Community Hermeneutics in Action
Community hermeneutics in action! What does that mean? It means that Danny taught from Matthew 21:33-46… and so did I, and so did Jared, and David, and Gary, and Dave, and Jeremiah, and Geth, etc. I think we ended up with a more complete understanding of Scripture, not just one person’s interpretation, and we were all able to exhort one another to faithfulness, obedience, and fruitfulness. (See my posts “Authority, Hermeneutics, and Criticism,” “Mutual Hermeneutics,” and “Toward Mutual Hermeneutics.”)
A Love / Hate Relationship
A few weeks ago, on a Sunday morning, one of our brothers made a statement similar to this:
I love meeting together with this church, because I know that you all love me and care about me and when you ask me how I’m doing, you won’t let me just give you simple answers, but will really ask about my life and how things are going especially between me and God.
But, I also hate meeting together with this church, because I know that you all love me and care about me and when you ask me how I’m doing, you won’t let me just give you simple answers, but will really ask about my life and how things are going especially between me and God.
I’ve been thinking about his statement alot lately. Isn’t it true? We want community… we really do. But, many times, we don’t really want to expose ourselves to other people in the manner necessary in order to maintain a healthy community.
This love / hate relationship really shows a love / hate relationship with ourselves. I think it is natural and healthy, as long as we’re allowing the Spirit of God to continue to work in us to open ourselves up to other people in spite of our “hate” of such things. (By the way, the brother who spoke those words does just that, talking about things that are sensitive and often painful for his own spiritual growth and the growth of the church.)
Remembrance and the Church
After my previous post about “Remembrance and the Present,” I thought it would be good to have an opportunity to remember where God has brought us from and to consider what God may be doing now. In particular, I’d love to hear how God has changed your understanding of the church, to hear some examples of how you and others are living out this new understanding, and to hear how you think God is changing your understanding now. In other words, use your remembrances of what God has done in your life to encourage yourself and others to trust him today and tomorrow.
For example, for as long as I can remember, I’ve been someone who has always been busy with church activities. You name a program, and I’ve probably been involved in it or something similar. I always considered these programs to be the purpose for the church. We run the programs and through them we serve God and one another.
In the last few years, my understanding about these programs have changed. I’m learning how to serve God in the opportunities that he gives me while living my life… through the interactions that I have with various people day-to-day. I’m also learning to serve through relationships instead of through positions or functions.
It was difficult at first, because it felt like I was abandoning God or at least abandoning being a good, dedicated Christian. I’ve found though that it is possible to worship God, to serve him, and to serve others in the small things of life in ways that I never would have considered before.
I’ve attempted to live this out with the people that God has brought into my life. Not only do we meet together as the church on Sunday, but we spend time with one another during the week, either in one another’s homes or doing various activities or serving in the community together. I’m still learning to serve people in my neighborhood… in fact, I’m still struggling to build relationships with people in my neighborhood. But, I see the benefit to serving and proclaiming the Gospel through relationships as a family.
What about you? What has God taught you about the church? How has your understanding of the church changed? How are you and others attempting to live that out? Where do you think he’s taking you from here?
Remembrance and the Present
In the town we live in, there are at least two signs celebrating three high school football state championships: one in the 1950s, one in the 1960s, and one in the 1970s. While it is interesting that these signs remain in spite of the fact that the most recent state championship was almost 40 years ago, it is even more interesting when you factor in one more detail: the high school that won these three championships is no longer in existence.
However, the town continues to remember the three state football championships won by their local high school.
Remembrance is very important. But, the purpose of remembrance is not to live in the past.
I’ve been part of churches who lived in the past. They lived on past victories or times of growth. The people were satisfied with what God had done in the past and were not as concerned with God may or may not be doing among them in the present.
In the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament), the people are often reminded about what God did for them in the past.
Last weekend, some friends came over to our house. We ate together, then we read a few chapters of Exodus and discussed it together. We read about the sea crossing in Exodus 14, and we read the song in Exodus 15. In this song, Moses and the Israelites sang about God’s deliverance. Primarily, they celebrated the fact that God had led his people through the sea and then destroyed the Egyptian army when they attempted to pass through the sea as well.
The end of the song is very interesting:
You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed;
you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.
The peoples have heard; they tremble;
pangs have seized the inhabitants of Philistia.
Now are the chiefs of Edom dismayed;
trembling seizes the leaders of Moab;
all the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away.
Terror and dread fall upon them;
because of the greatness of your arm, they are still as a stone,
till your people, O Lord, pass by,
till the people pass by whom you have purchased.
You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain,
the place, O Lord, which you have made for your abode,
the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established.
The Lord will reign forever and ever. (Exodus 15:13-18 ESV)
The people walked away from the sea singing about God’s deliverance. But, the song also reminded them that the God who helped them leave Egypt and destroyed the Egyptian army also had a purpose. He planned to bring them into their own land. He would also help them take this land. Thus, the reminder (crossing the sea and destroying the Egyptian army) was not given so the Israelites would live in the light of this past victory. The reminder was given because the Israelites needed to trust God daily in the present.
The Israelites had more difficult times ahead of them… more time in the wilderness… more enemies to confront. The reminder of God’s deliverance was given to them so that they would trust God during these difficult times.
How did they do? Not very well…
After three days of not finding water, the Israelites were already complaining, wishing they had remained in slavery in Egypt. When they came to Marah where the water was bitter, they complained even more. They did not trust God. Of course, they did not know that Elim – a wonderful oasis – was just ahead. God knew. But, the Israelites didn’t know. And, they didn’t trust him.
Today, its good for us to remember what God has done in the past – either for the church or for us individually. We need to remember these times of victory, not so that we can live in the past, but to help us trust God for the present.
The same God who delivered the Israelites from the Egyptian army could also deliver them from a lack of water… but they failed to let their remembrance lead them to trust God today. The same God who led you and your church to various victories in the past can also lead you through your current trial. Are you willing to let your remembrances of past victories lead to trust God today?
Look also to the interests of others
Two years ago, I wrote a post called “Look also to the interests of others.” This post considers the modern-day practical implications of the Paul’s instructions to the church at Philippi.
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Look also to the interests of others
In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul wrote:
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus… (Philippians 2:1-5 ESV)
Many of us know what follows this passage. We’ve memorized it and studied it because of its Christological implications (pertaining to Christ and his divinity). Christology is very important. We should study Scripture to help us understand who Christ is – in our limited, human ability to understand Christ.
But, what do we do with these first five verses of the second chapter of Philippians? What does it mean to be “of the same mind”, to have “the same love”, or to be “in full accord and of one mind”? What kind of things should we not do out of “rivalry or conceit”? To what extent do we consider others as “more significant than” ourselves? How do we look out for “the interests of others” as we also look out for our own interests?
At first glance, these questions deal with the concepts of fellowship, community, and unity – very important concepts, but not as important as Christology. Right? Actually, I suggest that these concepts are directly related to our understanding of who Christ is, what Christ has done for us, what Christ is doing for us, and how Christ empowers us to interact with one another. In fact, I would suggest that when we get these things wrong – when we fail to live a life that demonstrates our love for one another – then all the facts that we know about Christ mean very little. Our Christology must be built on Philippians 2:1-5 as much as it is built on the verses that follow.
But, how do we apply Philippians 2:1-5 today?
Without trying to unwrap everything that Paul means in these sentences, we can begin with one thing that should be very obvious, but that we often overlook: we will not always agree with one another. If we always agreed, there would be no reason to consider the interests of others. If we always had the same opinions about things, then Paul would not have exhorted us to consider the other person’s opinion as more significant than our own. If we all had the same priorities and the same desires and the same attitudes, then Paul would not have to warn us about rivalries and conceit. If we always treated one another as Christ treated us, then Paul would not exhort us toward love and like-mindedness.
Yet, Paul expects us to act like Christ in spite of our differences with one another. In fact, the way the we deal with our differences toward one another demonstrates whether or not we are walking in the Spirit or not.
If we deal with believers who differ with us in attitudes of anger, jealousy, stubbornness, conceit, or pride, then this is an indicator that we are not living the abundant life of Christ. If we force people to agree with us, or if we refuse to fellowship with those who disagree with us, then again we are demonstrating that we are walking in our own understanding instead of walking in the Spirit.
If, however, we can give up our rights and give in to the opinion of others and welcome differences with love and acceptance, then we demonstrate that we are living in the unity and love that only the Spirit of God can produce within us.
When the Spirit controls our life, then the Spirit demonstrates himself by producing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our lives – especially toward those who are different from us and who disagree with us.
Gifts, Services, and Workings
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the beginning of Paul’s teaching about spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14:
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7 ESV)
In this passage, Paul says that there are different kinds of gifts, different kinds of services (the word is plural), and different kinds of workings (activities). My gifting may be different from yours. Even if we have the same gifting, the way God desires for us to serve may be different. Even if we have the same gifting and even if we should serve in the same way, God may work differently through each of us.
If we keep reading, we find that each of us is important – even necessary – for the church. No one is more important and no one is less important. (Except, of course, for those who seem less important. God actually considers them more important, probably because humans tend to ignore or de-emphasize them.)
Thus, it is important and necessary for the church (according to Ephesians, for the growth and maturity of the church) for each of us to work according to the way that God has gifted us, according to the opportunities and abilities he has given us to serve, and according to the way that he works through us. Our differences are important and necessary.
As an elder (and this is true for other leaders and mature believers in the church as well), I must be very careful not to expect others to have the same giftings, services, or workings as me. When someone seeks my advice about how they should serve others, it is easy for me to point them in the direction that God is pointing me. Why? Because that is natural for me (or super-natural, depending on how you look at it). But, natural (super-natural) for me is not necessarily (and probably isn’t) natural (super-natural) for them.
I think that as I help people serve others within the opportunities that God has given them, they will find that they are serving in their gifting, service, and working. If, instead, I try to find a “job” for them, they may (and will probably) end up doing something for which they are not gifted, in a way in which they are not supposed to serve, and in a manner that God is not working through them.
As we recognize the differences in giftings, services, and workings, we can also recognize the commonality involved. While we are different, our differences come from a common source – God. And while we are different, our differences are given for a common purpose – the benefit of one another. (While our giftings can benefit us individually – see 1 Cor 14:4,28 – the main purpose of our giftings is building up others – see 1 Cor 14:26.) In a way, carrying out the purpose reveals the source. Our serving one another (and the world) demonstrates our connection to God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (In fact, Peter says that our serving one another brings glory to God – see 1 Peter 4:10-11.)
Putting this all together, as we serve in different ways through our different gifts in the different ways that God works through us but for the common good, we demonstrate our connection to God through his Son empowered by the Holy Spirit, and we bring glory to him.
Differences in giftings, services, and workings should be welcome, expected, and encouraged in the church.
Bonhoeffer, the Church, and Example
Last weekend, I read the following quote from Bonhoeffer on Dave Black’s blog (Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 7:45 am):
The Church is the Church only when it exists for others. To make a start, it would give away all its property to those in need. The clergy must live solely on the free-will offerings of their congregations, or possibly engage in some secular calling. The Church must share in the secular problems of ordinary human life, not dominating, but helping and serving. It must tell men of every calling what it means to live for Christ, to exist for others.
This quote is both very provocative and (to me, at least) very true. It was both exciting and encouraging to find out that Bonhoeffer wrote this from prison in Germany over 60 years ago.
But, I wanted to know the context of this quote. So, I started searching. It turns out that this quote is in Bonhoeffer’s Letters and Papers from Prison (Ed. Eberhard Bethge, New York: The Macmillan Company, 1972).
The five sentences quoted above are part of a summary that Bonhoeffer wrote while in prison. He states that he wants to write a short book (“not more than 100 pages”) with three chapters: 1) A Stocktaking of Christianity, 2) The Real Meaning of Christian Faith, and 3) Conclusions. The quotation is the beginning of the chapter on Conclusions.
Here is the entire section in which Bonhoeffer summarized the “Conclusions” of his short book:
The Church is the Church only when it exists for others. To make a start, it should give away all its property to those in need. The clergy must live solely on the free-will offerings of their congregations, or possibly engage in some secular calling. The Church must share in the secular problems of ordinary human life, not dominating, but helping and serving. It must tell men of every calling what it means to live for Christ, to exist for others. In particular, our own church will have to take the field against the vices of hubris, power-worship, envy, and humbug, as the roots of all evil. It will have to speak of moderation, purity, trust, loyalty, constancy, patience, discipline, humility, contentment, and modesty. It must not under-estimate the importance of human example (which has its origin in the humanity of Jesus and is so important in Paul’s teaching); it is not abstract argument, but example, that gives its word emphasis and power. (I hope to take up later this subject of ‘example’ and its place in the New Testament; it is something that we have almost entirely forgotten.) Further: the question of revising the creeds (the Apostles’ Creed); revision of Christian apologetics; reform of the training for the ministry and the pattern of clerical life. (pg. 382-383)
Example. If “example” is something that had been “almost entirely forgotten” in Bonhoeffer’s day, it seems to be even more forgotten today. In fact, it is common for “ministers” to be taught to remain aloof from others in the church – to separate themselves and their lives from others – to seek advice and counsel only from other “ministers” outside of their church. Where is the example in this? (Granted, I think this idea of “ministry” is becoming less popular today.)
We cannot speak and teach from a vacuum. We speak and teach from a context, and that context is our own lives. The instructions “serve one another” take own a new power when they are uttered while in the process of serving. When the teacher is getting his or her hands dirty while helping other people, the lesson to help and serve others is effective.
I haven’t read further that this quote. But, I’m interested to see if Bonhoeffer had time and opportunity to “take up” the subject of example. I would love to read more, and I would love to see the church embrace example today.
In Theory
In the last few weeks, I’ve had several very encouraging conversations with people who are attempting to live out their beliefs. During these conversations, the person would usually say (or infer) something like this:
“I’ve been studying Scripture, and I’ve come to the conclusion that the church that we see in Scripture is not like the church that we see today in many ways. But, the problem is, I believe this in theory, but I don’t know how to put these things into practice.”
Interestingly, the discussions have been about several different aspects of ecclesiology (the study of the church). I’ve talked to people about leadership and authority, fellowship, mutual teaching / edification / discipleship, missions, giving, serving. In each case, the person or people indicated that they believed that Scripture teaches something different from the way they usually see the church living. But, while they believe these things “in theory,” they don’t know what to do about it.
I remember a certain seminary class in which the professor was talking about elders and Scripture. The professor made the statement that there is no hierarchy among elders in Scripture. Someone asked (it may have been me… I don’t remember), “Then why do most churches have senior pastors or head pastors today?”
The professor replied, “Well, in theory there should not be a hierarchy among elders. All elders should be equal. But, it doesn’t work that way in practice. Someone has to be in charge.”
I think the church has bought this logic for too long. Many agree that the church should not do certain things in certain ways “in theory,” but those same people are perfectly willing to live in ways that contradict Scripture “in practice.”
Last Sunday, I was reminded of this problem when a brother read Jesus’ words from Matthew 7:
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27 ESV)
In this parable, both people hear what Christ says. But, only the one who actually does what he says has a firm foundation. The one who only hears but does not do builds his life on a weak foundation.
I like the way Eugene Peterson translated the end of this passage in The Message:
“But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.” (Matthew 7:26-27 The Message)
We like to think that we have accomplished something great by studying Scripture. However, as Peterson points out above, our Bible studies, sermons, commentaries, books, etc. are worthless if we are not actually working these things into our lives.
Don’t misunderstand me, as an elder, it is not easy to lead without “lording it over” other people, but Jesus said, “It shall not be so among you.” So, it does me no good to state that I should NOT have authority over others, then go ahead and exercise authority. I must try to work this into my life.
It is not easy to actually fellowship – share our lives – with other people. It is uncomfortable, time consuming, often expensive, and sometimes inconvenient to invite people into our lives. But, it does us no good at all to say that we should have fellowship with one another, then do absolutely nothing about it.
Similarly, we can state that all believers should be responsible for teaching, encouraging, admonishing, etc. But, if we are not willing to actually teach, encourage, or admonish others AND allows others to teach, encourage, or admonish us, then our statement is meaningless.
In other words… following Christ is not something that is done “in theory.” Following Christ is about real life. As Peterson translated, we must attempt to work these beliefs into our lives. And “these things” should come from our understanding of Scripture and what God is telling us to do. As James would say, we must be doers and not only hearers.
The Church in Corinth Lecture
Dave Black is teaching New Testament Theology this Fall at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is teaching this course as a seminar, with students and outside lecturers leading much of the discussion.
Dr. Black has asked to speak on “The Church in Corinth” in his class on Wednesday, September 30 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (Consider this your invitation to join us that day.) I’m looking forward to preparing for this lecture and the following discussion. I’m also planning to develop this lecture as a presentation, perhaps for a regional meeting of ETS or SBL.
This is what Dr. Black said about my session on his blog on Thursday, August 13, at 5:10 p.m.:
I am looking forward with eager anticipation to Alan Knox’s lecture in our theology class this semester. The church’s corporate behavior in “worship” is often – perhaps normally – inhibited by a thousand conventions that have nothing to do with the Bible or even the Gospel. The gathering of the church, according to the New Testament, has quite a different focus. The New Covenant is new because, and only because, it is a function of love. It is authenticated by the drama of a koinonia that ought to be a mixture of mutual exhortation and encouragement among persons talking freely, sharing burdens, and receiving the comfort of truth. Here they realize that this world is their Father’s house, not some “worship center.” The law of love is the one constraint that governs their actions. I would say that unless the leaders (elders) of a church community can be persuaded to talk quite freely to one another about the need for mutual encouragement as the focus of the gathering (Heb. 10:24-25) their stewardship in the community will not be worth two cents.
On the one hand, this looks like a very provocative statement. Can you imagine saying to church leaders that “their stewardship in the community” is not worth two cents? However, if we are not following the instructions of Scripture – if we are happy and content to follow our traditions without comparing them to Scripture – then perhaps our efforts are not only worth less that two cents, but perhaps our efforts (as well-intentioned as they may be) are costing the church tremendously.
Running and Maturity in the Church
Last Summer, my wife Margaret and I decided to walk together in the mornings. I learned alot about community during our walks together (see my post “Walking Together“).
This Summer, we tried to walk together again. For some reason, we were having a difficult time remaining motivated. Some friends decided that they were going to start training for a marathon in February. I’m not ready to commit to a marathon, but I decided to start training for a 5k in October. (You probably know this already if you follow me on Twitter or read my Facebook status updates.)
So, last week, Margaret and I began training for the 5k. The difference between our 5k training and our walking last summer is that we have to run some for our 5k training. Eventually, we will only run. But, of course, we’re not ready for that yet.
When I was in middle school (we called it junior high school) and high school, I could run long distances. But, years and years of sitting behind a computer screen has taken a toll on my body. I need this exercise and I need to get back in shape, so I’m excited about the prospects. Plus, I’m more motivated now that I have a specific goal: the 5k in only a few weeks, and perhaps a 1/2 marathon in February if everything goes well.
But, I’ve learned something about the body over the last few days that I think is applicable to the church as the body of Christ. When I started running, I realized that my body is not in shape to do what it needs to do. However, it wasn’t every part of my body that was holding me back.
My arms were working just fine, and if I left it up to my arms, I could run for long distances. Similarly, my eyes and ears and nose were very happy to keep running long after I had to stop.
Surprisingly, even my legs and feet were able to carry be farther than I expected. Yes, my legs – especially my calves – would be tired after running. However, if I left everything up to my legs, I could have kept running longer.
But, my lungs would not allow me to run any longer. My breathing is not where it needs to be to be able to run long distances. Therefore, right now, I’m training my lungs and breathing as much as – and perhaps more than – I’m training my legs.
It is very interesting to me that my lungs are hidden from sight. I can’t see them, and they don’t appear to be very important from an outward perspective. But, unless my breathing capacity increases, I won’t be able to run for long distances.
I could spend hours exercising my legs and arms, my chest and abs, but unless I exercise my lungs, I will not be able to do what I need to do.
This reminded me to two specific passages in Scripture dealing with the church. First, consider this passage from 1 Corinthians:
But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (1 Corinthians 12:18-27 ESV)
It is obvious that every part of the body of Christ is important – even those parts that may be less noticeable and may seem less important. In fact, according to Paul, these parts are even more important than we think because God has given those parts greater honor.
Second, consider this passage from Ephesians 4:
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:11-16 ESV)
According to this passage, the body grows (matures) when every part of the body is allowed to do its own work – when every part of the body is allowed to do what it is designed to do. We are not the same, but we need each other. From the negative perspective, if one part of the body is not “working properly”, then the body will not mature.
In my illustration from running, if I exercise my legs, arms, chest, etc. then those parts of my body will get stronger, but my body as a whole will not. The church is to be concerned with the maturity of the whole body, not just with their own maturity.
There are times when I need to stop exercising before my legs or arms are completely tired in order to allow my lungs to grow in capacity. There are times when those “more presentable” parts of the church should allow the “less presentable” to work, even if the “more presentable” could “do a better job”. Why? Because by allowing the “less presentable” parts to work, then the whole body is allowed to grow in maturity.
By the way, I’ve also found that when I allow my lungs to dictate how much I can run, my legs actually get a good workout. Those of us in the church who are more “noticeable” may (ummm… will) find that even we grow and learn when we allow the “less noticeable” to do the work. In fact, it is worth it to our own growth and the growth of the body for us to shut up occasionally and to encourage others to speak or serve instead – as long as we’re willing to listen and learn from them.