Paul, in this passage, compared the Body of Christ (the church--I think this refers to the local church in practical terms as well as to all believers everywhere) to the human body. The parts are different; each one has a purpose; and all parts must work together. Ideally, this is what the church is and does.
We are warned here to avoid two extremes. One is that of pride in the role God places us; the other is to think that we have nothing to offer other believers. vv. 21-22
All members should care for one another. "if one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad." v. 26 We must be careful to avoid apathy when someone is suffering and jealousy when they are honored or otherwise blessed.
v. 28 lists some of the parts or gifts God has appointed. Obviously we don't all have the same gifts. Paul encourages us in v. 31 to desire the most helpful gifts--this is, those that are most helpful to the Body of Christ.
Psalm 25:6-22
We serve a God of compassion and unfailing love. He has shown this and His mercy from long ago. "Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord." v. 7 The truth is that God indeed WON'T remember our sins against us as believers. They are fully paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ, and the Father sees us as clean!
vv. 8-10 remind us that God will lead us in the way we should go. So many times we don't know what to say, which way to turn, or where to go for help. "The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way." vv. 8,9
"For the honor your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins." v. 11 We must confess our sins regularly in order to stay in fellowship and closeness with God.
"The Lord is a friend to those who fear him." "Fear" here means to honor and reverence. Just think of this--what friend could ever compare with the God of the universe? This thought is worthy of our meditation. What do we expect of a true friend?
- listens
- understands
- gives wise advice
- meets needs
- is not irritated with us
- doesn't get tired of us
- accepts us
- is always available
In vv. 16-22 is David's cry of panic to the Lord.
"Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins...Protect me! Rescue my life from them! Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge...for I put my hope in you."
No comments:
Post a Comment