Category: Peterson2010

Get Ready to Stand

8/20/2015

Thursdays are for the New Testament - 8/20/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 13, “The Wiles of the Devil and the Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-17” Loc. 2877-3121.

Peterson observes that Ephesians does not end with a rushing call to radicality (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2881) but to a disciplined readiness. The Ephesians stand firm as Christ has called them (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2891). This will bring maturity as we find our identity in Christ and among his people. We do have an enemy to withstand Peterson 2010, Loc. 2926). Peterson observes that there are many evil forces in the world but that here our biggest challenge may be identifying these unseen enemies (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2943). The tools we receive for this conflict are armaments from God (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2983). The six armaments are a representative sample of Christian character (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2994). Peterson observes that as time goes by we have a temptation to leave our post or remove some armor, a tendency we must resist (Peterson 2010, Loc. 3037). As the Ephesians stand firm they pray (Peterson 2010, Loc. 3053). This has been a recurring theme in the book. Prayer becomes the natural language of the Ephesians. This prayer is specific and focused on praying for others (Peterson 2010, Loc. 3072). Peterson observes that in the end, Tychicus is the only person named in Ephesus (Peterson 2010, Loc. 3102). He also appears in relation to Ephesus in Acts 20:4. This person had been with Paul and with the Ephesian church. They had a history and understanding of one another .This, Peterson says, should be the pattern as we practice resurrection. We do it together.

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An Interdependent Community

8/13/2015

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Thursdays are for the New Testament - 8/13/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 12, “Household and Workplace: Ephesians 5:21-6:9” Loc. 2579-2876.

At Ephesians 5:21 Paul brings the discussion to the home, “where we practice resurrection” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2580). Peterson affirms that we devalue what is unglamorous, much of which is at home (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2594). At the same time, it is that common life which is abused by “important” people (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2597). This is not as it should be, as Peterson illustrates with a scene of philanthropy afar and neglect at home (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2613). Contrary to this example, Paul draws us to a state of spiritual expectancy in Ephesians 5:1-20, then has husbands and wives love and care for one another (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2649). This is a highly complex situation but one which is fundamental to many other relationships (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2670). Rather than give extended situational guidelines Paul directs the relationships to their master, Jesus. The person and work of Jesus can put all our interactions into their rightful place (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2678). Our maturity itself is relational (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2691). It is these relational elements which hold our world together (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2731). Peterson sees the fellowship of the local church as a training ground where we practice this being together in Christ (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2756). He then ties this idea to the writings of Martin Buber, who “developed a hyphenated vocabulary of three pairs of words: I-It, Them-Us, and I-You” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2792). These pairs are basic to human relations as well as to grasping the Trinity. The interdependence implicit in relationships keeps us from depersonalizing others. In the family we find out how to work in community with others (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2826).

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The Rhythm of Life

8/6/2015

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Thursdays are for the New Testament - 8/6/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 11, “Love and Worship: Ephesians 5:1-20” Loc. 2317-2578.

By Ephesians 5 Peterson says we are moving “into a deep Trinitarian rhythm in our lives “ (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2319). This is our way of practicing a life of resurrection. Peterson sees this as participation, not application. “‘Application’ seems to suggest that once we know who God is and what he does, it is up to us to take charge and get it put into action” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2322). On the contrary, this is something God does in us according to his agenda, using the gifts of His Spirit. Peterson states that the “therefore” of 5:1 and 5:7 are cautionary signs reminding us of our need for vigilance. Our right course is to be immersed in God’s ways (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2339). This is a lifestyle which our world will consider irrelevant (Peterson 2010, oc. 2352). It is therefore challenging. The power that changes the world is then shifted from a military or persuasive force to love (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2386). If this is the genuine love of Christ it is world-changing. If it is our cheap imitation it is not. Peterson describes the futility of our world’s view of love at some length. In the end, love must be seen in relation to God if it is to be understood at all (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2454). The context of all, as we would expect, is in the worship life of the church (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2479). Peterson ties this directly to Ephesians 5:14. It is in the church that we see Christ (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2493). Peterson then observes that the church does its business of love and worship badly. He concludes that we are practicing and still need more practice (Loc. 2525).

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Finding Focus

7/30/2015

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Thursdays are for the New Testament - 7/30/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 10, “Holiness and the Holy Spirit: Ephesians 4:17-32” Loc. 2120-2316.

Peterson observes Paul’s use of “therefore” at Ephesians 4:1 and again at 4:17 to shift topics. He is making a transition to speak about “us: what we do and the way we do it” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2131). Yet the focus of our life is always Jesus working in the church by the Holy Spirit (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2138). Peterson compares life in the church to rock climbing, an ascent from earth to heaven. God’s commands are the protective devices without which we have nothing to guide us or to grip (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2159). In this context, Peterson finds reason for the negative command, not to live as Gentiles (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2177). There is a right caution about life in Christ. The world around the Ephesians Christians was full of temptation to sin and to arrogance. This served as a backdrop for the positive commands to follow (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2194). Peterson discusses this in terms of “negative space,” a term artists use to refer to what is absent in a work of art (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2230). The prohibitions of Scripture may well serve to avoid clutter and allow us to see the real picture of our life in Christ. In this life centered upon Jesus, Peterson reminds us, we see the true Triune God (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2251). In the Trinity we learn especially that the God who cannot fit into our categories is very present and personal (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2260). This is especially the role of the Holy Spirit whom Peterson sees indwelling all the commonplace events of life, drawing attention to Jesus (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2300).

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Now That's Unity!

7/23/2015

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Thursdays are for the New Testament - 7/23/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 9, “One and All: Ephesians 4:1-16” Loc. 1893-2117.

Peterson opens by observing the word “therefore” at the start of Ephesians 4. “The transition is not abrupt. It is not as if we can separate the being of God from being human and treat them separately. But we do separate them” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1899). God is present in life. Peterson again emphasizes the simple and obvious ways human and divine interact, particularly in the context of church (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1910). This is the straightforward context for knowing God. Paul pictures this life in church as a “calling” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1935). Peterson views the shift in Paul’s letter at this point as one from kerygma to paraclesis - from proclamation of who God and man are to an urging to life in light of the proclamation (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1950). Peterson’s exposition of the ideas of proclamation, teaching, and urging follows. He contends that this paraclesis goes on among Christians every day and is the heart of our “cure of souls” or “spiritual direction” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1981). The relational element, the knowledge that we are in this life together, is of primary importance to a life of paraclesis (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2001). It is something pursued in community together. This, Peterson suggests, is what ties our theological lives and material lives together. It makes the oneness we see articulated in Ephesians 4 (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2037). As we seek to live together in the community of the church we become one body, growing up in Christ, all together, all growing (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2080).

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Stop Drop and Pray

7/16/2015

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Thursdays are for the New Testament - 7/16/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 8, “Prayer and All the Fullness: Ephesians 3:14-21” Loc. 1668-1892.

Peterson reminds us that as Paul prayed in the middle of his letter, we too begin, continue, and end with prayer (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1677). The Church and Christ go together. Our prayer is for glory of Christ in the church. As Jesus is human and divine, the church is as well (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1687), a concept which is difficult for us. Yet “Christians are interested in understanding and participating in the life of church on the same terms that we use to understand and participate in the life of Christ - human and divine simultaneously, without diluting or compromising either element” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1710). Peterson observes that some thirty years after Paul wrote to the Ephesians John, who cared for the churches in Asia Minor, wrote to Ephesus in Revelation 2-3. They had abandoned their love for Jesus. There are forceful words about a serious problem, one about which Paul had prayed before (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1745). This leads Peterson to point up the centrality of prayer in all our lives (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1756). He views this life of prayer in submission to the living God as our great participation in the Christian life. Paul’s prayer is that God will fill his people with all his riches (Peter 1795). Powerful words indeed! These riches of God are not merely outward riches, but inward as well (3:16-17) (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1831). Peterson emphasizes that in faith we realize the very Messiah living in us. In the end we see that the church is not merely a place or thing we build. It is that but it is also the mystical people of Christ (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1865).

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Head and Body - Together!

7/9/2015

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Thursdays are for the New Testament - 7/9/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 7, “Church and God’s Manifold Wisdom: Ephesians 3:1-13” Loc. 1458-1667.

In Ephesians Paul makes clear that Jesus is the head of the church. The head and body need to be kept together. When considered in isolation we quickly go astray (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1466). Peterson reminds the reader that Christ was active prior to our faith (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1470). This work of Christ is, in Ephesians 2, centered in the church, which is the place he has made for us (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1484). In Ephesians 3:1-13, Peterson notes Paul’s pace relaxing (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1489). He speaks of himself and Jesus’ work in him. Even in this personal talk, Paul focuses on his goal. His life is all about Jesus, but it is Jesus working in Paul (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1507). Peterson further reminds us that Jesus is currently working in Paul in prison (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1518). He is a captive, describing freedom in Christ. Peterson compares the bondage and alienation from Ephesians to the isolation in which so many people live. Christ, who has made a place for his people, leads the church, “the workshop for turning knowledge into wisdom, becoming what we know” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1571). Peterson emphasizes that the church is the place where we truly find ourselves and where we make sense of our world (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1605).

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Get Ready to Stand

An Interdependent Community

The Rhythm of Life

Finding Focus

Now That's Unity!

Stop Drop and Pray

Head and Body - Together!

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