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
Be Quiet and Listen: A Verse for Seminary Students
Proverbs 18:2 is a verse seminary students (like me) would do well to memorize: "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his own opinion." How easy it is for me to convince myself of my theological expertise, waxing eloquent with friends, explaining things to professors (as if they needed my instruction!) … Continue reading Be Quiet and Listen: A Verse for Seminary Students
Hearing Before we Answer: Thoughts on Proverbs 18:13
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.--Proverbs 18:13 What if I told you that we are not entitled to critique something or someone until we have demonstrated understanding of what we are critiquing? If we took this little rule to heart, it would probably change the way we typically … Continue reading Hearing Before we Answer: Thoughts on Proverbs 18:13
From the Study 