We are in a series called “Sword Sharpening” and looking at how to make the most out of your time with the Bible. This week, we continue discussing how to deal with difficult Bible verses by understanding how His Story fits into history.
John 3:16–18 (NIV)
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Last week, we reviewed a flow chart showing how His Story fits into history. We talked about how, in our world today, many different religions developed in other times and places. I also said that religions often share some common ideas but vary significantly in how they view God, Jesus, and the afterlife.
As Christians, we believe in one God. Christians also hold to the idea that God has promised, back in the crimson thread of redemption (Genesis 3:15), that someone is coming and has already come, who will make a way for people to be reconciled back into a relationship with God. At the core of Christianity is the understanding that the world is broken and that we caused the brokenness. We can’t fix the brokenness. Only God can fix the mess. It’s a work that only God can do, and there are no other options. All of His Story is consistent on this point. This is not about Christians being arrogant; it’s simply understanding this ancient story that starts in the creation, a story of One God who sent One Savior, Jesus, to be the One way to relate to Him and be restored in relationship with him.
At least in some of the services, I also said that this idea often pokes people the wrong way. They reject the idea that there is only one way and suggest that it is arrogant to believe that. I commented that we should be happy that there is a way back after constantly telling God we will go our way.
We looked at several verses last week, but I want to emphasize the importance of context, so let’s go a little deeper into the context of 1Timothy 2:5:
1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)
5For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,
This passage emphasizes that there is one God and one Savior—Jesus. As you look at the passage in context, I think it demonstrates the love of God for the world:
1 Timothy 2:3–6a (NIV)
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
The idea that Jesus was considered a ransom is so essential. A ransom is a payment made to rescue someone. We see in His Story that all people need rescue. The enemy has, in effect, kidnapped us. This verse speaks about God’s heart to rescue people from harm and death. Understanding this verse in the context of His Story shows that this is far from an arrogant verse; it is a loving and beautiful one.
But what about? There are always a lot of what about questions. What about this situation? What about…Three things that we will dig into to try and address the what-abouts:
a) God loves people
b) God is the ultimate loving judge
c) God created us for mission
Because God wants people to know Him, He created us for mission.
Acts 13:47 (NIV)
47For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
We will look deeper into these ideas at Keys Vineyard Church this week, so plan to join us in person or online.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
