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TODAY’S READING: I PETER 1-5

 

OVERVIEW:

The call to be holy; Jesus Christ is our cornerstone; learning to submit; the relationship between a husband and wife; suffering for the right reasons; yielding everything to Christ.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As the Book of I Peter opens, Peter is pointing these believers who were enduring intense suffering toward the “lively hope” that was theirs because of “the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1:3).  He reminds them that though all of their possessions may be taken from them in this life (as many of them had experienced in their suffering), God has promised them “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,” and that it has been “reserved in heaven” for them.  Peter recognized that that promise would make life in the future glorious and filled with rejoicing, but that for this present time, the readers of his letter were “in heaviness through manifold temptations” or trials.

 

Verse 7 of chapter 1 is a BLOCKBUSTER.  It lets us know several key things about the trials, difficulties, and sufferings we endure in this life. First, it lets us know that these difficulties are not some random acts of fate, but rather the God-ordained “trying of our faith.”  In other words, God has our faith in the witness stand, and wants us to see what we are made of.  Because of Peter’s understanding of these trials, he uses a term to refer to them that seldom comes to mind when the bottom has seemingly dropped out of our lives.  He refers to these difficulties (trials) as “precious.” His point is, they aren’t precious because of what they are, but because of what they actually accomplish. God has either appointed or allowed these circumstances to come into our lives to purify us as we move toward our ultimate accounting before the Lord Jesus Christ at His appearing.

 

Just as gold is the most “precious” commodity on earth from man’s vantage point, our faith is the most “precious” commodity on earth from God’s perspective.  And just as gold is purified as it is “tried in the fire,” so also are we (or is our faith)! 

 

Peter gives his readers all of the hope and confidence we need as we face the trials of life, reminding us that God’s intention through them is that we “might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ”!  Peter’s point is, knowing that “praise and honour and glory” will be the result in “THAT” day, should have a major impact on our attitude today!

 

The Book of I Peter is all about being set apart for God’s use.  Another way to say that is to say that this Book is about us being “holy.”  Usually when we think of “holiness,” or being “holy,” we start to make a list in our minds of the things we can and cannot do.  While holiness certainly dictates what we do and do not do, it is certainly not the main thought behind God’s command in1:16, “Be ye holy: for I am holy.”  Being holy is not a matter of rules and regulations. It is about God working in us to make us like Himself, changing us from the inside out – not the outside in.

 

As Peter continues his epistle, he lets us know that not only should our holiness manifest itself in our reaction to trials, but in our submission to the authorities God has placed in our lives.  Even when those authorities are wrong we are to have an attitude of submission, not looking to get our own way.  In light of Peter’s instruction concerning Christian submission, it is difficult to reconcile that in the 21st century we have “Christian” organizations and lawyers fighting for Christians’ rights!  Obviously, that doesn’t mean Christians can’t use the laws of the land to try to bring about change, but demanding our “rights” is a concept foreign to the Bible.  Jesus left us an example of submitting to those in authority even when they were wrong.  In fact, God even specifically says that it is “thankworthy” if we suffer wrongfully for being a Christian.  When we do, we remind Him of His Son!  That’s why He becomes so filled with thanks. (Imagine that, God thanking us for something!) Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m afraid that fighting for our “rights” has something to do with our not wanting to suffer.

 

Peter reveals that holiness also expresses itself in having a right relationship with our spouse.  A right relationship is the result of husbands honoring their wives, and wives submitting to their husbands (3:1-7).  Notice also, that carrying out your biblical responsibility to your spouse is not dependent on whether or not they fulfill theirs!   Husbands are to honor their wives even if the wife isn’t what God wants her to be.  Likewise, wives are to submit to their husbands, despite his shortcomings, and even his disobedience (3:1). 

 

Have you ever noticed that the things that are valuable to God just happen to be the very things that this world is against?  Wives, check out the value God places on a “meek and quiet spirit” (3:4).  The world despises such a concept!  Husbands, honoring your wife in this culture may not make you a “macho man” in the eyes of your buddies, but it will keep you on praying ground with God (3:7). That’s how much value He places on your responsibility to your wife. If you refuse to honor her, He will refuse to hear you when you pray!

 

Next, Peter shows us that holiness also expresses itself in having love, compassion, and one mind with other believers (3:8-9).  True holiness doesn’t render evil for evil, or railing for railing, but rather blessing.  I think it is worth noting, that not rendering evil for evil and railing for railing is in the context of having “love as brethren” (3:8-9). That should let us know that there will be times when some other believer is going to wrong us.  They might do something to us or say something about us; it might be premeditated, or it might not. What is your response going to be?  Is it going to be to “bless” them, or to “get even” with them?  Will we offer forgiveness, or will we hold a grudge?  Being holy (being set apart for God’s use) does not express itself in seeking vengeance upon others – whether by doing them evil, or wishing it upon them.

 

As you read through I Peter you will notice a recurring theme: loving the brethren, and enduring suffering for Christ.  It just so happens that those two things seem to be the very things we have the hardest time doing! Pride in us keeps us unwilling to cover the sins of others when they wrong us (4:8), and makes us think that we deserve better in the midst of suffering.  Perhaps that is why God commands us in chapter 5 to humble ourselves under His mighty hand.  But how do we do that?  Pay careful attention to 5:5-7.  God doesn’t end the sentence in verse 6, but rather, completes the thought of verse 6 in verse 7.  The way we humble ourselves before God is by casting all of our care upon Him!  Most of the time this verse is applied in times of sorrow, and rightfully so, because it does certainly teach us that God cares for us.  However, God wants this verse to become practical for us, not just with the cares that make us sorrowful – but with everything we find ourselves “caring” about.  Who of us doesn’t wrestle with the “cares of this world” (our finances, our careers, our families, our future)? Notice that 5:7 says that God wants us to cast ALL of our cares upon Him.  God wants us to genuinely surrender every aspect of our lives to Him. That’s what genuine humility is all about!  And that’s when God pours out His grace (the desire and power to obey God) upon us (James 4:6).

TODAY’S READING: JAMES 1-5

 

OVERVIEW:

Patience in tribulation; encouraging impartiality; the power of the tongue; true humility; the failure of money; the power of prayer.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The same question we asked at the beginning of Hebrews is applicable as we get started today in the Book of James: To whom is this Book written?  Most people come to the Book of James and read it without considering that fundamental question.  We usually read James (as we do Hebrews) just like we read the letters written to local churches or leaders of local churches (Romans-Philemon).  However, the Book of James is not written to a local church or a leader of a local church.  Notice that in 1:1 it is written to “the twelve tribes scattered abroad” – Jews!

 

The key principle God is communicating in the Book of James is that genuine, biblical faith results in a changed life.  Historically, this Book was written to Jews that had made a profession of faith in Christ, to teach them their faith should and will change their life.  In a doctrinal, or prophetic sense, this Book is written to Jews living during the tribulation to teach them how to live out their faith in difficult circumstances.  In a devotional sense, this Book is a very practical manual to help us understand how our faith should be lived out.

 

The Book can be broken down as follows:

            Chapter 1 – Real faith should endure temptation.

            Chapter 2 – Real faith should show no partiality.

            Chapter 3 – Real faith should change our speech.

            Chapter 4 – Real faith should transform our relationships.

            Chapter 5 – Real faith should anticipate His return.

 

As mentioned above, there are many practical applications we can make to our lives from the Book of James.  Here are a few to help you get started as you read this Book:

 

1. Be a doer of the Word. (1:22-25)  What a slap in the face these verses provide to our Laodicean generation.  As Laodiceans, we often feel that we are sitting in a good place spiritually because we “know” quite a bit about the Bible.  God clearly reveals that it is not what you know, but what you do with what you know that is important! We need to judge ourselves the way God does – not based on our knowledge, but based on our walk.

 

2. See how God sees. (2:1-13) What kind of people do you give preferential treatment?  We may not banish the poor to the back rows while escorting the rich to the front as James talks about in this passage, but do you view the poor and/or other people groups the same way you esteem the rich and successful?  Are you willing to talk to the visitors at church that you view as “sharp,” but don’t have time or interest for those that don’t look like they would be “your kind”? God help us.  We must seek to reach out to those whom Christ is touching regardless of their socio-economic status, race, or background.

 

3. Watch your mouth. (3:1-18) The questions James suggests in this passage deserve an answer!  How is it that the same mouth can speak both blessing and cursing? How can we pray and sing such awesome words to God, but be so rude and cutting in talking to people and about people?  James is right, “My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”

 

4. Humble yourself before God. (4:1-10)  We live in a culture that teaches us to watch out for ourselves.  Our natural thought process is to lift up ourselves in the sight of others.  God’s command is the complete opposite.  We are to humble ourselves before Him, and then His grace will work in us to lift us up.  I love Andrew Murray’s comment concerning humility: “Humility is not thinking meanly about yourself.  It is not thinking of yourself at all.”

 

5. God answers prayer. (5:14-18) None of us would dare say that God doesn’t answer prayer, but do our actions reveal that we really believe that He does?  Do we really believe God hears us and cares about the needs we bring before Him?  Do we really believe that the “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”? 

 

May we apply the incredibly practical truths of this Book, allowing God’s grace and power to be displayed in and through us.

 

TODAY’S READING: HEBREWS 11-13

 

OVERVIEW:

The examples of living by faith; the necessity of chastisement; the exhortation to endure; remembering others. 

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Hebrews 11 is one of the most popular chapters in the Bible. It is often referred to as “The Hall of Faith”.  It lays out for us clear examples of what it means to live by faith.  We know God wants us to live and walk by faith, but what that actually means can seem somewhat sketchy or nebulous.  That’s why God presents in Hebrews 11, a panorama of men and women who walked by faith: so we can see what living and walking by faith actually looks like.

 

It’s also interesting to keep in mind what God reveals about the people mentioned in this chapter.  Many times we read a chapter like Hebrews 11 and think that we could never live like that, because those people were “men and women of God!”  How easily we forget that they were men and women just like us! Think about it.  Noah got drunk after the flood.  Abraham had a problem lying about his wife because he was more concerned about himself than he was her.  Sarah thought she needed to help God out with His promise to Abraham.  Jacob deceived and lied to his father in order to get his father’s blessing.  Moses was willing to kill a man in his “service” to God.  Rahab was a harlot.  Samson wasted most of his life and ability pleasing himself.  David committed adultery and murder.  Were these people really “great men and women of God” or were they just men and women like us, who simply chose to exercise faith in God and His Word?

 

Obviously, there is a tremendous amount of personal application we can make from this chapter, but we can only touch on a couple of points:

 

1. Biblical faith results in action.  Notice that each example is an action that had its root in faith.  When I am walking “by faith,” I’ll just bet you, I’ll be walking “in the Spirit.”  The result of that walk will be evidenced in my life.  Not because I manufacture something, but because biblical faith results in action.

 

2. Biblical faith changes our values.  As Laodiceans we want to have the best of both worlds.  We want to walk with God, but we also want to enjoy the pleasures of this life.  Biblical faith enables us to see the emptiness and vanity of this world.  Biblical faith embraces “another country, a better country”.  Biblical faith looks for a city whose builder and maker is God.  What are you looking for?

 

3. Biblical faith is what pleases God.  It sounds so simple.  Why then do we try to please God with all of our human efforts?  Do you think God is pleased by what you do? Do you think He is pleased because you go to church, give your money, sing praises, read the Bible, pray before meals, etc.? All of those things are great, but none of them are the real issue.  The real issue is, are you living by faith, or trying to please God by your actions (i.e. your flesh).  Remember, biblical faith will result in actions, but those same actions carried out in the flesh as an attempt to please God are worthless.

 

The only way you and I will live a life of faith is to follow the admonition given in chapter 12 and verse 2: we must LOOK UNTO JESUS!  Our sights must be set on Him! He must be the goal we strive to attain.  When He is not, if you are God’s child, God will seek to work in your life (i.e. chastisement) so that He is the priority.  Notice, that not only are we to look unto Jesus, but we are to look diligently (12:15)!  There are many ways we get our focus and eyes off of the Lord and onto this world.  For some it is the immorality so prevalent in our culture.  For others it is bitterness because of what someone did or what someone said, or because of their circumstances of life.  For others it might simply be watching out for themselves.  Whatever it is, even something not necessarily wrong, we must be willing to set it aside. 

 

Get your eyes of yourself, off of others, and off of this world, and onto the Lord Jesus Christ, and please Him in your walk by faith!

 

TODAY’S READING: HEBREWS 7-10

 

OVERVIEW:

Christ’s priesthood superior to the Levitical priesthood; the old covenant was a shadow of the real; the old covenant sacrifices were temporary; Christ’s sacrifice is permanent. 

 

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The chapters in today’s reading provide one of the most complete explanations about the superiority of the Christ and the new covenant when compared with the old covenant.  God begins by identifying Christ as a Priest after the order of Melchisedec.  Notice, Christ is not a priest after the Levitical priesthood started with Aaron.  The story of Melchisedec mentioned in chapter 7 is from Genesis 14:17-20.  The Levitical priesthood was comprised of men who were sinners.  These men first had to offer sacrifices for themselves, and then for the people.  These men had to offer sacrifices daily.  However, Christ was not from this priesthood!  He is a High Priest after Melchisedec.  Christ was not a sinner.  Christ does not have to offer sacrifices daily.  Christ is a High Priest forever because He lives forever and makes intercession for us.  Perfection could never come from the Levitical priesthood; it could only come from a different priesthood and different priest.  Our perfection comes from our High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

God also reveals something very interesting in chapter 8.  The sanctuary and tabernacle of the old covenant were merely a shadow of the real sanctuary and tabernacle inhabited by God.  Think about the concept of a shadow.  It can give an outline.  It can help someone understand what something is – a person, a tree, a car, etc. However, it is not the real thing.  Can you imagine someone wanting to have a conversation with your shadow?  Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?  That’s God’s point.  He is the real thing.  His sanctuary and tabernacle are the reality, not the shadow.  His High Priest (Christ), is the perfect High Priest.  Yet, many at that time still chose to hold on to a shadow instead of embracing the reality.  Many do the same thing today.  Religion is merely a shadow.  There is nothing real in religion.  It may make people feel better to go to church, to give their money, to sing nice songs, to be the best person they can be, but none of these things can change the reality of their sin.  People still embrace the shadow instead of embracing the reality, Jesus Christ.

 

The old covenant revealed in itself that it was not sufficient.  The holy of holies in the old covenant could only be entered into one time per year on the Day of Atonement.  This revealed that the way into the holiest of all (God’s tabernacle – not the earthly one) was not yet revealed.  It was simply a figure, a shadow, imposed by the law until the “time of reformation”.  Notice, none of this could perfect the conscience of even the high priest offering the gift, let alone the rest of the people.  But then the “time of reformation” did come, and we’re not talking about Martin Luther!  The real High Priest showed up.  An everlasting High Priest.  The High Priest of the true tabernacle.  The blood offered by this High Priest was not the blood of bulls and goats, but was His own blood – the blood of God!  This sacrifice can purge our conscience.  This blood established a new covenant.

 

And how much greater this new covenant!  The blood of bulls and goats will be able to take away sin.  But the blood and sacrifice of the new covenant is different because it was offered by a different High Priest.  This Priest, this man, the Lord Jesus Christ offered ONE sacrifice for sins forever!  There is no other sacrifice needed nor desired by God.  You and I can’t offer any sacrifice for sins. Sometimes we think we can.  We think we can “sacrifice for sins” by feeling really, really bad about our sin (almost trying to do penance), or, when we sin, we think we can “sacrifice” for it by giving more, reading more, praying more, or witnessing more.  But, do you realize how much all of these “sacrifices” actually accomplish concerning our sin? NOTHING!  We can’t add anything or take anything away from Christ’s one sacrifice!  We must trust His sacrifice, not our own.  That is precisely why the false gospel that is preached by Roman Catholicism cannot save.  It is a message that says Christ is still being sacrificed for sin (the mass).  It is a message that says that although you’re forgiven, you must still pay for your sin (purgatory).  If someone wants to pay for their sin, they certainly have the option to do so.  But God makes it clear what the payment is – DEATH! (Romans 6:23)  That’s why Christ said those that trust in Him shall never see death.  It’s not a physical death, but a spiritual death that has eternal consequences.  May we simply trust the once offered sacrifice of our perfect High Priest, and rest completely in Him.  May we proclaim the message of the new covenant so that others may hear.

 

TODAY’S READING: HEBREWS 1-6

 

OVERVIEW:

Comparing Christ to the Angels; comparing Christ to Moses; comparing Christ as our high priest to the priests of the Old Testament; comparing our rest in Christ to the rest of the Promised Land.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The Book of Hebrews begins a section of the New Testament that often causes people problems.  A mistake that is very easy to make, and is very often made when believers read the Word of God is viewing everything they read through “Christian” glasses.  Christian glasses aren’t a bad thing when you’re reading a Book that is addressed to the local church (or a leader of a local church), but they can pose some pretty serious doctrinal problems if you leave them on when reading other Books of the New or Old Testament.

 

Like the Gospels, because the Book of Hebrews is found in the New Testament, most people leave their “local church”/ “Christian” glasses on while reading this Book.  That is an invitation to doctrinal disaster.  One of the things that will clear up about 90% of the difficulties found in the Book of Hebrews is simply asking yourself, “To whom was the Book of HEBREWS written?”  Go ahead, take a wild stab at who you think it was!  Uh, was it a local church?  No.  Uh, was it a leader of a local church?  No. How about Gentiles?  Good guess, but, no.  Could it have been Hebrews?  Yes!  You got it!  Wow!  You must be a seminary graduate to understand something that deep!

 

The Book of Hebrews was written to Hebrews.  Imagine that!  And do you remember what we talked about concerning the Jews when we entered into our reading of the New Testament?  In terms of “rightly dividing the word of truth,” the Jews/Nation ofIsraelis the “ancient landmark” that must be kept in place lest you enter into “the fields of the fatherless.” Not placing the “Hebrews” in the Book of Hebrews will make your study of the Book a “fatherless field.” 

 

The theme of Hebrews is the superiority of Christ and the new covenant, compared to the old covenant.  The key word you find in this Book is BETTER.  We have a BETTER testament (7:22); a BETTER covenant (8:6); BETTER promises (8:6); a BETTER sacrifice (9:23); BETTER blood (12:24); BETTER substance (10:34); BETTER hope (7:19); a BETTER country (11:16); a BETTER resurrection (11:35).  This also provides an easy breakdown of the book:

 

            Chapters 1-2     Christ is better than the angels.

            Chapter 3          Christ is better than Moses.

            Chapter 4          Christ is better than Joshua.

            Chapters 5-7     Christ is a better High Priest.

            Chapters 8-13    Christ established a better covenant.

 

Historically, the Book of Hebrews was written to reveal the establishment of the new covenant by Jesus Christ.  This Book is actually the written form of what the Apostle Paul did when entering cities for the first time to proclaim the gospel.  Acts 17:2-3 reveals that Paul’s standard operating procedure when entering into a city, was to first go to the synagogue, and reason from the scriptures how that Christ was the Messiah.  In those synagogues, to whom would Paul have been speaking?  Predominantly Hebrews, right? 

 

Doctrinally (or prophetically), the Book of Hebrews is written for the benefit of Jews during the Tribulation Period.  We know from Romans 11 that God is not finished dealing with the Nation of Israel.  As we’ve discussed previously, on God’s timetable we are presently living in a parenthesis called the Church Age.  After the rapture of the church, God will once again deal directly with the Nation of Israel. 

 

If you were a Jew in the Tribulation, and you realized that you and your people had missed the Messiah when Christ came the first time, as you look through the table of contents for the New Testament, what  Book do you think you would be inclined to read?  How about the one addressed specifically to you?  The Book of HEBREWS!

 

We can, however, still learn a tremendous amount about the new covenant and Christ’s sacrifice for us even though the Book of Hebrews is not written directly to the church.  It does clearly reveal how Christ is the reality of the pictures and types contained in the Old Testament.  It also contains some of the clearest teaching on the effectiveness of Christ’s sacrifice, how that from God’s perspective, it was “one sacrifice for sins for ever”.

 

There are three clear warning passages contained in the first six chapters of Hebrews.  They are as follows: 

• 2:1-4
• 3:7-4:13
• 5:11-6:20

These warning passages are usually a place where many people lose their neck.  Historically, these passages apply in two ways.  First, to those Hebrews that had already placed their faith in Christ, these are an exhortation to hold fast to that faith.  This would be similar to the teaching we see in Galatians where Paul actually calls believers “foolish” even though they had trusted Christ.  Second, to those Hebrews who had not placed their faith in Christ alone, these warnings serve as a call to salvation.  They need to realize Christ is the fulfillment of what they say is true (the Old Testament), and they need to embrace the new covenant Christ has established. 

 

Doctrinally, these warning passages serve as an exhortation to Hebrews during the Tribulation to remain true to Christ and endure until the end.  This corresponds to Christ’s teaching in Matthew 24:13 that those who endure until the end shall be saved.  As we saw in Matthew 24, the context of that passage is not the Church Age, but rather, the time immediately preceding the Second Coming of Christ, the

TODAY’S READING: TITUS-PHILEMON

 

OVERVIEW: Titus: Order and authority in the local church (chapter 1); sound doctrine for the people of the local church (chapter 2); the biblical way to deal with heretics (chapter 3).  Philemon: The Apostle Paul’s letter to his friend Philemon regarding his unfaithful slave Onesimus, asking him to forgive and accept Onesimus back into his house, not just as a slave, but as a brother in the Lord.                      

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Titus: Titus was a man that the apostle Paul often relied upon because he was trustworthy and faithful.  In fact, Paul called Titus his “partner and fellow helper” (2 Cor.8:23) in the work of the Lord.  This letter from Paul to Titus was written to give instruction on how to strengthen and establish the young churches on theislandofCrete.  Paul wanted to make sure that Titus dealt with the Cretians, who were known for being liars, evil and lazy (see Titus1:11. Does that sound familiar at all?)

 

In this letter we learn of the qualifications for leaders in the church and the absolute necessity of teaching sound doctrine (because there are many false teachers whose mouths must be stopped – Titus1:10-11).  The sound doctrine that is supposed to be taught is found in chapters 2 and 3.  In these chapters we find sound doctrine for older men, older women, younger women, younger men and servants.  In chapter 3, Paul commands Titus to remind all in the church of their past sinful condition and the amazing kindness and love that God has shown to all of them.  He also very clearly lays out the method for dealing with heretics (those who do not hold and/or teach sound doctrine).  He ends the letter with a reminder to us all to “learn to maintain good works” so that we do not become unfruitful (Titus3:14).  

 

Additional highlights from Paul’s letter to Titus:

 

Be very discerning, because false teachers profess that they know God, and can present a spiritual looking front (Titus1:16).  Upon closer examination, however, they actually deny God with the life that they live.  In the end, it isn’t their profession that will matter, only God’s!  Jesus said in Matthew7:23, “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

 

The same grace that saves us also teaches us to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (Titus2:11-12).  That is why Paul said in Romans 6:1-2, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?  God forbid.  How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?”  If you understand what Jesus did for you in saving you from your sin, you will then stand in awe of His grace daily, and sin will no longer have dominion over you!  That is how grace teaches us to live a life pleasing to our Saviour!

 

Philemon: In this brief Book of the Bible, God paints for us a beautiful picture of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Philemon was a personal friend of Paul, whom he had apparently had the privilege of leading to the Lord (vs. 19).  One of Philemon’s slaves, a man by the name of Onesimus, had apparently stolen from his master and fled toRome.  As often is the case, one sin leads to another, so Onesimus finds himself imprisoned inRome.  It is in this Roman prison that Paul meets Onesimus (whom Paul probably recognized as being Philemon’s servant – obviously, this didn’t just happen by chance!), and leads him to the Lord.  Paul realized that if Onesimus was ever to be all that God wanted him to be, he would need to make things right with his master Philemon.  So Paul writes this short letter to his friend and fellow Christian, Philemon, asking him not only to receive Onesimus back into his house as a slave, but now, as a brother in the Lord!

 

Note some of the incredible pictures God paints for us in the letter to Philemon:

 

Philemon – pictures God the Father  (GOOD MAN)

1. He was righteous. (vs. 7 c.f. Jer. 23:6)
2. He was wealthy. (vs. 2,7,11 c.f. Hag. 2:8)
3. The church was his habitation. (vs. 2 c.f. Eph.2:22)
4. He was a caring householder. (vs. 2,5,7 c.f. Eph.2:19)
5. He had been violated. (vs. 11, 18-19 c.f.Rom.3:23)
6. He was the legal owner. (vs. 16 c.f. I Cor. 6:20)   

           

Onesimus – pictures us, as redeemed sinners  (GUILTY MAN)

1. He was a slave.(vs.16  c.f.Rom.7:14)
2. He was an unprofitable servant. (vs. 11 c.f. Matt. 25:30; Rom.5:12)
3. He desired freedom. (vs. 15 c.f. Gen. 3:1-6)
4. His quest for freedom found him imprisoned. (vs. 10 c.f.Rom.6:17)
5. In desperation, he received God’s liberating grace! (vs. 11 c.f. Eph. 2:8-9)

 

Paul – pictures Jesus Christ  (GO BETWEEN MAN)

1. He was a prisoner on behalf of the gospel. (vs. 10 c.f.  Isa. 53:8; Jn.18:28)
2. He intercedes to the wealthy householder for the unprofitable servant. (vs. 10-11 c.f. Heb.7:25)
3. He will do nothing without the householder’s permission. (vs. 14 c.f. John6:38)
4. He was determined to pay the servant’s debt. (vs. 18-19 c.f. I Tim. 2:6)
5. He asks that the rebellious be received just as He would be received.(vs. 12,17 c.f.Rom.8:17)
6. He secures for the restored a place to dwell. (vs. 22  c.f. John 14:1-2)
7. He soon returns to the householder. (vs. 22 c.f.  John 14:5)

 

Wow!  What a book!  Why don’t you take a few minutes to stand in awe of God’s unbelievable Word right now (Psalm 33:8).

 

TODAY’S READING: II TIMOTHY 1-4         

 

OVERVIEW:

Important reminders regarding faith, fear, and holding fast sound words in the last days (chapter 1); responsibilities of believers in the last days (chapter 2); the realities of living in the apostasy of the last days (chapter 3); the Apostle Paul’s final charge to preach the Word in the last days (chapter 4).                  

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

This letter to Timothy records the last words of Paul that were inspired by the Holy Spirit of God.  It was written from a prison inRome(Mamertine Prison) where Paul was being held as he awaited execution for preaching Christ during Nero’s reign, the cruel Roman Emperor who hated Christians and Christianity!  Paul obviously had been arrested again since writing his first epistle to Timothy in 65 A.D.  The Bible gives little detail as to Paul’s ministry between his two imprisonments, but we can conclude from scripture that he went to Nicopolis (Titus3:12- written in 65 A.D.) and then toTroas(4:13), where he had left his cloak, some books, and the parchments (i.e. the scripture) because of an apparent need for a quick exit.  At the time of the writing of this final letter to Timothy, Paul is lonely, but he is not in despair (II Cor. 4:8-10, II Tim.4:17).  This is in spite of the fact that every one of his trusted companions had left him (except Luke – II Tim. 4:11), just as they did the Lord (except John, the beloved disciple) as the time of his execution drew near.  Paul, longing to see his beloved son in the faith one last time, writes to Timothy asking him to come toRomeas soon as he possibly could (4:9, 21).  Amazingly, the thrust of this letter deals with Paul encouraging Timothy not to be afraid of taking his place in the ministry of the gospel and discipleship (1:7-8; 2:2) once Paul is executed!  We should all have at least one person to whom we could write a letter like this when we are on our death bed!

 

Additional highlights from Paul’s second letter to Timothy:

 

If you are experiencing fear doing the work of the Lord, you can be certain that its source is not God!  It is either our own foolish insecurities and lack of faith and/or the work of our adversary Satan!  (1:7)

 

True believers are eternally secure because they know whom they have believed (Jesus Christ), and it is He who keeps them saved until that day, not themselves! (1:12, 4:18)

 

We are commanded to study the Word of God to make sure that we “rightly divide it.”  Without diligent “study”, it is possible wrongly divide the scripture, and end up twisting it to our own destruction (2:15.  See also II Pet. 3:16).

 

We must not allow ourselves to become discouraged in the mission of reaching people with the gospel, realizing that the lost have been taken captive by Satan himself and are held in his snare.  Their only hope is that God would give them “repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” through the message of the gospel that has been committed to our trust (2:24-26.  See also I Thess. 2:4).

 

Paul clearly calls the scriptures that Timothy had as a child (the Old Testament) holy, and says that they were the same scriptures inspired by God which can perfect man! 

Note: These scriptures Timothy had in his possession were not the original manuscripts (they had long since perished from the earth).  What he did have were copies that God had persevered that were just as inspired as the so-called originals, just like we have today in our Authorized Version!  (3:15-17)

 

We have many TEACHERS of the Bible today (on radio, television, and in many churches) just as the Bible has predicted, but not many PREACHERS of the Book! WE MUST PREACH THE WORD! (4:2-4) And a lot of the so called preachers never “Preach the Word”.  They preach from the Word, they preach about the word, but never just let the Bible say what it says.  We see this when a man will get up and read a text and sometimes never come back to that text, or use it as a spring board to jump to his thoughts and stories. God help us not tell our stories but to tell HIS STORY.

TODAY’S READING: I TIMOTHY 1-6

 

OVERVIEW: The proper use of the Law of God (chapter 1); the power of prayer and the place of women in the local church (chapter 2); the qualifications for church leaders (chapter 3); the contrast between false and faithful teachers (chapter 4); the responsibilities of the members of a local church (chapter 5); sound advice from God to servants, false teachers, the rich, and the educated (chapter 6).                    

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The Book of I Timothy is the first of three New Testament Books referred to as “Pastoral Epistles” (the others being II Timothy and Titus).  These Books are obviously called “Pastoral Epistles” because they are addressed to pastors of local churches, and have to do with conducting the affairs as undershepherds in Christ’s church.  The instruction in these letters is very specific, and most certainly deals with situations pastors will encounter in carrying out their biblical office, but don’t let that cause you to think than these letters do not have incredibly practical ramifications for your life and ministry!  These letters actually present the relationship God intends to exist between a disciple and discipler! Sure, Timothy had been given the responsibility of holding the office of pastor in the church atEphesus, but he was also an individual member of the body of Christ.  He is a real person, with real weaknesses, and real problems, and struggles just like all of us.  God placed these Books in His Bible not just for pastors, but to provide every believer practical instruction concerning being a follower (disciple) of Christ on both sides of discipleship.

 

As we move into I Timothy today, keep in mind that Timothy was the son of a father who was a Greek and a mother who was a Jew (Acts 16:1-3).  His mother’s name was Eunice and his grandmother’s name was Lois (II Tim. 1:5).  He resided in Lystra (Acts 16:1-2; 20:4), where he was raised in the knowledge of the scriptures (II Tim.3:15).

 

Upon visiting Timothy’s hometown of Lystra on his second missionary journey, Paul was impressed with Timothy’s testimony in his local church, and felt impressed to invite him to join him and Silas as a part of their missionary team.  Keep in mind that this invitation was extended to Timothy immediately following Paul’s conflict with Barnabus concerning the fact that Paul didn’t want JohnMarkto be included on his missionary team because he was too young, too scared, and because he needed to be discipled (Acts 15:36-41).  Because God is sovereign, and because He obviously has a sense of humor, He turns right around and gives Paul a fearful young man who needs to be discipled to be a part of his missionary team!  Just file into your head, that when we refuse to learn the lessons from the situations God has put into place, He will simply recreate similar circumstances until we learn them!

 

To catch the real heart of this letter, recognize that Paul most likely led Timothy to the Lord (I Tim. 1:2, 18; II Tim. 1:2, 2:1; I Cor.4:17) when he and Barnabas came to Lystra on their first missionary journey (Acts 14:5-7).  Timothy was Paul’s trusted companion, and he used him for some of the toughest assignments in the different churches (I Thess. 3:1-7; I Cor.4:16-17).  Paul goes on in scripture to describe Timothy as one with whom he was completely likeminded, and viewed serving with him as a father with his son (Phil.2:19-22).  Timothy struggled with the problem of fear (I Cor.16:10; II Tim. 1:7), which probably led to his stomach problems, and other physical infirmities that Paul mentioned in chapter 5 and verse 23. 

 

Paul wrote this letter because he felt the need to give young Timothy some encouragement to stay in the battle as a good soldier, warring a good warfare (1:18) in the midst of false teachers and backsliding believers in the church atEphesus(1:3-4, 19-20).  Paul had invested three solid years in this church atEphesus(Acts20:31), and had an intense love for them (Acts20:37-38).  Paul writes to Timothy to encourage him to stay atEphesus, and fulfill his role, and responsibility as the church’s pastor, in spite of the difficulties he faced.  Paul had warned the Ephesian elders that false teachers would both enter and arise out of the church, and now that it had happened, Paul felt confident that Timothy was the man for the job of shutting the mouths of the false teachers (1:3; 4:7; 6:17), and protecting the young flock of God in that church!

 

This letter was written from Laodicea and sent to Timothy in Ephesus between Paul’s two imprisonments in Rome.  It is interesting to note that Paul desired Timothy to stay inEphesus(a place that was “fully-purposed” to do God’s work – Rev. 2:1-2) rather than join him inLaodicea(where the Christians felt they had “rights” – Rev. 3:14-18).  Paul knew where God’s work could most effectively be accomplished.  We would do well in this age if we would just “stay inEphesus,” as opposed to “living and lovingLaodicea”.

 

Additional highlights from Paul’s first letter to young Timothy:

 

Four things Jesus Christ is to those who know Him: Our SAVIOUR, Our HOPE, Our FATHER, and Our LORD. (1:1-2)

 

The lawful use of God’s law is two-fold (1:8-10): 1) To reveal what sin is (Rom.5:20, 7:7), and     2) to bring us to Jesus Christ (Gal.3:21-24).

 

Paul’s life of longsuffering is the pattern for our lives (1:16. See also II Cor. 11:23-28)

 

 

Standing for truth will sometimes require naming of names of those who are disobedient and that teach false doctrine. (1:18-20)

 

As believers, prayer is the “first” thing we should do to maintain a close relationship with God. (2:1)

 

No mediator (“middle man”) other than CHRIST can bring us and/or our prayers to the Father.  Not Mary. Not the saints. Not a priest. ONLY Christ! (2:5)

 

God was manifest (i.e. shown to us; revealed) in the flesh and it is WITHOUT CONTROVERSY (3:16; I Cor. 15:1-8; Acts 1:3).  Bank on it!

 

Refuse to be intimidated by those who say you’re too young to be doing God’s work.  Preach and teach God’s truth with authority! (4:11-12a)

 

The desire for more will end up fooling and hurting you. (6:5-9)

 

Avoid oppositions of “science” falsely so called (6:20– Note: Evolution is a religion, not a science – see below):

            * Christians believe – “In the beginning GOD…”

            * Evolutionists believe – “In the beginning DIRT…”

TODAY’S READING: I THESSALONIANS 1 – II THESSALONIANS 3

 

OVERVIEW:   A model church (I Thess. 1); a model of discipleship (I Thess. 2); a model of faith (I Thess. 3); a model walk (I Thess. 4-5); comfort in tribulation (II Thess. 1); clarification in teaching (II Thess. 2); content on various topics (II Thess. 3).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

In Revelation 2 and 3, our Lord dictated to the Apostle John seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor.  They were seven churches that actually existed historically at the time of the writing of the Revelation, and addressed actual situations that these churches were facing at that time.  But students of the Bible have noted for centuries that beyond just the historical aspect of these letters, there is also a prophetic aspect.  When placed into the context of the whole of the Book of Revelation, the seven letters also provide for us a panoramic view of the seven stages of church history that basically picks up where the Book of Acts leaves off in the history of the early church, and takes you all the way up to the Rapture of the church, which coincidentally enough is found in the Book of Revelation immediately following the conclusion of the seventh and final letter to the churches (see Rev. 4:1).  But there is another amazing coincidence that should be noted.  Not only did our Lord write letters to the seven churches, but the Apostle Paul also wrote letters to seven churches, or groups of churches (to the church of the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and the Thessalonians).  And what’s even more coincidental is that if you were to take the letters to the seven churches to whom our Lord wrote, and lay them next to the letters to the seven churches to whom Paul wrote, you would find an amazing similarity of context.  Certainly the most obvious connection would be our Lord’s letter to the Laodiceans, and Paul’s letter to the Colossians.  In fact, the only time other than Revelation 3:14-22 that the word Laodicea is found in the Bible is the Book of Colossians, where it just happens to be found five times!  The thing to take away from that observation is that though the Book of Colossians was written to address specific situations taking place in that church when the Spirit of God inspired Paul to write it, and has certainly had application for every local church in every period of church history, there is also a very specific application of that letter to thechurchofJesus Christin the Laodicean Church Period (approximately 1901 to the Rapture).

 

All of that is important to recognize because there is at least one other unbelievable coincidence and connection that needs to be observed.  Immediately following the Book of Colossians (again, the letter with specific application to the church in the Laodicean Age), comes the letters to the Thessalonians.  And do you know what these two letters address specifically?  The Rapture and the Second Coming!  And again, in the Book of Revelation, as soon as you close chapter 3 with the letter to the Laodiceans, you begin chapter four, and immediately, heaven opens, there is a sound of a trumpet, a voice saying “Come up hither,” and John (who, as we saw several weeks ago, is the disciple who pictures what God intends for a believer in Christ to be) is caught up into heaven to see the raptured church in heaven (Rev. 4 and 5), and to witness four accounts of the Second Coming (Rev. 6-19).

 

What that shows us is that the Books of I and II Thessalonians are the letters written to teach the church about HOW TO BE PREPARED FOR THE LAST DAYS.  In fact, notice that each of the five chapters of I Thessalonians ends talking about the coming of the Lord (1:10; 2:19; 3:13: 4:13-17; 5:23).

 

But what becomes very clear as you read through the content of these letters is that though they deal with the PROPHETIC concerning the last days, Paul wants to be sure that we don’t approach the Rapture and Second coming as doctrines we sit around and contemplate, talk about, or read novels about, but as doctrines to be LIVED!  He wants to be sure that we got these events out of the PROPHETIC and into the PRACTICAL!  These Books are really a “How To” manual about how to prepare for the last days: what things we need to emphasize in these last days; how we are to go about the Lord’s work in these last days so that we can be as effective as possible. 

 

It is also worth noting that whereas each chapter of I Thessalonians ends with a reference concerning the Lord’s coming, each chapter of II Thessalonians ends with a reference concerning grace (1:12; 2:16; 3:18).  Obviously, as we labor in these dark last days prior to our Lord’s coming, we will need to be sure that we apply and rely upon the grace of God that He promised would be “sufficient” through “infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, [and] in distresses” (II Cor. 12:9-10).

 

Two other things worth noting from the biblical context of these Books and God’s points of emphasis through-out, have to do with:

 

1. The Philosophy of Leadership.  It is interesting that the letters written to teach the church about effective ministry in the last days as we prepare for the Lord’s coming just happen to be the only letters in the New Testament written as a team effort. I and II Thessalonians are the only letters written by three authors:  Paul, Silvanus (Silas) and Timotheous (Timothy).

 

In Paul’s other letters, he mentions those who are with him in his greeting, but he immediately kicks in to the first person singular, “I.”  And as you read through I and II Thessalonians, there’s no getting around the fact that it is the writing style of Paul.  They definitely reflect his personality and vocabulary, but what is interesting is that he consistently writes in the first person plural.  He talks in terms of “we” and “us.”  There are a few places where his apostolic authority surfaces and he uses the word “I,” but by in large, all throughout I and II Thessalonians, he models for us what is to be our PHILOSOPHY of LEADERSHIP in the last days, and that is, it must be a TEAM EFFORT!  Paul, Silas and Timothy were a unit.  They were committed to teamwork.  What we need to learn from their example is that if we’re going to be effective in carrying out the job the Lord has for us in the last days through our local churches, we must work together as a team, and that must flow out of the leadership.  Much more needs to be said about that, but space will not permit.

 

2. The Priority of Lordship.  I and II Thessalonians begin very similarly:  “Paul and Silvanus, and Timotheous, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the LORD JESUS CHRIST” (I Thess. 1:1; II Thess. 1:1).  Now, certainly the phrase “the LORD JESUS CHRIST” is not an unfamiliar phrase, or a phrase that is unique to I and II Thessalonians.  In fact, the phrase is used 81 times in the New Testament.  What is unique, however, is that 20 out of the 81 times that this title is used in reference to Jesus, it is in the Books of I and II Thessalonians.  20 times!  By far, more than any other Book of the New Testament, or pair of Books in the New Testament.  Almost 25% of the time the phrase is found, it is found in these eight chapters!

 

Now, from the historical context, Acts 17:7 makes clear why Paul so emphasizes this phrase.  Jesus being the “Lord,” or “King” was the issue that got the city so stirred up in the first place! But in the biblical context, remembering that these are the Books that tell us about how to be prepared for the last days, I think God is trying to let us know that it is more important than ever that people understand Who Jesus Christ is, and the position He wants to have in His church as LORD!  Revelation 3:14-22 lets us know that His Lordship in the church in the last days is so far from a reality that He is actually standing at the door knocking, wanting to be invited to come in to take His place of preeminence.

 

Does your life reflect Christ’s LORDSHIP, and are you a part of the ministry TEAM of your local church?

 

TODAY’S READING: COLOSSIANS 1-4

 

OVERVIEW:  

The preeminence of Christ (chapter 1); four warnings (chapter 2); putting off and putting on (chapter 3); real relationships (chapter 4).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Our Lord dictated a letter to the Apostle John addressed to the church of the Laodiceans in approximately 96 A.D. giving them one of the sternest condemnations found in the Word of God.   The rebuke is found in Revelation 3:14-22.  This church actually made the Lord Jesus Christ want to throw up (Rev. 3:16).  Within our Lord’s sharp words we find the phrase “and knowest not.”  Not only did the church at Laodicea fail to measure up to God’s standard, they weren’t even aware they had any problems, and actually felt like they were exactly what they needed to be.  You have to wonder how many churches in America today feel that they are doing just fine, when in reality, they, like the Laodiceans, are “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked”?  How many individuals have deceived themselves into believing that they are living the “Christian life”, when in reality they need to cleanse themselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Cor. 7:1).

 

More than 30 years earlier God had sent a letter to this church in Laodicea.  In 62 A.D., the Apostle Paul wrote four letters from a Roman prison (Ephesians, Philippians, Philemon, Colossians).  The letter to the Colossians was to be carried by Tychicus and Onesimus (4:7-9).  Within this letter we find the key to preventing Laodicean Christianity.  The church in Colossae was instructed to have their letter read to the church in Laodicea.  It is obvious that though the church at Laodicea may have read the letter, they certainly did not heed the warnings contained in it.  Within 35 years the Laodiceans would come to represent an arrogant church that had literally locked Jesus outside (Rev. 3:20). 

 

Every church is one generation from becoming lukewarm.  However, those who heed Paul’s instruction to the Colossians will find Christ preeminent within their congregation (1:18), rather than knocking on the door from the outside (Rev. 3:20).

 

In chapter 1, Paul begins his letter by commending the Colossians on their faith and love (1:4).  We live in a day when many churches are known for buildings and programs.  However, it should be faith and love that defines our reputation.  Upon hearing of this love, Paul prays.  In verses 9-12, he gives a prayer that any believer could pray for another believer.  He prays for their:

 

*Mind (that they would have knowledge, wisdom, and understanding). *Feet (that whey would walk worthy of the Lord). *Muscles (that they would be strengthened spiritually). *Hearts (that they would be thankful).

 

This is a prayer that every parent should pray for their children.  It is a prayer that we can pray for each other within the body of Christ. 

 

Paul then turns his attention to Christ.  Colossians 1:13-29 contains the theme and foundation of the letter.  It is Christ alone Who should come first (have preeminence) in everything (1:18).  The church of Laodicea focuses on themselves (or their rights).  It is only when we focus on Christ and understand Who He is that we find our purpose in life.  Paul ends the chapter by revealing an awesome mystery to the Colossians.  This preeminent Christ now dwells in them (1:27)!  The physical temple of Christ’s body had been destroyed.  However, through His death God has raised up temples all over this earth.  Each temple containing the resurrected Christ and demonstrating God’s glory to the world.  

 

Chapter 2 contains four warnings to the Colossians (2:4, 8,16,18).  It will be the world’s philosophy (love of knowledge) and legalism (a system that finds God’s favor in human merit) that will cause a church to stop focusing on Christ.  Paul tells these believers that they are complete in Christ alone (2:10) and instructs them to walk in faith (2:6-7). 

 

The failure of Laodicean Christianity isn’t that we DENY Christ, but that we DE-EMPHASIZE Him!  The enemy wants us to believe that Christ is insufficient, and we are in need of philosophy, religion, psychology, etc.  In Chapter 2 Paul is warning believers not to fall prey to this deception. 

 

Paul deals with how to practically walk in faith in chapter 3.  The believer is commanded to set his affection on things above, and to then put off the old man with his deeds (3:1-10).  He is then commanded to renew his mind (3:10), and put on the new man, which is Christ (3:15).  This is the process by which a believer is to continually live.  After talking about our relationship with the Lord in 3:1-17, our relationship with those within our family in 3:18-21, our relationship with those with whom we work in 3:22-4:1, in 4:2-6 he talks about our relationship with the lost world, and then in 4:7-18 he talks about our relationship with those within the body of Christ.  If you run that through your mind, you’ll find that that covers every relationship we have in life!  The whole point is, now that we’ve been risen with Christ (i.e. have been saved), the Lord Jesus Christ is to have preeminence in every relationship in our lives.  Does He in yours?