Reflection on Corinthians Adventures

It is interesting to study the books of first and second Corinthians at AGBC. Our lecturer Rev Casey Ng uses various creative methods in his teaching that we can learn God’s Word in depth to affirm, challenge and change our perspectives.

Paul had written these letters to the Corinth church and believers about A.D. 55-57 from Macedonia to address many problems and issues faced by them. The Christians in Corinth were struggling with their environment. Surrounded by corruption and every conceivable sin, they felt the pressure to adapt. They knew they were free in Christ, but what did this freedom mean? How should they view idols or sexuality? What should they do about marriage, women in the church, and the gifts of the Spirit? These were more than theoretical questions – the church was being undermined by immorality and spiritual immaturity. The believers’ faith was being tried in the crucible of immoral Corinth, and some of them were failing the test. Paul was also challenged of his apostolic authority. There were false teacher who denied his authority and slandered him. Paul had to write the 2 Corinthians to defend his position and to denounce those who were twisting the truth.

The problems and issues addressed by Paul to the church and believers in Corinth are very relevant to the present church and Christians face today. God’s Word is ever powerful and applicable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteous, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

I would like to share of my learning experiences with you of the following:

Reflection
God revealed and reminded me through His Word as I read the book of first Corinthians in reflection of the assignment prior to submit on the first day of class. In my busy daily schedule, this exercise helped me to quiet my spirit before God to seek His face as I read and meditated on His Word. God is always faithful and just, reminded me of many things that I did in the past and how I were changed by the power the Holy Spirit. May God continue to help me to live faithfully and steadfast for Him.
There were many proud Corinthian believers in the church. One precious lesson is never thinks highly of myself to overcome temptations. Everyday I am exposed to media, people around me and engage in conversations with others. It could easily pull me to fall into sins. Thank God for His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit that He watches over me. Though the years of walk with God, I am still learning to “die” daily. Pride can easily arise in me if I left it uncheck. It could be denying God of His glory who has helped me to achieve or grant me favors to get things done and in relationships with people. The Corinthians reminded me that there are many things I can do since I am free in Christ, but not all are beneficial (1 Corinthians 6:12-20). As a Christian, I have to aware of not stumbling others by my words and actions. Example food that are sacrificed to idols, I will not eat them in consideration of stumbling others of weaker faith in God (1 Corinthians 8:1-13). It is through the conviction of the Holy Spirit that I stopped being arrogant of my knowledge in Christ that I can eat the food offered to idols as my God is greater and the food are created by Him.

Spiritual Exercises
The four spiritual exercises in this module have helped to strength my faith in God and also made me pondered deeper into the truth of His Word. Each exercise consisted of a passage of Scripture from first Corinthians with a few questions related to it.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13 mentioned about the warnings from Israel’s history for idolatry worship. In the present time, idolatry can be very subtle that Christians can easily fall into them without consciously knowing that they have taken roots in their life which affecting their spirituality. Some could not live without their mobile phone, computer or television. I have previously put my work prior God that it became an idol without I knowing it. I worked long hours and I loved my job. I enjoyed my work and by the time I reached home after work, it was quite late at night and I was exhausted. I spent little time with God daily. I am thankful to God that He revealed of my idolatry and I repented. I am careful not to fall into idolatry again. I have become more conscious of God and spend time with him daily. I hope from this blog, you could search your heart of any idolatry in your life and ask God to help you cast it away or change your attitude towards it.

Interesting and Concrete Ideas from 2 Corinthians 10:1-11
The first group of 3 “Master” students presented an impressive and concrete teaching of the passage with powerpoint slides. It has a very clear theme statement: The battle of minds. They started with a game which later we realized that the team who won played it with strategy. They provided a detailed historical background and purpose of the letter. Paul faced his opponents and engaged in spiritual battles where he fought them with authority and power came from God. He knew he was engaged in the spiritual battle of the minds. He was clothed with the spiritual weapons of meekness and gentleness of Christ. I am convinced that these characteristics of Christ are powerful to demolish strongholds. Paul had set a good example for me to follow. It changes my perspective of not using human methods to win in spiritual arguments.

The Concept of 2 Corinthians 10:12-18
Our group of 5 students did a presentation of the passage in class. We did the structural diagramming, researched from study Bibles, commentaries and internet, did word study, written scripts for skits, rehearsals and powerpoint slides. Each of us contributed the inputs in one way or other that in the process of putting the parts together; we learned and built up one another. Praise God we have fun acting in the ancient and modern contexts to present a clear and understanding concept of the passage. Grace did the explanation with the powerpoint slides.
In reflection of the work done together by the team, this passage is so real to us as it is telling the church (body of Christ) to stop boasting and comparing their work in Christ. It also mentions about the false apostles but it reminds the Christians of the following 3 questions:

1. Am I where God wants me to be?
2. Is God glorified by my ministry?
3. Can the Lord commend my work?

So ultimately it is the Lord who commends our work and there is nothing we could boast or to take credit for the work done. I pray for those who labor for the Lord, they will be edified and rewarded abundantly for their hard work. May the Lord find me faithful to His call. Amen.

PASTORAL EPISTLES at AGBC

The Pastoral Epistles consists of the books first and second of Timothy and Titus. Apostle Paul wrote them to Timothy and Titus respectively.

I would like to share of my learning experience with you of the following:

Simple Daily Exercise

Prior to the first day of class, I did an assignment that was required to hand in on the first day of lesson. I read these books in two different versions and write down at least one thing that God spoke to me in each chapter. It was a simple and interesting exercise to let God speak to me through each chapter daily for two weeks. During these times, I slowly read and reflected in His Word. From His Word, there were reminders, instructions and encouragement. His Word is always so rich in grace, mercy and peace.

I think the lecturer wanted his students to come prepare for this module and also to let God speak to us pertaining to these three books in the Bible.

Through the exercise, I learnt that there were so many things that I could thank God for. There were things that He reminded me to be faithful and steadfast especially in relationships. There are many people watching me (my attitude, speech and conduct) that either I can draw them closer to God or draw them away from God. In my daily devotion with God, it is one way to let Him speaks and reminds me of His ways.

Provoking Spiritual Exercises

I like the four spiritual exercises. They were practical with provoking questions.

1. Read 1 Tim 3:1-7 (the core qualities that every Christian leader should exhibit).

2. Read 1 Tim 4:11-15 (the effective Christian leader is characterized by an exemplary Christian lifestyle (4:11-12), a God-centred worship (4:13), and the faithful exercise of spiritual gifts (4:14).

3. Read 2 Tim 1:3-7 (Timothy was influenced spiritually by his grandmother, mother and Paul).

4. Read 2 Tim 4:1-8 (Paul’s legacy to the church and challenge to us so that we would not have any regrets at the end of our lives).

I have not seriously pondered on these issues as I were too busy in the past or had taken them for granted. As I did these spiritual exercises, the questions provoked me to reflect and think deep to act and change now and not to procrastinate further. What I can do now will affect others and I am responsible to influence others for the glory of God who richly bestowed spiritual gifts and blessings to me.

The Concept of Thesis of Titus 2:1-10

The thesis consists of the form, structure, setting, exegesis of text and theological implication. There are four groups in the class that at times the lecturer wants us to interact and discuss some issues pertaining to the lesson. I like the teamwork in my group as each of us contributed to do our part of the thesis and the leader collated and put them together. Each of us also wrote our part for theological implication (for older men, older women, young men, younger women, slaves) and within a week the paper was done.

I learnt that it is important for the pastors and Christian leaders to give proper instructions to these five various groups of people and dealing with other issues.

From the Pastoral Epistles, character criteria of electing leaders, deacons and overseers are more important than papers qualification. Leaders have the responsibilities to teach and set good example. This is very practical as a leader in the church, to set priority to character building to our charges through the Word of God and by my example in Christ. I must diligently study the Word of God in order to impart the truth and character to my charges.

The Presentation (Titus 2:1-10)

In discussion of the presentation for this Saturday, our group has come out with creative ideas to present the passage to our class. We want to teach God’s Word clearly and enjoyable where everyone in the class can participate and learn to be a doer of His Word.

God has held me responsibility to teach His Word. In obedience I will follow His instructions and live a life that is pleasing to Him.

I have benefited in depth of the teaching in this module. Being a leader and teacher in the church, I must be disciplined in my walk with God, in prayer and studying of His Word diligently. Also building up relationships with others will help them to know God and draw them to a closer relationship with God.