Bible Reflections for September, 2006
NOTE: The passages for each week are ordinarily the scripture texts that will
be the focal text of that Sunday's sermon.
Text for:
Sunday, September 10
Read: James 2:1-10, 14-17
Consider: James urges the early church to put aside the distinctions that the
world uses to value some people more than others but rather to show no
partiality between rich and poor. The "royal law" -- You shall love your
neighbor as yourself" -- requires a indiscriminate love that does not show
favoritism to one type of neighbor or another. All are to be honored with
love. And love translates into works, without which faith is incomplete (or
"dead," James says). A complete faith encompasses both believing/trusting on
the one hand, and doing the works of faith on the other. It needs both hands.
Reflect:
+ In what ways do the world's distinctions sometimes creep into the life of
the church?
+ Why are we tempted to think that the rich and successful somehow have
"better connections" with God? Does the "gospel of wealth and success" that
some preach ("believe...and succeed) reflect worldly standards rather than
faith standards?
+ How do you try to keep your faith "holistic"-- that is, an integration of
believing and doing. How do you nurture your faith? And in what ways do you
do the works of faith? Does one or the other come more easily. more naturally for you?
Sunday, September 17
Read: Mark 8:27-38
Consider: Jesus asks his disciples who people think him to be and they report
responses they have heard: John the Baptist, Elijah returned, one of the
prophets. Then Jesus poses the critical question of faith: What about you?
What do you say? Here is where Jesus pushes the disciples beyond speculation
to commitment. Peter is the disciple who speaks out first and foremost, right
in character, but it become painfully obvious that Peter does not yet know
what it means to call Jesus "the Christ" ("the Messiah"). Peter is using
human criteria to define Jesus' role, criteria which do not allow for a
suffering savior. Discipleship too, Jesus says, is not about securing life
but losing life in a greater purpose; it is not about gain, measured in
worldly terms, but about the loss of self-obsession. After all, one can "gain
the whole world" and yet "forfeit their life."
Reflect:
+ In what ways do you proclaim your faith in Jesus as the Messiah? How do
people know "who you say Jesus is"
+ Why is it that only a suffering messiah can save or heal or transform us?
Why wouldn't a "teflon messiah" (untouched by human misery) work?
+ What do the words "deny one's self" and "take up one's cross" mean to you?
How do you distinguish "self-denial" from " self-devaluation" and "taking up
your cross" from having an unhealthy need to punish one's self?
+ In what ways are we tempted to "gain the world" at the forfeiture of our
life?
Sunday, September 24
Read: Mark 9:30-37
Consider: Jesus' disciples just don't seem to "get it." Jesus speaks of his
coming death but they are models of denial, afraid to ask what he might mean.
They may be beginning to suspect "this is not what we signed up for!" Then
along the way an argument breaks out among them; Jesus knows but they are
ashamed to admit that they have been bickering over which is :"greatest."
Jesus puts a child in their midst--and remember, in that society a child was
a "nobody," regarded with little honor or respect. Welcoming the
disenfranchised of the world is the way to spiritual "greatness" and the way
of service is the way of God's kingdom.
Reflect:
+ Do you sometimes practice "denial" when you fear facing the facts? What
kinds of things are you tempted to deny?
+ What does it mean to have "status" in the kingdom of God?
+ In what ways has a child or children ministered to you? What insights have
you gained from children? How can we best honor children?
Sunday, October 1
Read: Mark 9:38-50
Consider: Jesus gives his disciples some lessons on discipleship. First,
don't assume all disciples have to be like you and "do it your way" and be
part of your group. There is diversity in discipleship, as long as the other
is not "against us." Second, new believers and disciples who are young in
their faith need to be treated with special consideration; don't make
unreasonable demands of the spiritual "beginner." Finally, discipleship calls
for stringent discipline; some things may need to be "cut out" of life that
interfere with being servants of the kingdom of God.
Reflect:
+ Where do you see yourself on the road of discipleship? In the early stages
of the journey? Well along? Temporarily detoured or lost? With a spirit of
adventure?...or weariness?...hope?...or doubt?
+ Do you find it easy or challenging to accept those who express their faith
and service in significantly different ways than you do?
+ How do you try to bring discipline to your faith? What practices strengthen
your faith? What things have you found you need to "cut off" or "cut out" to
be faithful? Are there still things that "cause you to stumble"
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