Honor
Messengers, 12 October 2025
15 10 25 Filed in: Sermons | Philippians
Messengers
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
October 12, 2025
Philippians 2:19-30
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: Paul’s friends are godly men of character worthy of honor.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:19-24
Many years ago, my friend—I’ll call him Bill—that’s his name—Bill was working as a physical therapist following years of training and study. A friend asked him to take over the finances of his growing company, becoming the CFO. Bill was so surprised, wondering why this successful entrepreneur would ask him to change careers and manage millions of dollars with no formal training in finance. The man replied, “Because I trust you.”
If you had a business—as some of you do—and you had to give it away to someone who is not related to you, who would you choose? Who do you trust?
Today as we continue our study of the book of Philippians, a short letter written from prison by Paul to a church in modern day Greece, we will be introduced to two people Paul trusted and loved…Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Trust. It takes years to earn and seconds to lose. The Bible introduces us to a wide variety of characters, some wise, others foolish, and some evil. All but Jesus had flaws, yet many were used by God to do great things in His Kingdom leading up to the faith of many here today 2000 years later.
Last Sunday, we looked at a beautiful poem or hymn about Jesus the Messiah and Paul’s encouragement to the Philippians to follow Christ and his example. Now he offers some personal notes about his two friends who are examples of humility, self-sacrifice, and what it means to pick up your cross daily and follow Jesus.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. (Philippians 2:19)
Timothy is mentioned in the first verse of this epistle or short letter, but he’s probably not in prison with Paul as this is written. Paul hopes to send Timothy to Philippi. Notice he doesn’t just hope, he hopes “in the LORD.” He is seeking God’s will above his own. Timothy is a very special person to Paul. They were together when this church was founded. He knows Timothy will be a blessing to the Philippians and that he will return to Paul with news about them.
I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. (Philippians 2:20)
The Greek word for “like him” is rare, meaning “of like mind” or “one who shares the same feelings.” Timothy was Paul’s disciple, and when Timothy speaks, he speaks for Paul.
For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:21)
Is this true? I believe it is generally true. Humans tend to be selfish, which surely inspired Paul to write several verses earlier
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
This is so challenging, yet Jesus modeled this perfectly.
But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. (Philippians 2:22-24)
Timothy did not serve Paul so much as he served in the work of the gospel, the good news that Jesus is LORD.
The Bible is filled with partnerships, from Adam and Eve (after God said it’s not good for man to be alone) to Moses and Aaron to Paul and Timothy here. There’s great, ancient wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes which says,
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
What’s great about Timothy is he doesn’t seek the spotlight, but he’s willing to serve in the second chair, so to speak.
Paul and Timothy worked together traveling throughout the known world, including prison, but Timothy also served as an envoy to churches. Paul wrote two letters directly to Timothy which we have in our Bible…1 and 2 Timothy! In the second, he says,
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)
The next verse is one of my favorites in the entire Bible.
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2)
It’s easy for me to remember the address…2 Timothy 2:2. This is a brilliant vision of discipleship…multiplication …reproduction. How many generations are mentioned? Four! Paul – Timothy – reliable people – others.
You can apply this strategy to any form of mentoring, whether it’s training athletes, passing on special recipes in the kitchen, maintaining family traditions, or educating people in the trades. In this case, though, Paul tells Timothy not to hoard his faith but share it…intentionally…with those who will do the same.
I know this doesn’t sound “fair,” but not everyone is worthy of your time and investment. Jesus loved everyone, but focused his time on twelve disciples and, further, three of his followers—Peter, James, and John—who passed the baton of faith to others who did the same again and again and now 2000 years later, here we are! Who introduced you to Jesus? Who can you introduce to Jesus?
Now Paul turns to his other friend.
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. (Philippians 2:25)
Epaphroditus was a predecessor to a Door Dash driver! He delivered messages and supplies between Paul and the Philippians. He sacrificed to do so.
For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. (Philippians 2:26-27)
Have you ever been near death? We are quick to forget God’s mercy, healing, and answers to prayer. Obviously God sometimes says no or wait, but Paul celebrates the health of his friend.
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. (Philippians 2:28-30)
We are to worship God and honor people. Showing honor not only affirms the person, it shows others what matters, what we value.
So What?
Let’s go back for a moment and look at the character of these two men. Paul says Timothy…
- shows genuine concern for the welfare of others (2:20)
o can this be said of you?
- has proved himself (2:22)
o Are you all talk or do you walk the walk?
- has served in the work of the gospel (2:22)
o This is sharing Jesus in word and deed
o Do you share your faith? Do you share your story? Do you share His story?
o There’s an urban legend that St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.” He did not say that…and if he did, he would need words to say it! The work of the gospel involves words and deeds. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care…but we need both. We need to look after the widow, stranger, and orphan…AND tell them about Jesus.
o We talk about the things we love, which is why you hear me talk about my wife, our kids and g-kids, Dietsch’s ice cream, roller coasters, music…and Jesus. I don’t force any of those things on people. I’m not trying to sell anything. But these are my passions and I want others to experience them. I love introducing new friends to Heather. I love showing photos of my family. One of my favorite things to do is not only eat ice cream but treat others to ice cream. I have a season pass to Cedar Point and the other Six Flags parks that expires December 31, 2026 so if you want to ride coasters, let’s go! I say yes to most every invitation I have to play music. And when it comes to Jesus, I want the world to know they are loved so much that someone died for them. That’s a lot of love! Jesus is the greatest gift, but gifts are not yours until you receive them, accept them. In a world of hatred, anxiety, fear, and division, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is LORD of all and wants to lead your life and mind…if we will get out of the driver’s seat and—as the songs says—let Jesus take the wheel.
Paul calls Epaphroditus a brother, a co-worker, a fellow soldier. He was a faithful messenger who took care of Paul’s needs. I’m sure he had the spiritual gifts of mercy and helps. He was worthy of honor. He was so committed to the work of the gospel he almost died.
It would be incredible for those words to be said of me…are any of us. The great news is we get to choose how we live our lives and it begins with making good choices every day, every hour, every moment.
Paul trusted these faithful men. Much like a man entrusted his life work and business to my friend Bill, Paul entrusted his work in the gospel—the good news—to these men.
Paul’s friends were godly men of character, committed to Jesus, disciple makers, and worthy of honor. Are we?
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
October 12, 2025
Philippians 2:19-30
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: Paul’s friends are godly men of character worthy of honor.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:19-24
Many years ago, my friend—I’ll call him Bill—that’s his name—Bill was working as a physical therapist following years of training and study. A friend asked him to take over the finances of his growing company, becoming the CFO. Bill was so surprised, wondering why this successful entrepreneur would ask him to change careers and manage millions of dollars with no formal training in finance. The man replied, “Because I trust you.”
If you had a business—as some of you do—and you had to give it away to someone who is not related to you, who would you choose? Who do you trust?
Today as we continue our study of the book of Philippians, a short letter written from prison by Paul to a church in modern day Greece, we will be introduced to two people Paul trusted and loved…Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Trust. It takes years to earn and seconds to lose. The Bible introduces us to a wide variety of characters, some wise, others foolish, and some evil. All but Jesus had flaws, yet many were used by God to do great things in His Kingdom leading up to the faith of many here today 2000 years later.
Last Sunday, we looked at a beautiful poem or hymn about Jesus the Messiah and Paul’s encouragement to the Philippians to follow Christ and his example. Now he offers some personal notes about his two friends who are examples of humility, self-sacrifice, and what it means to pick up your cross daily and follow Jesus.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. (Philippians 2:19)
Timothy is mentioned in the first verse of this epistle or short letter, but he’s probably not in prison with Paul as this is written. Paul hopes to send Timothy to Philippi. Notice he doesn’t just hope, he hopes “in the LORD.” He is seeking God’s will above his own. Timothy is a very special person to Paul. They were together when this church was founded. He knows Timothy will be a blessing to the Philippians and that he will return to Paul with news about them.
I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. (Philippians 2:20)
The Greek word for “like him” is rare, meaning “of like mind” or “one who shares the same feelings.” Timothy was Paul’s disciple, and when Timothy speaks, he speaks for Paul.
For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:21)
Is this true? I believe it is generally true. Humans tend to be selfish, which surely inspired Paul to write several verses earlier
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
This is so challenging, yet Jesus modeled this perfectly.
But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. (Philippians 2:22-24)
Timothy did not serve Paul so much as he served in the work of the gospel, the good news that Jesus is LORD.
The Bible is filled with partnerships, from Adam and Eve (after God said it’s not good for man to be alone) to Moses and Aaron to Paul and Timothy here. There’s great, ancient wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes which says,
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
What’s great about Timothy is he doesn’t seek the spotlight, but he’s willing to serve in the second chair, so to speak.
Paul and Timothy worked together traveling throughout the known world, including prison, but Timothy also served as an envoy to churches. Paul wrote two letters directly to Timothy which we have in our Bible…1 and 2 Timothy! In the second, he says,
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)
The next verse is one of my favorites in the entire Bible.
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2)
It’s easy for me to remember the address…2 Timothy 2:2. This is a brilliant vision of discipleship…multiplication …reproduction. How many generations are mentioned? Four! Paul – Timothy – reliable people – others.
You can apply this strategy to any form of mentoring, whether it’s training athletes, passing on special recipes in the kitchen, maintaining family traditions, or educating people in the trades. In this case, though, Paul tells Timothy not to hoard his faith but share it…intentionally…with those who will do the same.
I know this doesn’t sound “fair,” but not everyone is worthy of your time and investment. Jesus loved everyone, but focused his time on twelve disciples and, further, three of his followers—Peter, James, and John—who passed the baton of faith to others who did the same again and again and now 2000 years later, here we are! Who introduced you to Jesus? Who can you introduce to Jesus?
Now Paul turns to his other friend.
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. (Philippians 2:25)
Epaphroditus was a predecessor to a Door Dash driver! He delivered messages and supplies between Paul and the Philippians. He sacrificed to do so.
For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. (Philippians 2:26-27)
Have you ever been near death? We are quick to forget God’s mercy, healing, and answers to prayer. Obviously God sometimes says no or wait, but Paul celebrates the health of his friend.
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. (Philippians 2:28-30)
We are to worship God and honor people. Showing honor not only affirms the person, it shows others what matters, what we value.
So What?
Let’s go back for a moment and look at the character of these two men. Paul says Timothy…
- shows genuine concern for the welfare of others (2:20)
o can this be said of you?
- has proved himself (2:22)
o Are you all talk or do you walk the walk?
- has served in the work of the gospel (2:22)
o This is sharing Jesus in word and deed
o Do you share your faith? Do you share your story? Do you share His story?
o There’s an urban legend that St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.” He did not say that…and if he did, he would need words to say it! The work of the gospel involves words and deeds. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care…but we need both. We need to look after the widow, stranger, and orphan…AND tell them about Jesus.
o We talk about the things we love, which is why you hear me talk about my wife, our kids and g-kids, Dietsch’s ice cream, roller coasters, music…and Jesus. I don’t force any of those things on people. I’m not trying to sell anything. But these are my passions and I want others to experience them. I love introducing new friends to Heather. I love showing photos of my family. One of my favorite things to do is not only eat ice cream but treat others to ice cream. I have a season pass to Cedar Point and the other Six Flags parks that expires December 31, 2026 so if you want to ride coasters, let’s go! I say yes to most every invitation I have to play music. And when it comes to Jesus, I want the world to know they are loved so much that someone died for them. That’s a lot of love! Jesus is the greatest gift, but gifts are not yours until you receive them, accept them. In a world of hatred, anxiety, fear, and division, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is LORD of all and wants to lead your life and mind…if we will get out of the driver’s seat and—as the songs says—let Jesus take the wheel.
Paul calls Epaphroditus a brother, a co-worker, a fellow soldier. He was a faithful messenger who took care of Paul’s needs. I’m sure he had the spiritual gifts of mercy and helps. He was worthy of honor. He was so committed to the work of the gospel he almost died.
It would be incredible for those words to be said of me…are any of us. The great news is we get to choose how we live our lives and it begins with making good choices every day, every hour, every moment.
Paul trusted these faithful men. Much like a man entrusted his life work and business to my friend Bill, Paul entrusted his work in the gospel—the good news—to these men.
Paul’s friends were godly men of character, committed to Jesus, disciple makers, and worthy of honor. Are we?
Family & Love, 22 September 2024`
30 09 24 Filed in: Sermons | Words of Life: Jesus on the Ten Commandments
Family & Love—Commandments 5-6
Words of Life: Jesus on God’s Top 10
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
September 22, 2024
Exodus 20:12-13
Series Big Idea: Jesus had much to say about God’s Top Ten list.
Big Idea: God created the family—along with the government and the Church—and instructs us to value life in all of its forms.
I love design. I’m not necessarily gifted in designing things, but I appreciate good design. Jony Ive designed some iconic products for Apple. IKEA is world-renown for their innovative designs (and manuals that show you how to actually assemble them!). The worlds of fashion, automobiles, architecture, and computer systems are filled with design. The greatest designer, of course, is our Creator God. He not only spoke the universe into existence, He designed three institutions to allow more than 8 billion people to flourish on our planet today—government, the Church, and the family. Tragically, all three are broken because they are filled with sinners. Government is…a mess. The Church has permeated cultures around the world, despite its many splits and scandals.
As we continue our series on Jesus’ response to God’s Top Ten, we’ll see God’s design for the family and life itself.
Jesus summarized the entire Old Testament law with two commands.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
Love God. Love neighbor.
The first four commands deal with loving God.
- No other gods
- No idols
- Don’t misuse God’s name
- Keep the sabbath
Today we are looking at two of the six that deal with loving others: honor parents and don’t murder. Exodus 20 verse 12:
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12)
I realize it may not be politically correct to say this, but it would be biblically correct to say God designed the family such that a man and a woman could make a lifetime commitment to one another through marriage, reproduce, and form a trinitarian unit—dad, mom, child—that resembles the Father, Son, Holy Spirit Trinity.
Because of sin, we have many broken families, dysfunctional families, and alternative families. God had a perfect design and we messed it up, just like we’ve messed up our beautiful planet, our relationship with money, the aforementioned government, and virtually everything else! Choosing to violate a design doesn’t mean the design is flawed. My car is designed to take gasoline. It is my right as the owner of my car to put Dr. Pepper in the gas tank. When my car has issues, it’s not the fault of the car designer or manufacturer, but rather what we call user error.
It's important to note this because family should be a wonderful word denoting safety, flourishing, intimacy, challenge, and growth. Some of you have had this experience, while others have only read about such a reality. If I had a nickel for every time someone has told me about a wayward child or grandchild, an abusive father, an addicted mother,…No family is perfect, but we should never intentionally violate God’s design for it…or anything else. We see the results of disobedience every day.
The context for this and the other nine commandments—not suggestions—is the Jews in the wilderness on a 40-day journey to the Promised Land. In addition to the command to honor parents is a promise. Paul notes this as he echoes the command in the book of Ephesians.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3)
Honor is a word becoming increasingly uncommon in our vocabulary. It seems nothing is sacred or treated with dignity these days (boy I sound old!). Honor means high esteem or high respect. This is how children are to treat their parents. Parents, of course, have responsibilities, too.
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
Too often I see parents being led by the whims and desires of their kids rather than the parents training and disciplining their children to have respect…for them and those in authority. I love sports and the arts, but it seems like some parents promote physical training more than spiritual instruction (kudos to all of you who brought kids with you today! We have great NextGen ministries, not only on Sundays but also throughout the week).
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12)
Jesus certainly obeyed this and the other commandments, but he put it in context.
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 21:37)
Family is important, but it must never become an idol. Your mom, dad, grandparents, or children must never become more important than God.
Heather and I have one living parent between us—my mom—and while we seek to honor her (hi mom!), we can honor our deceased parents through stories, photos, and kind words. No parent is perfect, but there are ways to honor even the most absent or abusive mom or dad, if for no other reason than they are partially responsible for your life.
Speaking of life, the sixth commandment says,
“You shall not murder. (Exodus 20:13)
It’s actually just two words in the original Hebrew, the subject being “ratzach.” This is a command concerning love. Life is precious, in all of its forms. Psalm 139 details how we were known by God in the womb, fearfully and wonderfully made.
The command is not actually “thou shall not kill.” It is acceptable throughout the Bible to kill animals for food. We don’t say “murder” animals because murder is “the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.” There are accidental deaths, wars, and self-defense instances involving death but not murder.
Life is sacred, from the womb to the tomb. It is a gift from God, and while it may seem obvious, murdering another human does not fulfill the command to love your neighbor as yourself!
I’m guessing most of you have not committed murder, but this is not merely a series on the Ten Commandments, but rather Jesus’ view of them. As we will see during these final three weeks, he never “lowered the bar” and made them easier to follow. Instead, he deliberately raised the standard, making perfection impossible and grace indispensable.
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. (Matthew 5:21-22)
Those are Jesus’ words, not mine! “Raca” means empty-headed. A few verses later, he adds,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:43-45)
I think this may be the most challenging teaching in the entire Bible. Love your enemies. Don’t murder them. Don’t hate them. Don’t slander them, gossip about them, spew on social media about them. Love them.
That’s an impossible command…apart from God’s power.
Someone once said forgiveness is easy…until you have someone to forgive!
Loving enemies is easy…until you have an enemy to love. This means Republicans, Democrats, Buckeyes, Wolverines, Haitians, members of the rainbow community, followers of other religions, prison inmates,…
So What?
God created the family—along with the government and the Church—and instructs us to value life in all of its forms. I wonder how different our world would look if we followed God’s design. If every child had a dad and mom, if the murder rate was zero, if parents raised their kids to honor God and others, if life was valued from conception to natural death, if authority was executed appropriately and elders were respected. When we follow the instructions, when we pay attention to the design and designer, things just work. We can rationalize anything, try new things to be “edgy,” or simply live in rebellion against God, but He gets the last word. We will reap what we sow. Judgment Day is real, and it’s coming for each of us. Are you ready?
The good news about this and all of the commandments is that when we fall short, when we miss the mark, when we sin, forgiveness is available through Jesus Christ. That’s why we praise him. He is God and we’re not. He is worthy of our praise. His grace is amazing, His love is steadfast, and His mercies are new every morning. That doesn’t mean we can ignore God’s Top Ten, do what we want, and seek cheap grace. God’s design is for our flourishing. Loving God and loving others as ourselves is the path to true peace, contentment, and satisfaction. Family, let’s love well…for His glory.
Words of Life: Jesus on God’s Top 10
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
September 22, 2024
Exodus 20:12-13
Series Big Idea: Jesus had much to say about God’s Top Ten list.
Big Idea: God created the family—along with the government and the Church—and instructs us to value life in all of its forms.
I love design. I’m not necessarily gifted in designing things, but I appreciate good design. Jony Ive designed some iconic products for Apple. IKEA is world-renown for their innovative designs (and manuals that show you how to actually assemble them!). The worlds of fashion, automobiles, architecture, and computer systems are filled with design. The greatest designer, of course, is our Creator God. He not only spoke the universe into existence, He designed three institutions to allow more than 8 billion people to flourish on our planet today—government, the Church, and the family. Tragically, all three are broken because they are filled with sinners. Government is…a mess. The Church has permeated cultures around the world, despite its many splits and scandals.
As we continue our series on Jesus’ response to God’s Top Ten, we’ll see God’s design for the family and life itself.
Jesus summarized the entire Old Testament law with two commands.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
Love God. Love neighbor.
The first four commands deal with loving God.
- No other gods
- No idols
- Don’t misuse God’s name
- Keep the sabbath
Today we are looking at two of the six that deal with loving others: honor parents and don’t murder. Exodus 20 verse 12:
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12)
I realize it may not be politically correct to say this, but it would be biblically correct to say God designed the family such that a man and a woman could make a lifetime commitment to one another through marriage, reproduce, and form a trinitarian unit—dad, mom, child—that resembles the Father, Son, Holy Spirit Trinity.
Because of sin, we have many broken families, dysfunctional families, and alternative families. God had a perfect design and we messed it up, just like we’ve messed up our beautiful planet, our relationship with money, the aforementioned government, and virtually everything else! Choosing to violate a design doesn’t mean the design is flawed. My car is designed to take gasoline. It is my right as the owner of my car to put Dr. Pepper in the gas tank. When my car has issues, it’s not the fault of the car designer or manufacturer, but rather what we call user error.
It's important to note this because family should be a wonderful word denoting safety, flourishing, intimacy, challenge, and growth. Some of you have had this experience, while others have only read about such a reality. If I had a nickel for every time someone has told me about a wayward child or grandchild, an abusive father, an addicted mother,…No family is perfect, but we should never intentionally violate God’s design for it…or anything else. We see the results of disobedience every day.
The context for this and the other nine commandments—not suggestions—is the Jews in the wilderness on a 40-day journey to the Promised Land. In addition to the command to honor parents is a promise. Paul notes this as he echoes the command in the book of Ephesians.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3)
Honor is a word becoming increasingly uncommon in our vocabulary. It seems nothing is sacred or treated with dignity these days (boy I sound old!). Honor means high esteem or high respect. This is how children are to treat their parents. Parents, of course, have responsibilities, too.
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
Too often I see parents being led by the whims and desires of their kids rather than the parents training and disciplining their children to have respect…for them and those in authority. I love sports and the arts, but it seems like some parents promote physical training more than spiritual instruction (kudos to all of you who brought kids with you today! We have great NextGen ministries, not only on Sundays but also throughout the week).
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12)
Jesus certainly obeyed this and the other commandments, but he put it in context.
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 21:37)
Family is important, but it must never become an idol. Your mom, dad, grandparents, or children must never become more important than God.
Heather and I have one living parent between us—my mom—and while we seek to honor her (hi mom!), we can honor our deceased parents through stories, photos, and kind words. No parent is perfect, but there are ways to honor even the most absent or abusive mom or dad, if for no other reason than they are partially responsible for your life.
Speaking of life, the sixth commandment says,
“You shall not murder. (Exodus 20:13)
It’s actually just two words in the original Hebrew, the subject being “ratzach.” This is a command concerning love. Life is precious, in all of its forms. Psalm 139 details how we were known by God in the womb, fearfully and wonderfully made.
The command is not actually “thou shall not kill.” It is acceptable throughout the Bible to kill animals for food. We don’t say “murder” animals because murder is “the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.” There are accidental deaths, wars, and self-defense instances involving death but not murder.
Life is sacred, from the womb to the tomb. It is a gift from God, and while it may seem obvious, murdering another human does not fulfill the command to love your neighbor as yourself!
I’m guessing most of you have not committed murder, but this is not merely a series on the Ten Commandments, but rather Jesus’ view of them. As we will see during these final three weeks, he never “lowered the bar” and made them easier to follow. Instead, he deliberately raised the standard, making perfection impossible and grace indispensable.
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. (Matthew 5:21-22)
Those are Jesus’ words, not mine! “Raca” means empty-headed. A few verses later, he adds,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:43-45)
I think this may be the most challenging teaching in the entire Bible. Love your enemies. Don’t murder them. Don’t hate them. Don’t slander them, gossip about them, spew on social media about them. Love them.
That’s an impossible command…apart from God’s power.
Someone once said forgiveness is easy…until you have someone to forgive!
Loving enemies is easy…until you have an enemy to love. This means Republicans, Democrats, Buckeyes, Wolverines, Haitians, members of the rainbow community, followers of other religions, prison inmates,…
So What?
God created the family—along with the government and the Church—and instructs us to value life in all of its forms. I wonder how different our world would look if we followed God’s design. If every child had a dad and mom, if the murder rate was zero, if parents raised their kids to honor God and others, if life was valued from conception to natural death, if authority was executed appropriately and elders were respected. When we follow the instructions, when we pay attention to the design and designer, things just work. We can rationalize anything, try new things to be “edgy,” or simply live in rebellion against God, but He gets the last word. We will reap what we sow. Judgment Day is real, and it’s coming for each of us. Are you ready?
The good news about this and all of the commandments is that when we fall short, when we miss the mark, when we sin, forgiveness is available through Jesus Christ. That’s why we praise him. He is God and we’re not. He is worthy of our praise. His grace is amazing, His love is steadfast, and His mercies are new every morning. That doesn’t mean we can ignore God’s Top Ten, do what we want, and seek cheap grace. God’s design is for our flourishing. Loving God and loving others as ourselves is the path to true peace, contentment, and satisfaction. Family, let’s love well…for His glory.
Witness: Woman of Sorrow, 04 January 2015
04 01 15 Filed in: Sermons | Mary Christmas
Big Idea: Mary experienced great joy as a mom…and great sorrow.
Key Scripture: John 2:1-11; Mark 3:20-35; John 19:25
Introduction
Happy 2015! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. The highlight for me was undoubtedly spending nearly a week with our entire family that now resides again in three different states.
Many churches today are talking about the new year, resolutions, goal setting, and ways to have your best life now. I’m deliberately avoiding the temptation for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is my desire to finish what we started with regard to Mary. As I said last Sunday, we can’t just throw her in the attic with the nativity set until next year. While her most significant moment may have been Jesus’ birthday, labor and delivery is the beginning, not the end of motherhood. We looked at Mary the mom last week as she brought Jesus to the temple for dedication where they were blessed by Simeon.
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:33-35)
In full disclosure, I’m not a mom! I’ve never been a mom…and I never plan on becoming a mom! I am, however, a parent. Nothing in life has been more challenging for me—or more rewarding—than being a parent. I’ve experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows. I’ve felt every conceivable emotion and been impacted physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, financially, and relationally by parenting three incredible humans.
I believe love is the reason parenting is so significant. Love involved risk, and the more you risk, the greater the joy and the greater the sorrow. During lunch on New Year’s Day, Heather and I were reflecting on our parenting journey and how it has taken us through tragedy and triumph, horror and happiness. She asked if I’d do it again if I could turn back time and I said absolutely though nothing could prepare me for all of the challenges. Perhaps nothing has shaped me into the man I am today more than being a parent.
Today I want to look at a few final moments in Mary’s motherhood adventure.
The First Miracle
Jesus began His public ministry by making wine. We often miss Mary in this story.
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” (John 2:1-3)
Remember, children were to honor their parents according to the fifth commandment (which I believe is still relevant today!).
“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
(John 2:4)
“Woman” could also be understood as “mother.” “My hour” was a reference to the crucifixion. Note Jesus does nothing until Mary directs the servants to obey Him.
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” (John 2:5-10)
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11)
This wedding began a public shift in Mary’s life. Imagine her joy! Talk about a proud mama! She would learn to be obedient to her Son. He was the One before whom she was to have no other gods. Honoring God meant following her own Son while surrendering her own honor.
Scot McKnight says, “If Jesus alone knew God’s will, then the only ones who knew God’s will were the ones to whom Jesus revealed that will. For Mary to know and do God’s will, she would have to follow Jesus. Her honor would have to surrender to his honor. Jesus’ words were subtle, and they pierced Mary’s heart. She would have to allow her son to become her Lord. This interchange between Mary and Jesus is nothing short of stunning…Because Mary directed the servants to do as Jesus said and because the servants obeyed, Jesus converted six thirty-gallon jars of water into the best wine yet served at that wedding.”
This was only the beginning.
Abandonment?
Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” (Mark 3:20-21)
Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”
“Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:31-35)
“Thanks a lot, Son! Your mission is more important than your mom?!” Was this the sword Simeon said would pierce Mary’s heart?
Sometimes honoring God and honoring your father and mother come into conflict with one another. Of course, in our western culture, honor is a word rarely spoken. We focus on our own rights rather than selflessly honoring others. The Jewish priorities were God, parents, family, society…and lastly one’s self.
Mary and her other children were ambivalent about Jesus, perhaps much of the time. They expected the Messiah to be a prophet like Moses, like ancient prophets, a descendant of David, and a reigning King combining the glory of David with the wisdom of Solomon. He would be powerful, ruling over all governments and peoples. He would restore Israel, establish peace, righteousness, and holiness.
Jesus didn’t fit their expectations…and the most unimaginable was yet to come.
The Cross
I have heard the worst experience on earth is losing a child. I was reminded of this a few days ago as I heard the wails of a grieving mom whose child died. My mind raced to Mary’s agony watching her Son die. She not only witnessed the loss of her Son, but also her Savior, her Messiah, her hope.
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. (John 19:25)
About fifty percent of the first century Jewish women were named Mary!
She was near the cross (all of the males fled except for John!). She saw it all. She remained faithful to Him. A sword pierced the side of Jesus…as Mary’s heart was pierced.
Anglican poet G.A. Studdert Kennedy said:
She claims no crown from Christ apart,
Who gave God life and limb,
She only claims a broken heart,
Because of Him.
Are you near the cross? Has your heart been pierced?
The Rest of the Story
Mary does not vanish at Calvary. In the Upper Room following Jesus’ ascension into heaven we are told of the early followers of Jesus.
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:14)
She no doubt had a tremendous role in the early church, including the telling of stories that we now read in the Gospel biographies of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. She was an eyewitness to His birth, life and death.
One More Appearance?
Mary may appear one final time in the Bible…in Revelation 12. Look it up! It may refer to Mary and/or the People of God and/or Israel and/or the Church.
So What?
May surrendered to her Son. Family is important, but obeying and glorifying God the Father is most important. We are to love our children and honor our parents, but even family can become an idol, a god.
Jesus revealed a new family in which His brothers and sisters and mother are those who do God’s will.
Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:34-35)
Mary is not a perfect example, but a real example of someone who trusted God and surrendered to His will, a real human with a real faith in the real world.
“Do whatever He tells you” is the motto and mantra of Jesus’ family.
For Further Study
The Real Mary by Scot McKnight
You can listen to this message and others at the Scio podcast here. You can also subscribe to our podcast here.
Key Scripture: John 2:1-11; Mark 3:20-35; John 19:25
Introduction
Happy 2015! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. The highlight for me was undoubtedly spending nearly a week with our entire family that now resides again in three different states.
Many churches today are talking about the new year, resolutions, goal setting, and ways to have your best life now. I’m deliberately avoiding the temptation for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is my desire to finish what we started with regard to Mary. As I said last Sunday, we can’t just throw her in the attic with the nativity set until next year. While her most significant moment may have been Jesus’ birthday, labor and delivery is the beginning, not the end of motherhood. We looked at Mary the mom last week as she brought Jesus to the temple for dedication where they were blessed by Simeon.
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:33-35)
In full disclosure, I’m not a mom! I’ve never been a mom…and I never plan on becoming a mom! I am, however, a parent. Nothing in life has been more challenging for me—or more rewarding—than being a parent. I’ve experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows. I’ve felt every conceivable emotion and been impacted physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, financially, and relationally by parenting three incredible humans.
I believe love is the reason parenting is so significant. Love involved risk, and the more you risk, the greater the joy and the greater the sorrow. During lunch on New Year’s Day, Heather and I were reflecting on our parenting journey and how it has taken us through tragedy and triumph, horror and happiness. She asked if I’d do it again if I could turn back time and I said absolutely though nothing could prepare me for all of the challenges. Perhaps nothing has shaped me into the man I am today more than being a parent.
Today I want to look at a few final moments in Mary’s motherhood adventure.
The First Miracle
Jesus began His public ministry by making wine. We often miss Mary in this story.
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” (John 2:1-3)
Remember, children were to honor their parents according to the fifth commandment (which I believe is still relevant today!).
“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
(John 2:4)
“Woman” could also be understood as “mother.” “My hour” was a reference to the crucifixion. Note Jesus does nothing until Mary directs the servants to obey Him.
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” (John 2:5-10)
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11)
This wedding began a public shift in Mary’s life. Imagine her joy! Talk about a proud mama! She would learn to be obedient to her Son. He was the One before whom she was to have no other gods. Honoring God meant following her own Son while surrendering her own honor.
Scot McKnight says, “If Jesus alone knew God’s will, then the only ones who knew God’s will were the ones to whom Jesus revealed that will. For Mary to know and do God’s will, she would have to follow Jesus. Her honor would have to surrender to his honor. Jesus’ words were subtle, and they pierced Mary’s heart. She would have to allow her son to become her Lord. This interchange between Mary and Jesus is nothing short of stunning…Because Mary directed the servants to do as Jesus said and because the servants obeyed, Jesus converted six thirty-gallon jars of water into the best wine yet served at that wedding.”
This was only the beginning.
Abandonment?
Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” (Mark 3:20-21)
Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”
“Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:31-35)
“Thanks a lot, Son! Your mission is more important than your mom?!” Was this the sword Simeon said would pierce Mary’s heart?
Sometimes honoring God and honoring your father and mother come into conflict with one another. Of course, in our western culture, honor is a word rarely spoken. We focus on our own rights rather than selflessly honoring others. The Jewish priorities were God, parents, family, society…and lastly one’s self.
Mary and her other children were ambivalent about Jesus, perhaps much of the time. They expected the Messiah to be a prophet like Moses, like ancient prophets, a descendant of David, and a reigning King combining the glory of David with the wisdom of Solomon. He would be powerful, ruling over all governments and peoples. He would restore Israel, establish peace, righteousness, and holiness.
Jesus didn’t fit their expectations…and the most unimaginable was yet to come.
The Cross
I have heard the worst experience on earth is losing a child. I was reminded of this a few days ago as I heard the wails of a grieving mom whose child died. My mind raced to Mary’s agony watching her Son die. She not only witnessed the loss of her Son, but also her Savior, her Messiah, her hope.
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. (John 19:25)
About fifty percent of the first century Jewish women were named Mary!
She was near the cross (all of the males fled except for John!). She saw it all. She remained faithful to Him. A sword pierced the side of Jesus…as Mary’s heart was pierced.
Anglican poet G.A. Studdert Kennedy said:
She claims no crown from Christ apart,
Who gave God life and limb,
She only claims a broken heart,
Because of Him.
Are you near the cross? Has your heart been pierced?
The Rest of the Story
Mary does not vanish at Calvary. In the Upper Room following Jesus’ ascension into heaven we are told of the early followers of Jesus.
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:14)
She no doubt had a tremendous role in the early church, including the telling of stories that we now read in the Gospel biographies of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. She was an eyewitness to His birth, life and death.
One More Appearance?
Mary may appear one final time in the Bible…in Revelation 12. Look it up! It may refer to Mary and/or the People of God and/or Israel and/or the Church.
So What?
May surrendered to her Son. Family is important, but obeying and glorifying God the Father is most important. We are to love our children and honor our parents, but even family can become an idol, a god.
Jesus revealed a new family in which His brothers and sisters and mother are those who do God’s will.
Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:34-35)
Mary is not a perfect example, but a real example of someone who trusted God and surrendered to His will, a real human with a real faith in the real world.
“Do whatever He tells you” is the motto and mantra of Jesus’ family.
For Further Study
The Real Mary by Scot McKnight
You can listen to this message and others at the Scio podcast here. You can also subscribe to our podcast here.