So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 4-6

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10 

I continue a pause my study of Hosea to focus on Galatians as this book will be discussed this morning with my Friday AM men's Bible study.  Due to time constraints I focus on a survey (high level review) of chapters 4-6 - see also OverviewBible.com as a resource. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Broadly speaking, in chapters 4-6, Paul shares two themes - one emphasizing what not to do, and the other emphasizing what to do.  As shared in my previous posts this week on Galatians, with the new covenant based on Christ's shed blood (read also Hebrews for a discussion on how Jesus offers a better covenant - vs the original covenant passed on from Abraham to his descendants), we cannot earn our salvation through obedience to the law.  The law reveals both our sin and God's grace for our sin.  Therefore, we should not add to, subtract from, or twist the Word to suit anything other than God's will.  We should pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us in understanding the Word.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Chapters 5-6 move to the affirmative - what we should be doing as believers.  Key verses here include 5:13 where Paul shares how freedom from the law should not be used as a license to sin but instead to love and serve one another. 5:14 shares that "[f]or the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"  5:18-23 contrast sins of the flesh vs fruit of the Spirit - and these can be used a litmus test to discern how someone is fruitful in God's eyes (for His glory) and for others watching you (including non-believers). Key verses in chapter 6 include how we are to support and encourage one another as believers by gently pointing out other believers' sin to them and by "bearing one another's burdens" (6:1-2).  Vv9-10 encourage us to "not grow weary of doing good...to everyone....especially to those who are of the household of faith."  These final encouragements in the affirmative for me emphasize how church unity (do not pursue a church agenda that not scripturally aligned or Gospel centered) is very important - and how this unity must be based on God's Word alone and nothing else.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid false teachers and false teaching - particularly teaching that emphasizes how one can earn their salvation - not possible!  Claim the promise how - based on Christ's shed blood - we have salvation through grace alone and how God delivers mercies that never cease and are new every morning - we are a new creation. Follow the example of Paul who went from persecutor of the church (chief sinner) to arguably the chief proselytizer or proponent of the Gospel, and that a core message is salvation through grace alone.  Know God and His Word to be able to discern Truth - pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding of the Word.      

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, and for giving me Your Word, my church, and all the brothers and sisters in Christ who support and encourage me in my faith journey. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily - including hypocrisy!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.

Galatians 3

Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. Galatians 3:23-26 

I continue a pause my study of Hosea to focus on Galatians through tomorrow as this book will be discussed with my Friday AM men's Bible study.  I move on to Galatians chapter 3 where Paul continues to chide the church at Galatia for falling prey to false teachers and teaching that espouses faith comes from obedience to the law, specifically Mosaic/OT law.  He sets them straight regarding how Christ came to fulfill the law, giving believers in Him freedom from the law and new life. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv2-3,5: God gives believers the Holy Spirit to work in us through the process of sanctification as He molds us into His image.  V19: God gave us the law "because of transgressions" and this suggests that a core role of the law is that it allows believers to understand their own sin and to allow God to work in us through sanctification such that we are not slaves to the law or sin but instead slaves to Christ. This is further explained by the text in vv22-26 where once again Paul reinforces that believers are justified (not guilty) not by acts or works of the law but by grace alone/faith in Jesus Christ. Of course Paul's argument here is much more detailed and elegant but that is the core of the text.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Abraham is highlighted in the text for his faith in the promise/covenant made with God (Genesis 15).  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid becoming slaves to the law - seeing it as something to do.  We are to claim the promise that Christ, upon our faith and belief in Him, starts a work in us through the Holy Spirit and will continue until glorification when the process is complete and we meet Christ face to face. Follow the example of faith set by Abraham who believed and had faith in the covenant God made with him.    

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, and for starting a work in me with the Holy Spirit to make me more like You.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily - including hypocrisy!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[Y]et we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified....I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2

[Y]et we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified....I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:16,20 

I continue a pause my study of Hosea to focus on Galatians through Friday as this book will be discussed with my Friday AM men's Bible study.  I move on to Galatians chapter 2 where Paul hammers home the theme that grace alone is this basis of our salvation, as Paul reinforces how we should not be adding to, subtracting from, and twisting the Word to suit our own desires and motives - in this case requiring believers to follow OT/Mosaic ceremonial law.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Paul emphasizes key doctrinal themes, particularly how Christ justifies believers not on the basis of works, but "through faith in [Him]" (v16).  We do not earn our salvation - grace alone saves!  In vv20-21, Paul then shares how Christ gives us freedom from the law (see also v4), and new birth/life with the Holy Spirit living in us, facilitating a life for Him.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We see Paul's humility (even though he has much to be proud about given His appointment by God), false brothers who espouse false teaching (v4), hypocrisy (vv12-14) from Cephas (Peter), and conflict between Paul and Cephas (v11).  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): See also post yesterday. Avoid knowingly preaching or falling prey to false gospel.  Claim the promise that God alone saves and gives new life.  We should also avoid hypocrisy - saying one thing and doing another.  Follow the example of Paul of recognizing false gospel and correcting those who knowingly spouses such false gospel and who also demonstrate hypocrisy. Confess, repent, and believe in He who saves - then live by faith!

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, as I know that You alone - in Your grace - saved me.  Thank You also for Your gospel - the Word - and how You use the Word to reveal Yourself to me, to reveal my sin to me, and to strengthen and encourage me in my journey with You.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily - including hypocrisy!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ...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.

Galatians 1

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ...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. Galatians 1:6-7,11-12 

I pause my study of Hosea to focus on Galatians today through Friday as this book will be discussed with my Friday AM men's Bible study.  I start with Galatians chapter 1 where Paul gets right to it and exhorts the church at Galatia to avoid following false teachers - primarily Judaizers or those who taught that salvation was the result of both God's grace and obedience to certain Mosaic or Old Testament ceremonial laws. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God's grace alone saves - and there is not a thing anyone can do to earn their salvation.  See also Ephesians 2:8-9.  Similarly, there is only one Gospel and we should be careful not to add to, subtract from, or twist God's Word to suit our own desires or motives.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: There are many in this world who have and will continue to put themselves above God by promoting a false gospel.  If you knowingly preach a false gospel (having been corrected by a brother or sister in Christ yet continue preaching such false gospel), you are per the text (vv8-9) accursed.    
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid knowingly preaching or falling prey to false gospel.  Claim the promise that God alone saves.  Follow the example of Paul of recognizing false gospel and correcting those who knowingly espouse such false gospel.  Know God and know His Word - do not add to, subtract from, or twist God's Word to suit your own desires or motives. Love God and follow Him - we exist to glorify God. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, as I know that You alone - in Your grace - saved me.  Thank You also for Your gospel - the Word - and how You use the Word to reveal Yourself to me, to reveal my sin to me, and to strengthen and encourage me in my journey with You.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him....For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Hosea 6:1-11

After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him....For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:2,6

I continue my study of Hosea, and my focus this morning is Hosea 6:1-11, where God continues to describe Israel's unfaithfulness, while also pointing to Jesus and how He restores.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv1-3: God shares an exhortation that Israel repent from her unfaithfulness - to "return to the Lord."  Their return promises healing and points to Jesus with new life on the third day.  They are encouraged to endure and know the Lord and His faithfulness despite our own unfaithfulness.  V5: God cuts, carves, and shapes Israel as He pronounces His judgement and discipline upon them. V6: He makes clear that superficial acts of ceremony (sacrifice) are not what God seeks - He seeks our heart, and a heart that seeks to know, love, and please Him (vs ceremonial acts performed as rote without a heart for God. See also Matthew 9:13 and 12:7 where Jesus challenges religious leaders to understand God and His intent of the law. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V4: Israel's (and Judah) love for God and faithfulness fail to endure - instead going away early in the day. Israel's sin is further described in vv7-10 - faithless, evildoers, robbers, murderous, villainy, whoredom, and defilement. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must not perform empty rituals of worship when our heart is not earnestly seeking Him.  We should claim the promise that God gives new life and restores us if we return to Him.  We should follow the example of David, the prodigal son, Paul, and so many others who repented of their sin and returned to Him.  With a contrite heart, earnestly seek Him.   

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, for giving me new life, and for restoring me.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I will return again to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me.

Hosea 5:1-15

I will return again to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me. Hosea 5:15

I continue my study of Hosea, and my focus this morning is Hosea 5:1-15, where God prophecies exile for the northern kingdom Israel (referred to as Ephraim) to Assyria.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V2: God shares His description of Israel as "revolters" and how "He will discipline" them.  V3: We are reminded that God is omniscient (all knowing) and omnipresent (everywhere) and we cannot hide our sin from Him nor can we hide from Him - God knows all.  V15: God responds and returns to those who truly repent (not a half hearted effort) and "earnestly seek" Him - see also Jeremiah 29:13 and Hebrews 11:6.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv4-5: Israel's shame traps them and prevents them from repentance. Once again the sin (crime) is not knowing the Lord. They attempt to seek the Lord - with a half-hearted attempt and God will not respond. Vv8-12: Israel's land will become desolate as God "pours out [His] wrath like water." Israel pursued "filth."  Vv13-14: In their weakness, Israel seeks alliances with Assyria but even this alliance cannot cure what only God can cure - which is a heart that does not know or love God.  Ultimately we know that Assyria overtakes Israel and Israel goes into exile.    
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid half-hearted confessions of sin.  Claim the promise that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.  Follow the example of David who sought God with a contrite heart - Psalm 51:17. Love and know God with all of your heart.

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, and for showing me incredible mercies that never cease and are new every morning.  What a great God You are that I can come to You with a contrite heart and seek forgiveness of sin. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

There is no faithfulness or steadfast love,and no knowledge of God in the land; there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.

Hosea 4:1-19

There is no faithfulness or steadfast love,and no knowledge of God in the land; there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. Hosea 4:1b-2

I continue my study of Hosea, and my focus this morning is Hosea 4:1-19, where God lays out His case against Israel and her unfaithfulness - the scene in the text plays out like a prosecution attorney's opening statement against the accused.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv1-2 get right to the point - and don't miss how God diagnoses the root cause of a faithless and loveless Israel - "no knowledge of God in the land[.]"  How can one love God without knowing who He is and what He has done for us?  We should not miss how this is a message for all of humanity - that we should all spend time with God to know Him and know what He has done for us.  Lest we be condemned eternally. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?:  The text shares the consequences of faithlessness starting in v3 where God takes away provision for food, He destroys the people for "lack of knowledge" (v6) and for "forgetting" His law. God will forget the children of Israel - this is a harsh punishment to be meted out against those who have no role in the offense. Israel's glory will be turned to shame (v7). They shall eat but not be satisfied (v10).  They shall come to ruin (v14).  Israel is stubborn (v16).     
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid not seeking and knowing God.  We are to claim the promise that God will bless us and satisfy us for a hunger and thirst for Him (Matthew 5:6). We should follow the example of Daniel and others that sought God no matter what the circumstances - including threat of death.  Seek Him with all of your heart...and you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, and for the incredible grace and mercies You pour out inexhaustibly.  Thank You also for giving me Your Word that I can know You and fellowship with You.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the LORD their God, and David their king, and they shall come in fear to the LORD and to his goodness in the latter days.

Hosea 3:1-5

Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the LORD their God, and David their king, and they shall come in fear to the LORD and to his goodness in the latter days. Hosea 3:5

I continue my study of Hosea, and my focus this morning is Hosea 3:1-5, where God continues to press His message with Israel that she is unfaithful just as a prostitute is - in the text today God reinforces the message from chapter one that Hosea is to love Gomer just as He loves Israel - despite her unfaithfulness.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God loves the children of Israel, even in their sin.  This reminds of how God saves believers while still an enemy and hostile to Him (see also Romans 5:8). Once again, we must remember God's great love and mercy for us.  God directs Hosea to purchase/redeem Gomer just as Jesus paid a price for all of humanity by sacrificing Himself on the cross for our sin.  God then is more specific about how he wants Gomer (and Israel to respond) - to be faithful - to stop yoking yourself to the world and to dwell/fellowship with and to love God. God not only forgives (v5) but is described as good (not just in the latter days but in all days).  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V5 speaks to a Godly response expected from the children of Israel - that they "return and seek the Lord their God."  God knows that His people have been and will continue to sin but He offers forgiveness and reconciliation to those who confess and repent.    
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid languishing in our sin and shame.  We are to repent and confess our sin and He will forgive - God forgives not just now but in the future.  We are to follow the example of God who loves despite our sin and unfaithfulness.  Remain in Him and ask Him to reveal our sin to us.  Then we should return to God just as the prodigal son did - repent and confess sin. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for how You lavish love on me despite my sin.  Even in punishment and discipline I see Your love and goodness.  Thank You Jesus for all that You do, including my salvation.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the LORD.

Hosea 2:14-23

And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the LORD. Hosea 2:19-20

I continue my study of Hosea, and my focus this morning is Hosea 2:14-23, where God shares how He is a merciful God, and how He will restore Israel, despite her unfaithfulness.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: In a parallel to how Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit where Satan tempted Him (and angels ministered to Him) - see Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1–13 - God shares how He will in the future restore Israel; He will lead her into the wilderness and "speak[s] tenderly to her."  What an incredible portrait of mercy - although He is disappointed with Israel's faithfulness, He is full of love and mercy for her.  His mercy is further described how He will give her vineyards and hope, how He will provide peace and stability, and provisions. What a great God!  The text points to Jesus through the description of God's mercy in vv19-20 (and surrounding text) where it says "in that day" God will betroth Israel to Him not for a time - forever.  Similar to text elsewhere (see Ephesians 4:24, 2 Corinthians 5:21) how Jesus justifies, declares us righteous in His eyes, God will restore Israel and "betroth [Israel] to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth [Israel] to me in faithfulness."  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V15 shares how Israel responds to God's mercy by returning to God and loving Him as she once did after He rescued her from Egypt (see also Israel's song of praise in Exodus 15:1-19).  In yet another parallel to scripture elsewhere, Israel's repentance and return to love of God mirrors the return of the prodigal son to his father (Luke 15:11-32). 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid remaining in sin by returning to Him who forgives. Claim the promise of forgiveness and eternal life offered by Christ.  Follow the example of the prodigal son.  Confess, repent, believe, and be saved. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your rich mercy and for saving me - for declaring me not guilty of my sin and showering me with incredible mercies that never cease and are new every morning.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And I will punish her for the feast days of the Baals when she burned offerings to them and adorned herself with her ring and jewelry, and went after her lovers and forgot me, declares the LORD.

Hosea 2:1-13

And I will punish her for the feast days of the Baals when she burned offerings to them and adorned herself with her ring and jewelry, and went after her lovers and forgot me, declares the LORD. Hosea 2:13

I continue my study of Hosea, and my focus this morning is Hosea 2:1-13, where God shares with Israel his judgement upon them for her unfaithfulness.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Building on my post yesterday, where I discussed how God is jealous for us (vs of us), here we see God laying out the case for Israel's unfaithfulness and His judgement for her.  God describes how His punishment will impact Israel's inhabitants, their children (v4), the land/animals (wool) (vv3,9), and He will strip her of any cause for celebration (v11). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Israel has yoked itself to Baal (vv8,13) - making her unfaithful to God - breaking the top 2 most important commandments to love God and to not make any gods before the One True God.  Israel's unfaithfulness begets more unfaithfulness as they fail to remember (v8) that God provides all that they possess (every good and perfect gift comes from above - James 1:17), instead thinking it was these other gods that provided what they have. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid forgetting who God is and what He has done for us.  We must claim the promise that God saves and seals us for eternity.  We should go to God daily, to acknowledge our need for His mercies that never cease and are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, for the mercies that never cease and that are new every morning. You are faithful and You provide for all!  Thank You for Your faithfulness to me and for never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, “You are not my people,” it shall be said to them, “Children of the living God.” And the children of Judah and the children of Israel shall be gathered together, and they shall appoint for themselves one head. And they shall go up from the land, for great shall be the day of Jezreel.

 Hosea 1:1-11

Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, “You are not my people,” it shall be said to them, “Children of the living God.” And the children of Judah and the children of Israel shall be gathered together, and they shall appoint for themselves one head. And they shall go up from the land, for great shall be the day of Jezreel. Hosea 1:10-11

I've started a study of Hosea, the first book of the minor prophets (named for their brevity in comparison to the major prophets books which are longer).  My focus this morning is Hosea 1:1-11, where the Lord commands the prophet Hosea to take a prostitute as a wife - mirroring how God feels about Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V2: To make it clear that God sees Israel as unfaithful, God commands Hosea to take a prostitute as his wife. God is a jealous God, yet He is not jealous like a husband or wife of an unfaithful spouse.  He is not jealous of the worldly objects of our affections - He is jealous for us.  John Piper puts it this way: He is jealous and has zeal "for his own worth, [and] also for our joy."  In vv10-11, we see God promising restoration of Israel and Judah, including unification under one (vs two) king - pointing to Jesus.        
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv4-9 God punishes how He sees fit - in this case, Israel is punished more harshly than Judah - yet both the northern (Israel) and southern kingdom (were sinful).  We must acknowledge that all sin and fall short of the glory of God - so not one person can claim to be sinless and all are deserving of punishment (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 1 John 1:8). V7 makes it clear that it is not their strength that saves them but by His mercy and hand alone.  In the same way, God alone saves and we should not boast of earning our salvation.      
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid unfaithfulness to God - falling in love with things of this world above God.  We are to claim the promise that God is always faithful - He made a promise to Abraham, and He makes a promise to all believers, and all of His promises find their yes in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).  We are to follow the example of Christ who forgives. Love God and love others as God loves and forgives us.   

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, despite my sin and unfaithfulness.  Thank You for Your faithfulness to me and for never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[T]rain yourself for godliness;for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

 1 Timothy 4:1-10

[T]rain yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7b-8

I completed my quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), and this morning, for one more time, before I jump into a new study, I pause to dive into 1 Timothy 4:1-10, text that is basis for our church's sermon today and our subsequent small group time.  My focus is how to "train for Godliness" as the affirmative commandment in vv7b-8. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Everything created by God is good - v4.  This is of course referencing food in v3 "that God created," but it can be extended into all of Creation because God is the Creator of all things.  Training in Godliness "is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (v8).  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: People train themselves for various purposes, including physical and bodily training - but how often do they train themselves in Godliness.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid silly myths that add to/subtract or twist the Word to suit a worldly point of view or one that suits a personal preference vs that of God. Claim the promise that "Godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Follow the example of the Bereans from Acts 17:11 who "received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."  Hunger and thirst for righteousness.  Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of the mind "that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Endure: "[L]et us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame[;]" Hebrews 12:1-2. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, and for giving me Your Word, prayer, corporate worship, the church, brothers and sisters in Christ - spiritual disciplines that I can use to train myself for Godliness. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

 1 Timothy 4:1-10

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8

I completed my quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), and this morning, before I jump into a new study, I pause to dive into 1 Timothy 4:1-10, text that is basis for our church's sermon tomorrow and our subsequent small group time.  Paul warns us about apostasy by those whose superficial faith is easily swayed by false teaching.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv1-5: God reveals to us through scripture (via the Holy Spirit) that during "later times" (see also Jesus' warning about end times from Matthew 24:4-5, 10-11), many will fall away or "depart from the faith" by falling prey to false teaching.  One of the false teachings referenced here in the text is how certain foods were to be avoided (v3) - Paul directly rebuts this in vv4-5.  Regarding food, v4 shares that "everything created by God is good." An example of the false teachers referred to in the text would be Judaizers, who believed that aspects (either in their entirety or in part) of the ceremonial law (circumcision, types of foods to eat, etc.) were required for Christians.  Jesus fulfilled the law and through and with Him we have a New Covenant based on His shed blood - only the moral (vs ceremonial) law remains intact for believers. Judaizers reflect a trends that continues by those who add to, subtract, or twist God's Word for their selfish gain.  Vv7-8 warns us to avoid "silly myths" and to "train yourself for godliness."  V10 shares how God saves all, "especially of those who believe." This parsing of words implies that God, in using the word "all," includes all races, etc. and does not discriminate in who He saves - only that You must confess, repent, and believe (Romans 10:10-11).
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The departing of some from the faith does not imply that you can lose your salvation - if you truly believed and persevered in the faith than you will not fall away.  If you do fall away, it is either that you never truly believed or that you did not persevere. See also this post from John Piper.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid falling prey to false teachers and false teaching - also do not add to, subtract from, or twist the Word for your selfish gain.  Claim the promise that God alone saves and that it is faith alone that saves - we do not earn it.  Follow the example of Paul who toil and strived and trained himself for Godliness by seeking Him with all his heart. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for coming to fulfill the law and for saving me so that I am not slave to the law but instead slave to Christ.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

 

The LORD said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’

 Judges 6-7

The LORD said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ Judges 7:2

I completed my quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), and before I jump into a new study, I paused to study Judges 6-7 and text used for my Friday morning men's Bible study.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God is full of grace, mercy, patience, etc.  Even though the people of Israel "did what was evil in the sight of the Lord" (Judges 6:1), after He gave Israel into the hands of the Midianites, the Amalekites, and the people of the East, He heard and responded to the cries of Israel asking for His help, and sent an angel/prophet of the Lord  (vv6:6-12), He calls Gideon to lead Israel against Midian and assures Gideon that "He will be with [him]" (vv6:13-16).  Even though scripture (Deuteronomy 6:16 shares that we are not to put God to the test, He allows Gideon to ask for signs that He is who He says He is (v6:17).  God meets Gideon in his fears and doubts again and reassures Him that God will be with Gideon as He calls Gideon to go up and save Israel from Midian.  He once again demonstrates His grace and mercy as He allows Gideon to test Him (ask for signs) - and God delivers not just once this request for a sign but three times (vv19-24, vv36-40).  God is rich in mercy!  Ultimately, God delivers Israel from Midian (Judges 7) and He makes it clear that it is not the might of Gideon or his men, but the might of God.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We often doubt God will be with us, or that He really does want us to do "big" things - God wants us to be clear that He will never leave or forsake us. Repeatedly God assures His people that He not only wants us to do big things but that He will equip us, He will be with us, and that we will be clear that it is His might and power that allows us to do big things - see also Deuteronomy 31:6–8, Joshua 1:5, Matthew 28:16-20, and Hebrews 13:5. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid doubting God so much that fail to trust Him.  We must claim the promise that He is able to do all things and with/through Him we are all to do all things - and He gets all the credit!  Follow the example of Gideon and so many other Biblical heroes who had faith and trusted in Him - in good and lean times. Believe and have faith - go to Him with your doubts, concerns, etc. as He wants to give you a peace that surpasses all understanding. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for staying with me through all of my doubts, concerns, anxiety, etc. I know that with and through You I am able to do all things and that You deserve all the credit and praise - You are a great God!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

 Jude 1:24-25

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25

I complete my quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), as this morning I focus on Jude 1:24-25, where Jude offers a doxology (short verse or hymn of praise to God - expressed as either Biblical text as it is here or the Thomas Ken doxology written in 1674) Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V24: God is able to do all things - believers know this - He is omnipotent. In the text, He is praised for being able (a) to keep believers from stumbling or losing our salvation (falling away), and (b) to present believers as blameless before Him with great joy.  God justifies (doctrine of justification) us by freeing us from the otherwise guilty verdict all humanity should have for being broken and sinful, and deserving of death (Romans 6:23).  God also does this with great joy!  God is also praised in v25 for His glory, majesty (sovereign power, authority, or dignity; greatness or splendor of quality or character), dominion (supreme authority/sovereignty) and authority.  Our God reigns, He is good, He saves, etc.  There is so much that is praiseworthy about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Any Christian doxology reinforces how all of Creation was created for God's glory and to display God's glory.  We exist for His glory - not for our own desires of the flesh.    
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeking your own desires of the flesh.  Claim the promise of how God saves and He is able to do all things.  Follow the example of Jude and others that praise His name.  Be grateful and thankful for how good He is!

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You saving me, justifying me as not guilty in Your court (the most important court), and for pouring out mercies for me that never cease and that are new every morning.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire[.]

 Jude 1:17-23

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire[.] Jude 1:20-23

I continue my quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), and my focus today is Jude 1:17-23, where Jude pivots from judgement on false teachers to encouragement and exhortations for believers. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv17,20: God loves us - believers are beloved.  We are also loved by brothers and sisters in Christ through the local church, that loves, prays for, and supports us. God binds all things together in love (Colossians 3:14).  God gives us the two most important commandments (Matthew 22:37-40) - to love Him and to love others.  These two most important commandments are expressed in Jude's encouragements and exhortations (vv20-23) to "keep [our]selves in the love of God" and to love others. Vv17-19: Jesus is returning and when He does, Jude reminds us that we will be able to discern the final days as he reminds us of Peter's warning from 2 Peter 3:3 (and surrounding text) where "scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires."  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The false teachers called out by Jude in his letter are those who are identified by following their own sinful desires and for causing division sowed through their errant teaching. Believers protect themselves through the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), (vv20-21) building themselves up (growing in God), remaining in the love of God (John 15:1-17), praying, and by pressing on patiently waiting for Jesus's return.  The expectation - consistent with the Great Commission and the 2nd greatest commandment - is that believers also advance the Gospel even during the final days to (vv22-23) "have mercy on those who doubt, [and] to save others by snatching them out of the fire."     
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid false teaching and false teachers.  Claim the promise that Jesus is returning and that as a believer you will be spared and saved - this is your blessed assurance.  Follow the example of those who are building themselves up in the faith, praying, remaining in Him, and by saving others - even during the last days. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for giving me discernment about how to identify false teachers and false teaching, for giving me the whole armor of God, and for giving me Your Word, the church, and the Holy Spirit in me so that I can build myself up in the faith.  Thank You also for my salvation.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.

 Jude 1:14-16

These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. Jude 1:16

I continue my quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), and my focus today is Jude 1:14-16, as Jude uses an extra-biblical source to argue against the false teaching threatening the church.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God's Word is perfect - and we are exhorted not to add to or subtract from His Word in ways that Jude's opponents do (to whom he addresses as false teachers) - see also Psalm 18:30, 19:7, and 2 Timothy 3:16.  At the same time, within scripture both Jude and Paul use extra-biblical sources against their opponents and in the text today Jude is apparently quoting the Jewish book of Enoch to warn against how the ungodly are to be condemned - see John Piper on this use of extra-biblical sources.  This is not a contradiction of scripture (where an author adds to scripture) as the condemnation spoken of in this extra-biblical source is wholly consistent (and supports) with vast examples of text warning of the coming judgement of God when He returns.  This is a case of Jude using his opponents' own arguments against them.      
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We know that God opposes the proud (see James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5, and Proverbs 3:34) and here Jude is addressing arrogant false teachers who are easily identified by those who know Truth - and one way in which they are identified is by their persistent patterns of sin.  V16 shares how these false teachers to whom Jude is addressing seek to "gain advantage."  Arrogance and selfishness are two of the most spoken about sins in scripture - instead God seeks for us to be humble.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid selfishness and arrogance.  Claim the promise that we (believers) are sealed and saved.  Follow the example of Jude and others who "contend for the faith," by defending Truth and helping others discern Truth.  Seek God with all of Your heart, soul, and mind, and love Him and others - be humble. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for revealing Yourself to me, for saving me, and for giving me the church, and my brothers and sisters in Christ to discern and defend Truth.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”

 Jude 1:8-13

But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” Jude 1:9

I continue my quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), and my focus today is Jude 1:8-13, where Jude presses on with a warning against false teaching as he gets more pointed and shares how false teachers - identified by their sin - will be eternally condemned.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V9: God has providence over everything, including sin and Satan.  The text shares how archangel Michael, contends (see also how Jude encourages us to "contend for the faith" - Jude 1:3) with Satan but did not take it upon himself to pronounce judgement - leaving that for God alone.  It is God who has authority over all - including the power to save and the power to judge.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?:Vv8, 10-13: Jude continues to warn believers about those who "have crept" into the church "unnoticed," espousing what they believe is true but discerning believers know to be false.  These false teachers are also known for their sin - including how they "defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones."  God has not softened their hearts and called them to faith - as He has for believers - and as a result they do not understand (like unreasoning animals) the Word and those who believe.  They are eternally condemned - even though there is sufficient evidence in Creation alone that God reigns - see also Romans 1:20.  Their rebelliousness is similar to that of Cain (first murderer - Genesis 4:1-16) and Korah (who rebelled against God's appointed leader Moses - Numbers 16).  They are further defined as "hidden reefs" where they can obscure themselves and go unnoticed - and both feast with you, then pounce on you as a prowling lion ready to devour you - 1 Peter 5:8.  They bear no fruit - unlike a believer (Galatians 5:19-23). They are headed to the "gloom of utter darkness...forever." 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid all the sin and rebelliousness described by Jude here.  Claim the promise that God reigns and that He in his infinite grace and mercy saves believers from the eternal "gloom of utter darkness." Follow the example of Michael who knows that God is in control and He alone both saves and judges.  Repent, believe and be saved!

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your infinite grace and mercy that You saved me from the eternal gloom of utter darkness. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day[.]

 Jude 1:5-7

And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day[.] Jude 1:6

I continue my quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), and my focus today is Jude 1:5-7, Jude presses on with a warning against false teaching as he gets more pointed and shares how false teachers - identified by their sin - will be eternally condemned.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V5: Yes, Jesus did come to save and rescue - just as He did of Israel in Egypt.  Note how Jesus' name is explicitly used in the text, reminding us of how He is part of the Triune God who has existed since the beginning and will exist through end times - He reigns forever more. Ultimately, Jesus will come to judge during the final days and those who do not believer are condemned - as such v5 reminds us that there have been people who have already been eternally condemned, including Pharaoh and residents of Sodom and Gomorrah. V6: We are reminded how God reigns over all - including sin, sinful people, and Satan (see also this post). God allows a restrained Satan to roam the Earth seeking those to devour until end times when he is finally defeated by God. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: My own research reveals that, among scholars, there is some debate whether the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah are already in hell - this is deserving of further reading.  Jude wants us to be clear who these false teachers are - they are wicked and we should be able to recognize them as such by their sin.  They twist and pervert the Gospel and they are ungodly - unable to bear fruit (see also text from yesterday). 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to both avoid twisting and perverting the gospel, and falling prey to those who do.  Claim the promise that God saves (and seals) while He also judges (upon end times) those who do not believe and are ungodly. Follow the example of Jude who ultimately believed - confess and believe. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving and sealing me, and for giving me my church, the Holy Spirit, and my brothers and sisters in Christ to support and encourage me in my efforts to know and discern Truth.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.