Scripture:
Romans 12:9, 10, 13
Wed, 3 May 2023

Loving One Another Within the Church (1)

Observation:

According to verses 10 and 13, what would a church that is acting in love
together look like?

Deeper Reflection
Our genuine love is to be directed, next, towards other Christians. In verse 10a, the Greek word philostorgos (ESV: “love”; NASB: “be devoted to”) typically describes parental love, while philadelphia (ESV: “brotherly affection”; NASB: “brotherly love”) designates love between siblings. Both words originally denote familial blood relationships, but Paul applies them here to the mutual affection within God’s family.10Paul also exhorts us in verse 10b to show mutual honour, giving credit to others over ourselves. This may mean either to “take the lead in honoring one another” (CSB), or to “give preference to one another in honor” (NASB).11 Elsewhere, Paul instructs Christians to “in humility consider others as more important than yourselves” (Phil 2:3b CSB; “count others more significant than yourselves”, ESV).Generosity moves us to “share with God’s people who are in need” (v.13a, NIV). Indeed, the Jerusalem church “had all things in common” and believers willingly sold private possessions and distributed the proceeds to all “as any had need”12. The church in Antioch also gave, “everyone according to his ability”, to the needs of believers in Judea.13Hospitality ministers to visitors. In verse 13b, “to show hospitality” is translated from the Greek word philoxenia, literally “love of strangers”. As inns were few in Paul’s time, it was crucial for believers to open their homes to travelling visitors, especially Christian missionaries, providing food and shelter without charge. Christians must pursue hospitality – gladly, not grudgingly (as may have sometimes occurred, see 1 Pet 4:9).14When we practise mutual affection, mutual honour, generosity and hospitality within the church, we are acting in love together as one family in God.
10 John R. W. Stott, The Message of Romans: God’s Good News for the World, The Bible Speaks Today (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001), 331 11 This exhortation, in its original language, can be read either way, both correctly. 12 Acts 2:44-45; also 4:32, 34-37. 13 Acts 11:27-30. 14 John R. W. Stott, The Message of Romans: God’s Good News for the World, The Bible Speaks Today (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001), 332; also Moo, The Epistle to the Romans, 779-780.
Application:

In what ways do I need to grow in showing affection, honour, generosity and
hospitality to fellow Christians?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for the Generations: To show mutual affection and honour, and genuine generosity and hospitality, in relating with one another and sharing our lives across generations
  • Pray for self
 

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
John 20:19-21; Luke 4:14-21
Mon, 2 October 2023

Sent by the Lord

Observation:

What is the analogy that Jesus used in sending forth His disciples (v.21)?

Deeper Reflection
As we enter the month of October with our upcoming two Missions Sundays, let us focus our attention and prayers on Covenant EFC’s third Faith Exploit, “Disciple the Nations”. In today’s Scripture, verse 21 is a very significant statement that Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection. And it applies equally to all those who are Jesus’ disciples today. There are three key observations we can make.First, the analogy that Jesus used – His having been sent by the Father – points us to Jesus’ foundational teachings that He came to accomplish the very will and works of the Father (Jn 4:34; 5:30, 36; cf. Lk 4:14-21). Second, the idea of Jesus’ disciples being “sent” reminds us that world missions is not a result of human initiative, but is God-initiated and God-directed. It is God’s mission in the world. Third, verse 21 reminds us that Jesus is not merely calling us to join God in His mission, but to relate to Him as our heavenly Father – in love, obedience and dependence.1Therefore, the more fundamental question is not “Are we being sent?” or “What must we do?”. Rather, it is “To what extent do we understand and treasure our sonship in relation to God our Father (Jn 20:17)?” So that, as beloved children of God, we will respond rightly to our heavenly Father who created us in His image, redeemed us in Jesus Christ, and called us to join Him in His mission. Out of gratitude and love towards God, we joyfully walk in the Lord’s will for us, and fully rely on His resources as we faithfully serve Him.
1 This is consistent with John’s emphasis in his writings on the Father-Son relationship that anchored and motivated Jesus in all that He did in submission and obedience to the Father’s will.
Application:

How do the purposes for which Jesus sends forth His disciples impact the
way I plan and live out the years of my life?

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, what manner of love You have bestowed on me that I should be called Your child! Every opportunity given to me to carry out Your will is a privilege for me to participate in Your glorious purposes. Help me to clearly discern the things that You want me to accomplish and to faithfully work at them with a heart that loves and depends on You and always seeks Your glory. Amen.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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