Myth 1: A strong relationship with God should come without much effort. Contra Paul: 1:21: consuming passion: cf. 3:10-14: Pressing-straining-press on. Just Paul? 3:15! Myth 2: God wants me to be happy above all. Contra Paul: 1:21 written from prison (1:12-14). The “above all” is that Christ is exalted in his body (v20) Myth 3: Gratification should come immediately. Contra Paul: 1:21 leads to conflict about being useful rather than gratified (v22-26) Myth 4: Suffering should be the exception, not the norm, and then soon followed by deliverance & victory. Contra Paul: 1:21 29-30! The end of the “tribulation” is in heaven (Rev 7:14-17) Now the only way to be intimate with Jesus IS to share in His sufferings (3:10) Myth 5: So the Christian life is a denial of all my desires. Contra Paul: 1:21 is full of passion, passions not satisfied by the fleeting pleasures of this material life centered on ME. Passions that can only be fulfilled when Jesus comes.
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Allen Harris is leaving Columbia Presbyterian Church after 33 years of ministry this June, 2011, to do writing, consulting with churches, preaching and teaching. He is available for engagements. Contact him at allenhpilgrim@gmail.com . He and his wife, Kathie, will be living...
