Helen Spaulding
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Posts posted by Helen Spaulding
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Q2. (3:2-6) Why isn't Paul merely neutral about his religious pedigree? Why does he consider it loss, dung, an obstacle? In what way could your religious background be an impediment to your faith?
Paul isn't merely neutral about his religious pedigree because he wants to make the point that no amount of "religiosity" or zeal can possibly save us! That only makes it prideful--a sin! He recognizes that some might think he has it made because of his background, and he wants to tell them that that is the same as rubbish--or dung--that could only make a wall between him and the Lord! He wanted to state his "qualifications" merely to show the people that they could not possibly "do" enough to earn their salvation! If he couldn't do it, then neither could they!
If I considered my religious background a reason to believe I am saved, then I am giving in to pride--a tool of the devil! NO!!! I believe that Jesus is Lord, that He came and gave His life for my salvation, He arose on the third day, reigns in Heaven, and one day, He will take me to Heaven--totally because of His great love for me--for all of us! I have accepted Him, not only as my Savior, but also as my Lord! My life is not my own. Everything I have, everything I do, everything I look forward to is totally due to Him and what He did for me (and for all)! Halleluja!
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Q1. (3:2-6) How does "confidence in the flesh" show up in your congregation? Have you ever struggled with it?
"All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of the Lord!" Romans 3:23 And, yes, that includes those of us in the church. But what a joy it is to see someone who truly trusts in the Lord to uphold him/her in situations that most would use to glorify himself/herself! When the life of a Christian reflects the world--ie, trusting in your own ability--what does that say about Christ? We are to live differently than the world and if we don't, then we throw mud on our loving Lord! People look at Christians as they have down through the ages--hoping to see them fall short of living as Christ demands so that they can say, "You see? They're not any better than the rest of us!"
In the church, this can show up as someone who demands that the church fulfill their idea of what the church should support and do. If it doesn't follow their desires, they try to throw a monkeywrench into the work. They need our prayers for forgiveness.
Myself? Read the first sentence of my answer. Yes, of course I have, but praise the Lord, He forgives and re-establishes us when we repent!
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From what you've read in Philippians so far, what seems to be the Philipian church's chief problem? How does Paul's description of Timothy's character speak to this problem? How does Paul's call to honor men like Epaphroditus speak to this problem?
It seems they were selfish and grumbled a lot. However they were concerned for Paul and his wellbeing.
Timothy was a servant of the Lord, as he served others in His name.
Epaphroditus almost lost his life while serving God. The Philippians should honor both of these men and emulate their attitude rather than being selfish and grumbling.
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Q3. (2:22) What is the significance of serving Jesus as a "slave" as opposed to serving him as a preference? What does it say about the quality of our service? Of our commitment? What is wrong with leaders who serve out of preference?
A slave serves his master in the way that the master commands. He has no opportunity to do anything other than this. When someone serves as a preference, he/she does the work with a desire to please the Lord!
The quality of our service goes down when we are only doing as much as we must to keep the master from using a whip on us!
Can a slave really be committed to love and serve his master? Only in rare instances when the master treats him/her like a beloved son or daughter. In those instances, the slave will be committed to doing the best for the Master!
When leaders serve out of being "preferred" by a committee or person, they are filled with pride of being chosen, and spend more time trying to achieve more praise for self than to see that the committment is fulfilled to the best that God requires!
However, if by this we mean that the person prefers to fulfill this service for his Lord, he/she will do his/her utmost to be faithful to do the best possible for this service, because it is done for love for the one who requests it! We must be certain of what our committment is, and to whom!
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Q2. (2:22) Who has come alongside you to teach you? What potential leader in your church needs someone to come alongside them? Do you have a person or two that you are mentoring "as a son with a father" or "a daughter with a mother"?
Mary Beth McFall brought me to know the Lord--not just as my savior, but also personally as my Lord! She has since gone to be with Him, but her influence lingers on.
Yes, the pastor, but he does not listen to anyone, nor does he see that not visiting the sick and elderly is neglect that harms the witness of our Lord.
Yes. A young lady in Far East Russia that had served with us as our interpreter and her husband are going through terrible times that is trying their belief in the love of God! She reached out to me, and God is enabling me to reach out to her. Please pray for Lena and Sasha!
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Q1. (2:19-21) Why was Timothy's selfless concern so rare among church leaders? Rather than pointing the finger at others in your church, consider yourself. What things has Jesus had to deal with in your life that has helped you to become genuinely selfless and focused on the concerns of others? How has he refined you? (Of course, he is still at work in us!)
Many church leaders start out selflessly to do the work of the church. Often, when one does a good job, they get praise and it can work insidiously to cause the recipiant to believe he deserves it! When they then don't get a pat on the back for something they've done, they are hurt. Sometimes a pastor feels he is the owner of the church, even though he/she is only there for a period of time. The congregation owns the building and should also feel they are the "owners" of the church and its business.
As a missionary, I have had to realize that the work and its results are totally His! It has sometimes been hard to accept that any results of what I did were not MY results--only His Spirit can change persons--not my trying! So, I had to be willing to do His will, and leave any results to Him. Also, I have worked very hard when giving reports to supporters to avoid sounding like what I report is glorifying my ego--not Him!
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Q4. (1:23) What do Philippians 1:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 teach about the state of Christians immediately after death? How does this comfort you? How does this energize you?
When we leave this mortal body, we will immediately be with the Lord--no space inbetween!
This conforts and energizes me because there is no reason to fear death. No matter what happens to me that could cause my death, I know no fear, for if it causes death, I'll be no longer striving and struggling to do what I should in life--I'll be singing His praises with the angelic choir, and will know Jesus as He is. There will be no more "Why's", because then we shall know as we are known! And, after a time of rejoicing with our Lord, we will serve Him however He desires! (I really don't expect to sit on a cloud and strum a harp for eons!) Oh, the thought of being able to do His will without any resistance of a persistant, fallen, sin-prone self! What greater joy can there be? Energized? You bet!
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Q3. (1:20-21) How can fear keep us from being a bold witness? Why does fear of people bind our tongues? How does "losing our life" for Christ's sake actually give us an abundant life? What fear is keeping your from clear witness?
We are intimidated by past experiences of people putting us down for believing such ancient myths!! So, we hold back--even when we feel Him telling us to speak. Not always, but enough times to make me blush! Why fear people? Because we are surrounded by them and almost everyone wants to be liked by those around us. But, choosing the world over God's way is so short sighted! What could the world give us that could begin to compare with God's gift to us--salvation!? How could I dare to downgrade the tremendous gift Jesus gave me by his horrible, excruciating death on the cross--to save me from sin and give me a free ticket to heaven!? Lord, enable me to forget all except Your call to be a witness for You--both in my living and in my words!
Losing my life for Christ's sake brings the surprising joy of His Presence and His "well done" that I covet far above any plaudits of the world! And the joy of looking forward to being in His Presence and serving Him in Heaven makes any earthly "loss" meaningless.
What fear keeps me silent? The fear that my words will come across as judgmental rather than loving concern for the person's future!, the fear of saying or doing something that will give unbelievers a chance to think that serving God is not worthwhile --that it "doesn't pay"! Or in some way my actions do not mirror the Lord God and His love for us--as well as His anger at our sinning. Beyond all else, I do not want to sling mud on His glory by my actions--or inactions!
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Q2. (1:18b-19) Why is our ability to rejoice so dependent upon our faith that God is in control, working even in the midst of difficulty? What must you believe in order to be able to rejoice in the midst of problems? What is your basis for believing that?
If I believe that God is in control--and I certainly do--then I know I can depend that things will turn out right! God does not do things half-way. Whatever happens, I know that my eternal destiny is secure! I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me! That is tested and true. I don't understand how persons who do not believe this can take some of the garbage that happens in life without His help and knowing He is carrying us through it!
I can rejoice in problems because He is Lord! Satan is defeated! And God will weave into the tapestry of our lives the dark threads that set off the bright threads of His will for our lives so that our lives make sense and bring glory to Him! That's the joy of knowing Him and resting in His love.
My basis for believing this is experiencing it, but more than this, by believing His Word where He promises He will be with me! Praise His Holy Name!
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Q1. (1:12-14) From the standpoint of witness to others, you are much more credible when you are undergoing personal struggles, stress, and problems. Why is this so? Why was Paul's witness so powerful? What personal struggle are you going through that could enhance your testimony if you handled it right?
When others see you in the midst of stress and problems, your witness can become a drawing power to God--IF you respond to that stress and problems with the peace of God evident in your behavior and speech. When people who do not know this peace--or God--see that you handle such problems without rancor, showing love and concern for others rather than yourself, they wonder what makes you different from them! When they then come to know you are a Christian, they understand and often come to believe on the Lord Jesus who alone can make such a difference!
Paul was in chains, suffering from being unjustly imprisoned--yet he could write encouragement to the churches he had started, showing his deep love for these believers and concern for their needs, downplaying his own. What a powerful chance to give witness to God's enabling power!
Right now, my husband and I are in the process of selling our farm in Indiana and moving to a new city in Florida. The house we are buying is smaller than our home here, so we must sift through our "stuff" that has accumulated over the 57 years of our marriage, deciding what to sell, what our children will want, what to toss, and what to take--then packing them up. Buying a home--partially long distance--is stressful, particularly as we now have the inspection report and see things that disturb us that are wrong with the place. We toss and turn, concerned if we should continue with this purchase, and when that settles a bit, the logistics of the auction, packing and move from here take over. Nowhere near the suffering of Paul, but it does make for snappy moments between us! Not good. Only with His help will we be able to go through this in a manner pleasing to Him and of use to Him!
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Q4. (1:9-11) Why does Paul ask God to give the Philippian Christians discernment? What will be the result of discernment in their lives? How does selfishness cloud discernment? How is the good the enemy of the best in our lives?
So that they can understand what is the best--not just the good--things of God.
The result will be that they will become pure and blameless before God--at least be growing in that direction. None of us can consider ourselves pure and blameless this side of Heaven! (To begin with, that would be pride--a sin in itself!)
We are born selfish--wanting what we want when we want it. As we grow, we should be taught to think of others before we think of ourselves. Many nowadays are not taught this in our country, unfortunately. And, our culture is becoming farther from God because of this! A selfish person cannot discern things of God and His desires because the self is on the throne of the life, and looks always to see "what's in it for me?" before accepting or refusing to obey.
Some things are good to do, but if it is done in our own power to fulfill something we want, it takes our attention and strength away from those things that God has prepared for us to do. Thus, we struggle to accomplish something--and usually do a poor job--that we think will be good for us, taking the time and energy away from a task that God will do through us--with wonderful results for God's praise and glory!!
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Q3. (1:6) What does Paul expect God to do for the Philippian believers? Why does he expect God to do this? What is the basis of Paul's confidence? On what basis can we expect God to do this for us?
God can be depended upon to bring us to maturity in Him--if we stay close to Him and learn of Him! If we are not interested in studying and learning about Him and coming to know Him intimately, He does not drag us--kicking and screaming--to His presence! We must come to Him, humbly, confessing our sins against Him and asking His forgiveness--which means we turn from those sins and live for Him.
Paul expects the Philippians to do this, and thus that the Lord God will bring them to perfection--in the same way He will do this for us.
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We certainly can--and should--keep missionaries in our prayers before the Lord God! As a retired missionary, I know how often we depended on those prayers--and felt the strength they gave to us! Missionaries are ordinary people--who sometimes sin and who can be overwhelmed by the difficulties that can be encountered in another culture.
In addition, there are often opportunities to give gifts of clothing, etc. We do need to be aware that the host country often taxes the items sent in with a heavy import tax--sometimes equal to the amount of money it takes to buy the item locally. The best way to send items to an overseas mission is to visit the mission and carry the items in with you. As long as your luggage is not excessive, you can do this freely.
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Q4. (4:11-12) In what way does bad-mouthing a neighbor cause you to be a judge of the law? Why is it tempting to bad-mouth others, do you think?
The law tells us to love one another and treat the other as we would like to be treated. There's not one of us who wants to be bad-mouthed! When we go ahead and do this anyway, we are saying this law is not good--that I don't have to do this--it's not important! That is judging the law. We are setting ourselves up as judges of what is right and what is not. That's not our perogative! We do not have all the facts and judge from outward appearances.
Why is it tempting to bad-mouth others? We think by stepping on another, we can climb above him/her and thus be considered "better!" We are to obey His law, no matter how tempted we are! We need to pray for His strength and power to overcome the evil urge from satan! The love chapter, I Corinthians 13, tells us what we are supposed to be and do.
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Q3. (4:6-10) Verses 7-10 contain 10 different commands. Why are these actions so vital? In what way do they go against our nature? Which of these commands is most difficult for you?
If we do not humble ourselves before God, we are holding on to our pride--a very common sin for all of us I think. At least, it is to me and the one that I see in those who resist God. (We usually see in others first the sin that is in ourselves!)
We like to think we can take care of ourselves. What's wrong in going it in our own power? We piously say God gave us our brains--or this or that--to use, so we should use them and thus we are doing God's will. But, don't ask us to check with Him first to see if this thing we want to do really is God's will! We do things and then ask God to bless our doing! That's backwards. If we stay close to Him, desire to know and do His will, and willingly step out in faith that He is in control, then He will bless the effort with His strength and His blessing. As Paul often said "When I am weak, then am I strong (in the Lord)!" I've often seen this when talking to churches about our mission work. I rejoiced when I had some illness or other problem that made talking in my own power futile, for then I knew God would take over and He would make what came out of me be from Him, not me! Always that brought results that people shared with me--and I could share with them that it was not me!! The glory always goes to Him!
Yes, I know. I'm preaching to myself! So be it. Perhaps I'll listen this time!
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Q2. (4:4) Why does James refer to church members as "adulteresses"? What does the adultery consist of? Who is the aggrieved husband? What is wrong with friendship with the world?
Because they were concerned with the world and wanting the things of the world. Members of the church are considered "the bride of Christ". They are to be concerned with things of the Lord, not spending all their time getting and being concerned with earthly things.
Adultery consists of being married yet giving yourself to a "lover." This type of adultery Pastor Ralph speaks of here means giving yourself to things of this world, not things of the Lord.
God is the aggrieved husband.
When we spend our time, talents and money just to get something from worldly pleasures, we take these from their rightful owner-the Lord-and waste them.
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Q1. (4:1-3) Is God against pleasure? What wrong in living to increase one's pleasure?
There are Godly pleasures and there are non-Godly pleasures. If we live only to gain pleasure for ourselves--particularly pleasure in things God has said are sinful--we are only considering ourselves! That should be last on our list of concerns. God wants us to consider others first, not take what we can grab before our neighbor can get it! That is selfishness, which is sin.
When we live for the Lord, we find our greatest pleasures are in serving Him by serving others! Sometimes we only look at what we will "give up" if we do something for others. But, when we do it anyway, we find only joy and deep satisfaction!
So, if we live only for our pleasure, we miss His fellowship and the wonderful experience of being used by Him! No mere "pleasure" is worth that!
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Q4. (3:17-18) With what tool do peacemakers sow peace? Why does this produce a ripening crop of righteousness? In whom does this crop grow?
Peace comes from heaven and the wisdom God gives His servants to sow in peace. This brings a harvest of righteousness--full of mercy, consideration, submission and good fruit. Why? Because it is full of the loving attributes listed in I Corinthians 13! When those around us see God's love shining through us, they are intrigued by what makes us different and want to know more about it. This gives the opportunity to tell them about our Lord Jesus and His love--that it is this that they are feeling, not of us but totally of Him!
Then these may come to Him, accept His love and learn of Him--by which they grow in knowledge and love of and in Him!
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Q3. (3:13-16) In what ways are "bitter envy" and "selfish ambition" (3:14) direct opposites of "humility" (3:13)? How does denial of "bitter envy" and "selfish ambition" prevent healing? How does boasting about these prevent healing?
Humility consists of being realistic as to your own abilities as well as realizing the good that also comes from others. We are to put others before ourselves, not try to "get ahead--come hell or high water!" Or by stomping on others in order to climb over them. No. This is the opposite of humility. We should see that anything that we accomplish is the gift of God--not something we have done by ourselves.
Denial of envy and ambition prevents healing because it pushes these emotions down into the subconscious where they rot and fester Only by these being brought to the light, examined, confessed and turned from, can healing begin.
Boasting about envy and ambition--sounds like someone saying "I am the most humble person on earth!" An oxymoron.
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Q1. (3:1-2) Why does James discourage people from aspiring to be teachers of the Word?
Teachers need to be willing to live what they teach! and to know what it is that they believe! They can influence all those who are taught by them! What an awesome responsibility! We felt this while teaching the children in the orphanages in Far East Russia, but what a great joy to be able to offer Christ to these impressionable ones!
Why is greater strictness appropriate?
If the teacher is careless about what he/she teaches, then those students can be led to believe things that are not true! What an awesome responsibility that is! What if, after I die I find that I have caused someone to miss the mark and be denied eternity with the Lord?! I shudder to think of it. That's why my husband and I spent so much time preparing for the classes.
Should you set higher standards for your pastor than you do for yourself?
He probably will reach more persons than I will, especially now that I am (again) retired. But, in reality, all of us are teachers in one aspect or another. We are all required to bring Christ to others who do not know Him. So, we should all be considered teachers and tremble! Lord help us to meet Your standards!
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Q4. (2:20-26) How does James' point about the necessity of works jive with Paul's emphasis on salvation by grace without works (Ephesians 2:8-10)?
There is no complication. James is saying that works prove we have been saved, not that they save us. Paul is saying that salvation is not given because of our works, but that the good works are what God has intended us to do when we are saved by Him! For each of us, He has a plan to do of His will in the world. In other words, to do His work of love for our fellow human beings. Without our obedience, or our faith is the same as dead.
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Q3. (2:18-19) What is the difference between the "belief" of a demon and the "belief" of a practicing Christian? The "belief" of a non-practicing Christian?
Demons know that God exists, therefore they have "belief" in His existence. This does not help them, for they do not give their allegiance to Him! They obey satan, not God.
The belief of a practicing Christian involves not just believing that God exists, but that He has a reason for our lives and that He has commands that we are to obey. We show our love and obediance to His guidance by doing what He guides us to do! Because of this obedience--and the love we have in response to His GREAT love for us--our belief shows up as giving to, and loving others!
These deeds are not what saves us--on the contrary! Practicing Christians know that it is only the wonderful love of God that Jesus showed us by His paying our penalty on the cross--this saves us! But, because we are so overwhelmed by that undeserved love, we desire to serve others as a way of serving Him!
A non-practicing believer believes in God, and knows what is required of a Christian, but he has no love. His belief is cold--unsubmitted to God--and as a result, this person cares nothing for the needs of those around him. As long as they can grab what they want out of life, that's all that matters. This type of person is quick to demand "why, God? Why me?" when life throws a curve to them! In truth, they think their "wisdom" superior even to God's! How much they miss of His love and final "well done!"
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Q2. (2:15-16) To what degree are we responsible for the poor and needy in the church community? How about our responsibility for those outside the church, in the community at large?
This passage speaks of the responsibility for the brothers and sisters in Christ. Of course, we must be aware of these in need in our own "household" of sisters and brothers! We do not always know of others' needs, but if we do hear of a need, we should feel a surge of God's concern for them and know He is prompting us to see how we can help.
If we show no concern for the needs of those outside of the church, how can we bring them into God's Kingdom? When someone is in need, that need is the center of their world. If you are unable to care adequately for your family, or you have an addiction to some evil--be it drugs, alcohol, ***********, whatever--you cannot see beyond that need. When someone helps you with that need, it shows up as a concern of a friend, and the person in need begins to wonder why anyone would be concerned--what makes this person different! Of course, then the door opens through which you can begin to really make a difference--bringing them to know the Lord Jesus! What greater joy have we been given on earth than this??
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Q1. (2:14-18) In what sense is faith dead if it is unaccompanied by action? In what sense might (if that were possible) it be alive?
My grandson told me he thought he should do bad to someone before they had a chance to do bad to him! I knew he had been raised by his parents in church, and they attempted to teach him God laws. I asked him, "Izaak, are you a christian?"
He looked at me like I was crazy. "Sure," he replied.
"How do you know?" I asked him.
Miffed, he said, "Okay, I'm not." I tried to show him that just going to church and saying you believe in the Lord does not make you a Christian--at least not a live one!
Many people say they believe there is a god, but it makes no difference in their lives. When we just ascribe to the belief that God exists, and say we have faith in Him, if it does not issue into Christian action, how do we--or anyone else--know that we are Christian?
If we truly believe that Jesus is Lord, then we must do as He commands, and if we do, we will be doing His work that He leads us to do. If we do not do His commands, we may look alive, but we are really dead in our faith. If we live just as those who do not profess Jesus as Lord, how can the world see that there is any difference between a Christian and a worldly person?
Some people who accept Jesus, then compartmentalize their lives: this part is for God, and this is for my business or home life. And never the twain shall meet. Maybe you could say they are alive in Him while sitting in church. A poor substitute for the joy of living wholeheartedly for Him in all our life!
Q3. Righteousness through Faith
in #6. That I May Know Him (Philippians 3:1-11)
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Q3. (3:9) How does righteousness obtained through faith differ from righteousness obtained through law observance? How seriously does righteousness by law observance infect your congregation? Society's view of Christianity in general? Why is this concept of justification or righteousness by faith so difficult to grasp?
Righteousness by law observance is depending on myself--not the Lord! I know myself. I cannot depend on me! I will fail. Righteousness through faith is depending on the Lord, and He never fails! I sometimes don't understand what He is doing, but when He is in charge, I can rest assured in His love and know He will enable me and do His will as He desires!
I'm sure many people who are called "pew sitters" do not understand this concept. They feel their "duty" is done when they spend one hour (pastor, don't dare go over that 60 minutes!), and then they are free for another week of doing as they please.
Society has no concern with the Bible. The only Bible they read is a Christian's life--and they search to find examples of hypocrisy! Today, it seems that they can see only mean-spirited, bigoted people as what a Christian is! Lord, forgive us that we give this picture of what a person who loves You and You have forgiven to our world!
People want to control their lives--they don't want to give up control to another, so they refuse to see that this is what truly sets us free! To know we can depend on the Lord to guide and carry us through the hard times is wonderful!