John 9:1-4

Translation

Jesus passed by a man who was blind his entire life. The disciples asked Jesus about this man’s blindness, and whether it was his sin or his parents’ sin that caused his situation. Jesus directly says it is neither his parents nor this man who sinned. This man’s blindness is so that God’s power can be displayed in and through him. We must do God’s work while there is time, because our time is short.

Exegetical Issues

The Greek translations of particular words give this passage a more defined explanation. Verse 2 asks who “sinned” (hamartano – to miss the mark, and so not share in the prize).

Jesus explained the man’s blindness was so that God’s works might be “displayed” (phaneroo – to make apparent, manifest, or show forth) in him.

Verse 4 holds two words that need defining.

Looking at the various English translations of the New International Version, New American Standard Bible, the King James Version, Today’s New International Version, and the Holman Christian Standard, there is a distinctly close alignment between the translations. There is, however, one unique translation difference found in the King James Version. Verse 4 states in the KJV that “I (Jesus) must do the works of Him that sent me.” The other translations use the word “we” instead of “I” in this passage. The difference is in the idea of who does the work. In the King James Version the work can only be done by Jesus. The word “work” is the Greek word “ergazomai,” meaning to toil or be engaged in would not mean a spiritual work, but the work of the people of God. In this context, “we” would make the best translation.

Historical Context

John, the son of Zebedee, was held by the early church fathers to be the author of this text. Though as of recent some scholars feel that there is no way that John could have been the author, their evidence is speculative and inconsistent at best. There are no substantial reasons to stray from the thoughts of the original church fathers that John the beloved was the author of this scripture.

A unique part of this scripture is the generational sin idea given by none other than the disciples. Could it be that the sins of the man’s parents were enough to permeate the life of the son? This generational sin or curse idea comes from the scripture found in Exodus 34:7 and Numbers 14:18. In essence, this teaching is more of a crutch for the person sinning rather than a real excuse that can be blamed on the parents. Within this particular situation, Jesus personally dispelled the rumors of generational sins. Still, it is an old thought that has carried on through time and can be somewhat evident even today.

Literary Analysis

The concept John is portraying is one of positive attitude and the power and glory of God. It is about the divinity of God and the pre-existence of Jesus. More specifically within this text, John is showing how God will be glorified in everything, even our personal tragedies. The scriptures states that no matter the situation, God created all things for the glory of Himself.

The point of the passage is to simply portray God as the ultimate deliverer and in any situation, whether humanity sees it as good or not. This particular healing made a statement to the Israelites and all who read these passages.

Application

For the reader today, there is a definite message. First we are not bound to the lives of our parents or previous generations. With the power of Christ, we can overcome any generational issues. The other part is that God is going to be glorified through all of life. Looking at modern life such as alcoholism, addictions, etc. can all be beat through Christ.

This passage also draws readers to the urgency of the message of Christ. It is essential to spread the gospel message while there is time. The time is now because there is no promise of a tomorrow. The idea of night coming where “no one can work” is a call to the urgency. The lax in the modern society is one that overlooks such messages from the mouth of the Messiah. It is Christ who is calling all mankind out to step up and share the news while there is time.

The greatest theological problem addressed is the generational sins ideology presented in the second verse. 

Bibliography

Elwell, W. A., & Yarbrough, R. W. (2005). Encountering the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

Enns, P. (1989). the Moody Handbook of Theology. Chicago: Moody Press.

Zodhiates, S. (Ed.). (1990). Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible NASB. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

The Responsibility of the Sunday School Teacher

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

                                                                        2 Timothy 2:1-2

Sunday School. From my childhood and growing up I have been a part of Sunday School, but it has baffled me. It is not “school” in the sense of sitting in a class and studying to get a grade. I have never been sent to detention for Sunday School, though I have had friends who should have been sent there. We all went to school five days a week, but I don’t believe anyone has ever spoken of that sixth day of school and how rough it is. Most everyone I have known has enjoyed this Sunday morning time of reflection and study of God’s Word.

Speaking of school, I know teachers who are passionate about teaching. They go above and beyond to get their message of history, math, or science across to their students. They can be creative and paint their picture so clearly that students come out of that class inspired… well, at least they didn’t fall asleep. The teacher made the message important, so they listened and took in the knowledge being passed down. Many teachers today can point to a teacher in their past who was passionate about a subject and influenced them to become a teacher as well. The flame was passed on to the next generation and the lesson goes on. I have a Bachelors Degree in English thanks to three teachers in my past. Mrs. Noffsinger was my drama teacher and taught me how to look at the words and interpret them how the author truly wanted. Mrs. Hudson inspired me to write, to share what is within me with the world. Mrs. Smith was my speech coach and pushed me to relay my message to the point that every person could understand. All were English teachers; all three impacted my life to where I wanted to pass along that same inspiration. Though I did not go into the teaching profession in public schools, I have taught in private schools and worked with plays and speech teams over the years.

            How many Sunday School teachers have shared that same inspiration? How many have been so passionate that they had to share the message within the Bible pages or felt like they would burst if they didn’t? I have had great Sunday School teachers in my years growing up and served along side some excellent teachers as a minister, but I have only seen a few teach as if it were their life’s greatest ambition, as if the next generation depended on it.   

When Paul speaks to Timothy in this last letter to him, Paul knows he is at his journey’s end. Over in chapter four, Paul speaks of how he is already being poured out as a drink offering and the time of his departure has now come. This is a picture of how he will die. He was a citizen of Rome. With that he would have earned the respect enough to die quickly. Men were beheaded, and then hung up side down so that the lifeblood drained from the body. This is the “poured out” picture Paul paints that is his future, but this is a double illustration. He is pouring himself into Timothy. All of his knowledge and teachings he has shared are going to his legacy, a young man as passionate about sharing the good news as he is.

This is the passion a teacher needs. “You have heard from me, now entrust this to many men who can turn around and teach others.” Paul’s legacy would not die with himself or even with Timothy, because Timothy carried on the tradition of telling others. Our legacy is to passionately dig into these biblical truths, hide them within our heart, and share them with so many others who need to hear the gospel.

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

                                                                        Isaiah 1:18 NIV

            As Christian teachers in Sunday School or small groups, we are responsible for sharing the good news with understanding, using creative methods. Jesus used creative methods to share the good news. He spoke with parables, or familiar stories that the local person could understand. In other words, Jesus was culturally relevant to those He spoke with. Paul understood this when he said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22b)

            The point to all of this simply comes down to those teaching others in a small group/Sunday School setting must stretch our minds to grasp more of the Gospel, to turn around and share that good news and excitement with others, that they may pass it forward as well. The legacy of Bible teaching must and shall move forward until the Lord returns for His children. So, dig into the Word of God and fall madly in love with the Maker of the universe. Let Him speak to you through the Bible, through prayer and fasting. Then share that goodness with others that they, too, may share in the goodness of the Lord.

FOCUS

I love Norman Rockwell paintings. They are classic Americana and define who our nation was at one time. Past tense. Back when. The good-old days. Life is different now. Divorce, low morality, lack of respect for self and others, not to leave out the corruption of the financial institute in our country has brought about a change in culture. We have noticed a rise in benevolence requests, in teens in need of a mother or father to care, in homes falling apart because of broken relationships and broken spirits, and an all time low of morality here in the United States. People need help.

So what is the solution? To find the answer, we must first look at the two-fold problem. First, the need is not financial. It is not even hunger. The need is focus. Overall, we have taken our eyes off of Christ and looked either at the world or in a mirror. We must realize that people need more than the simple fix in life. Get focused or refocused on the cross, looking to Christ as our source of life and light. The second problem is within the church. We, the church, are not getting passionate about our ministry as mandated in Matthew 28 and Acts 1:8. We are called, and should be abundantly passionate about, meeting people’s needs at the core, then finding ways to fix from the inside out. We must offer Christ as the initial, foundational, anchor solution. When that is settled and set, then the building process takes place. If Christ is our foundation, our house will not fail. When a quick fix of groceries or a light bill is all that is needed, then we set those things on a sand foundation. The person then moves to another solution or returns for help again.

We as the church must get passionate about God’s work for us. We must take our talents and gifts and bring them to the storehouse. Those good in accounting can help those who are failing in setting a budget. Those good with people skills can be an ear to listen and a gentle voice to pray with. Those who have discernment to counsel can help bridge gaps within broken families. When we, the church, can get to the root of our problem, that of lack of focus, then we can help bring others to help with their problem, which is a lack of focus. This process may take us to a different place in the life of the church. It is a new day. We are not the church of the fifties and sixties. We are the church of 2013. The message has not changed, nor will it ever, but we must look at our methods of delivery to see how we can be most effective in relaying the message of Jesus Christ. That means breaking down a few walls.

When will people come for help when in need? When they know you are there. People in need of benevolence will not show up at 6:30 p.m. on a Tuesday night, but at 9:00 a.m. on a Monday morning. Naturally, this is when the church should be helping them. Look at when Christ did many of His healings. There were many done on the Sabbath. (John 5:6, Luke 13:10-17, etc.) Why? They knew there would be religious people there who would take pity on them. Jesus healed them, against religious tradition and regulations. Matthew 12:1-8 declares the Sabbath as a time to meet man’s needs, not burden them with legalistic rhetoric. Jesus healed them anyway. There were many (Pharisees and Pharisaical sympathizers) who saw this as a negative act. It went against what they knew and how they were comfortable. It turned their spiritual world on its ear. There were upset people, people claiming this was wrong, and statements such as, “How can this man do such a thing as this on the Sabbath? Doesn’t he know the rules?”

We as a church must become relevant. Listen closely… THE MESSAGE MUST NEVER CHANGE. However, THE METHOD OF MINISTRY MUST CHANGE OR DIE! That is it. If the church does not adapt to the culture, then the church is as good as an empty building. This is why there are so many churches with many, many empty seats. In all honesty, no two churches should look alike, simply because the surrounding culture demands a difference in the church’s personality. For example, the church I serve in rural Kentucky would not survive long if transplanted from here to a Caribbean island. The culture is different. The needs are different, or maybe they are similar, but the personality of that church will differ greatly from this church.

The scariest ideology is when the church expects the people to come in and immediately completely adapt to the church traditions and regulations… eerily similar to the expectations of the Pharisees. A church on mission for Christ, living out the Matthew 28/Acts 1:8 calling cannot be a Pharisaical church.

So why should the church be culturally relevant? To let the community around us know that we are ready with open arms to show them the Christ, no matter what our traditions or regulations have been in the past. We are willing to be an open door with a message of hope that will change you to the core, then build on that foundation within you of Jesus Christ.

The Norman Rockwell collection reminds us of a peaceful time, when hard working men and women made a way for their children to live happy lives. A look into the church’s past should remind us of the hard work, sacrifice, and even martyrdom that took place to make a way for us to stand firm and deliver a message of saving grace to a lost and dying community. Let’s take our communities back for Christ, our neighborhoods for the sake of the cross, and by all means, reclaim our families in the grace of God.

A Volleyball Player's Prayer

As a volleyball player who wants to succeed as an individual and team, I must go beyond the game, the score, the fans, the colors on my jersey, and beyond myself.

I must be…

Patient. When others stumble, lend a hand and encourage, as I hope they do for me.

Kind. Understand that a kind word goes farther with my team than a harsh word.

I will not be…

Envying. When my team does well, I will be glad that we are one as a team and rejoice.

Boastful and Proud. When I do well, I did so because of those around me.

I will never…

Dishonor Others. The other team put in hours of sweat and heart, like we did.

Be Self-Seeking. We are together. Not me, but we.

Be Easily Angered. Stay calm and know our goal is greater than the score.

Keep Record of Other’s Wrongs. The past is behind and the future is yet to be written.

I will not…

Delight in Evil. There is no reason to give into the darkness.

But I will…

Rejoice in Truth. See the good in everything and everyone and celebrate the victories.

I will always…

Protect. One Team, One Family.

Trust. My Team, My Family.

Hope. My goal is not the score, but the challenge of becoming who I need to be.

Persevere. I will not give up, ever.

The Greatest of All of These… I will LOVE… my Team, my School, my Family, my God!

1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13

10%+

10%+

I believe that there are way too many people living their Christian lives much like America runs their cars these days… put enough gas in to get through until payday. And why? I understand today’s economy and I, myself, have put $15 in hoping it would last until the week’s end. But that is physical stuff. Spiritually, our father owns the cattle on a thousand hills! Why do we live on the bare minimum?

I believe in the 10%. It is more than your monetary offering. Are you giving at least 10% of YOU? Look at your time. There are 168 hours in a week. 10% is 16 hours and 48 minutes. Are you giving God that much? Add up your service time, your prayer time, and your study time. Maybe you are giving that and more. Maybe you are trying to stretch that prayer time to cover. Some of you are not even close!

Think about it… our relationship to God is a picture of a marriage (Matthew 25). Jesus calls us, “the bride,” to a relationship with Him, “the bridegroom.” How many marriages would survive on less than 10% of a relationship? What if less than 10% of your time was spent with that person? That is not a relationship… it is barely an acquaintance!

So why do we struggle? Look at the illustration I made earlier of the fuel. We decide not to fill up hoping to make more money to fill up later, yet what we don’t realize is the better half of this relationship owns the fuel company! Spiritually, we hold out. We struggle with the little things of the world, all of those things that wear us down and leave us feeling beaten. We go to church, but not get totally committed because that time is “OUR” time with work, or family, or the long list of other things we put in front of church. So why do we struggle? When we realize that God created us, gives us His time and His love, but we only pay attention when it is convenient.

It is like the monetary tithe… All wealth is God’s, he just allows us to borrow it, giving us a chance to bless Him by giving it back to Him and all He asks for is 10%. That is the “tithe.” An “offering” is over and above that 10%, and still we are called to “sacrifice,” which means give until it hurts. Apply that to your time, realizing some are sacrificing, some give an offering of praise… yet, there are some who come up short on what is required in their tithe.

You might be thinking, “oh, another money sermon.” It’s not about the money! Like I said, God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), he doesn’t need your money. It is about obedient life in Christ. Israel robbed God of the tithes and offerings, as is mentioned in Malachi 3:8-10. When you ask “why” in so many things, check your spiritual check registry. Are you fully committed to Christ and are you giving of yourself to Him in service, prayer, study, worship, and fellowship? Those who rob God of what is His, He will curse. For those who bring their whole tithe into the storehouse, God will open up the windows of heaven and pour out His blessings. The blessings may not be financial. It may be understanding, or compassion, or something unique for your situation. This is not a message of the “prosperity gospel.” Don’t misunderstand… good people still experience tough times. That is called God’s providence. Read the book of Ruth.

If you truly are committed to Him, you won’t ask “why” as much, and you’ll understand Jesus’ words in the garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but Your will be done” (Luke 22:42).

Pastor Jamie Lawrence

Associate Pastor

Pleasant View Baptist Church

Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies

Mid-Continent University 

In Spirit and in Truth...

Pastor Jamie Lawrence
Associate Pastor of Worship and Education Pleasant View Baptist Church, Waynesburg, KY

There is a lot of talk about worship in today’s society and churches all across this land. It is something that has been on my heart for a long while. As a musician, worship is something that is near to my heart. But, instead of interpreting it as simply music, I wanted to seek a real biblical understanding to take my worship to the next level. This is not about exalting me. This is about realizing who should be on the pedestal and who should be seated at the feet of the Master listening intently.

John 4 sets the stage for what worship really is. There at the well, Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman whose life was less than desired. She came in the heat of day to avoid confrontation with others. Yet when she met this man at the well, He called her out.

 Now, because Samaria was a part of the remnant of Israel during the exile, these people felt they were the true, law-abiding, servants of the Most High God. They felt that the Jews were bringing back a distorted religion, those that returned from exile in other lands. Naturally, there was tension between the Samaritans and the Jews. The Samaritan woman, in defense of herself, went to the root of her heritage and began talking religion with this man.

The Samaritan woman felt this was her strong hold in the conversation, so she spoke of how their fathers believed they were to worship on the mountain, but the Jews believed in Jerusalem was the place to worship. Jesus answered framing up the problem altogether. It is not about religion and where you should carry out the motions of your religion, but it is about a relationship with the Father and living as though one is in community with Him, serving, loving, caring, working, and fighting for the one, true God.

 Like the Samaritan woman, so many worship what they do not know. Jesus gave us two ways we are to worship: in spirit and in truth. Now, worshiping in spirit is one thing we know. We live in the emotions. We get carried away in the song. We allow the moment to flow through us, and allow the tears, the shouts, and the joy to flow from us. But the key is worshiping in TRUTH. We need to KNOW the one we worship and the only way to do such is in growing closer to Him in personal study, preaching, small group studies, prayer, meditation, in hearing and receiving the Word of God! From the TRUTH pours out a river of the SPIRIT.

When our foundation is built on the actions of our faith and not the truth of our faith, we miss the steady structure of the relationship we build with God! A marriage is built on truth, which is trust, learning about each other, growing together, and strengthening the love bond that exists. I love my wife more today than I did when we married because of that growth! We read in Isaiah 6 that Isaiah had known the Lord for a while, but in the year when King Uzziah died, he SAW the Lord, high and lifted up! His eyes were opened to see God in a new light, so much so that what he knew of the Lord before was blown away by seeing that only God’s train could fill the temple! In amazement, he looked upon the one he thought he knew, but discovered he had barely scratched the surface!

 Spirit without truth is a cheap emotional high that lasts for a moment, then you are right back in the same shape you were in before the spiritual lift. Knowing the truth involves a changed life and a new sense of understanding about the real relationship between you and the Father. The question then must be: “Is it real or is it relative?” If it is relative, it is emotions and actions due to your surroundings. If it is real, it is reactive to the will of the Father, His movement in your life, and your obedience to His Word. On the human end, relativity means it is easy to get lost in the crowd and go with the flow, but the end result is a return to square one. From God’s perspective it is impossible to get lost in the crowd. He knows you and has known you from the moment He knitted you in your mother’s womb, therefore your reaction to His will and ways in your life would be real.

Once the moment of salvation has been introduced, it is essential for it to continue to grow. This is found in scripture: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ,” Philippians 1:6 ESV. It is essential to build that relationship.

Everything should be built on strengthening the relationship with God the Father, NOT our own feel good emotions. Everything we do from singing, to praise, to testimony, all of the way to the mission field around the world should be an offspring of this foundational core of worship.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves,” Matthew 7:15 ESV. There are pastors, evangelists, and teachers who will tell you that positive thinking, positive attitude, and good standing with others are all you need to have a great life here on earth. God never promised us a great life here. He would have never bought into the idea of feeding our selfish and lustful desires. Our aim is higher ground. Our hope is in Him who died for our sins and was raised up to prepare a place for us in eternity. Our sights must be set on the prize that is Christ Jesus, our maker and defender, our provider, protector, and coming, conquering King! When our eyes are set on things above, when our hearts are set on growing our relationship with the Father, when our roots are firmly planted in the Word of God, THEN and only THEN can we find real worship!