13.4 Theology From “Above” or From “Below”
Faith That Goes Beyond Human Ideas

Read John 4:46–54. What problem did the royal official bring to Jesus? What was the real issue here?

The story of the royal official in John 4:46–54 reveals two fundamental perspectives on faith: a “theology from below,” which is conditional, and a “theology from above,” which is based on unconditional trust in God’s word.

1. The Problem of the Royal Official

The official brings his request to Jesus, but his faith is initially conditional: he expects Jesus to provide the remedy for his need before he can believe. This attitude represents a “theology from below,” where humans tie God’s actions to their own rules and expectations.

2. Jesus’ Challenge

Jesus challenges the official: “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe” (John 4:48). With this statement, Jesus exposes how often human faith depends on visible evidence or miracles. However, true faith prioritizes God’s word regardless of external circumstances.

3. The Transition to a “Theology from Above”

When Jesus tells the official, “Your son will live” (John 4:50), the official responds with a decisive step of faith: he takes Jesus at his word before seeing the fulfillment. This demonstrates the transition to a “theology from above,” where individuals acknowledge and trust in God’s sovereignty and truth without imposing conditions.

Lessons for Us Today

1. The Danger of a “Theology from Below”

We risk judging God or attaching conditions to our faith if we insist that He fulfills our desires on our timetable. This attitude imposes human ideas over God’s word and plan.

2. The Value of a “Theology from Above”

A “theology from above” calls us to trust in God’s word, even when we do not fully understand His ways. It requires us to let go of our limited understanding and rely on His guidance.

3. Active Faith

True discipleship is not shown in passive listening but in the willingness to do God’s will. Faith becomes alive through obedience and love, as Jesus describes in John 14:23: “Whoever loves me will obey my teaching.”

Practical Application

• Trust God’s Word: Learn to accept God’s promises, even if their visible fulfillment is still pending.

• Faith in Action: Act based on God’s word by obeying Him and seeking His will.

• Overcome Doubts: Do not let human standards or expectations guide you; instead, submit to the wisdom and truth of Scripture.

Conclusion

The story of the royal official illustrates how we can move from doubt and conditional faith to unconditional trust. A “theology from above” challenges us to trust in God’s word and act accordingly, regardless of our desires or immediate fulfillment. It teaches us to place God first and build our relationship with Him on love, trust, and obedience.

What is the connection between our love for Jesus and obedience? Why is any form of “obedience” that is not based on love at risk of becoming legalistic?

The connection between our love for Jesus and obedience is central to understanding an authentic Christian life. True love for Jesus is the foundation and motivation for obedience, while obedience without love can quickly become legalistic and empty religiosity.

1. The Connection Between Love and Obedience

• Love as the Foundation of Obedience: Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will obey my teaching” (John 14:23). Obedience to Jesus is not a forced duty but the natural response to our love for Him. This love arises from recognizing His love for us: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

  • Loving Jesus means trusting Him and recognizing that His commandments are for our good.

• Obedience as an Expression of Love: Obedience is not an end in itself but a sign of our relationship with Jesus. It shows that we are faithful to Him and acknowledge His lordship in our lives.

• Love Leads to Joy in Obedience: When obedience is based on love, we do not see it as a burden but as joy. It becomes an opportunity to express our gratitude for His grace and redemption.

2. Why Obedience Without Love Becomes Legalistic

• Mechanical Obedience: Obedience without love becomes mechanical and superficial. It focuses on rule-following rather than the relationship with Jesus.

  • This type of obedience often leads people to prioritize the adherence to laws over the underlying love and grace.

• Pride or Frustration: Legalism tends to make people either proud or frustrated:

  • Pride: When they believe they are perfectly keeping the commandments.

  • Frustration: When they realize they can never meet God’s high standards on their own.

• Lack of the Spirit of Freedom: Paul warns in Galatians 5:1 that we should live in the freedom of Christ and not return to the bondage of the law. Obedience without love deprives us of the freedom that comes through the Holy Spirit and turns our faith life into a burdensome duty.

3. Love as a Guard Against Legalism

• Inner Motivation: Love motivates us from within to follow Jesus. It makes obedience a voluntary and joyful response rather than an external fulfillment of regulations.

• Focus on Jesus: Legalism focuses on rule adherence, while love centers on the person of Jesus. This perspective prevents faith from becoming a rigid checklist of duties.

• Fulfillment of the Law: Paul writes, “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14). Love automatically fulfills the commandments without engaging in legalism.

4. Practical Applications in Daily Life

• Obedience Out of Love: Let your love for Jesus motivate you to keep His commandments in your daily life—whether in honesty, forgiveness, or service to others.

• Examination of Motivation: Regularly ask yourself: “Am I acting out of love for Jesus, or am I trying to earn His favor through performance?”

• Trust in Grace: Recognize that obedience is not the way to earn God’s love but a response to the grace we have already received in Jesus.

Conclusion

Our love for Jesus and our obedience are closely and inseparably connected. Obedience that does not stem from love easily leads to legalism, which misses the heart of the Gospel. However, when our obedience is motivated by love, it reflects our relationship with Jesus and becomes a source of joy, not a burden. Love protects us from placing rules above grace and teaches us to live in freedom and truth.

The concepts of “theology from above” and “from below” have profound effects on our faith and daily lives. They call us to rethink our thinking, actions, and trust in God.

1. Trusting Despite Uncertainty

In everyday life, we often encounter situations that test our trust: financial difficulties, health problems, or interpersonal conflicts.

• Faith in Crises: Like the royal official, we tend to set conditions, such as “I will believe if God solves this problem.” However, a “theology from above” teaches us to trust God even when we do not yet see the solution.

Practical Application:

• • Pray in difficult moments not only for solutions but also for trust in God’s plan.

  • Trust that God’s ways are higher than yours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

2. Obedience Out of Love in Daily Life

True obedience, born out of love, is evident in the small decisions of life:

• Forgiveness Instead of Resentment: Love motivates us to forgive those who have wronged us instead of judging them by human standards.

• Honesty and Integrity: Love for Jesus inspires us to be honest and sincere, even when it is more challenging or disadvantageous.

Practical Application:

• • Ask yourself in your decisions: “Am I acting out of love for Jesus?”

3. Overcoming the Danger of Legalism

Sometimes we slip into a “theology from below” by trying to earn God’s favor through performance or perfection.

• Letting Go of Perfectionism: Legalism creates pressure and frustration. However, God’s love is independent of our performance.

Practical Application:

• • Remind yourself daily that God’s grace sustains you, not your performance.

4. A Living Relationship with God’s Word

A “theology from above” calls us to trust God’s word and recognize it as the highest authority in our lives.

• Daily Bible Study: Read the Bible not just to gain knowledge but to hear God’s voice and apply it to your life.

Practical Application:

• • Spend time in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand and live according to God’s word.

5. Living Faith in Community

A “theology from above” also influences how we treat others:

• Giving Testimony: By trusting and living according to God’s word, we can show others that faith is not just theoretical but has practical effects on life.

• Encouragement: Share experiences where God has helped you trust despite uncertainties and encourage others to rely on Him.

Final Conclusion

The story of the royal official reminds us that faith means trusting God’s word even when fulfillment is not visible. A “theology from above” challenges us to be guided by God’s sovereignty and not rely on human standards. This attitude can help us remain steadfast in daily challenges, practice obedience out of love, and live our lives with joy and freedom. God invites us to place Him first and trust Him in everything—a call that profoundly transforms our lives.

Trust in Jesus’ word, even when fulfillment is not yet visible—faith brings healing and hope.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-epilogue-knowing-jesus-and-his-word-13-4-theology-from-above-or-from-below-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

December 25, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 15

¹ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

² By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

³ For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

⁵ And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

⁶ After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

⁷ After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

⁸ And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

⁹ For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

¹¹ Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

¹² Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

¹³ But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

¹⁴ And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

¹⁵ Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

¹⁶ For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

¹⁷ And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

¹⁸ Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

¹⁹ If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

²⁰ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

²¹ For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

²² For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

²³ But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

²⁴ Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

²⁵ For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

²⁶ The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

²⁷ For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

²⁸ And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

²⁹ Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

³⁰ And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

³¹ I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

³² If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

³³ Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

³⁴ Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

³⁵ But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

³⁶ Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

³⁷ And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

³⁸ But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

³⁹ All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

⁴⁰ There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

⁴¹ There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

⁴² So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

⁴³ It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

⁴⁴ It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

⁴⁵ And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

⁴⁶ Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

⁴⁷ The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.

⁴⁸ As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

⁴⁹ And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

⁵⁰ Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

⁵¹ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

⁵² In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

⁵⁴ So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

⁵⁵ O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

1 Corinthians chapter 15 is a central chapter of the New Testament that highlights the significance of the resurrection of Christ and the dead. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth to affirm the Gospel and refute doubts about the resurrection. He explains that the resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and provides hope for eternal life. The chapter offers both a theological and practical perspective on the resurrection, the transformation of believers, and the victory over death.

Commentary

The Gospel and the Resurrection of Christ (Verses 1–11):
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the Gospel he preached: Christ died for sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. The numerous eyewitnesses of the resurrection—including Paul himself—affirm the truth of this central confession of faith.

The Importance of the Resurrection (Verses 12–19):
Paul argues that without the resurrection of Christ, the Christian faith would be in vain. The resurrection is inextricably linked to the hope of the resurrection of believers. Without it, there would be no redemption from sin and no hope of eternal life.

Christ as the Firstfruits of the Resurrection (Verses 20–28):
Christ is the “firstfruits” of those who will be raised. His victory over death marks the beginning of a larger plan in which all who believe in Him will participate. Paul describes the final triumph of Christ over all powers, including death, until God is “all in all.”

The Transformation of Believers (Verses 29–49):
Paul describes the nature of the resurrection and the transformation of the body. The natural, perishable body will be replaced by a spiritual, imperishable body. He draws a parallel between the earthly Adam, from whom all humans descend, and Christ, who gives life.

The Victory Over Death (Verses 50–58):
In the concluding passage, Paul proclaims the mystery of the transformation of believers at the second coming of Christ. Death will be finally defeated, and believers will attain incorruptibility and immortality. Paul concludes with a call to steadfastness and dedication in the work of the Lord, as their labor is not in vain.

Summary

1 Corinthians chapter 15 emphasizes the fundamental importance of the resurrection of Christ. Paul demonstrates that it is the heart of the Christian faith and provides hope for a new, imperishable life. The resurrection of the dead is presented as an inevitable part of the divine plan, in which Christ conquers death and sin. Believers are transformed and receive a spiritual body. In conclusion, Paul encourages the church to remain firm in their faith and to persevere in the service of the Lord, for their work is not in vain.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 82—“Why Weepest Thou?”
This chapter is based on Matthew 28:1, 5-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18.
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 82: “Why Are You Weeping?” describes the wonderful moment of Jesus’ resurrection and the encounter of the women and disciples with the risen Lord. Based on the Gospels, it is shown how the sorrow and despair of the believers are transformed into joy and hope as they realize that Jesus is alive. This chapter emphasizes the central significance of the resurrection for the Christian faith and invites believers to embrace the hope of eternal life.

Commentary

The Women at the Empty Tomb:
The women who had accompanied Jesus up to His death came with spices to honor His body, unaware that the promise of His resurrection had already been fulfilled. Their deep sorrow was transformed into awe when they saw the angel who proclaimed the good news: “He is risen.” Their spices became unnecessary because the Savior was alive.

Mary Magdalene and Her Encounter with Jesus:
Mary Magdalene, whose grief was particularly great, experienced a personal encounter with the risen Jesus. Her inability to recognize Him immediately reflects the despair that kept her from the reality of His resurrection. However, Jesus’ loving “Mary” opened her eyes. This scene illustrates how Jesus reveals Himself uniquely to each individual.

The Disciples’ Doubts:
The disciples initially reacted with disbelief to the women’s message. Their doubts and fears prevented them from accepting the truth of the resurrection. Nevertheless, Jesus did not reject them but revealed Himself to strengthen their faith and restore their hope. Especially Peter received personal assurance of forgiveness through the mention of his name.

The Message of Hope:
Jesus’ words “Why are you weeping?” and the angels’ exhortation to spread the good news are still relevant today. The resurrection is the foundation of our hope and joy because it demonstrates that death has been overcome. The call to shift our focus from sorrow to the living Christ is an invitation to live in faith and hope.

Summary

Chapter 82 depicts the encounter of the women and disciples with the risen Jesus and highlights the transformative power of the resurrection. It shows how sorrow, doubt, and despair can be transformed into joy, hope, and faith. The central message is clear: Jesus is alive, and through His resurrection, He grants all believers the hope of eternal life. This chapter calls believers to grow in faith and joyfully share the message of Jesus’ victory over death.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/25-11-2024-1-corinthians-chapter-15-believe-his-prophets/