Waiting for the Power

June 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment

June 2, 2009

Text: Acts 1:1-7

Title: Waiting the Power

 

Thoughts:

This week marks a very special week in the lives of 4 men in our church family. Since August of last year they have been studying, preparing, and practicing for their new roles as Hawaii County Police Officers. For 6 months they were committed to obtaining the knowledge of the law and the physical techniques of becoming a police officer. In February, they graduated to the streets with a fellow Field Training Officer. But beginning June 1st, they became official officers running solo. How exciting?!

 

As I sat to read Acts 1 for some inspiration and direction for today’s devo, I got caught up on this word in verse 4: commanded. It’s found in this statement: “Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me…” While I am sure at some other point in life I have zeroed in on that word, it leapt from the page this morning.

 

Consider this…the disciples had all of the knowledge about Jesus, His works, and His resurrection. They had lived with and worked in tandem with Him. Technically, they had the full knowledge of the Gospel. Yet, they were missing the power to implement the Gospel.

 

Throughout the class, our 4 heroes gained knowledge, yet they were not vested with the power to fulfill the role of a police officer until they gained wisdom (knowledge combined with experience). How often do people have the right answers (knowledge), but lack the wisdom (knowledge combined with experience) to fulfill the role they are called to fulfill.

 

Each of us have been given a deposit from God. However, our knowledge alone does not give us the power to fully exercise the authority of that gift. Like the disciples, we are commanded to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit which empowers us to fulfill our life and calling as a believer. Though they could technically arrest us, these men could not officially arrest us until they had been empowered to do so.

 

Application:

In what areas of your life have you ever tried to act on knowledge without the necessary power to do so?

 

After receiving the Gospel, did you wait to receive the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the calling of your new life (cf. Acts 1:8)?

 

Take a moment to read Acts 19:11-20. This story speaks of someone who tried to act with knowledge (knowing the name of Jesus) without having the power of the Holy Spirit to do so. What lessons can we learn from these verses?

 

Prayer:

Father,

 

Thank You for the reminder of Your commandment to wait for the promise of the Spirit. So, often I get just enough information to know, but not the power or authority to act. May I learn to wait upon the precious Spirit of God to empower me. Knowledge is great. Wisdom is wonderful. But these mean little without the authority of the Holy Spirit. Lord, send Your Spirit to Your Church today.

 

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Eclectic Authority

May 6, 2009 By Leave a Comment

May 6, 2009

Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Title: Eclectic Authority

 

Thoughts:

I guess it’s kind of funny how certain images and events stick in your mind. Seemingly insignificant, and for the most part they really are, they add good fodder for a thought years later. As a child, I have a distinct memory of the beefy and awkward, yet cutting-edge 8-track my dad had spliced into our car stereo system. At the time, we were current. Decades later, we have weeks of music at our fingertips and that is wirelessly sent to our stereo systems.

 

In addition to the obvious size differences, the music eras have other striking differences. The 8-track that I remember playing was limited to 1 artist in 1 genre played in sequential order. (How did we survive?) Today, our playlists include every possible mix of artist, genres, and order you can imagine…without the suitcase-sized library in the trunk. It is truly eclectic.

 

As I was writing yesterday’s devo, this word eclectic rose to the forefront of my mind concerning our current approach to authority. When Paul wrote Timothy, he reminded Timothy of the source of his authority. He penned, “…from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:15) For Paul and Timothy there was but one source for their authority: the ancient text.

 

Admittedly, far too many of us have created an authority list than is as eclectic as our iPod playlists. We compile an “Authority” playlist from Scripture, friends, mentors, religious leaders, movie stars, and the internet community. Sadly, we deduce the ancient text that leads us to salvation and elevate the authority of our friends and superstars. In the end, God becomes as one of our office buddies; accepting and adopting our good ideas, just as we accept and adopt His. Unfortunately, this is not how authority works.

 

Eclectic mixes work in music. Authority, however, is as broad and narrow as Scripture. When we are judged, it will not be according to our “Authority” playlist. It will be according to the Word of God, just as the defendant in court will be held to the law of the land and not the eclectic worldview he has obtained from his friends and family plan.

 

Application:

If you were asked to present your “Authority” playlist, who would be on it? (Scripture, your church, friends, internet, etc.)

 

What dangers are there in placing equality in authority figures?

 

As you have followed the New Testament Challenge this week, how is God correcting your view of authority?

 

Prayer:

Father,

 

Today’s devo was stretching for me. Imagining my authority figures as a playlist, I could clearly see the influence media and others have had on my view of absolute authority. Paul’s words to Timothy stir me today. It is the sacred writings that made them wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. While others are certainly used in my discipleship process, You and Your Word will be the standard I am judged against. May I stand acquitted by my faith in Christ Jesus and obedience to His commands.

 

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Respect for Authority

May 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

 

May 5, 2009
Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Title: Respect for Authority

 

Thoughts:

A year or so ago, I began to reflect upon the thought of what would be the most important lesson I could teach my children. After a few moments I settled on what may not sound too religious at all. My greatest lesson may possibly be: respect for authority. Yes, I do believe Jesus, God, and faith are essentials and non-negotiables. But each of these stand upon one foundation: the authority of Scripture, which establishes the authority of God.

I must admit I come from a bit of a tainted background. Coming from Bible Belt and raised in a God-fearing family, respect for adults, authority, and God were etched in my DNA strains at conception. Authority was not questioned, challenged, or violated without consequences.

While I don’t license everything about the manner in which I was raised, I do embrace the healthy foundation of respect for authority. Like bumper pads for children bowling, respecting authority has directed me toward my target in life. Unfortunately, we have a portion of our society that has failed to embrace a respectful view of authority. 

Scripturally, the apostle Paul establishes ultimate authority in the life of the believer, and for all creation for that matter. He refers Timothy, his protege, to the Word of God. He writes, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). In the future, when Paul is not there to sort through the issues, answer the questions, and render guidance, Timothy is encouraged to return to the Law as his reference point. In this, he will be “equipped for every good work.” Without it, Timothy would be tempted to organize, orchestrate, and operate from his own level of authority.

 

Application:

What does it mean to respect authority?

How much respect do you have for the Word of God?

Beyond the padded, lip-service answer, who has the true authority in your life? 

 

Prayer:

Father, 

Oh, that I would develop a passionate and reverent respect for Your Word. Beyond my own ideologies, I will be held to Your holy standard. May You ignite in my heart an honorable respect for Your authority. I am often tempted to value my beliefs and opinions above what You have already established. Bring me closer to You today.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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