I hadn't noticed it until recently, but Paul says something unexpected in the first chapter of Romans. The apostle first introduces himself to the church (1:1), then underscores his theological and spiritual credentials (1:2-7), and expresses his genuine love for the believers in Rome (1:8). Paul longs to see these brothers and sisters, and he … Continue reading The Pursuit of Mutual Encouragement: A Mark of Spiritual Maturity
Age, Humility, and Discipleship
Discipleship, in the words of Mark Dever, is helping another person follow Jesus. Said another way (by Dever): Discipleship is doing deliberate spiritual good to another Christian. Jesus commands Christians to make disciples (Matt 28:18-20), and Christians should count it a privilege to come alongside others to aid them in their walk with the Savior. … Continue reading Age, Humility, and Discipleship
8 Traits of The Sluggard
Over the past several years of my Christian life I have found that regular reading through the Proverbs is an immediately useful practice. For one thing, I am brought face-to-face with the sluggard. As I read and linger over passages that speak of the lazy man, my own heart is exposed and I am convicted of my tendency toward … Continue reading 8 Traits of The Sluggard
"Listening to them and Asking Them Questions": The Humility and Wisdom of Jesus
Jesus, the embodiment of Divine wisdom and the source of all knowledge, sat as a young man among the religious leaders and listened carefully and asked questions (Luke 2:46). In the Incarnation, the eternal Son of God humbled himself and took on the fullness of humanity. What man truly is, Jesus truly is. And as … Continue reading "Listening to them and Asking Them Questions": The Humility and Wisdom of Jesus
Be Careful How You Grieve with Others
Derek Kidner, in his book The Wisdom of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes, makes some helpful observations about Job's friends and why God was angry with their counsel. Kidner's words are a stern reminder to us to proceed very carefully in matters of sympathetic grieving ("weep with those who weep") and counsel. It is possible to dismiss … Continue reading Be Careful How You Grieve with Others
