The Watford Church of Christ Podcast

One thing I do | Phil 3vv13-14 | Malcolm Cox

‘One Thing I Do’Last week’s lesson was on Philippians 3:13-14. Below are a few extra notes.
‘Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal’We never get to the point where we have fully obtained all that God has in mind for our growth. Paul does not want his readers to get the impression he has ‘arrived’, nor that he is in despair at the gap between himself and Christ. He optimistically and faithfully continues to press on. What is the ‘all this’? Righteousness, resurrection from the dead, something else? ‘Paul means to say that he does not lay claim to having fully grasped the meaning of Christ at this point in his experience.’ WBC
‘but I press on’Imagine movement, leaning forward and stretching. The word is used of the hunter going after their prey. 
‘Jesus took hold’Jesus took hold of Paul on the Damascus road. Since then he has continued to press on towards greater Christ-likeness.  He has not fully grasped this, but he presses on to grasp what is his to grasp because Jesus grasped him.
‘I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.’He may not be there yet, but that does not diminish his motivation. Rather, it increases it.
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,He has tasted Christ and found him delightful. He wants more!
‘forgetting' is in the present tense. Not, ‘having forgotten’, but deliberately continuing to forget. Sometimes we are reminded of things we would rather forget. By faith we ‘forget’ the failures and the victories to avoid the traps of guilt and pride.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.He keeps on running - the already but not yet of the Christian life. We are already saved, but not yet in glory. We live in this tension. Things go more smoothly when we accept this tension instead of fighting it. 
‘goal’ means ‘goal-marker’. What is this goal marker? ‘anything or anyone that kept the believer from straying from the course of the Christian life or from slackening in the believer’s moral strivings.’ WBC
‘the prize’. ‘To know Christ fully and completely was the prize for which he had been striving ever since his encounter with Christ on the Damascus road.’ WBC
‘called’ - “He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thess 2:14; “those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 8:30
ReflectionsAre there mistakes you have made that you find hard to ‘forget’ and hold you back from pressing on? If so, what one action could you take this week to make progress?Similarly, are there victories you have enjoyed that cause you to be complacent and hold you back from pressing on? If so, what one action could you take this week to make progress?Is the ‘prize’ clear to you? If not, what would make it clearer and more inspiring?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm

Class 1 | Father God is Nearby | Finding the Father’s Face Series

The big question – “How can we become like Christ?” What is the way to transformation? We can only know the true nature of God as Father from the Scriptures. When you see and become familiar with someone’s face you know them. We need to ‘see’ our father-God’s face. The challenges is that we have filters. Some helpful, some not so. Jesus’ relationship with Father-God reveals his ‘face’. The Lord’s Prayer teaches prayer, but it also teaches us how to relate to God as Father, and what he is like.
This series is designed to help us:
1. Understand our Father better through what is revealed in the Lord’s Prayer2. Come to know him better & enjoy our Father-God3. Be a more Father-God-like father to our children (if we have them)4. Represent Father-God more accurately to the world and thus make him more attractive for people to get to know
Matthew 6:9-13““This, then, is how you should pray:– Jesus is teaching us not only how to pray, but, crucially, who we are talking to.Our Father in heaven– Father-God is nearby– “In Jewish cosmology heaven did not refer to a place that is far away; heaven referred to the surrounding atmosphere, the very air they breathed.“hallowed be your name,– Father-God is holy– “Holiness has to do with purity. Jesus is teaching us that there is nothing bad about God. God can neither sin nor participate in evil. In one word, God is pure.”your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.– Father-God is powerfulGive us today our daily bread.– Father-God is caringAnd forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.– Father-God is forgivingAnd lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”– Father-God is our protector
3. Our Father God is Nearby“God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” (Acts 17:27 NIV11)“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:5 NIV11)“Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23 NIV11)“while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20 NIV11)““Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine.” (John 12:27–30 NIV11)
4. Discussion about God1. If Father God is nearby, what does this mean?2. If Father God is nearby, how can we be more aware of this reality?3. If Father God is nearby, how can we enjoy his presence?
5. Discussion about us as fathers1. What does this mean to be ‘nearby’ our children?2. How can we help our children be more aware of our availability?3. What can we do so that our children enjoy our presence?
Next time: Father-God is holy
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm

”Hitting the bullseye of love” | 1 John 3:11-16 | Epistles of John Series | Stefan Wolmarans

Stefan brought us his latest in the 1 John series.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm

”One Thing I Know” | John 9 | Malcolm Cox

“One Thing I Know”, John 91. Jesus on sin and suffering, vv1-5
2. Jesus heals, vv6-7
3. Jesus creates a stir, vv8-34 A. Neighbours B. Pharisees C. Parents & Man 
4. Jesus creates faith, vv35-38 A. About choice 4B. About discipleship 4C. About Lordship 4
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm

”One Thing You Need” | Luke 10:38-42 | Malcolm Cox

The ‘One Thing’ Series
In this week’s Watford Word we take a look at our third ‘one thing’ passage found in Luke 10:38-42.
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”” (Luke 10:38–42 NIV11) 
Overview
The previous section (Luke 10:25-37 - the Samaritan) is focussed on how we treat other people in a way that pleases God. This section focuses on how we treat God himself. The ‘horizontal’ dimension of relationships is followed by the ‘vertical’ dimension.
Martha opened her home to him
This is not the only time Martha and her family are mentioned. You might like to compare this scene with the one in John 11. It looks like the death of Lazarus is later than Luke 10. The family’s relationship with Jesus appears to have a deeper maturity. Do you see it that way?
Mary…sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said
Literally this means, ‘listening to his word.’ It carries the idea of paying attention in order to obey. It is an attitude of being willing to take in what one is hearing rather than letting it wash over you. Is this our attitude when we read the Scriptures?
Martha was distracted by all the preparations
When God shows up, are we too busy? That might be a slightly simplistic question, but given how busy we all are with ‘good’ things, we must pay attention to our ability to notice God’s presence. That noticing does not happen by accident. It is an attitude cultivated into healthiness by practice and a desire for God to be our ‘one thing’ (Psalm 27). 
few things are needed—or indeed only one.
Martha detects a lack of compassion in Jesus, or so she thinks. Jesus does not appear to care about the injustice in the house. Yet Jesus applauds Mary’s conviction in being focussed on the “one thing that is needed” and does not bow to Martha’s request. Surely it is indeed unfair that the burden of preparation has fallen exclusively onto Martha? Martha is not only working hard, but is the one recorded as “opening her home” to Jesus. This is a generous act. Why is it not that Mary opened the home as well? Was Martha older? Did Mary live in a different house? We don’t know for sure, but it seems likely that Martha was the senior sister.
“…Martha has a traditional view of the woman’s place being in the kitchen: Jesus’ acceptance of Mary as a disciple at his feet is radical indeed (10.38–42).” Burridge, Richard. Four Gospels, One Jesus?: A symbolic reading . SPCK.
Martha is not given ‘credit’ for her service. It is Mary that is ‘credited’ because of her submission to the more important thing - sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening.
“Against convention, he approved of Mary of Bethany sitting at his feet to learn from him, like a male disciple, when custom would have had her helping her sister with the meal preparations (Luke 10:38–42).” Bartlett, Andrew. Men and Women in Christ . IVP.
“To sit at a teacher’s feet…was to adopt the posture of a disciple.This is the posture that Mary adopts, and Jesus defends her adoption of this role against Martha’s preference for traditional matronly roles (Luke 10:38–42).”  Two Views on Women in Ministry (p. 245). Zondervan.
What does Jesus mean by, “it will not be taken away from her”? A strange sounding phrase. Perhaps it is because of her decision to ignore her sister’s request to help and instead sit at Jesus’ feet. Such an action demonstrates her conviction about the correct priorities. As a result she is assured of the continued presence of Jesus in her life (the implication of “it will not be taken away from her”). If this priority is a settled conviction it will inform her whole life and as a consequence the entirety of her life will be effected and blessed.
What about us?
“Being overcommitted, too busy and preoccupied are not new to contemporary society. Martha was confronted with the same dilemma we face every day. Will we take on too many things or be concerned about the wrong things and thus miss the most important things?” Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God (p. 173). John Murray Press.
 
For Reflection 
The ‘good’ can be the enemy of the ‘best’. Are some good things getting in the way of what is most needed in your relationship with Jesus? What can you do about that?
Is God calling you to ‘sit’ more than ‘serve’? How do you feel about deliberately taking time to sit at Jesus’ feet to learn from him? Is it easy, hard, frustrating? What are you learning about your devotion to Jesus?
Mary and Martha both loved Jesus. Martha was not bad-hearted, nor did she have a personality disorder or OCD. She and her sister made different choices one day. Luke recorded the events to make sure we could reflect on our choices. What is this revealing to you about your choices?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm

”One Thing You Lack” | Mark 10:17-31 | Malcolm Cox

Our focus today is the man who runs up to Jesus and falls on his knees in front of him. However, it must be noted that this incident comes hard on the heels of the previous scene. 
Children were brought to Jesus - only for the disciples to rebuke them. Jesus in turn rebukes his disciples and declares that “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (v14). Mark is showing us the ideal kingdom-candidates before we encounter the flawed kingdom aspirant. ‘Paradoxically, the least powerful, least wealthy, least influential have a greater prospect of entering the kingdom than do those who are most powerful, wealthy, and influential.’ Word Biblical Commentary
receive the kingdomWhy are the children able to ‘receive the kingdom’ (v15)? We are not told precisely here, but perhaps we get a clue by looking at the contrasting example of the man on his knees.He looked good. He sounded good. He ran to Jesus, he fell upon his knees, he addressed Jesus respectfully (‘good teacher’), he kept the law. Yet something was amiss. He knew it. Why approach Jesus otherwise?  The answer was not what he expected nor wanted. He may have started on his knees, but he ended by turning his back on Jesus. He may have begun by running to Jesus, but he ultimately walks away. He may have arrived with eagerness, but he departed with sadness. 
no one is goodWhy does Jesus correct the man? Surely Jesus is ‘good’? Perhaps Jesus is detecting flattery and deflecting it.  ‘The word order places the emphasis on the με, “me”: “Why me do you call ‘good’?”’ WBC. Only God is worthy of primary focus, not even Jesus. He has come to reveal God to humankind, not himself. Will this man honour not so much Jesus, but God who is source of all goodness including his good commands?
One thing you lackThis man has no material needs and no law-needs.  He knows he has other needs, but what are those needs?  Jesus is about to tell him - and it is clearly not what the man expected.  ‘looked’ - looking at him. Did Jesus pause to study the man? Was the silent pause an opportunity for him to think, or perhaps a moment for the man to think about what he had just said? Was Jesus giving him space to add something more?
the poorJesus told him to give his money to the poor because once it is given you can’t get it back! This command is clearly not for everyone. The extravagance of the woman in Mark 14:5 is a counter-example. Jesus gives each person the challenge they need.
come follow meJesus seems to be saying, “Help me with my mission.”  See Mark 2:14; 8:34; John 1:43; 12:26; 21:19, 21:22. Perhaps the question Jesus is posing to the man is, “Is my mission more important than yours?”“In Jesus’ second response to the man, the commandments are assumed and taken for granted. The second response, however, moves beyond command to an abandonment and trust that involve the losing of self in yielding, trustful communion....The move is from willing duty to utter delight.” Walter Brueggemann, Psalms, 196
great wealth“He is told to part with the goods of this age since he is so interested in the next one, but he will not do so. His interest in the next world is not sincere enough to enable him to give up his preocupation with this world.” NIBC, Hurtado, Mark, 164He wants wealth in both realms, but that is not possible as a demand or precondition of following Jesus. This gives the lie to the prosperity gospel advocates.Jesus’ instruction indicates the urgency of the call. This is not simply a call to follow a Rabbi, but a call uttered due to the arrival of the kingdom and its king.
first..lastThe rich man looked like he belonged to those who are “first”, but he will be last. The disciples looked more like they belonged to the “last”, but they would be the first.The rich man calculates and finds the price not worth paying. 
Fundamentally he does not trust Jesus in the way children trust him. He hedges, attempting to find a way into the kingdom acceptable to God and to himself. That hedging keeps him on the wrong side of the hedge.This scenario makes the disciples wonder if they have the right approach, attitude and understanding. Jesus is challenging and reassuring. They cannot ‘achieve’ eternal life, but God can and will make the difference. The costs are high - everything! But the rewards are far beyond anything we could hope for otherwise.
For Reflection 1. The main question from this section of Scripture is, “what does this tell us about discipleship?”. What is the discipleship lesson for you personally?2. Is there ‘one thing you lack’ for wholehearted discipleship to Jesus? What is that? Is there someone you could talk to about it?3. In what ways do the reassurances of Jesus to his disciples about the last being first inspire your spiritual walk?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
God bless, Malcolm

”Will You Trust The King?” | Luke 18:18-30 | Danny Makinson

Danny showed us the struggle of the rich man to accept Jesus as a king he could trust.
“A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honour your father and mother.’” “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said. When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”” (Luke 18:18–30 NIV11)
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm

”How God’s Children Make the Mark” | 1 John 3:1 10 | Epistles of John Series | Stefan Wolmarans

Stefan Wolmarans explains how we miss the mark, but God makes the mark for us.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm

”Thirsty!” | John 4 | Malcolm Cox

We took ourselves off to Cassiobury Park for an outdoor service. On an exceptionally hot day it seemed only appropriate to discuss the topic of thirst from John 4.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm

”Victor Mukasa’s Testimony” | Victor Mukasa and Malcolm Cox

Victor shared his inspiring testimony with us today.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm