KACHELBELA: See Yourself in the Mirror of the Word of God

KACHELBELA: See Yourself in the Mirror of the Word of God: Dear Diary, The Life Changing Gospel According to James, (James 1:19-2:13) #See_Yourself_in_the_Mirror_of_the_Word_of_God,  Thi...

See Yourself in the Mirror of the Word of God

Dear Diary,

The Life Changing Gospel According to James, (James 1:19-2:13)

#See_Yourself_in_the_Mirror_of_the_Word_of_God, 

This passage appears like an isolated exhortation from the preceding verses but upon careful consideration there is a significant link. The preceding verse emphasized that God is not the source and author of temptation; instead, He has given us a new birth which comes through the WORD, v.18. The following verse 19-21 emphasizes listening to and receiving the word and verses 22-25 reinforces the doing while verses 26-2:13 are about application of the word into some specific areas of our lives.

Clear the way for the reception of God’s saving Word, James 1:19-21

-          James calls our attention to the reception of God’s word of truth, v. 19-21:

o   Firstly, quick to Listen- a reception of God’s word demands for a readiness to listen, v. 19b.

o   Secondly, restrain speech, v. 19c. Certainly, a continual talker cannot hear cannot when God speaks to him. 

o   Thirdly, restrain anger, v. 19d. If you are angry, your mind is closed to God’s truth and it cannot produce the righteous life that God wants, v.20.

o   Fourthly, rid yourself of all moral filth, v.21a. As you prepare to receive God’s word, you must rid yourself of all moral filth and the prevalent evil.

o   Fifthly, with humility receive the word of God planted in you, v.21a.

Wed Listening with Doing, v. 22-25

-          It’s of paramount importance to know that the Word of God is characterized by freedom and perfection, v. 25. The reason for being blessed is fourfold: first, he looks into God’s truth intently; secondly, he consistently continues to look into God’s word; thirdly, he does not forget what he has heard/read from God’s word; fourthly, he puts what he has read/heard into practice.

-          The author calls us not to merely congratulate ourselves for listening to and/or reading the word. Do not be duped that it is all that is needed to obtain favour with God. Hearing/reading must be mingled with doing.

-          Why should listening/reading be mingled with doing? V. 23-25. Here is an illustration of a man who looks himself in the mirror, studies his face and becomes thoroughly familiar with all his features, v. 23. Upon going away from the mirror, this man immediately forgets what he looks like, “out of sight out of mind,” v. 24. It is preposterous to carefully scrutinize yourself in the mirror then the next minute you forget how you look like. Likewise, the man who listens/reads carefully the word of truth and forgets to put it into practice is ludicrous. The essence of reading/listening to God’s word is to act upon it. In fact, the person who listens and practices the word is blessed in all what He does, v. 25.

Application of God’s Word in Specific areas of life, v. 26-2:13

-          It is not enough to listen/read God’s word, v. 22-25; it’s not sufficient to engage in religious activities, v. 26. A person who has been regenerated by God’s truth must put the spiritual truth into practice:

o   First, in your speech; a person with unrestrained tongue is self-deceived and his religion is worthless because it does not make a difference in the way he lives, v. 26.

o   Second, in your expression of love for others-caring for the orphans and widows, v. 27a.

o   Third, in holiness. A person who has been regenerated by the word of truth must keep himself from being polluted by the world, v. 27b.

o   Fourth, stop showing favouritism or discrimination on the basis of social status. It violates the standard of God’s truth, Ch. 2:1-13. Christ who is our glorious Lord broke down walls of discrimination. No basis for showing favouritism is justified, v. 2-4.

§  Arguments against practice of showing favouritism: first, social snobbishness of the world is short-sighted and superficial, v.5. God does not choose the poor on merit of their inherent poverty and secondly, God chooses those who have nothing in themselves so that none of them may boast before Him.

§  The supreme law that governs human relationships is, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” and by practicing it you do right, v.8. Indeed, love overlooks superficial distinctions such as wealth and quality of clothing and shows kindness to all in spite of a person’s social status.

§  Scriptures strongly condemn discrimination as sin, v. 9-10. To show favouritism does not agree with God’s heart, v.11.

o   Fifth, speak and act in the light of the fact that you will be judged. The recipient of mercy should likewise be merciful, v. 12-13. Mercy must be a mark of a regenerated person.

In conclusion, a person who has been regenerated by God’s truth must restrain his speech, show love to others, be holy; He must not show discrimination and judge others mercilessly.

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: #The_Walls_God_Wants_Us_to_Build_or_Tear_Down

KACHELBELA: #The_Walls_God_Wants_Us_to_Build_or_Tear_Down: Dear Diary, Ezek 22:30, "I sought for a man who'd make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, thatbi s...

KACHELBELA: #The_Walls_God_Wants_Us_to_Build_or_Tear_Down

KACHELBELA: #The_Walls_God_Wants_Us_to_Build_or_Tear_Down: Dear Diary, Ezek 22:30, "I sought for a man who'd make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, thatbi s...

#The_Walls_God_Wants_Us_to_Build_or_Tear_Down

Dear Diary,

Ezek 22:30, "I sought for a man who'd make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, thatbi should not destroy it; but found no one."
Also read Josh. 6; Isa. 26:1, salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Isa. 60:18, ... thou shall call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

A wall is a structure that defines an area, carries a load, provides shelter, security, defense, privacy, and/or support; encloses a space and gives a building form. From what I gleaned from the internet, there are two categories of walls namely: Load bearing wall which are thick and carry their own weight and load from roof. Stone and bricks are used in building load bearing walls. Example of load bearing walls is masonry walls; non load bearing walls carry self weight only. They are thin and materials used include timber, steel panels and glass. The height of the building determine the thickness required. Walls have been built since ancient times to mark borders, protect kingdoms and its people, to serve as memorials and structures of art. Some are historic, cultural, political and famous. Examples: The Great Wall, China; Berlin Wall, Germany; Walls of Jericho.

Human beings too build walls around themselves-emotional, psychological, spiritual, defensive and other worldly walls. These walls go up because of misunderstandings, hurtful words and actions, or neglect. Some are higher than others. Spiritual walls relate to the strength in time of temptation, stability and our capability of defending the faith. God wants a spiritual wall to surround us but not a wall that doesn’t allow Him to enter.

As we examine the walls and the gates of our life we may find much of it in ruins. God is calling you and me to rebuild the necessary walls and also to tear down seemingly impregnable worldly walls-walls of pride and prejudice. Satan uses some walls to discourage God's people from living victorious lives.These walls are impenetrable without faith in the supernatural power of God and obedience to God's word, Josh. 6; Heb. 11:30. No matter what the intensity of the ruin be, Nehemiah teaches us there is always a place to start reconstruction of the walls-on our knees. Let us not be content to live with broken-down walls. Let's rise and build. Beak the unwanted walls and reconstruct the walls of salvation like Joshua and Nehemiah.

Regards,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: #Have_We_Trials_and_temptations?

KACHELBELA: #Have_We_Trials_and_temptations?: Dear Diary, We take a journey through the  # The_Life_Changing_Gospel_According_to_James . Am excited and looking forward to dis...

#Have_We_Trials_and_temptations?

Dear Diary,

We take a journey through the #The_Life_Changing_Gospel_According_to_James. Am excited and looking forward to discover a wealth of life-changing truths.

Introduction and epistolary opening

The author describes himself as a servant of God and of Jesus, v.1a and identifies his recipients-12 tribes scattered among nations. Some scholar say that the author of James is James the son of Zebedee, one of the twelve apostles while some early church fathers like Eusebius and Origen among others suggested that James the half-brother of Jesus was the author. Importantly, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is evident.

Trials and temptation, v. 2-18

A. The testing of faith through trials, v. 2-12

- James begins by affirming that trials of various kinds are reasons for rejoicing because of the effects they produce, v.2-4.

1. Trials are capable of producing perseverance, tenacity or spiritual stamina, v.3. This kind of perseverance helps a believer to stand firm amidst storms.

2. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything, v.4. In other words perseverance in trials results in maturity of character and a balance of all the graces and strength needed for Christian life.

3. Trials know no superficial distinctions between a rich brother and a poor one, v. 9-11.

God’s offer for those facing trials, v. 5-8, 12

1. Wisdom. During the time of testing, it is very possible to lack in wisdom. The good news is that you can ask God for it, v. 5. This wisdom is a God-given understanding that enables a person to persevere and meet the trials victoriously. There is a definite assurance that God will give you wisdom generously and without finding fault, v. 5b. 
- The key to receiving what you ask for is Unwavering Faith- believe and do not doubt, v. 6a. In response to a confident, unwavering and expectant faith, God will give you what you ask for-wisdom. Lacking in stability of faith is like a wave of sea tossed by the wind, v. 6b. It is a double mindedness that hinders you from receiving anything from God, v. 7-8. 
2. A promise of reward of accomplishment for those who successfully stand the test, v.12.

B. Temptation: Source of temptation, v. 13-18

- First, James asserts that no one should assume that enticement to sin comes from God, v. 13a; because God is not tempted by evil, there’s no slightest moral depravity, and He is not the author of temptation. 
- Second, temptation lies within man himself not on any external object or person. He is tempted by his own sinful nature that drags him away and entices him, v. 14.

- Here is the chronological genealogy of evil desire: first, the temptation comes, v. 14; second, the desire conceives and gives birth to sin; third, sin, the product of an evil desire develops till it is fully grown, ready to reproduce. It conceives and gives birth to death, v. 15.

- Third, therefore, don’t be deceived that God is the author of temptation, v. 16. Instead, He is the giver of every good and perfect gift, v. 16. Unlike shifting shadows caused by the sun, moon and stars, God does not change, v.17. God is not a vicious being who entices His creatures to sin. In fact, He chose to give us a new birth (regeneration) through the word of truth (gospel) that we might be a kind of firstfruit of all He created, v.18.

Conclusion

When adversity comes, how do you receive it? What's your attitude? Think about it! God is never to be blamed for our moral failure. He ain't the author of temptations. the second verse of the popular Hymn, "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" the Psalmist sings,

"Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer."

Through it trials and temptation, we can rely on God's faithfulness. Have faith and pray.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 13: Practical Christian...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 13: Practical Christian...:   Dear diary, We hereby come to close of a successful and informative study of the Christology of Hebrews. The preceding twelve chapter...

The Christology of Hebrews 13: Practical Christian Living

 Dear diary,

We hereby come to close of a successful and informative study of the Christology of Hebrews. The preceding twelve chapters formed a closely knit discourse. The primary theme (Christology) of Hebrews focuses totally and forcefully on the superiority and sufficiency of Jesus Christ and His redemptive accomplishment, practical application and exhortation to persevere in faith.

In this last chapter, the author draws our attention to Christian faith:

1.      Brotherly love (philadephia), v. 1-4

-          As Christians we are to have warm feelings toward one another, v. 1.

-          Be hospitable not only to friends and relatives but also to strangers, v. 2

-          Remember prisoners, have compassion on them, v. 3.

-          Honor marital love; hold marriage bed (sexual intercourse) in high esteem, v. 4.

2.      Learn contentment over covetousness, v. 5-6

-          Today, greed and covetousness are excused as ambition. Contentment is learned, Phil 4:11-13, “Whatever state I am in, I have learned to be content.”

-          Hopelessness is foreign to Christians because they have confidence in God’s presence; help; and security. Real contentment comes when we understand who God is and by trusting Him to meet our needs, v. 6.

3.      Christian leadership, v. 7-8

-          As Christians, we are urged to recognize, consider and follow godly leadership in the church; godly leadership is shown by faithfulness to God’s word and conduct. Specifically, the faith of the godly leaders is singled out. It’s their faith especially, we should imitate.

-          Succinctly, the author turns his thoughts to Christ as the as our ultimate example of faith, v. 8. Godly leaders come and go but Jesus is unchangeable. The enduring principle is this: “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever more.” Thus, our conduct and faith is based on this certainty that Christ will never be out-dated.

4.      Refuse curious diversities and novel teaching, v. 9-16

-          The grace of God is able to sustain not the ceremonial foods, v. 9. We are established by an understanding and appropriation of God's grace, and not by an assumed approval gained through keeping a list of rules or rituals such as ceremonial foods.

-          The author draw attention to Christ’s offering at the cross. An altar that those who insist on clinging to the Levitical system have no right to, v. 10-11.

-          “Jesus suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp (Judaism), bearing His reproach,” v. 12. Identifying with Jesus often means bearing His reproach and following Him, v.13.

-          Well identifying with Jesus is not easy but when we remember that the world we in is just temporary but we seek and belong to a permanent city yet to come we will be inspired and motivated to strive for an abiding city, v. 14.

5.      Our sacrifice, v. 15-16

-          It is through Jesus men offer acceptable spiritual sacrifice, v. 15

-          The sacrifice consists of:

o   Continual praise, v. 15a

o   Acknowledging His name, v. 15b

o   Doing good, v. 16a

o   Sharing such things as we have, v. 16b

6.      Christian obedience and submission to leadership, v. 17

-          God has made some people to be leaders; they have qualities mentioned in v. 7, i.e. they are faithful in God’s word and have good conduct.

-          Christians have a responsibility to obey and submit to those currently in places of authority because God has put them in place or responsibility and accountability over us, v. 17a.

-          By being obedient and submissive to the leaders God has put over us, it’s not only a joy to the leaders but profiting to the body of Christ, v. 17b.

7.      Appeal for Prayer and doxology, v. 18-21

-          Prayer is an imperative and continuous activity and a powerful force, v. 18a

-          We all need and should welcome the prayers of others.

-          First, the doxology recognizes attributes of God: peace; power, loving care, v.20. Second, the prayer is that God will equip the readers with everything good for doing God’s will, v. 21.

8.      Final exhortation, v. 22-25

-          The writer to the Hebrews reminds us of his purpose- a word of exhortation to encourage discouraged Christians, both then and now, v. 22. V. 23-24, tells us that the author knew Timothy.

-          He closes the epistle with prayer for grace

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 12: The Certainty of Di...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 12: The Certainty of Di...: Dear Diary, Friend, we are almost coming to the close of the Christology of Hebrews. In this second last chapter, the author...

The Christology of Hebrews 12: The Certainty of Difficult Times and God’s Discipline

Dear Diary,

Friend, we are almost coming to the close of the Christology of Hebrews. In this second last chapter, the author exhorts his audience to a variety of Christian onuses.

The RACE marked out for us, v. 1-3,

You remember in the preceding chapters we encountered the patriarchs and matriarchs of faith? Now, the author envisions these previous champions of faith as having finished their race, handed over the baton to their successors (you and me) and are cheering us on as we endeavour to finish the race. Certainly, they are witnesses to us of faith and resilience, v.1a. You know, in the age we are living in there are challenges, snares, weights and sins that can easily get us entangled but the author appeals to us to lay them aside, v. 1b. Then what? Run with perseverance the race marked out for us, v. 1c. “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus,” Philippians 1:6. The race is already set before us; to finish it successfully, we must throw off every form of hindrance-unnecessary weights and crippling sin; we must make a sustained effort, endure, persist and be determined to finish the race right and strongly.

Our ultimate perfect example-Jesus Christ, v. 2-3

Well, the previous champions of faith were not perfect; a time they stumbled and fell. With the great gallery of witnesses about us, we can be tempted to keep our eyes on them but the ultimate example is Christ. He is the goal we are running toward so our eyes must be focused on Him. He trod the path of faith perfectly and brought it to completion. He endured the Cross, scorning its shame then He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God having completed His work of redemption, v. 2. The author invites us to take account of/consider Jesus as the one who endured. He didn’t stumble and/or fall. He is the ultimate example of endurance, v. 3.

The certainty of difficult times and why God allows it, v. 4-11

Well, some sad news here it seems! The readers of Hebrews must be ready for difficult days. In times of discouragements and difficult times we tend to ask, “Why me God?” Certainly, God is not the author of evil, but He does allow suffering to happen. One of the reasons God allows us to go through difficult times is to chastise us. The certainty of suffering should encourage the believer rather than horrifying him/her, v. 4. Scripture links suffering and sonship. Consequently, the believer is not to belittle the significance of his suffering or be horrified in the face of God’s correction. No matter how discouraged you might feel, never forget that God's chastening is not a sign of rejection. It is rather a sign of His treating us as His children, v. 5-8. In fact, those who fancy themselves outside God's chastening mark themselves as illegitimate sons, v. 8.

The superiority of God’s discipline, v. 9-10

We have human fathers who correct us and we pay them respect, v. 9. How much more should we be submissive and respectful to our Heavenly Father's correction? Human fathers, even with the best of intention, can only discipline poorly but the all-knowing God chastens us perfectly, with better and more lasting results than even the best earthly father, v. 10.

The results vs the process of God’s chastisement, v. 11

In fact, the nature of heavenly discipline isn’t pleasant, v. 11a. However, looking beyond the process, the fruit of the discipline is evidenced by a harvest of righteousness and peace, v.11b

Application, v. 12-17

Now that we know about God’s discipline, what do we do? Stop being spiritually paralyzed. Strengthen your feeble bones and weak knees, v. 12; make level paths for your feet and be in the right standing with God, v. 13; make an effort to live in peace with all men coupled with holiness, v.14; watch out not to miss the grace of God and rid yourself of bitterness, v. 15; watch out against sexual immorality and godlessness, v. 16-17.

Note that our relationship and experience with God is not modelled after Israel's experience on Mount Sinai. We know the experience at Mount Sinai was scary: it was marked with fear and terror; only one man, Moses was invited to draw near to God and be the mediator; it was about the law. But now we come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God- in joyful assembly; where Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant and whose blood speaks better things than the blood of Abel, v. 22-24.

Accordingly, watch out that you don’t refuse Him who speaks because the consequences are dire-a shaking that will remove all that can be removed, v. 25-26. Only the Kingdom of God is unshakable, v. 27. Finally, let us not trifle with God who is the Consuming fire but be thankful and worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, v. 28-29.

Faithful Scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: #What_Does_Jesus_Want_This_Christmas?

KACHELBELA: #What_Does_Jesus_Want_This_Christmas?: Dear Diary, # 129Days_to_Christmas On 10th August was my Birthday and I celebrated it accordingly. I bought myself coffee and a ba...

#What_Does_Jesus_Want_This_Christmas?

Dear Diary,

#129Days_to_Christmas

On 10th August was my Birthday and I celebrated it accordingly. I bought myself coffee and a bar of chocolate. I also received another bar of chocolate from a dear friend. My lil' big brother owes me a lunch/dinner treat. On 13th my celebration climaxed at KNH Oncology Ward 1E as I shared my Birthday gift with the kids and some friends.

Now, on Monday (14th) morning my colleague announced that India or let me say Hindus were celebrating Lord Krishna's Birthday (Janmashtami) at midnight. Really? God has a birthday party? I was curious! Here's is what happens, the locals prepare themselves for the festivities. They draw beautiful and elaborate patterns made with rice batter on the entrance of their houses and tiny footprints of little Krishna entering their houses; recitation of Bhagwad Gita is popular practice during this time; also, the locals observe a fast and eat at midnight festivities; dances and devotional songs are sung to celebrate this day; decorations in the temple, special dishes and sweets are prepared and shared.

On Christmas, 25th December, we Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Popular customs of this holiday includes heightened economy. We usually give gifts, caroling, lighting candles, decorating Christmas trees, we have Christmas service where we recite Bible verses and we also prepare and share mapochopocho.

Hehe, interesting! So, we have 129 days to Christmas. What gift does Jesus want for this Christmas? Well, think about it! Jesus wants you to receive His gift, the gift of salvation, (John 1:12). But you don't have to wait until Christmas day, you can receive it even now. In addition, Jesus's desire is for those who have received Him to be with Him, to see and savor His glory; to know and make Him known; love him and also experience His love, John 17:24-26; He also wants you to look out for the needs of others, 1 Cor 10:24; He also wants you to represent His Kingdom (which is already within you) here on earth.

Haya, ni hayo tu kwa sasa.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: #Eagerly_Waiting_With_Expectation

KACHELBELA: #Eagerly_Waiting_With_Expectation: Dear Diary, #Eagerly_Waiting_For_That_Announcement #The_Perpetual_Readiness #When_The_Trumpet_Sound Dear Diary as you are aware, the o...

#Eagerly_Waiting_With_Expectation

Dear Diary,

#Eagerly_Waiting_For_That_Announcement
#The_Perpetual_Readiness
#When_The_Trumpet_Sound

Dear Diary as you are aware, the other day we just exercised the first phase of our democratic and civic duty, since then we are anxiously and eagerly waiting for the second and third phase especially the presidential election announcement. Today, I was in the office then at around 11:30am my colleague alerted us that the famous Bomas was being set in readiness for the presidential election announcement and acceptance speech. Being consciously aware of the tention and the anxiety, I asked my supervisor to release guyz to go home. Myself and two colleagues left immediately. I made it home in time the handsome IEBC CEO was making the press briefing, apart from the form "thare four bee" I gues I heard him say at 2:30pm the IEBC Chairman Hon. Chebukati would make the presidential election announcement. Well, anxiously and eagerly I waited, glued on the TV and sending prayer request to pray for the commission. I am sure most of us are still warmly tucked on our sofas eagerly waiting. 2:30pm came and past 3pm another briefing calling us to be patient then at 6:40pm another briefing asking us to wait until 7:30pm!

Earlier on I had logged in FB and the first post I saw, "Chebukati ni wewe tutangoja ama ni Yesu?" Thanks to one #PeninahSenga, it got me thinking! The way we are anxiously and eagerly waiting and preparing for this announcement, how about our readiness for Christ's return?

Come with me to Luke 12:35-48; James 5:7-12. These passages talk about preparstion and readiness for Christ's return. We can learn something here:

1. Be dressed in readiness for the Lord's return, Luke 12:35-40. Are you dressed up ready for Christ's return?

2. Keep your lambs alight, v. 35. Do you have the necessity for His return?

3. Anytime, All the time, be ready, v. 36. We don't know the exact time He will return. Some prophets have given us probable dates of His return but really? I know it's been over 2,000yrs and still the man of God keeps telling you, "Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King; Hallelujah hallelujah, we are going to see the King...!" Ok, thing is, be ready!

4. Is Christ your personal Lord/Master? V. 37. Remember, He MUST be your Lord ad Savior.
We are eagerly waiting for the presidential election announcement, trut be told, some people will reject Him others will accept, submit and erve Him.

5. Will you accept to be His servant? V. 37-38. While some will reject to submit to His Lordship, others will be His servants. You have a choice!

6. Are you expectant? V. 40. You see, right now we are all eagerly waiting in expectation that Chebukati is going to make a credible announcement. Likewise, we must have an eager expectation that JESUS is coming.

7. Are you consciously aware of the reasons for your READINESS? V. 42-48.
The reason we are eagerly waiting is because we voted and now we want to know who's going to be our honorable President.
I'd like you to know when Jesus comes again, He will judge everyone accordingly.
- Some will be rewarded, v. 44.
- Others will be punished, v. 45-48

In conclusion:

- Be patient until the Lords Coming, James 5:7-8.
- Stand firm, v. 8
- Do not grumble,v. 9.
- Persevere in faith, v.10
- Maintain your integrity, v. 12.

So help me God!

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 11: Faith is The Basis ...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 11: Faith is The Basis ...: Dear Diary, In the preceding chapter the author closed with a call to persevere in faith. In this chapter he unfolds rich thoughts on f...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 11: Faith is The Basis ...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 11: Faith is The Basis ...: Dear Diary, In the preceding chapter the author closed with a call to persevere in faith. In this chapter he unfolds rich thoughts on f...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 11: Faith is The Basis ...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 11: Faith is The Basis ...: Dear Diary, In the preceding chapter the author closed with a call to persevere in faith. In this chapter he unfolds rich thoughts on f...

The Christology of Hebrews 11: Faith is The Basis of All That I Hope For

Dear Diary,

In the preceding chapter the author closed with a call to persevere in faith. In this chapter he unfolds rich thoughts on faith.

Meaning, Features and the Nature of faith, v. 1-3

1. Faith is central to Christianity. As I schemed through some bible verse that talk about faith, it is used in varied contexts:

a.       A conviction as in Heb 11:1; 2 Cor 5:7. In the Christology of Hebrews 11, Faith (Greek word pistis) is the assurance or conviction of things hoped for, a present and a continuing reality, v.1a.

b.      A behaviour inspired by complete surrender to God as in Heb 13:7;

c.       A trustworthiness as in 1 Cor 4:2; Matt 24:45; 1 Cor 15:14, 17

d.      A system of doctrine, creed or body of truth as in James 2:14-16; Jude 3; Gal 1:23

2. Faith is the basis of all that we hope for, v. 1a.
3. Faith extends beyond what we can perceive with our five senses. It is the basis by which we proof things immaterial, v.1b.
4. Faith gives us a sure conviction that creation originated with God, v. 3.
5. Faith gives us a sure conviction about the existence of God and His moral character-as God who faithful to reward His seekers, v.6

Faith is universal- it was and is manifested in people who lived before and after the Flood, v.4-38.

Ø  As this chapter unfolds, we see that the ancient fathers had witness borne to them on account of their compelling and consistent faith. The reason for their success was based on their faith.

Consequences of faith

Ø  By Faith:

ü  Abel offered a better sacrifice, v.4.

ü  Enoch pleased God. Certainly, without faith it is impossible to please God. Here two things are basic: one, the worshipper MUST believe that God exists. Without this there is no possibility of faith. Two, the worshipper MUST have a conviction that God has a moral character, He is faithful and rewards those who earnestly seek Him, v. 5-6;

ü  In response to a warning concerning things not seen, Noah was motivated by faith to build an Ark even when there was no indication of the imminent flood. Popular public opinion and available meteorological evidence didn’t stop him to act on God’s command, v. 7. His faith preserved his entire household and was in right standing with God.

ü  Abraham promptly obeyed and went even though he didn’t know where he was going, v.8; Gen 12:1. Certainly to leave the certainty and comfort you know to go out into the unknown only relying on God’s word is an essence of faith. Paradoxically, he accepted God’s promises and acted on them-he made his home in the Promised Land, v.9.  He also had a forward look to the eternal city with permanent foundations whose architect and builder is God, v. 10. Even though there was no visible indication the promise of a son would ever be fulfilled, Abraham and Sarah, an aged couple, lacking in physical ability to cause birth. Abraham had unwavering faith in the promise-keeper, v. 11. Verse 12 introduces the inevitable consequence of that faith. God promised, Abraham believed and so numerous descendants came from him. Wow! God demanded that he sacrifice his son Isaac, v.17. Interestingly faith preached to him that God would work it out, he offered Isaac as a sacrifice. Really? Yes! Well, Abraham was ready in will and purpose to offer the required sacrifice; he withheld nothing, Gen 22:5.

ü  At near death, the patriarchs’ faith looked beyond physical death. It undergirded the patriarchs’ blessings: Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future in accordance with God’s purposes, v. 20; Gen 27:27-29, 39-40; Jacob blessed Joseph’s sons, v.21; Joseph spoke about the exodus and gave instructions about his bones, v. 22; Gen 50:24-25; Ex. 13:19. He had a conviction that Canaan was the Land for God’s people.

ü  Against the kings edict to have all male boys below 2yrs killed, Ex. 1:22, Moses’s Parents hid him because they saw he was no ordinary kid. Rather than fearing Pharaoh, they put their faith in God, v. 23; Ex 2:2-3.

ü  When Moses became a grown man, he refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, v. 24. He gave up great privileges, comfort and prestige and readily accepted oppression with God’s people instead of pleasures and treasures he could find in the king’s court, v. 25. His faith emerged triumphantly, he saw Him who is invisible, v.27. By faith he established the Passover and the result is that the destroyer passed over the Israelites, v. 28.

ü  Israelites followed Moses through Red Sea, v. 29; Ex. 14:14, 21. Certainly, it is faith that enabled people to respond to God’s doing not courage. The Egyptians courageously attempted to cross but drowned.

ü  The power of faith felled the walls of Jericho, v. 20; Josh 6:1-21. The acted on the conviction that God was in control; they went round the city once a day for six days and then seven times on the seventh day and you know, the walls came tumbling down.

ü  This hall of faith closes with an outcast Gentile woman who had a decisive conviction; she put her life on the line by welcoming spies, v. 31.

ü  Certainly it’d take volumes of books to write about other champions of faith, the likes of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets. All these men and women of faith battled vast odds and set worth example for us.  Through faith, here are other broad results of believers’ faith namely: conquered kingdoms, administration of justice, fulfilled promises, divine intervention and deliverances from lions, furry of flames, edge of sword; others had their weakness turned to strength, became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies; the dead were raised to life. Those who were tortured, jeered, imprisoned, persecuted, martyred for their faith refused to give up their faith.

The Promise

Ø  All these preceding men and women were commended for their faith. God made the promise to them, but by the time they died none had received the promise God. Note that God made many promises which He kept. The promise referred here is Jesus the ultimate fullness of the blessing so that together with those who have gone ahead of us would be made perfect, v.40.

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Application

Ø  He above successes are understandable. Jesus came and opened the way to the very presence of God. He is the ultimate promise, persevere in your faith. Look forward to the country, the eternal city-heaven.

Regards

NzakuNashipae