Thursday, October 26, 2017
The Early Church Was Complex, Not Simple
Without noting it specifically, Schnabel (2004) described the spread of the early church throughout the mediterranean world in the first century under the direction of the Apostles along the lines of complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory. The new emergent churches self-organized in what might be termed regional networks with each church functioning along the lines of what CAS theory would describe as independent agents.
In contrast to traditional mechanistic and even more current organic and open systems organizations, leadership in CAS finds expression within a network structure of “non-hierarchical relationships comprised of human points of contact” (Hatch & Cunliffe, 2013, p. 281). Hatch and Cunliffe delineated how networks form in light of “fragmented, specialized markets” (p. 281) and end up developing unique “lateral relationships and partnerships” (p. 281).
From a CAS theory perspective, then, the early missional churches lived and thrived in states of disequilibrium. They co-evolved as a system and network along with their environment they were seeking to impact. The new logic of leadership in CAS theory is really old logic: “leadership is an emergent event, an outcome of relational interactions among agents” (Lichtenstein et al., 2006, p. 2).
From my work in assisting church planting movements in east and south Asia, and even central Europe, the CAS approach fits naturally; those doing successful church planting actually approach leadership and change from a CAS perspective without knowing the theory. Leaders build shared vision within the larger complex system, take a facilitative and empowering approach toward other agents (leaders and churches), and enable change rather than direct change.
Interestingly, church planting in the USA happens slowly compared to many places in the world. Might this be at least partially explained by the commitment to traditions and mechanistic models of formal education, church buildings, full funding, and using processes and employing leadership in ways that are non-adaptive?
Hatch, M. J., & Cunliffe, A. L. (2013). Organization theory: Modern, symbolic, and postmodern perspectives (3rd ed.). Oxford, England: Oxford University.
Lichtenstein, B. B., Uhl-Bien, M., Marion, R., Seers, A., Orton, J. D., & Schreiber, C. (2006). Complexity leadership theory: An interactive perspective on leading in complex adaptive systems" Emergence: Complexity and Organization, 8(4), 2-12.
Schnabel, E. J. (2004). Early Christian mission. Downers Grove, IL: IVP.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Suffering Stops Sinning
At the time of Apostle Peter’s writing the Roman society was filled with certain joys that needed to be stopped.
We might recall some of them from our history lessons. There were the famous entertainments of risqué theatre productions, chariot racing culture, and gory gladiatorial combat. There were the infamous immoralities from giving free reign to passions of all sorts: temper, sex, drink, slander, lying, and theft to get ahead.
Christians were seen as killjoys, antisocial non-participants, and cultural traitors who spoke out against such things. When one becomes a Christian many things change with internal desires, outward behavior, and purposeful living. It is a life lived with much higher joys and meaning and satisfaction.
In 1 Peter 4:1-5, our Apostle Peter describes how suffering stops sinning.
The New Resolve for the Present and the Future
1 Peter 4:1–2 ESV “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.”
Jesus Christ “suffered in the flesh,” meaning in this temporary earthly life and realm of sinfulness. Of course, Jesus Christ suffered once to deal with sin by His Cross on behalf of His People. He did this with Holy Spirit empowered resolve to obey God the Father and accomplish His will.
We then are to have, and being His own can have, the same attitude inspired by the Holy Spirit living our lives. We are called to a new way of life, new devotion to Christ, new resolve against the sinfulness of the world. When suffering in this world, we should consider how this works to bring an end to sin in our lives.
How is it that unjust suffering works to eliminate sin in a Christian’s life? Does it inherently work purification? Maybe, but some would say it just as easily pushes us in the opposite direction. Does it lessen opportunities for sin? Maybe, but some would say it provides more. Above all it works to focus our mind—is this what you have found?
Suffering is not something that works automatically, but only insofar as our mind is set to face it head on and gain something from it, and then it morally strengthens us. We are to be like Jesus in this commitment upfront to obey God and embrace suffering because of this commitment. Even though he was the perfect Son of God, God become Man, He in His humanity grew in this strength and resolve.
This mindset going into suffering shows that we are willing to be done with sin; and then it works ever deepening resolve in us, increasing freedom from sin, and establishing a whole new outlook on life. Suffering then works as a reinforcement; and as a help to us; and as a fence of security.
And so one of the greatest results is that we can live out the rest of our life on earth under the control of new motivations for growth. We don’t have to follow common human passions, but seek out doing the will of God in this life.
A Sarcastic View of the Past Can be Helpful Too
1 Peter 4:3–5 ESV “For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”
We were just like all the rest of the “Gentiles,” that is unbelievers without God and without hope, and enslaved to our passions and the ways of the world around us. We praise God for His rescue of us and making us now part of the People of God.
How helpful it can be at times to be sarcastic with ourselves about our past life without God in this world! This is the Apostle’s approach in verse 3. There was more than enough time to “enjoy” the sins of the morally corrupt and rebellious world. Of course, this is not how we really see it, rather we are glad to have escaped what we are now ashamed of.
Certainly, not all people live such unrestrained lives in this extreme picture; however we also know that people do not live as clean as they claim either. The natural inclination to such things is like a seed ready to germinate within each one of us naturally. We are all infected with the corruption of sin and no one is free from the contagion, nor pure.
As one scholar pointed out, perhaps the activities being described were directly related to cultural celebrations most everyone participated in to some degree, such as, family religious festivals, trade guild celebrations, and civic holiday celebrations. If so, then the matter of having Christ’s resolve to resist cultural and social expectations makes a lot of sense.
Prepared to Honor God
Christians just don’t do certain things and that is the way it is. What changes have you noticed in your life and desires? What parts of you are becoming ever more refined in your pursuit of holiness? What breaks from sin have proven good and propelled you forward in your walk with Christ?
Where now, today, do you need to put forth the resolve of Christ in the same power of the Holy Spirit? Remember that suffering is appointed as a help for you in this. Maybe it is in some of the same areas as Roman society: entertainment, lifestyle, friendships, or personal control? What about the passions and impulses that are given free range in our society?
By living resolved to suffer in order to avoid sinning we are further strengthened to live for the will of God. Be confident and content, for you will succeed and eventually be perfected in the image of Christ. What might change for you? What good things might you be hoping for in your life?
So, “arm yourself” with this mindset of Christ for your life from this point forward. Pray that your resolve will be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and so made successful before God the Father.
We might recall some of them from our history lessons. There were the famous entertainments of risqué theatre productions, chariot racing culture, and gory gladiatorial combat. There were the infamous immoralities from giving free reign to passions of all sorts: temper, sex, drink, slander, lying, and theft to get ahead.
Christians were seen as killjoys, antisocial non-participants, and cultural traitors who spoke out against such things. When one becomes a Christian many things change with internal desires, outward behavior, and purposeful living. It is a life lived with much higher joys and meaning and satisfaction.
In 1 Peter 4:1-5, our Apostle Peter describes how suffering stops sinning.
The New Resolve for the Present and the Future
1 Peter 4:1–2 ESV “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.”
Jesus Christ “suffered in the flesh,” meaning in this temporary earthly life and realm of sinfulness. Of course, Jesus Christ suffered once to deal with sin by His Cross on behalf of His People. He did this with Holy Spirit empowered resolve to obey God the Father and accomplish His will.
We then are to have, and being His own can have, the same attitude inspired by the Holy Spirit living our lives. We are called to a new way of life, new devotion to Christ, new resolve against the sinfulness of the world. When suffering in this world, we should consider how this works to bring an end to sin in our lives.
How is it that unjust suffering works to eliminate sin in a Christian’s life? Does it inherently work purification? Maybe, but some would say it just as easily pushes us in the opposite direction. Does it lessen opportunities for sin? Maybe, but some would say it provides more. Above all it works to focus our mind—is this what you have found?
Suffering is not something that works automatically, but only insofar as our mind is set to face it head on and gain something from it, and then it morally strengthens us. We are to be like Jesus in this commitment upfront to obey God and embrace suffering because of this commitment. Even though he was the perfect Son of God, God become Man, He in His humanity grew in this strength and resolve.
This mindset going into suffering shows that we are willing to be done with sin; and then it works ever deepening resolve in us, increasing freedom from sin, and establishing a whole new outlook on life. Suffering then works as a reinforcement; and as a help to us; and as a fence of security.
And so one of the greatest results is that we can live out the rest of our life on earth under the control of new motivations for growth. We don’t have to follow common human passions, but seek out doing the will of God in this life.
A Sarcastic View of the Past Can be Helpful Too
1 Peter 4:3–5 ESV “For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”
We were just like all the rest of the “Gentiles,” that is unbelievers without God and without hope, and enslaved to our passions and the ways of the world around us. We praise God for His rescue of us and making us now part of the People of God.
How helpful it can be at times to be sarcastic with ourselves about our past life without God in this world! This is the Apostle’s approach in verse 3. There was more than enough time to “enjoy” the sins of the morally corrupt and rebellious world. Of course, this is not how we really see it, rather we are glad to have escaped what we are now ashamed of.
Certainly, not all people live such unrestrained lives in this extreme picture; however we also know that people do not live as clean as they claim either. The natural inclination to such things is like a seed ready to germinate within each one of us naturally. We are all infected with the corruption of sin and no one is free from the contagion, nor pure.
As one scholar pointed out, perhaps the activities being described were directly related to cultural celebrations most everyone participated in to some degree, such as, family religious festivals, trade guild celebrations, and civic holiday celebrations. If so, then the matter of having Christ’s resolve to resist cultural and social expectations makes a lot of sense.
Prepared to Honor God
Christians just don’t do certain things and that is the way it is. What changes have you noticed in your life and desires? What parts of you are becoming ever more refined in your pursuit of holiness? What breaks from sin have proven good and propelled you forward in your walk with Christ?
Where now, today, do you need to put forth the resolve of Christ in the same power of the Holy Spirit? Remember that suffering is appointed as a help for you in this. Maybe it is in some of the same areas as Roman society: entertainment, lifestyle, friendships, or personal control? What about the passions and impulses that are given free range in our society?
By living resolved to suffer in order to avoid sinning we are further strengthened to live for the will of God. Be confident and content, for you will succeed and eventually be perfected in the image of Christ. What might change for you? What good things might you be hoping for in your life?
So, “arm yourself” with this mindset of Christ for your life from this point forward. Pray that your resolve will be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and so made successful before God the Father.
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