Monthly Archives: July 2024

In Romans 1:1, before the Apostle Paul describes himself as an apostle chosen by God and sent out to preach the Gospel, he first identifies himself as a “slave of Jesus Christ.” This self-identification is reflective, as Paul likens his relationship with God to that of a Roman slave to his master. This week we shall explore the implications of this imagery, relating it to the life of a Christian who is truly a slave to Jesus.

Paul and Slavery

Slaves were integral to the Roman Empire, forming a substantial part of the labour force and contributing significantly to the economy. Their roles spanned various sectors, from domestic work and skilled trades to agricultural labour and public services. Slaves were extremely important in maintaining the daily operations and prosperity of Roman society.

Throughout his ministry, Paul interacted with slaves on several occasions, such as in his letter to Philemon regarding the runaway slave Onesimus, whom Paul described as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16). Additionally, in his letters to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:5–9) and Colossians (Colossians 3:22-4:1), Paul provided instructions on the conduct of Christian slaves and masters, urging mutual respect and justice.

Paul used the picture of a Roman slave to explain his relationship with Christ. He spoke of his complete submission and obedience to his divine Master. This imagery calls attention to the depth of his devotion and the authority Christ held over his life. Here are four truths we can garner from this imagery:

1. Jesus Owns Believers

Just as Roman slaves were owned by their masters and had no freedom to go their own way, Christians, as slaves of Jesus, are owned by Him. In 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Paul writes, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies.” This ownership means that our lives are no longer ours to direct. We are called to live in obedience to Christ, following His teachings and commands. Christians who run after false teachings, such as the prosperity gospel, are not truly living as slaves of Christ. They seek their own desires and comfort rather than submitting to the will of Jesus, thus failing to honour their true Master.

2. Lack of Legal Personhood

In the same way Roman slaves had no legal personhood and were entirely dependent on their masters, Christians are entirely dependent on Jesus for their identity and purpose. Galatians 2:20 states, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This complete surrender to Christ means that our identity is no longer rooted in ourselves but in Him. We do not seek our own glory or rights, but instead, we live to glorify Jesus, recognizing that our true personhood and value come from our relationship with Him.

Jesus also says in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Our spiritual vitality, growth, and fruitfulness come from our connection to Christ. We rely on Him for strength, wisdom, and guidance in all aspects of our lives. This dependence promotes a deep relationship with Jesus, characterized by trust, love, and obedience.

3. Subject to the Master’s Will

Roman slaves were subject to the master’s will, and Christians are similarly called to be subject to the will of Christ. In Luke 22:42, Jesus Himself models this submission in the Garden of Gethsemane, saying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” As slaves of Christ, we are called to seek and obey God’s will above our own. This submission requires trust and humility, acknowledging that God’s plans and purposes are higher and better than our own. It is a call to surrender our desires, ambitions, and plans, entrusting our lives entirely to Him.

4. Work and Treatment

The varied work and treatment of Roman slaves depending on their masters can be likened to the diverse callings and experiences of Christians. Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Each Christian is given unique gifts and callings, and we are to serve faithfully in whatever capacity we are placed in. The treatment we receive may vary, and following Jesus may lead to different life circumstances, some challenging and some rewarding. However, our service is ultimately for God’s glory, and we trust in His goodness and sovereignty over our lives.

Conclusion

In Romans 1:1, Paul’s self-identification as a slave of Jesus Christ is a powerful declaration of his complete surrender and devotion to his Master. By likening his relationship with God to that of a Roman slave to his master, Paul draws attention to the depth of commitment, obedience, and dependence that characterize the life of a true Christian. As we reflect on this imagery, we are reminded that our lives are not our own, but we belong to Jesus, called to live in faithful service and submission to Him.

Expositional preaching entails a thorough and systematic presentation of Scripture. It seeks to uncover and communicate the original meaning of the Biblical text, making its message clear to the listeners. John Calvin described preaching as “the public exposition of Scripture by the man sent from God, in which God Himself is present in judgment and in grace.” This form of preaching emphasizes the accurate expounding of the text, letting the Word of God speak for itself rather than being overshadowed by the preacher’s personal opinions. J.I. Packer stressed that a sermon truly proclaims the Word of God only when the text is accurately expounded and preached.

The Benefits of Expositional Preaching

1. Faithful Representation of Scripture

Expositional preaching ensures that the Word of God is faithfully presented, minimizing the risk of misinterpretation or personal bias. By focusing on the original context and meaning, this method allows God’s message to be conveyed accurately. As 2 Timothy 2:15 urges, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” This speaks of the importance of careful and faithful preaching.

2. Holistic Understanding of the Bible

Traditionally, expository preachers follow the lectio continua method, preaching through entire books of the Bible verse-by-verse. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of Scripture and forces preachers to address all topics as they arise in the text. This method prevents selective preaching and ensures that the full counsel of God is delivered to the congregation.

3. Application to Life

Expositional preaching not only explains the original meaning of the text but also applies it to the lives of listeners. Historically, influential preachers such as John Chrysostom and John Calvin followed this method, walking through Scripture and letting the text speak clearly and boldly. By unfolding the original meaning and applying it to contemporary life, expository preaching bridges the gap between ancient texts and modern audiences.

The Absence of Expositional Preaching in Churches

Despite its benefits, expositional preaching is missing in many churches today. Several reasons contribute to this absence:

1. Preference for Topical Preaching

Many preachers prefer topical preaching over expository preaching. While topical preaching can be beneficial, it lacks the depth and context provided by expository preaching. Topical sermons can easily become vehicles for the preacher’s opinions rather than a faithful exposition of Scripture. This preference for topical preaching results in a shallow understanding of the Bible among congregants.

2. Pressure to Entertain

In a culture that values entertainment and instant gratification, preachers feel pressured to deliver sermons that captivate and entertain rather than educate and convict. In this scenario, expositional preaching, which requires deep study and systematic preaching, is less appealing to modern audiences accustomed to quick and engaging content. This pressure leads preachers to prioritize style over substance, neglecting the rich and transformative power of expositional preaching.

3. Lack of Training and Commitment

Expositional preaching demands rigorous study and a deep commitment to understanding Scripture. Many African preachers lack the training or discipline required to engage in this method. The time and effort needed to prepare an expository sermon can be daunting, leading some to choose easier, less demanding forms of preaching. Without a firm commitment to expositional preaching, the richness of God’s Word is lost in superficial sermons.

Conclusion

Expositional preaching, with its emphasis on faithfully presenting God’s Word and applying it to the lives of listeners, offers significant benefits to the church. Yet, it is largely missing in many congregations today. As John Calvin and J.I. Packer have emphasized, true preaching involves the accurate exposition of Scripture. By following the examples of Jesus, Stephen, Paul, and other historical figures who practiced expository preaching, modern preachers can ensure they are rightly handling the Word of truth and providing their congregations with the deep, transformative power of God’s Word. Through a renewed commitment to expositional preaching, the Church will experience a revival of Biblical literacy and spiritual growth, equipping believers to live faithfully in a complex and challenging world.

The Essence of Faith

The New Living Translation of Hebrews 11:1 offers a profound understanding of faith, stating, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” This translation portrays faith not as a force that creates realities, contrary to popular preaching, but rather as a lens that unveils God’s unseen promises. This verse is essential for understanding the Christian walk, providing a clear distinction between true Biblical faith and popular misconceptions.

Faith Reveals Reality, Not Creates It

In Hebrews 11:1, the phrase “shows the reality” communicates a crucial aspect of faith. Faith, according to this verse, does not create reality but reveals it. This is contrary to the claims of many prosperity gospel proponents who suggest that faith can be used to speak things into existence or believe something into reality. Such interpretations misrepresent the Biblical notion of faith, leading many astray.

Faith functions more like a pair of binoculars, allowing us to see the distant realities that are invisible to the naked eye. As the verse continues, “it is the evidence of things we cannot see,” it implies that faith provides assurance and conviction in the truths and promises of God that are not immediately apparent. Just as binoculars reveal a far-off object that our naked eyes cannot see, faith reveals the spiritual truths and promises of God that are beyond our natural perception.

The Scriptural Assurance of Faith

Faith, according to Hebrews 11:1, enables us to grasp the realities promised in Scripture. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are assured of several spiritual blessings:

1. Forgiveness of Sins: We are assured of God’s forgiveness and the removal of our guilt through faith (1 John 1:9).
2. A New Nature: Believers are promised a new nature, transformed by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17).
3. Eternal Life: Through faith, we have the promise of eternal life in heaven (John 3:16).
4. Peace with God: Faith assures us of a reconciled relationship with God, granting us peace (Romans 5:1).
5. Adoption as God’s Children: We are given the status of children of God through faith (Galatians 3:26).
6. Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding: Faith opens us to receive God’s wisdom and understanding (James 1:5).
7. Victory over Sin: Faith assures us of victory over sin and the ability to live a holy life (1 John 5:4).

Conversely, faith does not guarantee us earthly benefits this side of eternity, such as:

1. Physical Healing: While God can heal, Scripture does not guarantee healing in every situation (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
2. Material Wealth: Faith does not ensure financial prosperity (James 2:5).
3. Earthly Comfort: Christians are called to bear their cross, which includes suffering (Matthew 16:24).
4. Protection from Trials: Believers are not promised a life free from trials (James 1:2-4).
5. Immunity from Persecution: Faith in Christ often invites persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).
6. Perfect Relationships: Faith does not guarantee conflict-free relationships (Romans 12:18).
7. Success in All Endeavours: Scripture does not assure worldly success in all our pursuits (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

The prosperity gospel promises miraculous breakthroughs in areas not assured by Scripture, causing disillusionment and a crisis of faith when these promises fail to materialize. As Paul warned, “some have rejected these [clinging to faith in Christ and keeping a clear conscience] and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith” (1 Timothy 1:19), highlighting the danger of adhering to false perceptions of faith.

The True and False Perceptions of Faith

Many people are drawn to false perceptions of faith because they offer the illusion of a life devoid of suffering. The true Biblical perception of faith, however, acknowledges that suffering is a part of the Christian journey. This understanding does not negate God’s Presence or His love for us; rather, it reinforces the reality that God is with us through our trials and uses them for our growth and His glory.

The false notion that suffering indicates the absence of God leads to a shallow understanding of faith. True faith embraces suffering as a means through which God shapes and strengthens us, assuring us of His presence even in the darkest times (Romans 8:28). The belief that suffering equates to a lack of faith or divine favour is a misrepresentation of the Christian faith and leads to deep spiritual disillusionment.

Eternal Promises and Earthly Realities

The Bible clearly teaches that the ultimate fulfilment of God’s promises will be realized in eternity. Revelation 21:4 declares, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.” Our true hope lies in the life to come, not in the transient pleasures or comforts of this world.

Prosperity gospel proponents cite the promises in Deuteronomy 28:1–14 to argue for health and wealth in this life. These promises were addressed to the nation of Israel under the old covenant and should not be taken out of context to apply universally to individual Christians today. Misapplying these scriptures leads to unrealistic expectations and spiritual disappointment.

Critique of the Prosperity Gospel

The Prosperity Gospel fundamentally shifts the focus from the spiritual blessings God has promised to the material wealth and physical health this world holds dear. This perspective diminishes the true nature of God, treating Him more like a genie that exists to fulfil our every earthly desire. This misrepresentation not only distorts our understanding of God but also sets believers up for profound disappointment when these expectations are not met.

Preaching that faith guarantees health and wealth is not only theologically unsound but also deeply damaging. It creates a false hierarchy where those experiencing material prosperity are seen as more blessed, while those in poverty or suffering from illness are viewed as lacking faith. This is particularly harmful in a third-world context where the majority of Christians live in poverty and face significant challenges. It overlooks the profound spiritual richness and faithfulness of those who, despite their material circumstances, deeply love and trust God.

The lives of Jesus and His apostles serve as powerful counterexamples to the prosperity gospel. Jesus, though divine, lived a humble life marked by suffering and, ultimately, crucifixion. The Apostle Paul, a key figure in the New Testament, experienced significant hardship and spoke openly of his own physical afflictions, referring to his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). These examples show that material wealth and physical health are not indicators of God’s favour or a sign of superior faith.

A Balanced Understanding of God’s Will

It is essential to recognize that while God can and does perform miracles, including healing and providing for our needs, these acts are not guaranteed promises for every believer in every situation. Instead, God calls us to trust Him through all circumstances, glorifying Him in both prosperity and hardship. Our faith should be grounded in the assurance of His spiritual promises and the eternal hope we have in Him, rather than in the transient and uncertain promises of earthly gain.

Conclusion

Hebrews 11:1 presents faith as a powerful revelation of the unseen realities promised by God. It challenges us to trust in God’s promises for forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life while cautioning against the false assurances of material prosperity and earthly comfort. True faith embraces suffering, recognizes it as part of our journey with God, and finds hope in the eternal promises that await us.

The last parable in our series, the Parable of the Leaven, is a brief teaching of Jesus, found in Matthew 13:33. This parable, though short in length, carries significant implications about the nature of the kingdom of heaven and the potential for corruption within the church. In this parable, Jesus reveals that false teachings within the church are a key source of hypocrisy in the Church.

Understanding this parable in its historical and theological context is critical to grasping its full meaning and the warning it conveys.

The Symbolism of Leaven

1. Leaven in Biblical Times

In the time of Jesus, leaven was understood to be a small portion of fermented dough that was mixed into a larger batch of dough to make it rise. This process of fermentation was a natural process of decomposition and decay, which is why leaven often symbolized corruption and impurity.

2. Leaven as a Symbol of Corruption

As Martin G. Collins noted in his sermon on March 10^th, 2006, “Physically, leaven is a lump of old dough in a high state of fermentation, or a substance that causes dough to rise (yeast). A natural reason for leaven’s negative symbolism is the idea that fermentation implies a process of corruption.”

Throughout the Bible, leaven consistently represents evil and corruption. For example, during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Israelites were commanded to remove all leaven from their homes, symbolizing the purging of sin and impurity from their lives (Exodus 12:15). In the New Testament, Jesus warned His disciples about the “leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees,” referring to their hypocritical and false teachings (Matthew 16:6–12; Mark 8:15). Similarly, the Apostle Paul uses leaven as a metaphor for sin and false doctrine, warning that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6–8; Galatians 5:7-9).

The Misunderstanding of the Parable

1. False Assumptions about Growth

Some interpretations of the Parable of the Leaven suggest that it depicts the Church’s growth and its influence spreading throughout the world, much like yeast permeates dough. However, given the consistent negative connotation of leaven in Scripture, such an interpretation seems unlikely. Jesus’ use of leaven in this parable aligns with its Old Testament significance of corruption. As Collins observed, “In every instance that leaven appears in the Bible, it represents evil; the only exception, some say, is Jesus’ use of leaven in this parable. Knowing its Old Testament significance, however, He would have used the symbol in the same way.”

2. The Leavening Influence in the Church

Instead of symbolizing positive growth, the leaven in this parable represents the insidious spread of false teachings within the church. This interpretation is consistent with other warnings in the New Testament about the dangers of false doctrine. For example, the Apostle Paul admonishes the Galatians about the harmful effects of false teachings, comparing them to leaven that hinders people from obeying the truth (Galatians 5:7-9).

Two examples of such false teachings include:

1. The Prosperity Gospel: This teaching suggests that faithfulness to God will inevitably result in material wealth and physical well-being. While it might attract many followers, it distorts the true message of the gospel, which emphasizes spiritual growth and eternal rewards rather than temporal prosperity.
2. Legalism: This doctrine emphasizes strict adherence to religious rules and rituals as the means to salvation. This teaching undermines the grace of God and leads to a superficial form of religion that lacks true spiritual transformation.

The Intentions Behind False Teachings

1. The Woman’s Good Intentions

In the parable, the woman introduces leaven into the dough with the intention of making it rise, symbolizing growth and transformation. Similarly, church leaders introduce false teachings with seemingly good intentions, such as growing their ministries or attracting more followers. For instance, the prosperity gospel is often preached with the aim of encouraging faith and financial generosity, but it ultimately distorts the true message of the gospel.

The Spread of False Teachings

The parable also illustrates how leaven works its way through the entire dough, symbolizing how false teachings permeate and corrupt an entire congregation. True doctrines, however, are often slow to be embraced by individuals. As Scripture indicates, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3, NIV). Consider the difficulties encountered by New Testament preachers in their efforts to convey the true gospel.

1. The Apostle Paul in Athens: When Paul preached about Jesus and the resurrection in Athens, he was met with skepticism and ridicule by some of the philosophers (Acts 17:32).
2. Jesus in Nazareth: When Jesus taught in His hometown of Nazareth, He was rejected by the people who knew Him, and they even attempted to throw Him off a cliff (Luke 4:28–30).

In both cases, true teachings faced significant opposition, revealing the ease with which false doctrines can be accepted and spread.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Leaven is a reminder of the dangers of false teachings within the church. It warns us that just as a small amount of leaven can corrupt an entire batch of dough, so too can false doctrines corrupt a congregation. This parable calls us to be vigilant against the spread of false teachings and to hold fast to the true gospel of Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this parable, let us be mindful of the importance of doctrinal purity and the need to guard against the subtle influences of corruption within the church.