1 Kings 6:37 - 7:1 (ESV Strong's)
In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid, in the month of Ziv. And in the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished in all its parts, and according to all its specifications. He was seven years in building it.
Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished his entire house.
Subject: Priorities
It seems rather plain and simple in the above text that the author of this book is drawing a sharp contrast in regard to how long I took Solomon to build the temple as compared to his own house. It is obvious he took longer to build his own house and that he spent more lumber, gold and excess on his house, as compared to the Temple. His house was almost 2 times the length of the Temple and stories higher. Like all of us in life, Solomon had a poor and unhealthy life-work imbalance. Solomon spent more time on his own life than he did on the work of God. It would be hard pressed to draw any other conclusion from the above passages. The Lord will still bless the Temple (see chapters 8-9). The Lord will still bless Solomon (see chapter 10). Never-the-less, the lesson here is simple: We can often spend so much time on our own comforts and station that we neglect the priority and gravity of the work God has given us.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
Subject: Service To God - Exodus 37-40
Exodus 38:8 (ESV Strong's)
He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze, from the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered in the entrance of the tent of meeting.
Subject: Service to God
Who were these women? All we really know of them is contained in this verse about them. Apparently they donated their mirrors (made of bronze) which Bezalel crafted into a basin. Note what this commentator says about the basin and the women:
(UBC OT) The women served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. The bronze basin stood between the entrance and the altar in the courtyard. It was the most vital and active location in the tabernacle. The priests entered the tent daily to attend to the lamps in the holy place. They had to wash their hands and feet in the basin before entering (30:1921). They prepared daily sacrifices at the entrance to the tent, at the basin, for burning on the altar. There they separated meat from the fat, cleaned it and, for many sacrifices, cut it for distribution. Whatever their “service” was, the women were in the midst of the active ministry between the altar, basin, and tent from the beginning.
Perhaps the picture here is that the women gave up a "mirror" which they used to look at themselves, for the purpose of crafting a basin for the use for God. So, something for their vanity became a tool for their service. We can only really serve when we are willing to give the vanity of the flesh an offer it to be used by God. This is the definition of service to God.
He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze, from the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered in the entrance of the tent of meeting.
Subject: Service to God
Who were these women? All we really know of them is contained in this verse about them. Apparently they donated their mirrors (made of bronze) which Bezalel crafted into a basin. Note what this commentator says about the basin and the women:
(UBC OT) The women served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. The bronze basin stood between the entrance and the altar in the courtyard. It was the most vital and active location in the tabernacle. The priests entered the tent daily to attend to the lamps in the holy place. They had to wash their hands and feet in the basin before entering (30:1921). They prepared daily sacrifices at the entrance to the tent, at the basin, for burning on the altar. There they separated meat from the fat, cleaned it and, for many sacrifices, cut it for distribution. Whatever their “service” was, the women were in the midst of the active ministry between the altar, basin, and tent from the beginning.
Perhaps the picture here is that the women gave up a "mirror" which they used to look at themselves, for the purpose of crafting a basin for the use for God. So, something for their vanity became a tool for their service. We can only really serve when we are willing to give the vanity of the flesh an offer it to be used by God. This is the definition of service to God.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Subject: The Gospel - Galatians 1-3
Galatians 1:11-12 (ESV Strong's)
For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Subject: The Gospel
In today's world we have so, so many "words" of authority. One person states life should be lived "this way" and another says, "that way." We do not live in a society that recognizes the authority of God's Word and God's voice. In the letter to the Galatians Christians Paul was writing to a similar audience. Although they should no better, they were being led astray by false teachers who took the Gospel (salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone) and mixed with it parts of the Jewish law. Paul states that this Gospel he preached was straight from Christ and not an amalgamation of different cultural structures. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus die for us. It is completely on Christ. This message was delivered by Christ, given to Paul, who, in turn, gives it to us. We live in a world that does not recognize the authority of this message. The believe it to be a myth made up to serve the psychological deficiency of our psyche. Note what Peter says:
2 Peter 1:16-19 (ESV Strong's)
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,
This is the same Peter who would be corrected by Paul in regard to this same subject. He was being led astray by false teaching. We have a true and sure message and need to be careful we are not following false teaching that does not reflect the Gospel.
For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Subject: The Gospel
In today's world we have so, so many "words" of authority. One person states life should be lived "this way" and another says, "that way." We do not live in a society that recognizes the authority of God's Word and God's voice. In the letter to the Galatians Christians Paul was writing to a similar audience. Although they should no better, they were being led astray by false teachers who took the Gospel (salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone) and mixed with it parts of the Jewish law. Paul states that this Gospel he preached was straight from Christ and not an amalgamation of different cultural structures. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus die for us. It is completely on Christ. This message was delivered by Christ, given to Paul, who, in turn, gives it to us. We live in a world that does not recognize the authority of this message. The believe it to be a myth made up to serve the psychological deficiency of our psyche. Note what Peter says:
2 Peter 1:16-19 (ESV Strong's)
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,
This is the same Peter who would be corrected by Paul in regard to this same subject. He was being led astray by false teaching. We have a true and sure message and need to be careful we are not following false teaching that does not reflect the Gospel.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Subject: God's Grace - Luke 7-8
Luke 7:16 (ESV Strong's)
Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”
Subject: Response to God's grace
Not everyone responds to God's grace the same way. In the above passage Jesus had healed a boy who was dead and was being carried out to his burial site. Jesus touches the boy and he goes from death to life!! (The picture of the Gospel.) The people are seized with fear and begin to glorify God in praise. However, in the following passage, later in Luke's Gospel, there is a completely different response:
Luke 8:37 (ESV Strong's)
Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned.
In this story Jesus has just healed the wild man of Gerasenes. The man was demon possessed. Jesus casts the demon out of the man and sent them into a heard of swine. The man is completely healed. Instead of rejoicing in God's grace the people of the town wanted Jesus to leave. Instead of seeing God reaching down to them, as in the dead boy's restoration of life, these people rejected grace and wanted Jesus to depart. Not everyone responds to God's grace the same. We would think that when seeing God's grace in the life of someone would always solicit joy and a holy reverence. But, that is not so in the hearts of evilness.
Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”
Subject: Response to God's grace
Not everyone responds to God's grace the same way. In the above passage Jesus had healed a boy who was dead and was being carried out to his burial site. Jesus touches the boy and he goes from death to life!! (The picture of the Gospel.) The people are seized with fear and begin to glorify God in praise. However, in the following passage, later in Luke's Gospel, there is a completely different response:
Luke 8:37 (ESV Strong's)
Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned.
In this story Jesus has just healed the wild man of Gerasenes. The man was demon possessed. Jesus casts the demon out of the man and sent them into a heard of swine. The man is completely healed. Instead of rejoicing in God's grace the people of the town wanted Jesus to leave. Instead of seeing God reaching down to them, as in the dead boy's restoration of life, these people rejected grace and wanted Jesus to depart. Not everyone responds to God's grace the same. We would think that when seeing God's grace in the life of someone would always solicit joy and a holy reverence. But, that is not so in the hearts of evilness.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Subject: Serving God against all Odds!! - Jeremiah 47-52
Jeremiah 51:61-64 (ESV Strong's)
And Jeremiah said to Seraiah: “When you come to Babylon, see that you read all these words, and say, ‘O Lord, you have said concerning this place that you will cut it off, so that nothing shall dwell in it, neither man nor beast, and it shall be desolate forever.’ When you finish reading this book, tie a stone to it and cast it into the midst of the Euphrates, and say, Thus shall Babylon sink, to rise no more, because of the disaster that I am bringing upon her, and they shall become exhausted.’”
Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.
Subject: Serving God against Great Odds!!
Jeremiah is finishing the message God gave him. The final position of the message was to Babylon was that, despite your current reign and victory over all nations, you will soon be destroyed. God is about to bring in another nation that will destroy it. The reason? Because Babylon had, like all these other nations, lifted her head in pride and did not give God glory. This message of doom and destruction, however, was to be delivered to the nation by Seraiah. We don't know a lot about him, but his job was to read the words that Jeremiah penned in this book to the fierce Babylonians. This was not to be an easy task. When God asks us to deliver His word, it is often not easy. They only way Seraiah could do this job was to be completely dependent upon God and to know that God was in charge and large enough to deal with Babylon. This would be an act of faith. He would have to trust that God had, indeed, sent him and that in sending him, God would also enable him to survive. This is an act of faith. We can't deliver God's word without trusting that God is faithful to His Word and to those who deliver it.
And Jeremiah said to Seraiah: “When you come to Babylon, see that you read all these words, and say, ‘O Lord, you have said concerning this place that you will cut it off, so that nothing shall dwell in it, neither man nor beast, and it shall be desolate forever.’ When you finish reading this book, tie a stone to it and cast it into the midst of the Euphrates, and say, Thus shall Babylon sink, to rise no more, because of the disaster that I am bringing upon her, and they shall become exhausted.’”
Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.
Subject: Serving God against Great Odds!!
Jeremiah is finishing the message God gave him. The final position of the message was to Babylon was that, despite your current reign and victory over all nations, you will soon be destroyed. God is about to bring in another nation that will destroy it. The reason? Because Babylon had, like all these other nations, lifted her head in pride and did not give God glory. This message of doom and destruction, however, was to be delivered to the nation by Seraiah. We don't know a lot about him, but his job was to read the words that Jeremiah penned in this book to the fierce Babylonians. This was not to be an easy task. When God asks us to deliver His word, it is often not easy. They only way Seraiah could do this job was to be completely dependent upon God and to know that God was in charge and large enough to deal with Babylon. This would be an act of faith. He would have to trust that God had, indeed, sent him and that in sending him, God would also enable him to survive. This is an act of faith. We can't deliver God's word without trusting that God is faithful to His Word and to those who deliver it.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Subject: Nature of sin and man
Proverbs 1:19 (ESV Strong's)
Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;
it takes away the life of its possessors.
Subject: Nature of sin and man
There is some confusion among commentators as to the exact meaning of the above proverb. It is actually the third proverb in a "sentence" describing what is going to happen to someone who doesn't heed the warnings of this book. There is confusion surrounding "who" they are referring to. The above proverb is clarified in the ESV that we are referring to "everyone who is greedy for unjust gain.". The key thought is offered that those who desire advancement of possessions will, in the end, be lose their lives to that pursuit. This entire last portion of this chapter is about the wicked who pursue "all precious goods" (verse 13). The want to throw all their possessions into "one purse" (verse 14). They attempt to attack the righteous for the purpose of obtaining their goods. Yet, in the end, the goods own them and not the other way around. This is the nature of sin and the nature of man, without the Gospel. Man wants what man doesn't have. Man wants what others have. Man wants!! Yet, that "want" will eventually own the man. The greedy pursuit of unjust gain (gain obtained without God's blessing and via God's plan) will result in the taking away of your life rather than giving you life. Those who are "owned" by their jobs and careers comes to mind when we read this verse. Their pursuit for a career and success eventually steals their life.
Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;
it takes away the life of its possessors.
Subject: Nature of sin and man
There is some confusion among commentators as to the exact meaning of the above proverb. It is actually the third proverb in a "sentence" describing what is going to happen to someone who doesn't heed the warnings of this book. There is confusion surrounding "who" they are referring to. The above proverb is clarified in the ESV that we are referring to "everyone who is greedy for unjust gain.". The key thought is offered that those who desire advancement of possessions will, in the end, be lose their lives to that pursuit. This entire last portion of this chapter is about the wicked who pursue "all precious goods" (verse 13). The want to throw all their possessions into "one purse" (verse 14). They attempt to attack the righteous for the purpose of obtaining their goods. Yet, in the end, the goods own them and not the other way around. This is the nature of sin and the nature of man, without the Gospel. Man wants what man doesn't have. Man wants what others have. Man wants!! Yet, that "want" will eventually own the man. The greedy pursuit of unjust gain (gain obtained without God's blessing and via God's plan) will result in the taking away of your life rather than giving you life. Those who are "owned" by their jobs and careers comes to mind when we read this verse. Their pursuit for a career and success eventually steals their life.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Subject: God's Care - Man's Evilness - Pslam 63-65
Psalms 64:1-6 (ESV Strong's)
Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint;
preserve my life from dread of the enemy.
Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
from the throng of evildoers,
who whet their tongues like swords,
who aim bitter words like arrows,
shooting from ambush at the blameless,
shooting at him suddenly and without fear.
They hold fast to their evil purpose;
they talk of laying snares secretly,
thinking, “Who can see them?”
They search out injustice,
saying, “We have accomplished a diligent search.”
For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep.
Subject: God's Care - Man's Evilness
David, no doubt, was in some sort of hot water when this Psalm was penned. It is actually a prayer of David's. It might have been prayed when Saul was plotting against him, despite his loyalty to Saul. It might have been prayed when David's son, Abosolm, was turning the kingdom against his father. Whatever the situation the prayer is reveling in its description of the evilness of man. This plotting against David comes from the heart. A heart that David states comes from the "inward mind and heart of man" and is "deep.". There are some forces at work here and David is praying for God's protection and care. He sees the evilness of man, but he knows the power and character of God. God has, and will, protect him. This is a prayer of faith. David is not relying on his own strength, but on the strength of God and the sovereign power of God. David doesn't know the plot of the wicked, but he knows they plot. He doesn't know the words on their tongue but only that their tongue is bitter and are "like swords." David's prayer confesses their evilness, God's power and David's complete reliance on God's protection.
Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint;
preserve my life from dread of the enemy.
Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
from the throng of evildoers,
who whet their tongues like swords,
who aim bitter words like arrows,
shooting from ambush at the blameless,
shooting at him suddenly and without fear.
They hold fast to their evil purpose;
they talk of laying snares secretly,
thinking, “Who can see them?”
They search out injustice,
saying, “We have accomplished a diligent search.”
For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep.
Subject: God's Care - Man's Evilness
David, no doubt, was in some sort of hot water when this Psalm was penned. It is actually a prayer of David's. It might have been prayed when Saul was plotting against him, despite his loyalty to Saul. It might have been prayed when David's son, Abosolm, was turning the kingdom against his father. Whatever the situation the prayer is reveling in its description of the evilness of man. This plotting against David comes from the heart. A heart that David states comes from the "inward mind and heart of man" and is "deep.". There are some forces at work here and David is praying for God's protection and care. He sees the evilness of man, but he knows the power and character of God. God has, and will, protect him. This is a prayer of faith. David is not relying on his own strength, but on the strength of God and the sovereign power of God. David doesn't know the plot of the wicked, but he knows they plot. He doesn't know the words on their tongue but only that their tongue is bitter and are "like swords." David's prayer confesses their evilness, God's power and David's complete reliance on God's protection.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Subject: Faithfulness to God's Word - 1 Kings 1-4
1 Kings 2:1-4 (ESV Strong's)
When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
Subject: Faithfulness to God's Word
When man faces death, what does he focus on most? The focus of a man in his death may say more about a man's life than the life itself. In the above passage David is about to die. What is his focus? It is on telling his son, Solomon, to follow God's Word. Such is the man who values God and God's Word over all else. When Moses was about to die, he spoke the same to Joshua and even wrote a song to focus Joshua and the nation on God and HIs world (Deuteronomy 31, 32). Joshua did the same thing upon his death (Joshua 24:25-28). Paul told Timothy the same things (2 Timothy 2:15). Peter tells his readers the same thing in 2 Peter 1:12-21. David knew that Solomon would need wisdom and strength in his life. In the end of our lives the best gift we can give those around us is a reminder to follow God's Word. That is the whole and sum of it.
When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
Subject: Faithfulness to God's Word
When man faces death, what does he focus on most? The focus of a man in his death may say more about a man's life than the life itself. In the above passage David is about to die. What is his focus? It is on telling his son, Solomon, to follow God's Word. Such is the man who values God and God's Word over all else. When Moses was about to die, he spoke the same to Joshua and even wrote a song to focus Joshua and the nation on God and HIs world (Deuteronomy 31, 32). Joshua did the same thing upon his death (Joshua 24:25-28). Paul told Timothy the same things (2 Timothy 2:15). Peter tells his readers the same thing in 2 Peter 1:12-21. David knew that Solomon would need wisdom and strength in his life. In the end of our lives the best gift we can give those around us is a reminder to follow God's Word. That is the whole and sum of it.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Subject: Work - Exodus 33-36
Exodus 36:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
“Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.”
And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work.
Subject: Work
God equips man for work. The work required to build the Tabernacle and the furnishings for the Tabernacle was to be done by someone God had prepared for such work. God puts into man the talents He wants many to have for the work He designs for man according to His plan. If we are pursuing God's plan in our lives, He will direct us and give us the tools we need to do that job. In the above passage we read, "... the Lord has put skill and intelligence ..." into the hearts and minds of these craftsman. In their "mind" the Lord had "put skill.". Mankind is so diluted with their own selves and their own successes, they seldom, if ever, give God the glory for the work He does in their mind and skill sets. Believers, if not careful, can believe their faith on Sunday is all about God, but their work on Monday is all about their own skill set. It is doubtful most of us have ever put on our resume that we received our skill set(s) from God. Yet, that is the truth. In faith we need to believe God has equipped us for the day we are to do His work. Whatever that work might be. We think of evangelism and, of course, that comes from God. But, do we realize that our minds were prepared for mechanical things; carpenter things; pilot things; Doctor things; consultant things? God equips!!!
“Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.”
And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work.
Subject: Work
God equips man for work. The work required to build the Tabernacle and the furnishings for the Tabernacle was to be done by someone God had prepared for such work. God puts into man the talents He wants many to have for the work He designs for man according to His plan. If we are pursuing God's plan in our lives, He will direct us and give us the tools we need to do that job. In the above passage we read, "... the Lord has put skill and intelligence ..." into the hearts and minds of these craftsman. In their "mind" the Lord had "put skill.". Mankind is so diluted with their own selves and their own successes, they seldom, if ever, give God the glory for the work He does in their mind and skill sets. Believers, if not careful, can believe their faith on Sunday is all about God, but their work on Monday is all about their own skill set. It is doubtful most of us have ever put on our resume that we received our skill set(s) from God. Yet, that is the truth. In faith we need to believe God has equipped us for the day we are to do His work. Whatever that work might be. We think of evangelism and, of course, that comes from God. But, do we realize that our minds were prepared for mechanical things; carpenter things; pilot things; Doctor things; consultant things? God equips!!!
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Subject: Christian Living/Service - 2 Corinthians 11-13
2 Corinthians 11:24-27 (ESV Strong's)
Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.
Subject: Christian Living
The above text is the biography of Paul's life. It looks remarkably different than most Christian living today. It looks quite different than most Christian pastors and ministers today. Paul did not look toward ministry as a "cushiony" job. He didn't wonder about retirement packages, where he would live or a car expense. In the above passage we see the real cost of ministry and Christian living. I am soft!! Would I continue to be loyal to Christ (the subject of chapter 11) if this were my journey in life? We look so much for creature comforts. Paul is telling this church his story, not to complain or boast, but to show them his right to correct them and teach them. The false teachers were putting themselves on the same level as Paul and we're trying to discredit him. This biography is to show them the authenticity of his ministry. There is nothing that shows you are a Christian than the suffering of persecution and the carrying of the load of ministry.
Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.
Subject: Christian Living
The above text is the biography of Paul's life. It looks remarkably different than most Christian living today. It looks quite different than most Christian pastors and ministers today. Paul did not look toward ministry as a "cushiony" job. He didn't wonder about retirement packages, where he would live or a car expense. In the above passage we see the real cost of ministry and Christian living. I am soft!! Would I continue to be loyal to Christ (the subject of chapter 11) if this were my journey in life? We look so much for creature comforts. Paul is telling this church his story, not to complain or boast, but to show them his right to correct them and teach them. The false teachers were putting themselves on the same level as Paul and we're trying to discredit him. This biography is to show them the authenticity of his ministry. There is nothing that shows you are a Christian than the suffering of persecution and the carrying of the load of ministry.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Subject: Sin - John 5-6
Luke 5:8 (ESV Strong's)
But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
Subject: Sin
Have we ever come face to face with our sin? do we recognize the ugliness and filthiness of sin? In Psalm 51 King David, sinful David, uses countless terms for sin. He calls it a "great transgression." He names it "iniquity." He refers to it as "bloodguiltness." Do we see sin as God sees sin. In the above text Peter comes face to face with Jesus. Jesus has just showed him the power of God through a miracle. Peter (along with James and John, his fishing partners) had been fishing all night and did not catch a single fish. Jesus tells them to cast their nets in again and they fill two boats with enough fish to begin to sink both boats. When Peter sees this he does not go out and begin a marketing plan to sell fish. No, Peter confesses his sin! What? Note what John MacArthur says about this passage:
(MacArthur NT) The Lord Jesus Christ had just revealed Himself to be the omniscient, omnipotent God of the universe. When Simon Peter saw the evidence of that in the miraculous catch of fish, he was overwhelmed with the realization that he was face-to-face with Holy God. Peter, fully aware that if he saw deity, deity saw him too, and realizing that the One who could see the depths of the lake could see the depths of his heart, felt exposed.
Everywhere you look in God's word, when a man comes face to face with God he sees his own sin. We see sin in comparable with the world and say, "Our sin is not so bad." But, when we see our lives in light of the majesty of God we see ourselves as pure ugly sinners. When we think so highly of ourselves we are seeing ourselves compared to man. When we see God we see our sin.
But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
Subject: Sin
Have we ever come face to face with our sin? do we recognize the ugliness and filthiness of sin? In Psalm 51 King David, sinful David, uses countless terms for sin. He calls it a "great transgression." He names it "iniquity." He refers to it as "bloodguiltness." Do we see sin as God sees sin. In the above text Peter comes face to face with Jesus. Jesus has just showed him the power of God through a miracle. Peter (along with James and John, his fishing partners) had been fishing all night and did not catch a single fish. Jesus tells them to cast their nets in again and they fill two boats with enough fish to begin to sink both boats. When Peter sees this he does not go out and begin a marketing plan to sell fish. No, Peter confesses his sin! What? Note what John MacArthur says about this passage:
(MacArthur NT) The Lord Jesus Christ had just revealed Himself to be the omniscient, omnipotent God of the universe. When Simon Peter saw the evidence of that in the miraculous catch of fish, he was overwhelmed with the realization that he was face-to-face with Holy God. Peter, fully aware that if he saw deity, deity saw him too, and realizing that the One who could see the depths of the lake could see the depths of his heart, felt exposed.
Everywhere you look in God's word, when a man comes face to face with God he sees his own sin. We see sin in comparable with the world and say, "Our sin is not so bad." But, when we see our lives in light of the majesty of God we see ourselves as pure ugly sinners. When we think so highly of ourselves we are seeing ourselves compared to man. When we see God we see our sin.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Subject: Pragmatism - Jeremiah 42-46
Jeremiah 44:16-17 (ESV Strong's)
“As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we will not listen to you. But we will do everything that we have vowed, make offerings to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her, as we did, both we and our fathers, our kings and our officials, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. For then we had plenty of food, and prospered, and saw no disaster.
Subject: Pragmatism
As we do today, the remand left in the land of Judah was very pragmatic. Pragmatism is basing your belief in something based upon the practical application of the belief: "Since I now feel good, what I just did must be good.". In the 1960s the phrase was, "If it feels good, do it!". Our society today is very pragmatic. So, too, however, was this remnant. They had sent Jeremiah away to inquired of God what they should do. The King of Babylon had left them in the land and they were afraid he would return to kill them, or take them back to Babylon. For the time being they had escaped ... or, so they thought. Jeremiah inquired of the Lord and came back and told them to stay put; that God would take care of them, in the land. Above was their response to Jeremiah's message. They could only think past a time when they had good food and false peace. They attributed that to their worshiping the "queen of heaven.". This is in reference to the god of the Egyptians. In the next chapter they will return to Egypt. They were relying on pragmatism and not Theology. We all do this. Living in "faith" is not pragmatism. Living in faith is trusting God will do what He will do, despite the circumstances I see around me. Faith based living is living above pragmatism.
“As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we will not listen to you. But we will do everything that we have vowed, make offerings to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her, as we did, both we and our fathers, our kings and our officials, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. For then we had plenty of food, and prospered, and saw no disaster.
Subject: Pragmatism
As we do today, the remand left in the land of Judah was very pragmatic. Pragmatism is basing your belief in something based upon the practical application of the belief: "Since I now feel good, what I just did must be good.". In the 1960s the phrase was, "If it feels good, do it!". Our society today is very pragmatic. So, too, however, was this remnant. They had sent Jeremiah away to inquired of God what they should do. The King of Babylon had left them in the land and they were afraid he would return to kill them, or take them back to Babylon. For the time being they had escaped ... or, so they thought. Jeremiah inquired of the Lord and came back and told them to stay put; that God would take care of them, in the land. Above was their response to Jeremiah's message. They could only think past a time when they had good food and false peace. They attributed that to their worshiping the "queen of heaven.". This is in reference to the god of the Egyptians. In the next chapter they will return to Egypt. They were relying on pragmatism and not Theology. We all do this. Living in "faith" is not pragmatism. Living in faith is trusting God will do what He will do, despite the circumstances I see around me. Faith based living is living above pragmatism.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Subject: Blessing of God - Job 40-42
Job 42:13-15 (ESV Strong's)
He had also seven sons and three daughters. And he called the name of the first daughter Jemimah, and the name of the second Keziah, and the name of the third Keren-happuch. And in all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job's daughters. And their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers.
Subject: Blessing of God
When God blesses those He pleases to bless, He does so outside the bounds of culture. As we read the story of Job we are captivated for almost 41 chapters with Job's life and dilemma. He is physically distraught, socially mocked, and psychologically empty. God has allowed Job to experience pain and suffering and than, for 41 chapters, be counseled by men who do not represent God officially, but believe they do. Then chapter 42 comes along. Thank God for chapter 42s of our lives. Chapter 42 is the chapter where God blesses Job and gives insight and balances the scales. You can't have chapter 42 without 1-41, however. In those early chapters Job's sons and daughter's lives are taken. In chapter 42 God restores Job and gives him seven sons and three daughters. However, it is significant that God mentions the daughters by name and not the sons. This is highly unusual. Almost always, in God's Word, the focus is on the sons of a man chosen by God. The female during this time of society was not valued and was treated as property. What we read above is no mistake. Job's restoration and blessing was so vast, that special attention is even given to the daughter's of Job. This is to give us a clear understanding that when God blesses He blesses. The names of Job's daughters are all Hebrew words that reflect the beauty and respect God gave them in this new chapter of Job's life. We are to notice this. God wants us to realize we might go through hardships, but God will bless in due time. When He does, the culture of the day won't prevent Him from opening up the windows of heaven even on some person (or, in this case, gender) not always valued by mankind.
He had also seven sons and three daughters. And he called the name of the first daughter Jemimah, and the name of the second Keziah, and the name of the third Keren-happuch. And in all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job's daughters. And their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers.
Subject: Blessing of God
When God blesses those He pleases to bless, He does so outside the bounds of culture. As we read the story of Job we are captivated for almost 41 chapters with Job's life and dilemma. He is physically distraught, socially mocked, and psychologically empty. God has allowed Job to experience pain and suffering and than, for 41 chapters, be counseled by men who do not represent God officially, but believe they do. Then chapter 42 comes along. Thank God for chapter 42s of our lives. Chapter 42 is the chapter where God blesses Job and gives insight and balances the scales. You can't have chapter 42 without 1-41, however. In those early chapters Job's sons and daughter's lives are taken. In chapter 42 God restores Job and gives him seven sons and three daughters. However, it is significant that God mentions the daughters by name and not the sons. This is highly unusual. Almost always, in God's Word, the focus is on the sons of a man chosen by God. The female during this time of society was not valued and was treated as property. What we read above is no mistake. Job's restoration and blessing was so vast, that special attention is even given to the daughter's of Job. This is to give us a clear understanding that when God blesses He blesses. The names of Job's daughters are all Hebrew words that reflect the beauty and respect God gave them in this new chapter of Job's life. We are to notice this. God wants us to realize we might go through hardships, but God will bless in due time. When He does, the culture of the day won't prevent Him from opening up the windows of heaven even on some person (or, in this case, gender) not always valued by mankind.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Subject: Power and Leadership - Psalm 60-62
Psalms 62:11 (ESV Strong's)
Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
Subject: Leadership and Power
It is no secret that man thrives on power. Although the majority who run for political office due so with a servant spirit based upon idealistic visions, most stay in office and corrupt that very office because they have an unquenchable thirst for power. Men love to inflict power over other men. It is in our sin nature to do so. Yet, in the above passage we see that power belongs to God. NO ONE who is currently in power (of any kind) who wasn't put their by God. Often, the socialist believes that power flows up. However, in the theologian's belief, based upon this verse, power flows down; but not from men in high places, but from God. We need to realize in leadership that our power doesn't come from what men give us in these positions, but in what God allows for His glory. Power belongs to God!!
Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
Subject: Leadership and Power
It is no secret that man thrives on power. Although the majority who run for political office due so with a servant spirit based upon idealistic visions, most stay in office and corrupt that very office because they have an unquenchable thirst for power. Men love to inflict power over other men. It is in our sin nature to do so. Yet, in the above passage we see that power belongs to God. NO ONE who is currently in power (of any kind) who wasn't put their by God. Often, the socialist believes that power flows up. However, in the theologian's belief, based upon this verse, power flows down; but not from men in high places, but from God. We need to realize in leadership that our power doesn't come from what men give us in these positions, but in what God allows for His glory. Power belongs to God!!
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Subject: Loyalty - Folower-ship/Leadership - 2 Samuel 21-24
2 Samuel 23:13-17 (ESV Strong's)
And three of the thirty chief men went down and came about harvest time to David at the cave of Adullam, when a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. And David said longingly, “Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the Lord and said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did.
Subject: The definition of Loyalty
We live in a time that loyalty to anything is questionable. Marketers desire loyalty toward their products. Politicians desire loyalty toward their party. Sports teams desire loyalty to their teams. We desire loyalty. In the above passage you have the best example of being loyal. David's men were loyal to, him, the king. they were willing to risk their lives. He was so honored by their loyalty he was, in turn, loyal to the friendship and dedication and refused to drink water they had spent their lives for. This might seem as though he dishonored them, but David was saying he is not worthy of their sacrifice. This shows the humility of David and the reason it was so easy for them men to be loyal to him. Loyalty is a two-way street. David's humility and his honor toward them caused them to want to be loyal to him.
And three of the thirty chief men went down and came about harvest time to David at the cave of Adullam, when a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. And David said longingly, “Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the Lord and said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did.
Subject: The definition of Loyalty
We live in a time that loyalty to anything is questionable. Marketers desire loyalty toward their products. Politicians desire loyalty toward their party. Sports teams desire loyalty to their teams. We desire loyalty. In the above passage you have the best example of being loyal. David's men were loyal to, him, the king. they were willing to risk their lives. He was so honored by their loyalty he was, in turn, loyal to the friendship and dedication and refused to drink water they had spent their lives for. This might seem as though he dishonored them, but David was saying he is not worthy of their sacrifice. This shows the humility of David and the reason it was so easy for them men to be loyal to him. Loyalty is a two-way street. David's humility and his honor toward them caused them to want to be loyal to him.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Subject: Intercessory Prayer - Exodus 30-32
Exodus 32:11-12 (ESV Strong's)
But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people.
Subject: Intercessory Prayer
While Moses was up in the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments, the nation of Israel was in the valley, already breaking most of them. Aaron had answered the people's request for false gods by creating a golden calf out of melted down ear rings. After God alerts Moses to the sin (nothing goes unnoticed by God), He then speaks of destroying the people. This is where Moses steps in to pray for the nation. He intercedes on their behalf. The aspect of Intercessory prayer is important in the life of the believer and community. We are instructed to pray for those in the community. Intercessory prayer is commanded, demonstrated and essential to the Body of Christ and the Christian Community. Our brining others to God opens up the door for God's grace and mercy in their lives. Moses prayed to God and reminded God about His character and promises. That opened up God's grace and mercy. Some souls died, but Moses prayer brought grace to the others in the nation. When others don't know they need grace, we can pray and ask God for it.
But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people.
Subject: Intercessory Prayer
While Moses was up in the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments, the nation of Israel was in the valley, already breaking most of them. Aaron had answered the people's request for false gods by creating a golden calf out of melted down ear rings. After God alerts Moses to the sin (nothing goes unnoticed by God), He then speaks of destroying the people. This is where Moses steps in to pray for the nation. He intercedes on their behalf. The aspect of Intercessory prayer is important in the life of the believer and community. We are instructed to pray for those in the community. Intercessory prayer is commanded, demonstrated and essential to the Body of Christ and the Christian Community. Our brining others to God opens up the door for God's grace and mercy in their lives. Moses prayed to God and reminded God about His character and promises. That opened up God's grace and mercy. Some souls died, but Moses prayer brought grace to the others in the nation. When others don't know they need grace, we can pray and ask God for it.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Subject: Giving/Worship - 2 Corinthians 9-10
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV Strong's)
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Subject: Giving/Worship
Paul may have been thinking of the following Proverb when he penned these words:
Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV Strong's)
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
and one who waters will himself be watered.
There is a principle in God's Word found throughout God's Word: God is a giver and He blesses those who give like Him. When our heart is set upon being like God and loving like God we will give, sacrificially and cheerfully. We will have a profound sense of faith that God will care for us and we will not lack due to our giving. This is the lesson Paul is giving here and what the early church needed to learn, or at least, be reminded about. God loves a cheerful giver because a cheerful giver is acting and demonstrating that quality of godliness.
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Subject: Giving/Worship
Paul may have been thinking of the following Proverb when he penned these words:
Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV Strong's)
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
and one who waters will himself be watered.
There is a principle in God's Word found throughout God's Word: God is a giver and He blesses those who give like Him. When our heart is set upon being like God and loving like God we will give, sacrificially and cheerfully. We will have a profound sense of faith that God will care for us and we will not lack due to our giving. This is the lesson Paul is giving here and what the early church needed to learn, or at least, be reminded about. God loves a cheerful giver because a cheerful giver is acting and demonstrating that quality of godliness.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Subject: Work and Worship - Luke 3-4
Luke 3:14 (ESV Strong's)
Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
Subject: Work and Worship
When John the Baptist began his ministry many people came out to hear his preaching. The Pharisees came and he chastised them. The tax collectors came and he told them to not over tax the people. People came and he told them to show a giving spirit. Now the members of the military showed up and John told them the above verse. He wanted them to show kindness and not be discontent. The theme in John's teaching was the same as Jesus would say later when asked to sum up the entire law. To fulfill the law we are to love God with heart, soul and mind and love our neighbor as ourselves. God does not require more than us that to show kindness, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. John sums this up. In 1 Peter 2:18 we are told by Peter that slaves are to be subject to their masters. All this teaching sums up the fact that as a people working for others (soldiers, slaves, etc) we are to show kindness to others and to submit to the authority we have. Grumbling and complaining workers do not fulfill the glory of God. We are to worship through our work.
Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
Subject: Work and Worship
When John the Baptist began his ministry many people came out to hear his preaching. The Pharisees came and he chastised them. The tax collectors came and he told them to not over tax the people. People came and he told them to show a giving spirit. Now the members of the military showed up and John told them the above verse. He wanted them to show kindness and not be discontent. The theme in John's teaching was the same as Jesus would say later when asked to sum up the entire law. To fulfill the law we are to love God with heart, soul and mind and love our neighbor as ourselves. God does not require more than us that to show kindness, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. John sums this up. In 1 Peter 2:18 we are told by Peter that slaves are to be subject to their masters. All this teaching sums up the fact that as a people working for others (soldiers, slaves, etc) we are to show kindness to others and to submit to the authority we have. Grumbling and complaining workers do not fulfill the glory of God. We are to worship through our work.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Subject: Hope and Reward - Jeremiah 37-41
Jeremiah 40:2-6 (ESV Strong's)
The captain of the guard took Jeremiah and said to him, “The Lord your God pronounced this disaster against this place. The Lord has brought it about, and has done as he said. Because you sinned against the Lord and did not obey his voice, this thing has come upon you. Now, behold, I release you today from the chains on your hands. If it seems good to you to come with me to Babylon, come, and I will look after you well, but if it seems wrong to you to come with me to Babylon, do not come. See, the whole land is before you; go wherever you think it good and right to go. If you remain, then return to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed governor of the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people. Or go wherever you think it right to go.” So the captain of the guard gave him an allowance of food and a present, and let him go. Then Jeremiah went to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, at Mizpah, and lived with him among the people who were left in the land.
Subject: Hope and Reward
How refreshing was this message to Jeremiah from the Babylonians? As his countrymen were killed or taken captive, his reward from God was his freedom. God remembers His own. That is the simple lesson of this text. God rewards us. Jeremiah has been beaten, imprisoned, rejected, alone, ridiculed, challenged and defamed. Now he is given a reward on this side of heaven. We are not promised that, but God did take care of him. God takes care of His own.
The captain of the guard took Jeremiah and said to him, “The Lord your God pronounced this disaster against this place. The Lord has brought it about, and has done as he said. Because you sinned against the Lord and did not obey his voice, this thing has come upon you. Now, behold, I release you today from the chains on your hands. If it seems good to you to come with me to Babylon, come, and I will look after you well, but if it seems wrong to you to come with me to Babylon, do not come. See, the whole land is before you; go wherever you think it good and right to go. If you remain, then return to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed governor of the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people. Or go wherever you think it right to go.” So the captain of the guard gave him an allowance of food and a present, and let him go. Then Jeremiah went to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, at Mizpah, and lived with him among the people who were left in the land.
Subject: Hope and Reward
How refreshing was this message to Jeremiah from the Babylonians? As his countrymen were killed or taken captive, his reward from God was his freedom. God remembers His own. That is the simple lesson of this text. God rewards us. Jeremiah has been beaten, imprisoned, rejected, alone, ridiculed, challenged and defamed. Now he is given a reward on this side of heaven. We are not promised that, but God did take care of him. God takes care of His own.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Subject: The Awesomeness of God - Job 38-39
Job 39:19 (ESV Strong's)
“Do you give the horse his might?
Do you clothe his neck with a mane?
Subject: The Awesomeness of God
God will show us His awesomeness. In the midst of our pain and suffering the balm we need is to understand and rest in the fact that God is powerful and awesome. In these last chapters of Job we finally get God's Word. We have heard from Jobs friends and their counsel has fallen into more criticism than correction. Finally, God speaks directly to Job and challenges him with what he knows, compared to what God knows. In chapter 39 God specifically turns to what Job knows about the animal world, and, in the above verses, the domestic world of the horse. God is showing Job that if you want to get out of depression you should not take a personal inventory. If you want to get out of our slump you have to focus entirely on the power and greatness of God. God points out, in these chapters (38-41) that man's inventory of knowledge is minuet, as compared to God. Instead of justifying himself, Job should rest in the beauty and power and awesome knowledge of God. God set the might of the horse in motion. Today, we tend to see the horse as recreational in nature. In Job's day, as compared to an infantry solider, the horse would have been equivalent to the appearance of an Apache Helicopter on the battle field today. God gave the horse his might. The horse was without fear. The horse charged into battle with little to fear. God gave him the might to fight. Why do we worry about life's issues, when God is so cable of even making the horse fit for battle?
“Do you give the horse his might?
Do you clothe his neck with a mane?
Subject: The Awesomeness of God
God will show us His awesomeness. In the midst of our pain and suffering the balm we need is to understand and rest in the fact that God is powerful and awesome. In these last chapters of Job we finally get God's Word. We have heard from Jobs friends and their counsel has fallen into more criticism than correction. Finally, God speaks directly to Job and challenges him with what he knows, compared to what God knows. In chapter 39 God specifically turns to what Job knows about the animal world, and, in the above verses, the domestic world of the horse. God is showing Job that if you want to get out of depression you should not take a personal inventory. If you want to get out of our slump you have to focus entirely on the power and greatness of God. God points out, in these chapters (38-41) that man's inventory of knowledge is minuet, as compared to God. Instead of justifying himself, Job should rest in the beauty and power and awesome knowledge of God. God set the might of the horse in motion. Today, we tend to see the horse as recreational in nature. In Job's day, as compared to an infantry solider, the horse would have been equivalent to the appearance of an Apache Helicopter on the battle field today. God gave the horse his might. The horse was without fear. The horse charged into battle with little to fear. God gave him the might to fight. Why do we worry about life's issues, when God is so cable of even making the horse fit for battle?
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Subject: The Justice of God - Psalm 57-59
Psalms 58:10-11 (ESV Strong's)
The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance;
he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked.
Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
surely there is a God who judges on earth.”
Subject: The Justice of God
Before understanding this Psalm and the power found in it, you almost have to read Paul's words in Romans 12:19-21 -
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Paul wanted the Roman Christians (currently being persecuted under Nero) to not seek vengeance. He wanted them to allow God to do what God does with Justice. Perhaps Paul had this passage from David's pen in mind when he wrote his words in Romans 12. The Holy Spirit certainly did. God is the God who judges and exacts vengeance. He is the only one qualified. We would like to take vengeance on others, but He is the one who knows the truth about all men. God is the only one who is perfect in mercy and perfect in Justice. We are not. We tend to lean to far either way. We are to allow God to do Justice and when we do, the above will happen. There will come a time when mankind is judge and the righteous will "bathe" their feet in the blood of those who did harm to all those of faith. There will come a time when all mankind will say, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous." It is not now. But, it will come.
The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance;
he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked.
Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
surely there is a God who judges on earth.”
Subject: The Justice of God
Before understanding this Psalm and the power found in it, you almost have to read Paul's words in Romans 12:19-21 -
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Paul wanted the Roman Christians (currently being persecuted under Nero) to not seek vengeance. He wanted them to allow God to do what God does with Justice. Perhaps Paul had this passage from David's pen in mind when he wrote his words in Romans 12. The Holy Spirit certainly did. God is the God who judges and exacts vengeance. He is the only one qualified. We would like to take vengeance on others, but He is the one who knows the truth about all men. God is the only one who is perfect in mercy and perfect in Justice. We are not. We tend to lean to far either way. We are to allow God to do Justice and when we do, the above will happen. There will come a time when mankind is judge and the righteous will "bathe" their feet in the blood of those who did harm to all those of faith. There will come a time when all mankind will say, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous." It is not now. But, it will come.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Subject: God's Sovereignty over Men - 2 Samuel 15-19
2 Samuel 17:14 (ESV Strong's)
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom.
Subject: God's Sovereignty over Men
In this chapter of 2 Samuel we are reading about King David being run out of Jerusalem and leadership by his son, Absalom. As Absalom gathered more and more support, one of the main counsellors to him was Ahithophel. Here is what it said earlier in this chapter about the counsel of Ahithophel:
2 Samuel 16:23 (ESV Strong's)
Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom.
Ahithophel was one of the most powerful people in the land. Men feared (stood in awe) of his words of wisdom. Even David heeded his words. Yet, when David was run out of Jerusalem, God left another counselor of David's, Hushai, as a friend of David's. Here is where we see the power of God in the affairs of mankind. Even though all the people feared Ahithophel's counsel, God turned it to naught in favor of counsel by Husahi, David's friend. In our world today we have many powerful people who have the ear of the King. Yet, God is able to turn their words up side down to accomplish His plan. We ought not fear the powerful in our society. We ought to live in fear (in awe) of the One who can turn their counsel to naught and accomplish His plan, despite their claim to power and prestige.
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom.
Subject: God's Sovereignty over Men
In this chapter of 2 Samuel we are reading about King David being run out of Jerusalem and leadership by his son, Absalom. As Absalom gathered more and more support, one of the main counsellors to him was Ahithophel. Here is what it said earlier in this chapter about the counsel of Ahithophel:
2 Samuel 16:23 (ESV Strong's)
Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom.
Ahithophel was one of the most powerful people in the land. Men feared (stood in awe) of his words of wisdom. Even David heeded his words. Yet, when David was run out of Jerusalem, God left another counselor of David's, Hushai, as a friend of David's. Here is where we see the power of God in the affairs of mankind. Even though all the people feared Ahithophel's counsel, God turned it to naught in favor of counsel by Husahi, David's friend. In our world today we have many powerful people who have the ear of the King. Yet, God is able to turn their words up side down to accomplish His plan. We ought not fear the powerful in our society. We ought to live in fear (in awe) of the One who can turn their counsel to naught and accomplish His plan, despite their claim to power and prestige.
Monday, May 9, 2016
Subject: Worship - Exodus 25-29
Exodus 29:46 (ESV Strong's)
And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.
Subject: Worship
God has instituted for the nation of Israel a prescribed way to worship. In chapters 25-29 we have the instructions for the Tabernacle and all the furniture of the Tabernacle, as well as the garments for the priests (Aaron and his sons). If you read all the requirements and instructions you could quickly get overwhelmed with the requirements. Imagine our society today being required to do all this work to worship. Today we role out of a bed and head to church. In some churches formal attire is the norm, but in most flip-flops, t-shirts and shorts are good. Whereas how we dress no longer matters in our worship services, the point of the above verse should still matter. In all these instructions, God was giving the nation a glimpse of His character. He wanted them to know Him. These instructions speak of God's character to us. He is a God of order. He is a God of beauty. He is a God worthy of worship. We CAN, in our informality, become to common with God. God is not the beach bum wandering the streets. God is majesty and glory and demands out upmost fear and reverence. We can dress the way want, now, on the outside, but the inside is to be no different than in the days of Aaron and his sons. God has not changed in character even though our worship style has.
And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.
Subject: Worship
God has instituted for the nation of Israel a prescribed way to worship. In chapters 25-29 we have the instructions for the Tabernacle and all the furniture of the Tabernacle, as well as the garments for the priests (Aaron and his sons). If you read all the requirements and instructions you could quickly get overwhelmed with the requirements. Imagine our society today being required to do all this work to worship. Today we role out of a bed and head to church. In some churches formal attire is the norm, but in most flip-flops, t-shirts and shorts are good. Whereas how we dress no longer matters in our worship services, the point of the above verse should still matter. In all these instructions, God was giving the nation a glimpse of His character. He wanted them to know Him. These instructions speak of God's character to us. He is a God of order. He is a God of beauty. He is a God worthy of worship. We CAN, in our informality, become to common with God. God is not the beach bum wandering the streets. God is majesty and glory and demands out upmost fear and reverence. We can dress the way want, now, on the outside, but the inside is to be no different than in the days of Aaron and his sons. God has not changed in character even though our worship style has.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Subject: Sanctification - 2 Corinthians 6-8
2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV Strong's)
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Subject: Sanctification
Paul is writing to the church at Corinth to warn them about their relationship with the world. Most people have interpreted the above verse in the context of physical relationships with an unbeliever. That would be the main thought here. However, this principle also applies to our world view of life. We are not to take parts of Christianity and marry them to parts of the world. Today we live in an amalgamated society. We take a little philosophy here and a little philosophy there and we make a new philosophy here. Today Christians are mixing much of Christianity with parts of the Constitution with parts of the Societal norms. The amalgamating Christian is a dangerous person in the Church, in a marriage, or in a Christian society. This verse tells us to not "yoke" our faith, our bodies, or minds, with the thoughts, thinking and beliefs of the world. Being sanctified is not to be amalgamated.
Contrast this verse with 2 Corinthians 6:1
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Subject: Sanctification
Paul is writing to the church at Corinth to warn them about their relationship with the world. Most people have interpreted the above verse in the context of physical relationships with an unbeliever. That would be the main thought here. However, this principle also applies to our world view of life. We are not to take parts of Christianity and marry them to parts of the world. Today we live in an amalgamated society. We take a little philosophy here and a little philosophy there and we make a new philosophy here. Today Christians are mixing much of Christianity with parts of the Constitution with parts of the Societal norms. The amalgamating Christian is a dangerous person in the Church, in a marriage, or in a Christian society. This verse tells us to not "yoke" our faith, our bodies, or minds, with the thoughts, thinking and beliefs of the world. Being sanctified is not to be amalgamated.
Contrast this verse with 2 Corinthians 6:1
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Subject: Servanthood - Luke 1-2
Luke 1:38 (ESV Strong's)
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Subject: Servanthood
Mankind dos not take the subject of Servanthood kindly. We reject all sorts of subservient requirements. The word "submission" often conjures up ill feelings and even anger in the hearts of some. Yet, in the above verse, young Mary, states freely and opening, "Behold, I am our servant ...". Once she comes to grip with that thought, the rest is easy. Once she has submitted to the Lordship of her God it is so easy for her to say, "... let it be to me according to your word.". This is the hard part for us to accept. We fight God's plan in our lives (His Word to us), because we are already fighting His Lordship over our lives. He is the master of our souls. Each New Testament writer acknowledges that they are servants of Christ. Once we understand our role we have no issues with our responsibility to His plans. When we accept our Servanthood, we can fully live our lives to His plan.
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Subject: Servanthood
Mankind dos not take the subject of Servanthood kindly. We reject all sorts of subservient requirements. The word "submission" often conjures up ill feelings and even anger in the hearts of some. Yet, in the above verse, young Mary, states freely and opening, "Behold, I am our servant ...". Once she comes to grip with that thought, the rest is easy. Once she has submitted to the Lordship of her God it is so easy for her to say, "... let it be to me according to your word.". This is the hard part for us to accept. We fight God's plan in our lives (His Word to us), because we are already fighting His Lordship over our lives. He is the master of our souls. Each New Testament writer acknowledges that they are servants of Christ. Once we understand our role we have no issues with our responsibility to His plans. When we accept our Servanthood, we can fully live our lives to His plan.
Friday, May 6, 2016
Subject: Hope - Jeremiah 32-36
Jeremiah 32:15 (ESV Strong's)
For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land.’
Subject: Hope
Jeremiah had a tough job. He was a prophet, sent by God, to tell the nation of Israel and, specifically, the city of Jerusalem, that God was going to take them into captivity. His message was one of surrender. The nation heard, "surrender to the army of Babylon.". But, his true message was, "surrender to the plan of God.". There is a difference. The plan of God was to have the army of Babylon take the city and raze it. Yet, the plan of God was to use this to discipline them and then, later bring the nation back. This is the context of the above verses. To demonstrate God's promise to bring them back, Jeremiah is told to purchase some land from his uncle. He is to take the deed and put it away safely. The picture here is powerful. Jeremiah is in prison, himself. He is under "siege.". Yet, despite this captivity, he is instructed to purchase land and hide the deed for later. This "hope" is what God has given to us. We have our "hope" in Christ. Despite the captivity of sin, we have this hope of final redemption. This act of purchasing land and hiding the deed, is a visual picture of that hope. They will, once again, return to the land to purchase land and live in the land. God gives us a promise of hope. We can rest upon that. Despite the pain, suffering and tough times, we have this hope!!
For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land.’
Subject: Hope
Jeremiah had a tough job. He was a prophet, sent by God, to tell the nation of Israel and, specifically, the city of Jerusalem, that God was going to take them into captivity. His message was one of surrender. The nation heard, "surrender to the army of Babylon.". But, his true message was, "surrender to the plan of God.". There is a difference. The plan of God was to have the army of Babylon take the city and raze it. Yet, the plan of God was to use this to discipline them and then, later bring the nation back. This is the context of the above verses. To demonstrate God's promise to bring them back, Jeremiah is told to purchase some land from his uncle. He is to take the deed and put it away safely. The picture here is powerful. Jeremiah is in prison, himself. He is under "siege.". Yet, despite this captivity, he is instructed to purchase land and hide the deed for later. This "hope" is what God has given to us. We have our "hope" in Christ. Despite the captivity of sin, we have this hope of final redemption. This act of purchasing land and hiding the deed, is a visual picture of that hope. They will, once again, return to the land to purchase land and live in the land. God gives us a promise of hope. We can rest upon that. Despite the pain, suffering and tough times, we have this hope!!
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Subject: Power of God - Job 37
Job 37:5-6 (ESV Strong's)
God thunders wondrously with his voice;
he does great things that we cannot comprehend.
For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’
likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour.
Subject: Power of God
Elihu will end his speech to Job with this chapter. He wants Job to know, or remember, the amazing power of God. To demonstrate this truth he writes and records similar topics, like above. Elihu sees the power of God in the storms he sees on the earth. God makes the snow and rain and thunder and lighting. These are all demonstrations of His great power. He will later add the following about the storms God sends to the earth:
Job 37:13 (ESV Strong's)
Whether for correction or for his land
or for love, he causes it to happen.
God uses the storms to correct, to feed the land, or out of love. He causes it all to happen. As this devotional is being written I am in Chicago waiting for a flight for home. However, the reason for this flight is that my flight last night was canceled due to weather conditions. God sent a big storm across the plain states and into Chicago. That storm canceled or delayed flights. It caused me to be have an unexpected layover. God sends the storms. He directs our paths through them and by them. We are to rejoice and recognize His great power in them. That is the truth Elihu wants Job to learn. God wants us to learn it, as well.
God thunders wondrously with his voice;
he does great things that we cannot comprehend.
For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’
likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour.
Subject: Power of God
Elihu will end his speech to Job with this chapter. He wants Job to know, or remember, the amazing power of God. To demonstrate this truth he writes and records similar topics, like above. Elihu sees the power of God in the storms he sees on the earth. God makes the snow and rain and thunder and lighting. These are all demonstrations of His great power. He will later add the following about the storms God sends to the earth:
Job 37:13 (ESV Strong's)
Whether for correction or for his land
or for love, he causes it to happen.
God uses the storms to correct, to feed the land, or out of love. He causes it all to happen. As this devotional is being written I am in Chicago waiting for a flight for home. However, the reason for this flight is that my flight last night was canceled due to weather conditions. God sent a big storm across the plain states and into Chicago. That storm canceled or delayed flights. It caused me to be have an unexpected layover. God sends the storms. He directs our paths through them and by them. We are to rejoice and recognize His great power in them. That is the truth Elihu wants Job to learn. God wants us to learn it, as well.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Subject: Salvation - Psalm 54-56
Psalms 54:6-7 (ESV Strong's)
With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good.
For he has delivered me from every trouble,
and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.
Subject: Salvation
When we think of Salvation we typically think of being saved from our sins and from the penalty of sin: Death. We often think of salvation in the context of heaven and hell. Yet, there is a powerful aspect of God's saving grace that has to do with every day battles. Battles we have with sin and sinner. God is in a constant state of saving us. We often don't see His salvation. God intervenes on our behalf to keep us from the plight of the sinful world. He interrupts our schedules and we complain, only to realize later that if He had not intervened peril would have collided with our lives. In the above verses David is speaking about a time when his friends turned on him and told Saul of his location. But, instead of panicking, David knew God was in control. Instead of tossing caution to the wind, David casts himself on God. He is willing to praise God and give Him thanks, because he knows that God is going to save him. David trusts in God's saving grace for day-to-day issues. There is not a single trouble God is not both aware of and won't also deliver us from that trouble. It might be just before the trouble (i.e. Abraham about to offer Isaac and God provides a lamb at the exact moment); in the midst of the trouble (i.e. the three Hebrew boys tossed into the flames of the furnace); or, at the end of the trouble (i.e. Jonah). God delivers. His timing is perfect, His knowledge of our troubles; perfect. His saving grace for day-to-day issues: Perfect!
With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good.
For he has delivered me from every trouble,
and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.
Subject: Salvation
When we think of Salvation we typically think of being saved from our sins and from the penalty of sin: Death. We often think of salvation in the context of heaven and hell. Yet, there is a powerful aspect of God's saving grace that has to do with every day battles. Battles we have with sin and sinner. God is in a constant state of saving us. We often don't see His salvation. God intervenes on our behalf to keep us from the plight of the sinful world. He interrupts our schedules and we complain, only to realize later that if He had not intervened peril would have collided with our lives. In the above verses David is speaking about a time when his friends turned on him and told Saul of his location. But, instead of panicking, David knew God was in control. Instead of tossing caution to the wind, David casts himself on God. He is willing to praise God and give Him thanks, because he knows that God is going to save him. David trusts in God's saving grace for day-to-day issues. There is not a single trouble God is not both aware of and won't also deliver us from that trouble. It might be just before the trouble (i.e. Abraham about to offer Isaac and God provides a lamb at the exact moment); in the midst of the trouble (i.e. the three Hebrew boys tossed into the flames of the furnace); or, at the end of the trouble (i.e. Jonah). God delivers. His timing is perfect, His knowledge of our troubles; perfect. His saving grace for day-to-day issues: Perfect!
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Subject: Picture of Character - 2 Samuel 10-14
2 Samuel 11:11 (ESV Strong's)
Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.”
Subject: Picture of Character
The story of David and Bethsheba (Uriah's wife) is as familiar as the story of David and Goliath. Here you have a king with a story of fame and a story of shame. When Uriah is off to war, David should have been with him. But, David stayed home and let others do the heavy lifting. This is a very weak time in David's leadership. He was neither were he needed to be (in the fight) and that idleness lead him to sin with another man's wife. When he attempts to cover it up by bring Uriah back from the fight and hoping he would, while home, go sleep with his wife, Uriah shows true Biblical Character. Uriah is a man of loyalty, ethics and responsibility. He does not succumb to David's plan and refuses to give himself pleasure while others are in the war. This is something David should have said when he saw Bathsheba taking a bath that on afternoon. David was not a man of character and Uriah remains true to the end (even when he is sent into a war hot-spot that was most surely going to kill him ... he was loyal to the end). Biblical character is not demonstrated in a person's position in life (David the King) but a person's consecration in life (Uriah's commitment to holiness). Uriah was the better leader and example of godliness in this story. David failed on so many fronts. This incident will prevent him, later, from building a temple of God. His lack of faith in God to meet is pleasure needs resulted in his diminished acts of service. Uriah is an example to us in the midst of David's shame.
Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.”
Subject: Picture of Character
The story of David and Bethsheba (Uriah's wife) is as familiar as the story of David and Goliath. Here you have a king with a story of fame and a story of shame. When Uriah is off to war, David should have been with him. But, David stayed home and let others do the heavy lifting. This is a very weak time in David's leadership. He was neither were he needed to be (in the fight) and that idleness lead him to sin with another man's wife. When he attempts to cover it up by bring Uriah back from the fight and hoping he would, while home, go sleep with his wife, Uriah shows true Biblical Character. Uriah is a man of loyalty, ethics and responsibility. He does not succumb to David's plan and refuses to give himself pleasure while others are in the war. This is something David should have said when he saw Bathsheba taking a bath that on afternoon. David was not a man of character and Uriah remains true to the end (even when he is sent into a war hot-spot that was most surely going to kill him ... he was loyal to the end). Biblical character is not demonstrated in a person's position in life (David the King) but a person's consecration in life (Uriah's commitment to holiness). Uriah was the better leader and example of godliness in this story. David failed on so many fronts. This incident will prevent him, later, from building a temple of God. His lack of faith in God to meet is pleasure needs resulted in his diminished acts of service. Uriah is an example to us in the midst of David's shame.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Subject: Work and Refreshment - Exodus 21-24
Exodus 23:12 (ESV Strong's)
“Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed.
Subject: Work and Refreshment
When God made the heavens and the earth He did it in six days. That is a lot of work for that amount of time. On the seventh day, He rested. God did not rest because He was out of energy, had a big day the next day, or wanted to catch some game on the tube. God rested for one simple reason: To give us a pattern for our lives. God did not need to create the sun and the mood to make a 24 hour day. He did so because He created a people who need rest. We were created for rest, yet we do everything in our lives to avoid it. God established a law for the nation of Israel to force them to rest on the sabbath. In the above verse it tells us why: So that we "may be refreshed.". Yet, ever since the industrial revolution, our modern society, has moved farther away from any day of rest to a 60-70 hour work-week. All the researchers tell us that a good nights sleep and scheduled time for refreshment (down-time) is profitable and beneficial to our well-being and work product. Yet, we press on to more and more work. Almost ever invention in the modern society has been to make work easier (the vacuum, the microwave, email), yet, we plunge deeper an deeper into more and more work. Perhaps God's example and His command are more important than we think. When we are to be taking time to refresh, we pride ourselves on NOT refreshing. God set the seasons and times to give us rest. Jesus took time to rest. Yet, our pride, ambition and demand makes us proud that we send emails while we are on vacation.
“Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed.
Subject: Work and Refreshment
When God made the heavens and the earth He did it in six days. That is a lot of work for that amount of time. On the seventh day, He rested. God did not rest because He was out of energy, had a big day the next day, or wanted to catch some game on the tube. God rested for one simple reason: To give us a pattern for our lives. God did not need to create the sun and the mood to make a 24 hour day. He did so because He created a people who need rest. We were created for rest, yet we do everything in our lives to avoid it. God established a law for the nation of Israel to force them to rest on the sabbath. In the above verse it tells us why: So that we "may be refreshed.". Yet, ever since the industrial revolution, our modern society, has moved farther away from any day of rest to a 60-70 hour work-week. All the researchers tell us that a good nights sleep and scheduled time for refreshment (down-time) is profitable and beneficial to our well-being and work product. Yet, we press on to more and more work. Almost ever invention in the modern society has been to make work easier (the vacuum, the microwave, email), yet, we plunge deeper an deeper into more and more work. Perhaps God's example and His command are more important than we think. When we are to be taking time to refresh, we pride ourselves on NOT refreshing. God set the seasons and times to give us rest. Jesus took time to rest. Yet, our pride, ambition and demand makes us proud that we send emails while we are on vacation.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Subject: New Life in Christ - 2 Corinthians 4-5
2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV Strong's)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
Subject: New Life in Christ.
If you have something very precious, timeless and/or valuable, what do you do with it? Most people put it in a safe place. They secure it in seclusion. They don't want anyone to know where it located. They may personally boast of it, but they hide the actual thing from them. But, when we are given new birth in Christ, God does the opposite. The most valuable, timeless and precious thing (our salvation and new creation) is placed in us. We are then put on display for all the world to see us and it (new life in Christ). God puts the New Life in Christ, via the ministry of the Spirit, into "jars of clay.". We are not deserving of such a gift. We are only jars of clay. We break easily. Our shape is not always attractive. The world would not be drawn to "jars of clay.". Yet, God puts His Son in our lives. The reason? To show that this new life is not about us. We are incapable of what is happening in our lives. God puts Christ in us via the Spirit to show the "surpassing power" of God. The entire new life (all aspects of it) are totally God's doing and in God's power. Man likes to take credit for some aspects of God's work. But, this verse tells us we are not the initiator but simply the container. We are not the maker, but the clay.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
Subject: New Life in Christ.
If you have something very precious, timeless and/or valuable, what do you do with it? Most people put it in a safe place. They secure it in seclusion. They don't want anyone to know where it located. They may personally boast of it, but they hide the actual thing from them. But, when we are given new birth in Christ, God does the opposite. The most valuable, timeless and precious thing (our salvation and new creation) is placed in us. We are then put on display for all the world to see us and it (new life in Christ). God puts the New Life in Christ, via the ministry of the Spirit, into "jars of clay.". We are not deserving of such a gift. We are only jars of clay. We break easily. Our shape is not always attractive. The world would not be drawn to "jars of clay.". Yet, God puts His Son in our lives. The reason? To show that this new life is not about us. We are incapable of what is happening in our lives. God puts Christ in us via the Spirit to show the "surpassing power" of God. The entire new life (all aspects of it) are totally God's doing and in God's power. Man likes to take credit for some aspects of God's work. But, this verse tells us we are not the initiator but simply the container. We are not the maker, but the clay.
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