Category: Books of the Bible

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Praying in the Spirit

Summary of a short devotional I gave, based on Romans 8:26-27. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto (Family Camp) on July 5, 2024.

In Romans 8:26-27, the Apostle Paul provides a profound insight into the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He writes, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27, ESV).

This passage, while comforting, has often been misinterpreted and misused by some within the church. During my time as a young adult attending a Filipino church meeting, I witnessed what was described as “praying in the Spirit.” People claimed they were being moved by the Holy Spirit in ways that seemed, to say the least, unbiblical. I’ve even heard of extremes like the “Toronto Blessing,” where people exhibited bizarre behaviors such as “barking in the Spirit” or being “drunk in the Spirit.” Sadly, Romans 8:26 is sometimes cited to justify these actions.

The phrase “For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” has been taken out of context to support ideas and practices that stray far from biblical teaching. To understand what Paul truly means here, we need to apply a crucial principle of biblical interpretation: context.

When interpreting Scripture, context is everything. Paul begins verse 26 with “Likewise,” signaling that he is continuing a thought from earlier verses. To grasp the meaning of Romans 8:26-27, we must look back to verses 18-19, where Paul writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.”

The context here is suffering—the suffering we endure in this present age. Paul is addressing the tension between the “already” and the “not yet” of God’s kingdom. We are in a period of waiting, much like the time between D-Day on June 6, 1944, and VE Day on May 8, 1945, during World War II. The victory has been secured through Christ’s death and resurrection, but we are still living in a world where sin and its consequences—death, destruction, and sorrow—remain.

This is the “sufferings of this present time” that Paul speaks of in verse 18. Because of these sufferings, all creation groans, as Paul describes in verses 22-23: “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”

We are groaning along with creation, yearning for the full realization of our redemption. It is within this context of suffering and anticipation that Paul introduces the work of the Holy Spirit in verses 26-27. The Spirit is not compelling us to speak in unintelligible tongues or engage in chaotic behavior. Rather, the Spirit is interceding for us in our weakness, empathizing with our suffering, and expressing to the Father what we cannot put into words.

One theologian captures this beautifully: “We can be assured that even prayers marked by our finitude, ignorance, and imperfection are amplified, purified, and intensified as the Spirit identifies with and goes to bat for the believer struggling, and perhaps groaning, in prayer.” The Holy Spirit, who knows our hearts and understands our struggles, steps in to intercede on our behalf, aligning our prayers with God’s will.

Paul offers further encouragement in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

These verses remind us that our present suffering is temporary and that it is preparing us for something far greater—a glory that will be revealed in us. While we wait, the Holy Spirit is our comforter and intercessor, helping us in our weakness and ensuring that our prayers are heard and answered according to God’s perfect will.

In conclusion, Romans 8:26-27 is a passage of immense hope and reassurance. It teaches us that in the midst of our suffering and in our moments of weakness, the Holy Spirit is with us, praying for us, and guiding us. Our groanings and struggles are not ignored; they are transformed by the Spirit into prayers that reach the heart of God. This is not a call to chaotic spiritual experiences but an invitation to trust in the Spirit’s quiet, powerful work in our lives as we await the fullness of our redemption.

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The Widow’s Son

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 7:11-16. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on June 16, 2024.

In our journey through the Gospel of Luke, we’ve been exploring a series of messages that reveal the heart of Jesus and the principles of His Kingdom. These teachings, often referred to as the “Upside-Down Kingdom,” challenge the world’s expectations, flipping conventional wisdom on its head. Jesus’ sermon on the plain, which echoes the more famous Sermon on the Mount, is filled with teachings that call us to live in ways that seem contrary to our natural inclinations—blessing the poor, loving our enemies, and turning the other cheek.

This theme of an upside-down Kingdom is not just limited to His teachings but is also vividly demonstrated in His interactions with those who were often considered outsiders. One such instance occurs in Luke 7:1-10, where Jesus encounters a Roman centurion seeking healing for his servant. The centurion, a representative of the very empire oppressing the Jews, demonstrates a faith that amazes even Jesus. This story sets the stage for the next encounter, which takes place in a small, insignificant village called Nain.

The Village of Nain: A Scene of Sorrow

In Luke 7:11-12, we find Jesus entering Nain, a small village about 10 kilometers southeast of Nazareth. This village was so small that it likely had only a few hundred inhabitants. Jesus, perhaps just passing through, encounters a funeral procession at the town gate. The scene is one of profound sorrow: a widow is burying her only son. The text emphasizes her plight, saying, “As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her” (Luke 7:12, ESV).

This verse is often considered one of the most tragic in the Bible. The loss of a child is a sorrow that few can comprehend, and for this widow, the pain is compounded by the fact that she has already buried her husband. In the ancient world, a woman without a husband or son would face economic destitution, relying entirely on male relatives for her livelihood. This widow, now bereft of both her husband and her only son, faces an uncertain and bleak future.

The Compassion of Jesus

As the funeral procession moves forward, Jesus sees the widow and is moved with compassion. Luke 7:13-15 records, “And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’ And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother” (ESV).

What is striking about this passage is how focused Jesus is on the widow. Despite the considerable crowd and the commotion of the funeral, Jesus zeroes in on her suffering. He doesn’t just observe; He acts. His compassion moves Him to intervene in a way that changes everything for this woman. In the grand scheme of Jesus’ mission, one might wonder what difference this miracle made. But this is precisely the point—Jesus’ ministry is not just about grand, world-changing events; it’s also about the individual, the marginalized, and the forgotten.

Jesus’ actions in Nain remind us that He is deeply compassionate, entering into our grief and suffering. This compassion is not just a response to the widow’s sorrow but a reflection of the Father’s heart. Jesus makes it clear that His actions are a direct expression of the Father’s will, saying in John 14:9-10, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?” (ESV).

Our Confidence in Christ’s Compassion

The compassion of Christ is a source of immense comfort for us. He understands our pain, and because of this, we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He will meet us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 encourages us with these words: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (ESV).

This assurance is beautifully captured in Matthew 11:28-29, where Jesus invites us, saying, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (ESV).

As we reflect on the compassion of Christ, especially on a day like Father’s Day, we are reminded that this compassion is a reflection of the Father’s love for us. Psalm 103:13-14 declares, “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust” (ESV).

May we, in turn, be moved by this same compassion in our own lives, reaching out to those who are hurting, just as Jesus did.

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The Centurion’s Servant

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 7:1-10. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on May 19, 2024.

In a recent incident from Rochester, New York, a District Attorney named Sandra Doorley found herself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. While driving 55 miles per hour in a 35-mile zone, Doorley was pulled over by a police officer. However, instead of stopping, she continued driving until she reached her home, where the officer confronted her. Doorley, known for her role as a government lawyer prosecuting crimes, refused to comply with the officer’s orders. The situation escalated when she called the town’s police chief, further complicating matters.

This incident quickly sparked controversy, with local and state officials expressing concern over Doorley’s behavior. Her actions were widely criticized as a potential abuse of authority, a stark reminder of how power can sometimes lead to a sense of entitlement. In moments like these, one might ask, “Do you know who I am?” This question, often associated with those in positions of power, serves as a fitting backdrop for the scripture passage we’ll explore today.

As we delve into the Gospel of Luke, we begin a new sermon series here at GCF Toronto, focusing on the concept of the “Upside Down Kingdom.” Previously, we examined Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, where He taught about living and acting as His disciples. In this sermon, Jesus flipped the world’s expectations upside down: the poor are blessed, enemies are to be loved, and when struck, we are to turn the other cheek. These teachings introduced us to the idea of the “Upside Down Kingdom,” where conventional wisdom is turned on its head.

Today, we see this principle in action as Jesus interacts with those who would typically be considered outsiders. Our story begins with an unusual outsider—a Roman Centurion.

Luke 7:1–2 introduces us to this Centurion: “After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.” The Centurion, a Roman officer in charge of about 100 soldiers, was a figure of authority and power. In our modern context, this might seem insignificant, but in the ancient world, his position was one of considerable influence.

At the peak of the Roman Empire, the army was dispersed across vast territories, and officers like the Centurion had not only military command but also administrative authority over the areas they were stationed. This Centurion, stationed in Capernaum, had developed a strong relationship with the Jewish elders in the region, which becomes evident in their plea to Jesus.

Luke 7:3–5 tells us, “When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, ‘He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.'” The fact that these Jewish elders advocated for a Roman officer, despite their general resentment toward the Romans, speaks volumes about the Centurion’s character.

But even more telling is the Centurion’s attitude toward his dying servant. In Luke 7:2–3, we learn that the Centurion’s servant, better understood as his slave (δοῦλος in Greek), was highly valued by him. The term “valued” here is translated from ἔντιμος, meaning highly regarded, honored, or respected. This wasn’t just any slave; this was someone the Centurion deeply cared for, enough to seek out Jesus for healing.

The Centurion’s desperation reminds me of the story of Andy Kaufman, a comedian who, after being diagnosed with lung cancer, sought out various treatments in vain. His desperation led him to the Philippines, where he sought a fake “psychic surgeon” in a last-ditch effort to be cured. This desperate search for healing mirrors the Centurion’s own situation. However, unlike Kaufman, the Centurion sought out someone real—Jesus, who has the power over life and death.

As Jesus approaches the Centurion’s home, something remarkable happens. In Luke 7:6–7, we read, “And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, ‘Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.'” The Centurion, despite his authority, recognizes his unworthiness before Jesus. He understands that Jesus doesn’t even need to be physically present to heal his servant.

In Luke 7:8, the Centurion explains, “For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” The Centurion’s understanding of authority allows him to grasp something that even Jesus’ closest followers had not yet fully understood—Jesus’ authority transcends physical presence.

Jesus is so impressed by the Centurion’s faith that He declares in Luke 7:9, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” The Centurion, a Gentile and Roman officer, demonstrates a faith that surpasses even that of the people of Israel.

This Centurion knew who he truly was in the presence of Jesus, and this recognition led him to a profound faith. In contrast to the earlier story of Sandra Doorley, who relied on her position of power, the Centurion humbled himself before the true authority of Christ.

As we reflect on this passage, let us remember who we are in Christ. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” In Christ, we find our true identity, one that is not based on our own authority or accomplishments, but on His grace and power.

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Building on a Firm Foundation

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 6:46-49. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on May 12, 2024.

In celebration of Jungee Marcelo’s 60th birthday, we were reminded of his incredible contributions to music and faith. His song, “Sa Yahweh Ang Sayaw” (translated as “To God Be the Dance”), resonates with the theme of our message today—the importance of obedience to God, the true foundation of our lives.

In our journey through Luke 6:17-49, we’ve explored some of Jesus’ most challenging teachings. From the surprising blessings and woes to the command to love our enemies, Jesus continually calls us to a higher standard of living—one rooted not in worldly success but in spiritual obedience. As we conclude our series on the Sermon on the Plain, we turn our attention to Jesus’ final parable in this passage, one that asks a probing question: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46, ESV).

This question, which might seem simple at first glance, carries profound implications. The repetition of “Lord” indicates a claim of intimacy with Jesus, much like how God called Abraham, Moses, and others by name in moments of deep connection. Yet, Jesus questions the authenticity of this intimacy when it is not accompanied by obedience. It’s a sobering reminder that knowing about Jesus or even acknowledging Him as Lord is not enough—our actions must reflect our professed faith.

In Matthew’s version of this sermon, Jesus expands on this thought: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21, ESV). Here, Jesus highlights the distinction between mere acknowledgment and true discipleship. It’s possible to perform impressive religious acts—prophesying, casting out demons, doing mighty works—and still be unknown to Jesus if those acts are not rooted in genuine obedience to God’s will.

This can be unsettling, especially in a world where external success often masks internal emptiness. But Jesus makes it clear that obedience to God is the true measure of our discipleship. As 1 John 2:3-4 states, “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says ‘I know him’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (ESV). Our actions reveal the reality of our relationship with Jesus.

This brings us to the heart of Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6:47-49, where He contrasts two builders—one who builds on a firm foundation and another who does not. The one who builds on the rock represents those who not only hear Jesus’ words but also put them into practice. When life’s storms come, this house stands strong because it is anchored in obedience to God’s Word. In contrast, the house built without a foundation collapses when trials strike, illustrating the futility of a life that hears God’s Word but fails to act on it.

The importance of a solid foundation cannot be overstated. Just as the infamous Millennium Tower in San Francisco sank and tilted due to its unstable foundation, our lives, too, can crumble if they are not built on the solid rock of Jesus’ teachings. The floods of life—whether they be illness, loss, or betrayal—will come, but those who have built their lives on the firm foundation of obedience to God will endure.

It’s crucial to understand that this firm foundation is not just about intellectual agreement with Jesus’ teachings. It’s about living them out daily. Ephesians 2:19-20 describes our faith as being “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” (ESV). Jesus is indeed the cornerstone, the essential first stone laid in the foundation of our faith. But this foundation also includes the teachings of the apostles and prophets—God’s Word, which instructs us in righteous living.

On this Mother’s Day, let’s remember the vital role that biblical instruction plays in our lives. Proverbs 1:8-9 encourages us to “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck” (ESV). Mothers, in particular, are often the first to impart God’s wisdom and teachings to their children, laying the groundwork for a life built on a firm foundation.

In conclusion, the call to obedience is not just about avoiding the storms of life but about ensuring that when those storms come, we stand firm in our faith. As Jesus said, “Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock” (Luke 6:47-48, ESV). Let us be those who not only hear but also do, building our lives on the rock of Jesus’ teachings.

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Biblical Discipleship

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 6:37-45. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on April 21, 2024.

In today’s world, we often encounter a concept known as “Self-Authorizing Morality.” This mindset places personal choice and freedom as the ultimate good, dismissing traditional religion and its moral frameworks as outdated or oppressive. This shift is so pervasive that it has even penetrated areas traditionally considered bastions of Christian values, like small towns in the American Bible Belt.

This cultural change becomes evident when we consider how the most popular Bible verses have shifted over the years. Not long ago, if you asked someone to quote a Bible verse, they might have mentioned John 3:16, a verse known to many as a concise summary of the Christian message. However, today, a different verse seems to have taken center stage: “Judge not, and you will not be judged” (Luke 6:37, ESV). This verse is often used to shut down any attempt at correction or moral guidance, aligning perfectly with the rise of Self-Authorizing Morality.

However, to understand what Jesus meant in Luke 6:37, we must place this verse in its broader biblical context. The Bible does indeed encourage us to exercise judgment, not in a condemnatory way, but in a discerning manner. For example, Philippians 4:8 instructs us to focus on things that are true, honorable, and commendable. How could we do this without exercising judgment? Similarly, 2 Timothy 3:1–5 warns us to avoid people who exhibit certain negative behaviors. Again, this requires discernment, or judgment.

So, why does Jesus say, “Judge not”? The answer lies in the context of mercy. The preceding verses in Luke 6:27–36 emphasize loving our enemies, doing good to those who hate us, and being merciful, just as our Father is merciful. When Jesus says, “Judge not, and you will not be judged,” He is teaching us how to show mercy. This does not mean we ignore wrongdoing or fail to discern right from wrong; rather, it means that our response to others’ faults should be marked by mercy and not by a harsh, condemning spirit.

In the words of New Testament scholar Darrell Bock, “What is commanded is an attitude that is hesitant to condemn and quick to forgive.” We are called to exercise judgment, but our judgment should be tempered by mercy, reflecting God’s mercy towards us. As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:14–15, “Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”

Jesus reinforces this message of mercy with a call to generosity in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” This echoes His earlier teaching in Luke 6:30, “Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.” Jesus urges us to adopt a radical generosity, grounded in the assurance of a heavenly reward, as Paul encourages us in Colossians 3:1–3 to set our minds on things above, where Christ is seated.

As Jesus concludes His teaching in this passage, He turns to the application of these principles in discipleship. Luke 6:39–40 tells us, “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of choosing our teachers carefully. Disciples not only learn from their teachers but also emulate them, so it is crucial to follow teachers who embody godly wisdom and truth.

Jesus also warns against hypocrisy in Luke 6:41–42: “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.” This passage is often misused to avoid correction altogether, but the real message is that we must first address our own shortcomings before helping others with theirs.

Finally, Jesus teaches us to guard our hearts, as the condition of our hearts will be evident in our actions and words. Luke 6:43–45 explains, “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit… The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

In summary, Jesus calls us to exercise judgment with mercy, choose our teachers wisely, address our own issues before correcting others, and guard our hearts diligently. By doing so, we reflect the character of God in our lives and relationships, fulfilling our calling as His disciples.