BIBLE READING: Romans 1-8

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5.1-2)

Romans emphasizes grace as a powerful source of hope. But to capture this hope we need to understand that grace is not some ambiguous force from God. Grace is given and received through Jesus. In him we are justified and through him we obtain access to God by faith, ultimately by his resurrection (Romans 4.25; 5.10). It is helpful to realize that grace is, and always has, been a reference to Jesus (see John 1.16; Titus 2.11). But for grace to meaningful, we must observe…

1. The context of grace. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift…” (Romans 3.23-24). We are condemned by our sins and hopeless. When God offered us the gift of grace, it was in our worst condition (Romans 5.6, 10). He did so to demonstrate his love and desire for our good. But Paul makes clear…
2. The movement of grace. This is seen in the prepositional phrases Paul employs over the next several chapters, specifically the idea of going “through Christ” and being “in Christ” (see Romans 3.24; 5.1-2). These phrases imply movement on God’s part AND our part in relation to Jesus. God has reached out to us, but if we want these blessings, we must move from where we are.
3. The surety of grace. It is associated with words like “promises” and “guarantee” (Romans 4.16). The gift of God’s grace in our weakness is an objective moment in time which will not be reversed. That’s why he introduces us once again to the context of grace to emphasize…
4. The power of grace. Grace is not subject to our weakness but will abound all the more in them (Romans 5.20-21). As long as we live, God will offer grace, in hope of producing change in our lives.
5. The result of grace. We are reconciled and saved through Christ. God’s actions of love witness that God’s love can supersede present circumstances; and it teaches us how to live and remain in God’s grace (Titus 2.11-ff).

It can be easy to see the power of our weakness. The consequences of sin are damaging and debilitating. But grace offers a way from God to alter our circumstances. What this means is that hope is always an option. Every day is an opportunity. If you woke up today, you have the power to make choices that will change your future. But that power is not from our own doing. It is from God’s goodness towards us. It is his strength and breath in your body. It is his mercy that opens our minds and hearts to what is right. Sometimes it is in good ways we like and other times it is in difficult circumstances. Either way, you have power in the present because there is hope in the future. That is God’s design and hope. That is God’s wonderful grace.

BIBLE READING: Acts 9.36-42

“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.” (Acts 9.36)

In a chapter dominated by Saul’s conversion and the continuation of Peter’s gospel work, Tabitha’s story seems misplaced. She didn’t do anything flashy or earth-shattering. She wasn’t a big name in the bible story, but she made a big difference to those around her. So much so that when she died the disciples sent for Peter in hopes that he could do something. I’m not sure what they were expecting; but it is obvious her presence made a difference to these people.  

What I find most remarkable about this story is how she made a difference. What Tabitha did wasn’t something uniquely Christian. Lots of people have made clothes through the years. And certainly, she wasn’t the first one to ever give things away. She didn’t write any books of the Bible. She never performed a miracle. No spiritual gifts are mentioned. No prophecy. No starting a church in her house. No supporting the apostles financially.

What did she do? She made some clothes and with kindness, gave them to others. That doesn’t seem like a big deal. That hardly seems worth even mentioning in the Bible. A few widows were touched by her generosity. But what she did made a difference to those few people around her. She had a talent, and she found a way to use that talent to serve and help others.

I think we ought to take pause to consider why the Holy Spirit felt it necessary to include Tabitha in the bible. The storyline doesn’t change much without people like Tabitha – the gospel is still going to spread, churches started, and people converted; but we see more clearly the result of a life lived for Christ through people like Tabitha. She served because she was a disciple of Jesus Christ. She did what she could, where she was, and others saw it. More importantly, God saw it and preserved her story for us to see as well.

We need stories like this, because when the glitz and glamor of faith fades into everyday life, we can get discouraged. Serving others can be hard. You might feel like you don’t have much to offer. You might ask, “Do my efforts really matter?” I can tell you, your efforts matter to God. Just a cup of cold water given in his name does not go overlooked.

Maybe you can’t preach. Maybe you can’t serve publicly. Maybe you have limitations. I’m sure there were many things Tabitha couldn’t do. But to those widows she was special. Don’t overlook the things that anyone could do. If there is something you can do to make the world a better place, do it. That’s the example of Jesus. Although he was equal with God, he humbled himself taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2). Like Tabitha, we may never be famous in the world, but when we live and serve like Tabitha, God will know our name, now and for eternity.

BIBLE READING: Hebrews 13:1–3; 2 Timothy 1:16–18; Acts 16:13–15; Acts 2:42–47; Acts 4:32–35

“May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome the searched for me earnestly and found me” (2 Timothy 1.16-17)

Paul wrote 2 Timothy from a prison cell. It was a difficult time for Paul, made more difficult by trusted friends who abandoned him in his hour of need (2 Timothy 1.15). In stark contrast to them was Onesiphorus, who went out of his way to track Paul down and visit him in prison.

We considered the import of faithfulness to one another last week, and this brief memoir demonstrates that point. Paul was not a superhero of faith. Even he felt burdened to the point of despair at times (2 Corinthians 1.8) because his ministry was demanding and discouraging. But in this moment he was refreshed because Onesiphorus made extraordinary efforts to find and encourage him. For all that Paul did, it was never on his own. In most letters, Paul listed the names of brethren who came to him and served alongside him. Their names are not for their glory but emphasize the power of faithfulness to the glory of God.

Seeking the good of others is a baseline of the gospel and the backbone of our fellowship. After all, God was not content to simply see us in our sad condition, but came to us, seeking and saving those who are lost (John 1.14; Luke 19.10). In turn, we must not be content to know that others have difficult situations; we must learn to seek the good of others as part of our work of faith.

The easiest way to participate in this is to order your life to be with others. The early church was always together, allowing for needs to be observed and met (see Acts 2.42-47; 4.32-35). It promoted transparency and awareness of personal circumstances. It allowed for service to be observed and modeled in tangible ways in the body. In our individualistic culture, the old adage “out of sight, out of mind” easily proves true. When we’re not involved and present in each other’s lives, love grows cold. People fall through the cracks. Wounds silently fester in hearts. Faith becomes weak and fragile. This is not just true for the outliers. This happens to those who are active teaching classes, organizing events, and leading in public ways. This happens even to those who seem to be pillars of faith because we live in difficult days (2 Timothy 3.1-ff). The work of encouragement is always needs and is work we all can do, but it must be intentional.

Let us learn to be like Onesiphorus and seek the good of others. Who knows who you might refresh simply by making the effort to be there for someone else.

BIBLE READING: Romans 12.10; Colossians 1.3-8; 4.12-13; Philippians 2.19-23; Philippians 2.25-30; Romans 16.3-16

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.” (Colossians 4.12-13)

Epaphras is mentioned briefly 3 times in Paul’s writing (Colossians 1.7; 4.12; Philemon 1.23). He is probably the one who shared the gospel and helped start the church in Colossae (Colossians 1.6-7). However, it is not his accomplishments but the quality of his person to which we are drawn. The descriptions of Epaphras include “our dear fellow servant,” “a servant of Christ Jesus,” “always wrestling in prayer,” and “working hard.” This brief sketch reveals more than just a motivated worker. Epaphras demonstrated a deep care for those in whom he had invested spiritually. In short, Paul describes him as “a faithful minister of Christ” (Colossians 1.7).

Faithfulness is an obvious quality we must have; but have you thought about what that looks like towards others? Timothy showed his proven worth with a selfless “others first” attitude in his work (Philippians 2.19-21). He served Paul faithfully as though a son to a father (Philippians 2.22). Many others became as family to Paul in their hospitality and encouragement (Romans 16.13). Epaphroditus nearly died of illness to complete the work of Christ for the brethren (Philippians 2.25-20). Prisca and Aquilla risked their necks for Paul’s life and the church (Romans 16.3-4). I’m not saying that we must always pursue such extreme measures, but we must develop a more committed resolve to love and serve one another. For all the things we can do for the kingdom, this is a key and critical work we all can do. After all, Jesus said we would be known by our love for one another (John 13.35).

I want to draw our attention to 2 key expressions made of Epaphras that ought to motivate our faithfulness towards one another:

• “[He is] always struggling on behalf of you in his prayers” (Colossians 4.12). He had an intensity, concern and even struggle for his brethren daily in his prayer life. I imagine his efforts carried through even beyond his prayer time and weighed heavy in his mind. His struggle moved him to actions that brought other believers together in love. When was the last time you struggled on behalf of others and not just yourself? Would your prayers be described as selfish or selfless?
• “He has worked hard for you” (Colossians 4.13). Think about what this looked like. Obviously, this man wasn’t a casual churchgoer who simply filled a pew. He did things that were difficult with the intention of serving the brethren. Perhaps he attended to them in their needs. Perhaps he had hard conversations. Perhaps he sacrificed his personal time to invest in the needs of others. Whatever he did, it was evident to Paul and others.

You don’t have to have a title to work hard for others (see Mary in Romans 16.6). You just have to be committed to faithfulness. So let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10.24) by being more faithful to one another.

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12.10

BIBLE READING: Philippians 4.10-19; 3 John 5-8; Luke 8.1-3; Galatians 6.6-10; 2 Corinthians 8-9

The tongue and lips get a lot of credit for our ability to speak. But did you know it can over 100 muscles in the face to form a single word? Most of these muscles act as a support system, allowing air to flow properly, vibration to occur, and the proper word to be formed by the time it reaches the mouth. Many of us will probably never learn the names of these muscles, but if they don’t exist and execute their role properly, we would never be able to speak.

The human body is a powerful witness to God’s design for us as the body of Christ. As Paul would say, “Though [we are] many, [we] are one body…” (1 Corinthians 12.12). Though some members are less prominent in their work, like the hundreds of muscles in the face, they are indispensable to the ultimate function of the body (see 1 Corinthians 12.21-25).

As I have prepared for my next trip to Ethiopia, I have seen this in action. Simply put I cannot accomplish this work alone. There are many financial and logistical considerations. The preparation requires significant mental exertion and forethought. I’m often overwhelmed and anxious about what will be. But time and again my insufficiencies are supported by members of the body. I have zero financial needs, thanks to many of you. Out of nowhere I have received calls and texts of encouragement. I may be the one going, but it is the love of the church, the prayers of the saints, and the strength God supplies that makes the work successful. There are many people and families whose names may never be known to the brethren in Ethiopia, but whose contributions are indispensable to the work that will be accomplished.

This is exactly what our bible reading this week describes, and it is critical to the body. Those who are talented in one area are often deficient in another. It is how God composed the body so that no one can boast in themselves. We must continue to have a mind to share, support and serve the body with our talents and resources. As we do this, we learn the ultimate gift God has given to each of us: to love as he loves.

As we consider the work that we all can do, do not minimize the import of a supporting role. Perhaps the most needed work in the body is for you to support someone else in their role. Where would Paul be had it not been for the efforts of Barnabas (see Acts 9.26-30, 11.19-26)? Sometimes our work is a word of encouragement to those laboring among us. Sometimes it is a commitment to pray for them. Sometimes a supporting role means you financially meet the needs or serve other members in some needed way. Sometimes it just means you make yourself available when the time arises.

Speaking from experience like Paul, it is a joy to experience the support and love of others (see Philippians 4.10-19). But more importantly, it is an honor to serve alongside you in the body of Christ and see how together we accomplish the work he has called for us to do, together.