Posts Tagged ‘context’

The Bible in Context: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

Posted: March 14, 2013 in bible, church, faith, Jesus, spirituality, Uncategorized
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Yes! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Powerful verse. Rich theology in a short sentence. An excellent verse that come in handy when we need to pass an exam, buy a luxury car, start a business, or lose weight. But wait a minute……let’s zoom out and look at the preceding verses.

Paul is talking about his financial status and the financial support that has been renewed by the Philippians church. He says that whether they gave to him or not it didn’t matter. He wasn’t rejoicing about this because of his dire need (Philippians 4:11). Paul then goes on to explain that he has learned the secret of contentment. This contentment has come in the best of times and the worst of times. Paul was strengthened by Christ when he was broke and when he was paid (v.12). It was not about changing his circumstances but about the power that Christ gave him to live in any circumstance he found himself in. The power to do all things was the power to deal with all things with contentment.

Contrary to popular belief and usage this verse is not a claim to self interested superhuman ability. It is not a mantra for modern American definitions of success and ambition. No! It is a mantra for contentment. It runs totally against our cultural desire for more and bigger and better. This verse says it doesn’t matter if I have more or bigger or better. Christ is enough and Christ is the best. Christ is all I need. It is a claim to the supernatural strength to endure whatever life throws at you. Whether you win or lose, whether you get the job or don’t get the job, whether you got paper or you’re broke. Don’t just “do you”. Do Christ. He’ll empower you to be content.

Coming soon: My thoughts on the Bible TV series

Strength and honor!

Is it ok for Christians to cuss? pt 2

Posted: June 12, 2012 in bible, culture, faith, spirituality
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Let’s come to an agreement. From what the scriptures say it is wrong to use foul language. Most of us can agree on that. The problem lies in the next question: What is foul language?

I believe the apostle Paul can be a guide here since he dealt with multiple cultures/contexts and wrestled with the gray areas of Christian living. From reading Paul there are three main issues to wrestle with when it comes to foul language:

Context. Being an aficionado of both the spoken and written word helps me understand the fact that language is contextual. The actual letters on the page; the syllables forming in your mouth mean nothing without the context surrounding them. As an apostle to the nations Paul lived by the maxim

I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. (1 Corinthians 9:20-22 ESV)

Calling. Here is where we have to get outside of ourselves and think about others. Our calling determines a lot about where we draw certain boundary lines on certain behavior. Why? Because our calling places us in different contexts which determine the meaning of our language. Obviously cussing in a retirement home would not go over very well. Although being called to South Boston (u saw Good Will Hunting) certain words may be considered appropriate. Being a senior pastor of a church or in politician are also callings where certain speech is out of line.

As an apostle to the nations Paul gave up his rights in order to pursue his calling (1 Corinthians 9:12-18). Many things may not be explicitly wrong but we surrender them to do what is expedient for the good of others and the gospel.

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. (1 Corinthians 10:23 ESV)

Conscience. Finally we get to the heart of the matter. If words are buckets filled and emptied with meaning depending on the context then how do we decide what is a curse word or not? Well Paul gives us some more direction in this matter through the book of Romans:

The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:22, 23 ESV)

In other words, there are certain words that may offend your conscience even if they are appropriate for your context and calling. When it comes to man made words your conscience before God is a major factor in determining the boundaries of your speech. Is this something God has convicted your conscience about?

After all, Is God offended by certain words. I would say no. I have been around people who can tear you down without using the standard cuss words and I believe that is more offensive to God than a young teenage kid who gets a buzz from dropping the F bomb. What do you think?

Stay tuned for part 3 where we will examine biblical passages that may or may not be interpreted as cussing.