SOAP 06/09/2016; Ecclesiastes 12:9-10

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 10, 11, 12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5

S) "⁹ In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs. ¹⁰ The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly."

Ecclesiastes 12:9-10 (NASB)

O) Here we see that the Preacher was not content to simply be a wise man, but he sought to teach the knowledge he had gained to other people. There is a key to saying he was looking for delightful words, and also to write the truth of them correctly. In the two verses that follow this, he notes the potential of wise words, but then he also pairs that with a warning about the writing of many books. As important as it is to find a way to present truth correctly, but also to use words that make it accessible and alluring, this is very difficult. A person could spend a literal lifetime, writing books, trying to find new ways to say the same thing, so that people will understand it better. Ultimately, though, the sharing of knowledge for the sake of increasing wisdom, is still a delightful and correct endeavor in its own right.

A) For me, this is more about a way of life, than it is about a calling. I don't think I'll ever write a book, per se, but there are plenty of things I want to teach my children (or anyone else who will listen). My disposition is that of a teacher, and so I want to take what God has given me (the wisdom and knowledge I have, especially about Him), and I want to find delightful words to make the teaching of it more appealing. At the same time, I can never compromise truth, and I must hold fast to Scripture and God's character. Really, this happens with time and relationship. It's hard to teach deep truths in simple ways, because deep truths are complex. I cannot rush things, if I want the words to be both delightful and true.

P) Father, give me the words to speak, Lord. The truth I receive from You is difficult to convey sometimes, but I want to teach it, Father God. You have delightful words, and I know you have the truth. Help me to speak it correctly. Please give me wisdom and patience, that I would not be consumed trying to find the perfect way to say something. Help me to still be a man of action, willing to invest in relationship, and allowing words to come as they will as You give them. Thank You for the grace of the gospel, in all its delight and truth. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/08/2016; Ephesians 4:17-20

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 7, 8, 9; Ephesians 4

S) "¹⁷ So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, ¹⁸ being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; ¹⁹ and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. ²⁰ But you did not learn Christ in this way,"

Ephesians 4:17-20 (NASB)

O) This chapter starts with Paul admonishing us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling (v.1), and the entire chapter is very rich in instruction, meaning, and discipline. Paul continues from these verses, telling us to put on the new self (v.24), but it's worth noting that the Greek word is "anthropos," which simply means "man" and is likely a reference back to the church being the body of Christ (vv.12-16). There was a lot to pull from this chapter, but the reason my focus came upon just the four verses above, and the reason I only highlighted through v.20, is because this part of the paragraph sheds light on purpose on a macro level. Paul starts with the observation that the Ephesians previously walked as the Gentiles walked. They were the people he goes on describing, but they aren't those people any longer. However, apparently, they were being tempted into their old ways. However, Paul keeps the divide clear, and as he describes the Gentile way of walking, he says "their" and "them" because that is not who the Ephesians were any more, if they are truly in Christ, having put on the new man (i.e., in the body of Christ). After giving a brutally honest description of the terrible state of beings apart from Christ, Paul reminds the church again, that they did not learn Christ in this way. That verse holds a very important choice of verb, with regard to becoming a Christian. He said they didn't learn Christ this way. Paul is reminding the church that who they were should not be like who they are. Paul is reminding them that they learned of Christ, but not by observing the way of the world according to Gentiles. They learned of Christ from Paul himself, when he walked with them and talked with them, and led by example, and showed them what it means to be a Christian, and how that is different from their old ways. Paul is reminding the Ephesians, that their behavior is teaching the world something. The only way they could teach the world about Christ, is if they walked as Christ did.

A) The point here, is that my life, my behavior, should identify me as a Christian long before any words could. The point is that my life and behavior should reflect Christ. If me being a Christian hasn't changed how I act, talk, walk, and relate to people, then what's the allure for the world to become a Christian? On the contrary, when my actions reflect Christ, and they stand in stark contrast to ways of the world, then I have something to offer them. There is something for them to learn from me, and by the grace of God, they will see the gospel's effect on my life and they'll be drawn to know more about Christ. They will not learn Christ by me acting like them. But, beyond behavior, what does this mean for me? This goes to a deeper level of motivation. This concept will only really take root, as I focus on glorifying Christ. If my goal is to be morally superior, then I have missed the point entirely. Morally superior is, by definition, moral relativism. That's not something I can offer the world, because they already have that. However, if my goal is the superiority of Christ, then I have something truly unique, truly beautiful, truly valuable, and truly alluring.

P) Father, thank You for the gospel. Thank You for changing me, shaping me, disciplining me to be more and more like Your Son. I pray that the world takes notice, that I am not like them. I pray that the differences between me and the world are never minimized, rationalized, or muted. On the contrary, I pray that they are undeniably caused by Your grace at work upon me. I pray that my walk is irresistibly reflecting Your glory. Let my words, actions, and faith be on plain display, that the world around me might learn something more, something true, something beautiful about Christ. Help me to be bold with my testimony. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/07/2016; Ecclesiastes 5:12

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 4, 5, 6; Psalm 18; Ephesians 3

S) "¹² The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep."

Ecclesiastes 5:12 (NASB)

O) This is very similar to the observation of Ecclesiastes 1:18. There is a certain counterintuitive element to this principle. The temptation is to think if some is good, more is better. However, there is a point of diminishing return. In this sense, we can actually see some of God's purpose and design in this, too. We were created for work, not leisure. But we were also created for pleasure, not automatia. God wants s to enjoy our work. At the same time, this verse reveals humanity's sinful ability to pervert a blessing. In Solomon's case, he may have been suffering from a "greener pasture" kind of envy of the working man. The main point, though, is the warning that when abundance becomes indulgence, it quickly becomes a hindrance. There are two main ways this can happen. In a literal sense, an overstuffed stomach can be quite uncomfortable. Heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, etc., all prevent sleep. Then, there's also a more philosophical angle. That is the issue of existentialism. When a person lacks no material thing, but they only recognize the material reality, and they still find themselves struggling with discontent, then how hopeless they become. What other answer could there be? What have I yet to try? What is the point of searching and trying? Those thoughts will rob their nights of sleep as much as any overeating ever could.

A) This verse reminds me that my contentment (like my joy, peace, and identity), must be found in Christ alone. That is the only way that contentment is sustainable. If I am seeking abundance, I will lose sleep (either from a lack of abundance and striving for it, or because I actually achieve it and it robs me anyway!). If I am seeking contentment in my work directly, then what will I have if work is taken from me? In Christ alone (who certainly calls me to work), I will find contentment and sweet sleep.

P) Father, Your goodness and providence are just too far above me, for me to ever really know. You are altogether majestic and mighty. You are great and wondrous. Thank Yiu for keeping me humble, Lord. Thank You for not giving me every material thing I have wanted. Thank Yiu for making me to work, and giving me purpose for my hands. Open my eyes to see Your plan better, both for me as a human and man, and also for me as Your individual son. May I find sweet sleep for myself after an honest day's work. Let me always be found with thanksgiving on my lips. You're a good, good Father. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/06/2016; Ephesians 2:13-16

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 1, 2, 3; Psalm 45; Ephesians 2

S) "¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, ¹⁵ by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, ¹⁶ and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity."

Ephesians 2:13-16 (NASB)

O) The first note to make, is that this letter is to a Gentile church in Ephesus, and they remained in Ephesus. So, when Paul said they were formerly far off, but brought near by the blood of Christ, he means this relative to nearness to God, when they were formerly far from Him. When Paul writes here, that Christ abolished the enmity, the Law of commandments in ordinances "in His flesh," he is making a reference specifically, then, to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross. So, the enmity, Law, commandments, and ordinances that were abolished, were those related to ceremony, temple worship, and the priesthood. All of those things served to distinguish the Israelites from every other people group on earth, as God's special people, chosen to bless all people through their Messiah. All of those things foreshadowed the coming of the Messiah. When Christ came, and He fulfilled the prophecies and the foreshadow gave way to the light of His revelation. So, when He reconciled all people to God, making them all one body in Christ, to God, there was no longer the need for any distinction between Israelite and Gentile. There was no longer any need for the enmity that divided.

A) When I read a passage like this, I am filled with thanksgiving. It is an immeasurable grace to me, that the gospel was established before I was born. It is more grace that the gospel was preached to me. It is more grace that the Holy Spirit had been drawing me. Grace upon grace, I am thankful to be part of His church. Grace upon grace, I am thankful that I am reconciled to God as part of the body of Christ. It's not exactly that I strictly could not have been saved if I was born 2100 years ago (Gentiles could convert to Judaism), but I was born in such a time, that Jesus cleared away all of the prerequisite Laws. I don't have to be known to belong to God by circumcision, or keeping the Sabbath, or having a kosher diet. Now, I am known as Christ's disciple by my love (see John 13:35). My faith in Him means there are good works that glorify God (v.10).

P) Father, thank You for Your abiding and abounding grace, God! When I read through the Old Testament, and I see what it took to be distinguished as Yours among the nations, I realize just how much grace I have. When I read this passage I see how, and I understand the grace at work in the cross a little more. Help me to remember this grace, and how much has gone into my salvation. Help me remember that I am Yours in Christ. Help me dwell on the reconciliation I have, that though I was far from You, I have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Thank You, Father, for the grace upon grace, at work in my life, even before I was born. Be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/05/2016; Proverbs 30:18-20

Today's reading: Proverbs 30, 31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1

S) "¹⁸ There are three things which are too wonderful for me,
Four which I do not understand:
¹⁹ The way of an eagle in the sky,
The way of a serpent on a rock,
The way of a ship in the middle of the sea,
And the way of a man with a maid.
²⁰ This is the way of an adulterous woman:
She eats and wipes her mouth,
And says, 'I have done no wrong.'"

Proverbs 30:18-20 (NASB)

O) Talk about a mystery within a mystery! I had a little trouble tracking what is meant in some of this, and so I read a popular, historic commentary (Matthew Henry). Keeping the context of v.20 in mind (which is the last verse of this stanza), he viewed vv.18-19 from a context of being discovered. That is, an eagle in the sky cannot be tracked by prints or scent, many of which can move much faster than a man could ride. A serpent on sand or in the grass also leaves tracks, but upon a rock it does not. a ship in the middle of the sea is the same. With the fourth example, Matthew Henry's commentary takes a somewhat more pessimistic turn, making the man a lecher and the maid his victim. That's a possibility, and is hard to "track" such a man in that kind of depravity. While there may be some clue to that meaning in the last verse, I think that may read too far into this than is warranted. There are plenty of classic poems, stories, epics, and songs that try to explain the mysteries of love. The last verse is pretty self-explanatory. The adulterous woman is devious and full of denial.

A) The first thing that struck me about this passage, and the reason I have the first verse marked as instruction, is that this man, this king, this writer of proverbs (Agur, in this chapter) is admitting that some things he doesn't understand. As modern technology, zoology, and telemetry have improved, so have our abilities to understand things like the flight path of eagles, the slithering of snakes, and the navigation of ships. Still, there are a great many things that remain mysteries to even the greatest thinkers of our time. I must remain humble enough to admit when things are beyond my knowledge. Specifically in this passage, the mysteries of romance can be difficult. I am happily married, and I know what the Bible prescribes for happy marriage. If a man came to me for advice on how to apply what the Bible teaches about marriage, I would be well equipped. I know how to communicate well with my wife, and solve problems with my wife. If a man came to me for advice on how to translate that to his own marriage, with his wife, I would be moderately well equipped. If a man came to me for advice on who to date, or how to date, or how to know if he should marry his girlfriend... these topics are getting further and further from my past experience, let alone my current reality. Every relationship is different. Even another marriage, which may be like mine in how the couple feels satisfied with each other and fulfilled and joyful, and seeking to glorify God in their marriage, and great in every respect like my own marriage - the details may still look dramatically different than my own marriage. That other, great, God-honoring marriage will still hold countless mysteries in it, that only those two people understand, just like no one understands my marriage like me and Kristin. I love giving advice, but I must remember to be plain, honest, and humble. I cannot assume that my own experience will translate properly into another man's circumstances.
Also, I must avoid the adulterous woman at all times.

P) Father, thank You for my marriage. There is immeasurable grace at work in it. Thank You for who Kristin is. She is an absolute crown of glory to me. Thank You for who I am, the man and husband You are still making me to be. I want to be the husband that Kristin is glad to have married, in every way. I want to be the kind of man that honors the name of Christ that I bear. Let our marriage always reflect the goodness of the gospel, the reality of Christ and His church, and honor You, Lord. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.