For this week’s assignment on Urban Legends of the New Testament, I have chosen the
following chapters: Chapter 6 (All Giving Must Be Done in Secret), Chapter 7 (Do Not Judge
Others), Chapter 24 (Grace Is Unmerited Favor), and Chapter 28 (We Can Do Anything Through
Christ Who Gives Us Strength).
Chapter 6 gives us the prescription on how we are to give of our finances in Matt 6:3.
The author places emphasis on how we should never let anyone know how much we give or any
of the details of our giving. Because if we tell people about our giving, we have just received all
the reward we will ever get: which is praise from people. Any eternal rewards will be forfeited.
He suggests that we should give to the Lord, and give generously, but give secretly, as Jesus
prescribed. According to the author, Jesus’ main point is that his followers should give to the
poor without being motivated by receiving praise from other people. Jesus calls us to secret
giving. The author also gives us three concepts which should be the driving forces for our giving:
grace driven, relationship driven, and love driven. My understanding of this passage has deepen after the readings. Since whatever I have
is from the LORD, therefore, I ask Him to help me be a better steward of the resources He has
freely bestowed on me. I pray that as I give joyfully and secretly, I should not do so in effort to
receive praise from men but to bring glory and honor to His name.
In Chapter 7, the author points out that if there is any area that is mostly cited for
hypocrisy it’s judging others. He states that the Greek word translated “judge” by virtually every
Bible translation has a range of meanings. It can refer to making a selection (“prefer”), passing
judgment based on the correctness of something (“discern”), or judging someone to be guilty
(“condemn”). The author states that the prohibition of judging in Matthew 7:1 is against
condemning other people. He explains that Jesus is commanding them not to be severely critical
and judgmental as judging others disrupt unity and divides the church. He cautions us not to
judge other people, either believers or unbelievers, based on what you see them doing, on their
lifestyle, on how they dress, or on what music they listen to. While many of us are quick to
criticize and condemn other people, the author strongly advises that we should be more generous
in our assumptions about other’s actions.
One area from the reading where my understanding of the passage was strengthened
was where the author said “we are not to be critical or condemning but be more generous in our
assumptions about other’s actions.” I think that was well said. And one thing we must not forget
is the fact that God is the only Righteous Judge.
In Chapter 24, the author touches on one of the most important concept Paul loves, hence
he deliberately uses it liberally in his short letter to the church in Ephesus, “Grace.” The author
provides the Greek translation of the word “grace” is “charis” which means “unmerited favor, or
an undeserved gift.” He further explains that in Ephesians 2:8, the gift that is not deserved, that is
unmerited, is salvation. Surprisingly, the author does not disagree with the interpretation of this
legend, however, he states that it is incomplete. To drive home his point, he uses two concepts:
the idea of by nature and by action. By nature, he explains that no one was born with a good
nature. In other words, because of Adam’s sin, we have inherited a disposition toward sin. We
did not enter the world in a sinless state, eager to glorify God with our lives. By action, he states
that humans also commit sin. No one is exempted. He quotes John MacArthur, “A person does
not become a sinner by committing sins but rather commits sins because he is by nature a
sinner.” He then compares grace and mercy by giving illustrations of each. In the context of
Ephesians 2, the author argues that God was driven by a great love, and he withheld his wrath.
Instead, he poured out his mercy and bestowed grace, a gift that was de-earned. So while grace is
truly unmerited favor, it is more than that.
Although I am very familiar with this theological term “Grace,” however, the author
provides in simplistic term what grace is and even gives illustrations to drive home his point. I
have learned that God bestowed on us grace in addition to showing us mercy.
Lastly, I chose Chapter 28 (We Can Do Anything Through Christ Who Gives Us
Strength) which is a verse that is popularly known and quoted by heart among believers. Not
only is it often quoted, but it is also very encouraging. Taking a closer look at this verse in
Philippians 3:14, the author dissects the meaning of this verse by looking at other Bible
translations. He states that the translations are fairly consistent, stating that “I can” (or “am
able”) “to do all things.” However, the NIV says, “I can do all this through him who gives me
strength.” Even though the Greek word is plural (hence most translations have “all things”), the
NIV decided to translate it with the singular word “this.” Why would they do this? Perhaps the
translators were trying to get the reader to look closer at the context. The “this” or “things” Paul
was referring to were the various circumstances in 4:12. This verse is not promising to make you
a better athlete or the next president of the United States. Instead, Paul is declaring that God can
help all Christians be content in every circumstance, whether persecution, poverty, or riches; if
you live in a mansion or a prison; whether you are eating filet mignon or stale bread. Regardless
of the circumstances you are currently in, God can help you be content.
