable and evaluate the leadership individually and collectively, in the practice of democracy according to God mandate. Paul extended the principle to non-governmental leadership through his address to church elders in Ephesus. He recognized that the authority and power of leadership of a religious organization belong to the members, the same way that government authority and power belong to the people. Like Samuel, Paul highlights the individual responsibility to hold leadership accountable and evaluate leadership performance for the practice of democracy according to God mandate.

Accountability of Leadership Based on Samuel and Paul 21:03

In this bible study, we discuss two events from the bible to understand the source of leadership authority and power. Also, we discuss the rights and responsibilities of the people regarding their leadership. First, we discuss Prophet Samuel’s address at the inauguration of Saul as the first king of Israel. Second, we discuss Apostle Paul’s farewell address to Ephesian elders as he prepared to depart from Ephesus.

Prophet Samuel’s address at the inauguration of King Saul leads to the following understanding.
The authority of government is mandated by God and belongs to the people. The power of state leadership is based on the authority of government. Potential abuse of power could consist of an unfair application of power against the people; which could manifest as corruption, extortion, or bribery.

In his transfer of state authority and functions to Saul at the first separation of state and worship, Samuel called on the people of Israel to evaluate his performance regarding state leadership [1 Samuel 12:3]: “Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.” Through the interaction, Samuel highlights the individual responsibility to hold state leadership accountable regarding possible abuse of power.

Apostle Paul’s farewell address in Ephesus extends the principle to non-governmental leadership. He called on the church elders to assess his leadership, based on understanding that leadership authority and power belong to the church membership and are exercised on their behalf. Like Samuel’s earlier address to the people of Israel, Paul’s address to the church elders highlights the individual responsibility to hold leadership accountable against possible abuse of power.

The two events recognize the rights and responsibilities of a people regarding their leadership. The authority and power of leadership belong to the people and are exercised on their behalf. Through the interactions, Samuel and Paul highlight the individual responsibility to hold leadership accountable, evaluate leadership performance, and apply the information toward a collective assessment to determine subsequent actions in the practice of democracy according to God mandate.

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Living in the Image of God

Mediation Example from Ephesus

Living in the Image of God M05S16

A city clerk in Ephesus diffused a riot instigated by craftsmen that feared that the Gospel message threatened their business. The account provides an understanding of the principles of Christian mediation: for resolving single-party or multi-party disputes. First, mediation needs to be motivated by a desire to make peace among the disputants. Second, the mediator should be acceptable to all disputants. Third, the mediator needs to understand the facts and circumstances of the dispute and be able to explain them respectfully, sincerely, without emotion, and clearly—in sufficient detail to convey understanding. Overall, the mediator should convey a clear purpose: to guide the disputants to understand the dispute and choose a path to resolution based on the understanding.

Mediation Example from Ephesus 21:07

This study is the first in a two-part bible study series on the principles of Christian mediation, seeking to understand the role of a mediator in resolving single-party or multi-party disputes. The first study in the series discusses the example of a city clerk in Ephesus that diffused a riot instigated by fear of potential impact of the Gospel on business interests.

The events occurred during Paul’s Second Missionary Journey. People engaged in the business of manufacturing, distributing, and maintaining shrines of their goddess Artemis feared that the Gospel message was a threat to their business. They instigated a city-wide uproar against the Gospel and caused a large crowd to gather at the city theatre in a protest that threatened to develop into a riot. A city clerk rose and addressed the crowd. He explained the facts and circumstances to convince them that there was no justification for a riot. Further, he explained they could run afoul of the city anti-riot laws if they continued with the commotion. The people dispersed peacefully.

The study discusses several principles regarding Christian mediation. First, mediation should be motivated by a desire to make peace among the disputants. Second, the mediator needs to be acceptable to all disputants. Third, the mediator needs to understand the facts and circumstances of the dispute and be able to explain the facts and circumstances respectfully, sincerely, without emotion, and clearly—in sufficient detail to convey understanding. Overall, the mediator needs to lead the disputants to understand the dispute and find a path to resolution based on the understanding.

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Living in the Image of God

Ministering by Deed Examples from the Bible

Living in the Image of God M05S15

The study discusses examples from the bible to illustrate ministering by deed, when your living radiates Godliness to others “that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” People were drawn to Jesus because he healed the sick, cast out demons, and performed other miracles—not because he could, but because he cared. Many did not know that he was God but were drawn to him because they believed he was of God—his interactions convey the Image of God. We discuss an example from his healing a man with leprosy. Further, to illustrate ministering by deed among ordinary people, we discuss Paul-Silas interactions with a jailer in Philippi whereby their act of compassion motivated the jailer to seek Jesus through them. Also, we discuss the reputation of Joseph as a slave in Potiphar’s house and David as a shepherd boy. Joseph was associated with being sensitive to needs of others and effective in attending to the needs. People perceived the presence of God in him. Similar to people being drawn to David several generations later.

Ministering by Deed Examples from the Bible 21:55

This bible study discusses examples from the bible to illustrate ministering by deed, which occurs when your interactions radiate Godliness to others “that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Christ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount includes calling every person to let your Godliness motivate others to thank God for you and seek closer relationship with God. Godliness means the quality of Living in the Image of God.

People were drawn to Jesus because of his compassion, performing miracles, healing the sick, casting out demons, and explaining the word of God clearly. Many did not know that he was God but were drawn to him because they believed he was of God—his interactions convey the Image of God. For example, his interactions with healing recipients convey a message that he healed them because he cared—not because he could. We discuss an example from his healing a man with leprosy.

To illustrate ministering by deed among ordinary people, we discuss an example from Paul-and-Silas interactions with the jailer in Philippi. In the example, compassion by Paul and Silas motivated the jailer to make a commitment to Jesus on behalf of himself and his household.

Further, we discuss the reputation of Joseph while living as a slave in Potiphar’s house and of David during his time as a shepherd boy. People were drawn to Joseph because of his reputation for caring—being attentive to the needs of others and effective in attending to the needs. His master Potiphar elevated him to the position of greatest responsibility in the household. People perceived the presence of God in him. Similar to people being drawn to David several generations later.

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Living in the Image of God

Managing Disagreement in an Alliance

Living in the Image of God M05S11

The breakup of the Gospel alliance of Paul and Barnabas provides insights based on understanding options for satisfying competing interests in a disagreement within an alliance. If the options are compatible, the disagreement could be resolved by implementing measures to satisfy the competing interests simultaneously. If the options are incompatible, then a path to resolution could be to seek an amicable breakup that would satisfy the competing interests. In any case, the parties need to understand how their interests would be satisfied through the available options.

Managing Disagreement in an Alliance 18:36

This bible study discusses the breakup of the Gospel alliance of Paul and Barnabas to provide insights for managing disagreements within an alliance. The alliance could be for a Christian mission directly or for other aspects of living. The alliance of Paul and Barnabas began with their collaboration in growing the church at Antioch and blossomed through the First Missionary Journey, when they established several churches in southern Europe and laid foundation for the growth of Christianity worldwide.

The alliance broke up as they discussed plans for the second missionary journey, because of a disagreement regarding their relationships with a younger apostle named John Mark, now better known as the author of the Gospel according to Mark. At that time, Barnabas wanted to work with John Mark to mentor him and proposed taking him along. In contrast, Paul was concerned that John Mark would not serve the mission well, because of a previous experience with him. He had abandoned them early in the First Missionary Journey and had not worked with them thereafter [Acts 15:37–38]: “Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.”

Paul and Barnabas broke up and did not proceed together to the second missionary journey [Acts 15:39–40]: “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.” Their breakup, however, led to two separate and successful Gospel ministries.

Additionally, the breakup provides insights for managing disagreements in an alliance, based on understanding the options for satisfying competing interests. If the options are compatible, the disagreement could be resolved by implementing measures to satisfy the competing interests simultaneously. If the options are incompatible, such as in the Paul-Barnabas example, then a path to resolution could be to seek an amicable breakup that would satisfy the competing interests. In any case, to find an amicable path to resolution, the parties need to understand how their interests would be satisfied through the available options.

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Living in the Image of God

Seeking Power by Killing the Truth

Living in the Image of God M05S10

A powerful elite during the early periods of the Gospel sought to preserve their power over society by suppressing the message. They had no real argument against the Gospel but feared the Gospel message of human relationship with God could undermine their authority as religious experts and leadership. They sought to suppress the Gospel by inciting division in society, instigating hostility against the apostles, and banishing or killing the apostles; because they feared the Gospel promise of independent relationship with God was a potential source of power and authority available to ordinary people. Similar to modern-day experience where holders of political power fear a population increasingly diverse and away from their views of society, doubt their capability to continue to win power by voluntary persuasion, and seek to retain power by suppressing and subverting democracy. They seek to preserve their power the same way the early religious leadership sought to cling to power: by killing the truth.

Seeking Power by Killing the Truth 20:12

This bible study discusses the behavior of Jewish religious leadership in their interactions with Paul and Barnabas during the first missionary journey and their earlier response to Peter and John for healing a lame man. The discussion seeks to understand their strategy for seeking to cling to the power of religious authority despite growing popular acceptance of the Gospel as a source of power and authority available to every person. They feared the Gospel message could undermine their authority over society and sought to cling to power despite growing popularity and understanding of the Gospel.

We will see that their strategy included actions directed against the message, the messenger, and the people. They tried to contradict the Gospel message or discredit the messenger but had no real argument against either the message or the apostles. Therefore, they adopted a strategy of suppressing the Gospel by inciting division in society, instigating hostility against the apostles, and banishing or killing the apostles.

The real objective of their strategy was to hold on to the power of religious authority over society, despite growing acceptance of the Gospel message of personal relationship with God available to every person and independent of earthly powers or authority. They sought to retain power despite growing understanding and decreasing dependence on their religious authority.

Their strategy of seeking to retain power by subverting legitimate evolution of society appears to have been adopted by modern-day political organizations that face waning capability to win power by voluntary persuasion. They find the population growing increasingly diverse and away from their views of society. As a result, they doubt their capability to win political power by free and fair elections. Instead, they seek to retain power via new laws and trickery that suppress and subvert democracy. They seek to preserve their power the same way the early religious leadership sought to cling to power: by killing the truth.

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Living in the Image of God

Leader-Follower Relationships Paul-Barnabas Example

Living in the Image of God M05S08

First of a two-part study of relationships among leaders and followers, when two or more organize to execute a mission or project. The study is based in part on the partnership of Paul and Barnabas and in part on the call of four disciples on Lake Galilee. God called Paul and Barnabas to a Gospel mission, chose Paul as leader, and did not explain the choice. He can call people to a mission by choosing a leader and providing others opportunity to join as followers. Also, he can assign a mission to a group of people and guide them to choose a leader. In the case of Paul and Barnabas, he called them to the mission and guided them to choose Paul as leader. The choice became evident through their interactions with Elymas in Paphos and at a synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. When God calls people to a mission, he assigns them responsibilities as leaders or followers, choosing leadership based on intrinsic qualities that are understood better as they perform the responsibilities. Also, as we see in Part 2 of the study, he values leaders and followers alike.

Leader-Follower Relationships: Paul-Barnabas Example 17:37

This is the first of a two-part bible study on understanding relationships among leaders and followers, when two or more organize to execute a mission, for the advancement of worship directly or indirectly through other aspects of living. The first part of the study is based on the partnership of Paul and Barnabas. The second part is based on Christ teaching through interactions during his call of four disciples on Lake Galilee.

The partnership of Paul and Barnabas began with Barnabas re-introducing Paul (then known as Saul) to the disciples in Jerusalem. The partnership continued in Antioch when Barnabas brought Paul to collaborate with him in planting a church. Later, the church they planted in Antioch commissioned them to a mission of international evangelism, to propagate the Gospel among Gentiles (i.e., non-Jews). The bible does not discuss their choosing a leader, but shows Paul providing leadership early in the mission, through interactions with Elymas in Paphos and at a synagogue in Pisidian Antioch.

The two-part study leads to understanding that the choice of a leader often is based on intrinsic qualities that may not be clear at the beginning but are understood better as the leaders and followers perform their individual responsibilities to the mission or project. When God calls people to a mission, he assigns them responsibilities as leaders or followers, choosing leadership based on his assessment of the people and mission requirements. Also, as will be discussed in Part 2 of the study, he values leaders and followers alike and rewards each mission participant based on their capacity, irrespective of serving as leader or follower.

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Individual Responsibility, Living in the Image of God

Individual Responsibility for Peace

Living in the Image of God M04S07

We discuss Christ teaching and explanation by Paul to understand that every person is individually responsible to seek a path to peace in every situation. Focus on the aspects that depend on you, irrespective of what others do or fail to do. To illustrate finding path to peace, Jesus paid the temple tax despite acknowledging unfair implementation of the tax law. Also, Paul recommended circumcision of Timothy despite a church ruling that circumcision of Gentile believers was not necessary. Other examples include Daniel negotiating a compromise diet of vegetables and water to avoid violating his relationship with God while obedient to King Nebuchadnezzar; and a city clerk in Ephesus that diffused a developing riot instigated by craftsmen concerned about their business shrinking because of growing acceptance of Paul’s message.

M04S07 Individual Responsibility for Peace 25:05

This bible study discusses the individual responsibility for peace based on Christ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount and an explanation by Paul in his letter to Romans. Christ message declares God’s promise of blessing and binary classification of people based on performing the individual responsibility for peace: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” [Matthew 5:9]. Further, Apostle Paul explains the individual responsibility for peace by advising every person to seek a path to peace in every situation, focus on aspects that depend on you, irrespective of what others do or fail to do.

Both Christ and Paul also provide examples for finding a path to peace by avoiding battles that do not have to be fought even if they appear justified. Jesus illustrated this strategy for peace by paying the temple tax after acknowledging potential grounds for objection based on unfair implementation of the tax law. He paid the tax “…so that we may not cause offense…” [Matthew 17:27] to avoid potential issues that could distract people from his mission. In his illustration of the peace strategy, Paul recommended circumcision of Timothy (Acts 16:3) despite a church ruling that circumcision of Gentile believers was not necessary. He recommended the circumcision to forestall potential arguments that could distract people from his message.

Additionally, we discuss two examples of finding a path to peace through conflict resolution. One example comes from Daniel, regarding his negotiating a compromise diet to substitute unacceptable diet decreed by King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:8–16). The other example comes from Ephesus, where a city clerk diffused a riot instigated by craftsmen that were opposed to Paul’s message. The craftsmen saw their business of making shrines for idol worship was shrinking because of the growing acceptance of Paul’s message (Acts 19:23–41).

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Responding to Adversity, The Apostles

Paul Triumphs Over Adversity—Rome Voyage Ends Persecution

Adversity Appeared to Expand
But Transitioned Toward an End

The persecution of Paul ended in Rome where he was taken to present his appeal but the accusers did not show. Events during the trip threatened to expand his adversity but instead became opportunities for Paul to start his Rome gospel mission. Through the events we learn about a dispute ending because the accuser backs down and an adversity appearing to expand as it transitions toward an end.

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A Rome in every adversity
A Rome in every adversity
Sweet Publishing FreeBibleImages.org

We conclude our current study on Responding to Adversity with a discussion of Paul’s voyage to Rome and the end of his persecution. The persecution started in Jerusalem. Later, he was moved to Caesarea, where he was tried in court; first under Governor Felix and later under Governor Festus. As we discuss in a previous bible study under Submitting to Due Process in Adversity, Paul determined during trial under Festus that he was unlikely to find justice through the trial in Caesarea. Therefore, he appealed to Caesar. The appeal required he be taken to Rome to present his case for judgment by the emperor.

He was taken to Rome. However, his accusers did not follow him and did not arrange for any representation at his appeal hearing. The case appears to have simply fizzled out as the bible provides no information about any hearing of his case in Rome. Instead, after an initial period as a prisoner in Rome, he spent about two years there free to interact with people normally [Acts 28:30–31]: “Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.” Thus, the persecution ended within a short time of his arrival in Rome and became a launch pad for his gospel mission there.

Paul's route to Rome from Caesarea
Paul’s route to Rome from Caesarea
Sweet Publishing FreeBibleImages.org

This discussion of the end of Paul’s adversity of persecution focuses on two lessons. First, we note that his accusers “did not show” and their failure to show may have been the primary reason the persecution just fizzled out. We discuss this aspect of his experience along with other examples of an adversity ending because the accuser backed down. Second, we note that his adversity threatened to expand as its end approached during the trip to Rome. We draw examples from previous studies to understand that an apparent expansion of adversity could at times be the beginning of the end of the adversity. We note that Paul’s adversity was indeed a vehicle that conveyed him to Rome to extend his gospel mission.

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