RSS

Tag Archives: Jesus

Christ in the Workplace

21 Apr
Christ in the Workplace

As we continue through Peter’s first letter, we’ve been talking about how we relate in the workplace. In my last post, I talked about how we are to be a copy of Christ in our workplace.

But, if we’re to be an accurate copy of the Lord, we need to know how He worked. Needless to say, His workplace was the cross. Peter uses this as the prime example for us to follow.

“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

1 Peter 2:22 NIV

The first thing we’re told is that there was no sin or trick in His mouth. That’s a big issue. When it comes to the workplace, how often does our tongue get us into trouble. When it does; do we try to get out of it by defensiveness or deceit?

We need to be careful of what we say and how we react.

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

1 Peter 2:23 NIV

This is one of the hardest parts of being a true copy of Christ. When He was abused, He did not reply with abuse. When He suffered, He didn’t threaten. This was true even though the Lord knew the authority of His position.

He used the proper channels. The Lord surrendered all of His rights to God the Father. He’s the only one who will give a just decision. Christ was vindicated. The proof of this was the resurrection.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

So many people complain about unfair treatment in the workplace. Here we see that Christ Himself suffered the most unfair treatment in the history of the universe.

Fair would have been for me to be eternally separated from God. Instead, Jesus Christ paid for my sins. That is supremely unfair.

Think about that the next time you believe that someone is treating you poorly in a way you don’t deserve. I thank God regularly that He wasn’t fair in dealing with my sin.

Christ did this because He saw the whole picture. The Lord knew that it was the only way to purchase our salvation. I’m so glad that He did.

For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 2:25 NIV

Here’s the bottom line for all of us in the workplace. We need to remember where we came from to where we are now. We were all lost, without hope. Now we are a part of God’s family, if we’ve accepted the gift of the Lord’s salvation.

We need to constantly be aware that our ultimate Supervisor, Shepherd, and Inspector is Christ. But He goes deeper than any earthly supervisor. The Lord oversees our soul. This means that He not only decides based upon your treatment of others, but your attitudes as well.

That speaks volumes about our place in this world. Bring Christ to your workplace!

Question: How well does your attitude match the attitude of Christ?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on April 21, 2025 in Healing, Ministry, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Workplace Submission

14 Apr
Workplace Submission

We’ve been looking at the teaching of the Apostle Peter in his first letter. He’s been talking about submission to authority in general. Now he gets more specific.

Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

1 Peter 2:18 NIV

You may read this verse and think, “This verse doesn’t apply to us. We’re not in slavery.” That’s not exactly true. The words slave and master in this verse directly translate to household servant and binding house-husband in English.

In our society, contracts are binding. In a modern company, you’ve effectively bound yourself to your workplace. So, this slave/master relationship can directly apply to the worker – boss relationship.

We’re told here to submit to our supervisors with all respect. That word for respect is actually the word fear (phobos). If you remember from my previous posts, that this is the fear that only lasts until love is present.

That’s an important concept to know especially in this context. In talking about the world’s way of living Paul said something that applies here.

They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.

Romans 1:25 NIV

What we find is that in our society people worship and serve created things rather than the Lord. Peter tells us to respect, not worship those in authority. What we see happening in many cases is that they love money, so they worship the workplace for the money they receive.

We’re told by Peter to give respect. But who do we respect; only those who respect us? NO! We’re to respect all. That includes those who are good and appropriate, as well as those who are harsh, warped, and bent.

The fact is we must respect our boss, manager, or supervisor. Remember, it’s the position God established that you’re respecting. There’s a bonus for obeying this teaching.

For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.

1 Peter 2:19 NIV

The word commendable in this verse is actually the word grace. God has a grace available to you for the workplace. Why do we need this special grace?

According to Peter, it’s under the sadness of suffering unjustly. Guess what! This will happen to you no matter where you work. There will be policies put into effect over you because someone else messed up.

But the key is, you obtain this grace because you are conscious of God. That word, conscious, means that you’re seeing the whole picture all together like God does.

Of course, you could always narrow your vision and say, “That’s not fair. Poor me.” Or you can see the whole picture and take on the attitude of Christ.

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

Mark 16:15 NIV

That word creation is talking about all the authority structures in society. This includes your workplace. When you arrange yourself correctly under your employer you get grace. You start to see the whole picture.

It’s not just about you. Your boss and co-workers need to hear the good news. By your attitude, you can make it easier for them to hear and believe the Good News of Christ.

Be the light of the Gospel they need to see in your workplace.

Question: How well is your witness shining in your work environment?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on April 14, 2025 in Leadership, Relationships, The Gospel

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

God’s Temple

31 Mar
God’s Temple

We’re continuing through the epistle of 1 Peter. In my last post, I talked about how together, we’re being built up into a building for God to inhabit.

…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

1 Peter 2:5-6 NIV

But just building the house is not enough. This house must have a purpose – it’s a temple to the living God. We’re to offer sacrifices in the temple of God.

We’re actually called to minister in God’s house. We’re a priesthood set apart to God. Our job is to offer spiritual sacrifices. What exactly are these sacrifices? Paul explained this to us.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.

Romans 12:1 NIV

It’s clear from this verse that we’re to offer up our lives – that is the sacrifice the Lord is looking for. This sacrifice is anything that reminds us that we’re not our own. We belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.

This can even include the offerings we bring to the Lord for His work.

I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:18 NIV

When we praise the Lord in spite of our circumstances, that’s an acceptable sacrifice as well.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:15-16 NIV

This verse also shows us the importance of blessing others. God sees that as a sacrifice before Him. That’s because all of these things are an expression of our faith in Him.

But there’s another side to this.

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,” and, “A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”

1 Peter 2:7-8 NIV

We show that we value the Lord as we walk in faith before Him. But what if I don’t want to? This is talking about willful disobedience.

If reject faith in Christ, that doesn’t change who He is – He’s still the Chief Cornerstone. But, instead of being that which keeps you straight and aligned with His will, He becomes a stone of stumbling to you. That literally means that you keep stubbing your toes on Him.

It also says that He’s a rock that makes you fall into a trap. When you know what God says, and live differently, you stumble into a trap with your eyes open.

Given the two choices, I would personally prefer the Cornerstone. We must allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in us. In that way we become lined up with the will of God.

Question: How well are you walking in God’s will for your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 31, 2025 in Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Church, Worship

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Building a Spiritual House

28 Mar
Building a Spiritual House

As we continue through Peter’s first letter, he’s been talking about growing up into maturity. Now he’s going to change the description to that of a building being built.

As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him…

1 Peter 2:4 NIV

In talking about God’s spiritual building, we’re told that Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone. The cornerstone has to be perfectly square. The rest of the house is straight because of this stone.

Peter tells us that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the church because He is select and valuable. The whole building, all of us, must look to Him for direction.

Paul talks about this building. He says that we are…

…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Ephesians 2:20-22 NIV

Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh. He is the chief cornerstone. With Him the Old Testament Prophets and the New Testament Apostles form the two sides of the foundation.

The good news is that we also have a part in this structure. How does this work? The above verse from 1 Peter tells us that we come toward Him – THE Living Stone.

He was rejected by mankind but accepted, selected, by God. That makes Him precious, valuable to God the Father.

If we are truly trusting in Him, then we value the Lord as well. That’s why we come toward Him. Our desire is to line ourselves up with His will.

That’s the key to a successful Christian walk. We must value the spiritual house God is building. So I have to ask; is God’s work valuable to you? Is it worth something?

We usually stumble over the question of worth. There is an internal battle between our desire for personal pleasure vs. the worth of serving God. If I value Christ – I come toward Him, lining myself up with His will.

…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:5 NIV

As we work together for the Lord, we’re becoming a spiritual house. We’re a part of the structure of His house.

One thing we have to remember is that God is constructing the house. Jesus said that…

“…I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

Matthew 16:18b NIV

However, He builds it through us. We have to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Word of grace, love, prophecy, and encouragement are all things that build the church. We have to line ourselves up according to God’s plan.

Along with that, we must help others to line themselves up with Christ. We need to show a care one toward another. In this way we proclaim the Gospel of Christ to the world around us.

Question: How well do you see the people of God as a spiritual house?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 28, 2025 in Faith, Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

Tags: , , , , ,

The Fear of the Lord Part 1

10 Mar
The Fear of the Lord Part 1

We’re now going through a series of posts in the epistle of 1 Peter. He’s been talking about the importance of walking in holiness. In my last post, we left off talking about the fear of the Lord.

Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

1 Peter 1:17 NIV

In looking at this verse we took note of the word “since”. Peter is addressing a people who are calling on the Lord. If that’s the case, then we must get an accurate picture of God as the final Judge.

We saw that He judges our works impartially. He’s not impressed by what we do as much as the motivations for doing them. So, I want to take some time to go into the fear of the Lord a little deeper.

In my last post I talked about the fact that many times we water down the fear of the Lord. Many teach that it’s simply a healthy respect. We need to see that it really is a fear.

It’s not being afraid of God. But being afraid of harming the relationship that Christ paid such a high price for.

Too often we only zero in on what we can get from our relationship with the Lord.

“God wants you happy, healthy, rich, full, entertained, satisfied.”

We have to understand that our eternal rewards or lack thereof are based upon His decisions. Unfortunately, there are times when we become too familiar with worshiping the Lord.

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV

Again, the word reverence in this verse is the Greek word phobo – the literal word for fear. It should be clear from this and other Scriptures that the fear of God produces holiness.

Paul talked about the day of judgment that we will face as believers. It’s not about heaven or hell, but the quality of our rewards. We’ll be judged on how we built upon the spiritual foundation Christ laid down for us.

If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.

1 Corinthians 3:12-13 NIV

The fire is the final exam. But we’re clearly told that it’s not our works that will be tested. When you talk about building, anything listed in this verse can be used to build with. I’ve seen these structures around the world.

Even in the USA there are some pretty impressive houses made of wood. But that’s not what’s being judged. It’s the quality of the worked based upon how fire-resistant it is. God is looking for quality, not appearance.

When we look around the body of Christ these days, a question arises. Why don’t we live as we should for God the way they did in the early church? In many circles worship seems to be optional. We shy away from Bible study and prayer. I believe it all comes down to a lack of the fear of the Lord.

This is an important topic. So, I’m going to take one more post to talk about it.

Question: How much of the fear of the Lord do you see in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
1 Comment

Posted by on March 10, 2025 in Faith, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, Worship

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

The Glories of Christ

24 Feb
The Glories of Christ

We’re continuing our journey through Peter’s first letter to the church. In my last post I talked about the salvation that’s available to all of us. Peter continues that thought.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

1 Peter 1:10-11 NIV

Now the apostle talks about the relationship of the Old Testament prophets with this salvation. They only saw it as a far off, unclear picture of what God would accomplish in Christ.

The words Peter uses mean they tried to search out, investigate, and thoroughly explore the grace that would come to us. They were trying to get a handle on the times and seasons of its fulfillment.

It’s kind of like what we do in looking forward to the return of Christ. We try to figure out the times and seasons of His coming.

The prophets of old predicted the sufferings of Christ. They also saw the glory of His resurrection. They just didn’t know how long it would take to arrive.

It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

1 Peter 1:12 NIV

God revealed to these prophets that it was not for them. It was us they were actually ministering to. According to Peter, even the angels were longing for a closer look.

They saw so many glories that would be available to us. I just want to look at a few.

According to Job, the first book written down, Christ is our arbitrator and redeemer. (Job 9:33-34; 19;25-27)

This Old Testament saint went through a lot of troubles. But it was to get the revelation of Christ as our mediator with God the Father.

Then there was Abraham who found out that Christ was to be a blessing to all nations. (Genesis 22:18)

He waited 100 years for a son. Then, Abraham was asked to sacrifice him. In doing so, he learned that this blessing would come through the death and resurrection of the Messiah.

Much later the prophet Isaiah learned that Christ was to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. (Isaiah 53:5-6)

Isaiah had a vision of the Lord. He saw how sinful he was. But God had an angel take a live coal from heaven and touch his lips. He experienced the cleansing power of the Lord.

Finally, Malachi, the final call of the Old Testament, sees Christ rising as the sun of righteousness with healing in His wings. (Malachi 4:2)

He had to deal with a people who felt that serving God was an inconvenience. But God gave him hope in his struggle.

Why did these prophets and others have to suffer and seek to receive the message? It was for our benefit. It was so we could get a clearer picture of who Christ is and what He’s done for us.

Question: What are some of the glories that you’ve experienced in Christ?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on February 24, 2025 in Israel, The Gospel, Word of God

 

Tags: , , , ,

Understanding Salvation

21 Feb

We’re continuing to go through 1 Peter. In my last post we saw that because we can’t physically see Christ, faith is required. According to the apostle, the goal of this is the salvation of our souls.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV

What does this mean to us? I thought I was saved when I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.

This confuses some people because of the various ways the word, salvation, is used throughout the Scripture.

…for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:13 NIV

This work that Christ has done in us is totally His doing. It didn’t matter how good I was, being brought up in church. I’m just as guilty before God. It wouldn’t matter if I was a drug dealer, rapist, or terrorist. The blood of Christ is sufficient to cover all of my sins.

I have nothing to boast about in my life before I met Christ. For years I continued to miss the mark of God’s righteousness. The Good News is, that it doesn’t matter if you missed it by an inch or a mile. God’s grace can cover it all. You just need to cry out to Him.

Our past had no bearing on His love for us.

The word salvation literally means that we’re safe and defended. When I say that I’m saved, I mean that I’m safe in Christ. However, there are three distinct works that the word, salvation, refers to.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

The first took place when I bowed my knee to Christ and prayed for Him to save me. I was saved. I was taken out of the world’s trash heap and placed in God’s house for His use.

The salvation of the Lord is all encompassing. But, as incredible as all this is, it’s not the end of it. Even though in one sense I have been saved, God’s work continues to have an effect upon my life. Salvation doesn’t end with the sinner’s prayer.

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:2 NIV

Now, as I remain in God’s kingdom, I’m experiencing an ongoing cleaning process. All that “stuff” from the world that stuck to me is being removed – sin, sickness, poverty, anxiety, depression, bitterness, etc. I’m in the process of renewal. I am being saved.

It should be clear from the context of this verse that being saved is ongoing. The word for saved in this verse implies a continual work. That’s why there’s an “if” in this section. The process of salvation can only continue if you hold firmly to the Word.

I think that part of our problem in the modern church is our stubborn refusal to allow God to continue His work of change in our lives. We’re happy that our sins were forgiven. We look forward with joy to our home in Heaven. But right now there’s so many things that we want to do and experience in the world. The thought of God disrupting those plans for His purpose doesn’t sit well with us.

We need to see change as the natural outgrowth of our walk with God. His ongoing plan of salvation in us should never stagnate. There’s always something new to look forward to.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!

Romans 5:9 NIV

Someday Christ will return to take physical possession of the earth. At that point, I’ll receive my new resurrected body. I will be saved from decay and death.

Not only is the saving work of the Lord active in me today, but it also gives me a future hope. I know that on the Day of Judgment I have nothing to fear. Because of Christ’s work on the cross, I will be saved from the wrath of God. Death holds no fear for the Christian, only the promise of a new address in the presence of God.

Question: How is God’s ongoing work of salvation continuing to change your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on February 21, 2025 in Faith, Power of God, Prayer, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

The Hope of Our Inheritance

17 Feb

I’ve been posting from First Peter about the living hope we have in Christ. In my last post I talked about how the Lord’s mercy brings about hope in us through the resurrection of Christ.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you…

1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV

So far we’ve seen that this hope is birthed by mercy through the resurrection of Christ. But we also need to see that this living hope brings us into an inheritance.

The fact is that this hope points to an inheritance that we didn’t deserve. There was nothing we could have done to lay hold of it. It was all a work of Jesus Christ for us.

In the above verse there are three “nots” associated with this inheritance.

First of all, it does not perish or decay. Praise God! That means that my inheritance in Christ is not affected by inflation.

It also says that it will not spoil. That means that it will not become soiled or dirty. It will always remain pure and new to us.

Finally, our inheritance will never fade. That means that it will never be used up or become worthless over time. Nothing on this earth meets those criteria. That’s why our hope, our treasure, is in Christ alone. I can always look forward to His blessing in my life.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

It’s because of this hope of the inheritance that we can work for God with all our heart. But there’s more. The above verse from Peter doesn’t end there. He says that this inheritance is kept in heaven for us…

…who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:5 NIV

Yes, we are birthed by mercy, through the resurrection, into an inheritance; but this living hope shields us by God’s power. I don’t need to remind you about the shield of faith. It keeps us secure in times of trial.

But it’s fed by the living expectation that’s fresh and new every morning. Paul puts it this way…

…a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time…

Titus 1:2 NIV

Paul mentions both faith and knowledge in this verse. Faith is our trust in God’s Word; while knowledge is what we have once our faith has been proven. It’s through these that we can rest on the hope of eternal life.

…so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:7 NIV

It’s this hope of eternal life that gives us joy in the trials that we face. This is because we know that the Lord is going to show up and work on our behalf. Never give up your hope; it will be richly rewarded.

Question: How has God proven Himself in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on February 17, 2025 in Power of God, Spiritual Walk

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Born Into a Living Hope

14 Feb
Born Into a Living Hope

In my last few posts, I talked about Peter’s introduction to his first letter. He started by telling us as leaders, who we are in the world. We’re strangers, scattered, and chosen. Now he begins his message to us.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…

1 Peter 1:3 NIV

He starts by offering up praise to the Lord. The reason he gives is because we’ve been given birth into a living hope. That’s an incredible gift.

It’s clear to see that this living hope is given through the resurrection. Our hope could never be alive if not for the resurrection. If God could raise Christ, then I can be raised as well.

Peter also declares to us that the living hope we receive is birthed in God’s mercy. But we need to really understand this.

The problem I find is that many believers have no concept of what God’s mercy is. In our society we think of it as a “free pass” for something wrong that we’ve done. God can’t operate like that.

Every sin has to be paid for. That’s why Jesus had to go to the cross. Every sin, no matter how small it seemed, had to be laid upon Him.

Mercy is a whole different matter. If you do a word study of how mercy is used in Scripture, you’ll find a rich truth.

In actuality, mercy is the favor God shows to His obedient children. I’ve taught on this in the past. For the detailed teaching on the mercy of God, click here.

This truth was brought out in the book of Hebrews.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16 NIV

If I’ve been disobeying the Lord, then I definitely don’t have confidence in approaching His throne. But as I obey Him, He births in me a living hope. It will never die and never go stale. According to the Old Testament, His mercies are new every morning. This is something that helped the apostle Paul face his many trials.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NIV

In Christ we have a hope that’s birthed, brand new, each day. Why does God have to give us fresh hope each day? It’s important because…

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12 NIV

This verse literally says that old hope wears out your heart. So God keeps His hope alive and fresh each day if you’re walking obediently before Him.

That’s good news. Not only did Jesus take my sin with Him to the cross, but He rose from the dead as well. That proves that He has the power to accomplish His will in my life. This should inspire a fresh hope in us each day, as we spend time in His presence – before His throne.

Question: How does the Lord’s mercy and hope affect you?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on February 14, 2025 in Encouragement, Power of God, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Usefulness

29 Jan

We’re continuing our walk through Paul’s letter to Philemon. As we saw in my last post, Paul is making an appeal to Philemon on behalf of his former slave, Onesimus.

I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

Philemon 10-11 NIV

Onesimus was saved under Paul’s ministry. As he grew and matured, he began to work with Paul.

At this point we can see how the apostle uses the language in a very creative way. First of all, you need to know that the name, Onesimus, literally means useful. It comes from a root word that means to gratify or derive an advantage from.

Obviously, owning a slave gives you an advantage. You get free labor at some else’s expense.

Then Paul said he was useless but now has become useful. The apostle found Onesimus useful in the ministry. Not as a slave, but as a partner in the Lord’s work.

This is a different word for useful. It’s a compound word; good and employed. Onesimus was profitable to Paul in his ministry.

But, more than that, Paul says that Onesimus is not just profitable to him. He has also become profitable to Philemon. How could that be the case?

I am sending him — who is my very heart — back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.

Philemon 12-13 NIV

Paul makes it clear that he views Onesimus as taking Philemon’s place in the ministry. But he also makes something clear that we don’t see very well in our English translation. I believe that the Berean Literal Bible is closer to the original in this section of Scripture.

…whom I was wishing to keep with myself, so that on behalf of you he might serve me in the chains of the gospel.

Philemon 13 BLB

If you remember, twice Paul has called himself a prisoner of Christ in this letter. Now he’s saying that Onesimus only traded one slaver for another. A more profitable one. He is now a fellow prisoner of Christ with Paul. They are both in the chains of the Gospel.

Think back to Paul’s quote in my last post.

For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.

1 Corinthians 7:22 NIV

Under Paul’s ministry, Onesimus willingly placed himself back into slavery to Christ. More than anyone else, he knew what that meant. He had to have an unquestioning loyalty for the Lord’s plan for his life.

That brings me to a question I have to ask myself regularly. You need to ask it as well. Have I taken upon myself the attitude of a slave toward Christ?

Too often I’ve heard prayers that sound like God is the slave and we are the masters. Be careful not to fall into that trap.

It is beyond question the benefits of serving Christ are incredible. He does over and above all we could ask or think. But we have to remember that He is Lord, and we are not.

Question: How well do you see yourself as a servant of Christ?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on January 29, 2025 in Spiritual Walk

 

Tags: , , , ,

← Older posts
Newer posts →