Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Hebrews 3:7-19

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:12-13

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 3:7-19 - the author (speaking to Jewish believers who well understood the Old Testament and its biblical heroes such as Moses) seeks for readers to not suffer the same fate as the first generation of Israelites who were rescued by God and escaped Egypt, but were not able to enter the promise land (God's rest) due to their rebelliousness.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V7 shares how scripture is God-breathed and divinely authored - see also 2 Timothy 3:16.  This verse (and v15) refer to Psalm 95:7-11, where David also warns (see also Hebrews 3:8, 12-13) believers not to miss God's hand and to avoid hardening of hearts and putting God to the test.  We also see God as a living God (v12) - not a distant, unseeing, unaware and uncaring God - if we abide in Him, He lives and works in our hearts (John 15:1-10).  God makes a promise (vv11, 19) - one that we don't to see - that if we don't believe, we cannot enter God's rest - and if you don't this is eternal damnation.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: When we wander and go astray from God - which we are prone to do - we fail to recognize and see His hand in our lives and then we experience hardness of heart, leading to falling away.  God wired us to live not just in fellowship with Him, but also with other believers and we are encouraged to "exhort one another every day" (v13) to stay close to Him with our spiritual disciplines (study of Word, prayer, etc.). 
• 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 straying from fellowship with Him lest you develop a hardened heart. Claim the promise that God lives in your heart if you abide in Him and He never stops working for good.  Follow the example of Joshua and Caleb who maintained steadfast faith and saw God's hand and were able to enter God's rest. Hold confidence in Him firm until the end.

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of how You love, save, and bless through Your Word, the Holy Spirit, the church, and my brothers and sisters in Christ. 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 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 Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.

Hebrews 3:1-6

Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. Hebrews 3:5-6

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 3:1-6 - to help Jewish believers who well understood the Old Testament and its biblical heroes such as Moses, the author (key theme of entire book) helps readers better understand Jesus and emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is faithful (v2) and appointed by the Father (v2).  He is worthy of more glory than Moses (v3).  God built all things (v4). He is God's Son (v6).  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Believers have a heavenly calling (v1) that we share with Jesus - to whom we can confess sin (v1).  Moses was faithful (vv2, 5), but less so as Jesus is perfectly faithful - we know Moses sinned (including murder, lied).  Moses testified to things that were to come - to the promised land and beyond. Believers are God's house (v6)- the temple - as the Holy Spirit resides inside our hearts.
• 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 should avoid seeing anything greater than Jesus - He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. We should claim the promise of Jesus' faithfulness - all of the promises of God find their yes in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).  We should follow the example of Moses who served faithfully, and of course Jesus!  Trust in Jesus and rest in His promises! 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who created all things and is faithful!  I can rest in Your promises.  Thank You Jesus for saving me and for giving me a peace that surpasses understanding.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such 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. 

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Hebrews 2

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Hebrews 2:14-15

This morning, I start a study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 2 - the author shares that we should not neglect salvation, and He goes on to share more about the author of salvation Jesus Christ.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The gospel is reliable (v2).  The gospel is heard, and seen through works of His hand, including through demonstration of spiritual gifts distributed by Him (vv3-4). God is in control of everything under the heavens and on earth (v8). All things were created by Him and for Him - we exist for His glory (v10). He is perfect (v10).  Christ gives us victory over sin and death (vv14-15).     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We are easily distracted, and often stray from Him and His Word - therefore we are warned not to stray (v1). We must abide in Him if we seek to continue to bear fruit (John 15:1-10) and to avoid harsh punishment for sin we commit absent our fellowship with Him (v2).  Believers are brothers with each other and with Christ (vv11-12, 17).  Because Jesus was tempted in every way, He can help us with our temptations (v18). 
• 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 straying/drifting too far from Him - maintain daily fellowship with Him in the Word and in prayer.  Claim and rest in the promise that He has already defeated sin and death and is able to help us in our struggles with the flesh.  Follow the example of Jesus who submitted to the will of the Father in the service of all. Abide and trust in Him.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of such blessings!  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.

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Hebrews 1

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. Hebrews 1:3-4

This morning, I start a study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 1:1-14, the author (unknown) describes Jesus and compares Him to Old Testament prophets and angels.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  The Father speaks to us through the Son, who is "heir of all things, and through whom also he created the world" (vv1-2).  "He is [also] the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power" (v3).  Jesus purifies of sins (v3), sits at the right hand of God (v3), and is superior to angels (vv4-7). Jesus' throne is permanent (v8), upright (v8), and He loves righteousness and hates wickedness (v9).  The Father is pleased with the Son (v9). Although the heavens and earth will go away, Jesus' and His throne are eternal and will never change (vv11-12). Nothing - no angel or other being - compares to Jesus (vv13-14).   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: God reveals Himself and speaks to us - how incredible!  Our lives are in His hands - v3. 
• 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 seeing anyone but Jesus as God - nothing compares.  Claim the promise that we share in the inheritance of Christ (see also Romans 8:17 and Ephesians 1:18). Follow the example of the angels who were "sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation" (v14).  See Jesus as superior to any other being - He is God and King of Kings.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You and Your Kingdom are eternal and I can rest on Your Promises because You are also faithful.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...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 passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands,forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

Exodus 32-34

The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands,forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” Exodus 34:6-7

I have completed my study of Numbers, but before I move on to my next study (TBD), I pause for today to review text covered today in church - Exodus 32-34 - including for our small group time.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God is a jealous God as He is jealous for Himself when the people of Israel do not follow His commandments, particularly those commandments to love Him and not to put other gods before Him. God burns with anger (32:7-10) when Israel creates a golden calf (32:1-6) as they await Moses to come down from the top of Mount Sinai.  In Exodus 33, God shares (33:3) that He will not be with the people as they continue in their journey to the Promised Land and the people mourn.  God is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (34:6), and He renews the covenant He made with Israel (34:10-27) - an act of incredible grace and mercy as Israel does not get what they deserve and they do get what they don't deserve. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Moses intercedes (32:11-13, 32:31-32) on behalf of the people - and God relents (v14). In 32:15-35, Moses punishes the people and God follows with a plague. After God shares that He will not be with the people as they continue in their journey to the Promised Land, Moses once again intercedes on behalf of Israel - 33:12. Moses also asks the Lord to show Himself and His glory, and to see Him face to face but God will not allow Moses to see His face - 33:23.  Moses goes back up to the top of Mount Sinai in Exodus 34, recreates the tablets with the Ten Commandments and intercedes once more on behalf of the people - 34:9. After Moses came down from Mount Sinai it was clear that He spoke with God because his face was radiant and shone from His glory (34:29-35). 
• 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 taking matters into Your own hands when you believe that God is not hearing you or not responding - He is always at work.  Claim the promise that God is faithful, but that if you seek Him with all of your heart, you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).  Follow the example of Moses who served God faithfully and drew near to Him. Trust God that He is faithful (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  You are slow to anger, abounding in love, and rich in mercies - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and bless.  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 Moses commanded the people of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, “The tribe of the people of Joseph is right.”

Numbers 36

And Moses commanded the people of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, “The tribe of the people of Joseph is right.” Numbers 36:5

I return to my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 36 - based on a petition from the tribe of Joseph, we see the Lord modify commands about how the daughters of Zelophehad are to receive a land inheritance in the Promised Land.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  Numbers 27:1-11 established a statute for Israel to accommodate how female heirs were to participate in their inheritance if the father dies and he has no sons.  Here, in the text today, the tribe of Joseph petitions Moses (and the Lord) with the claim that female heirs that marry into another tribe essentially have a double portion of an inheritance because they participate in both the inheritance from their father as well as from their husband (a son from another tribe) - with the claim that this is not just.  In vv5-9 God hears the cries and petitions of Joseph's tribe, responds, and He is a just God and He modifies his guidance to share that female heirs can only marry within their tribe.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Such circumstances require prayer and wisdom from God and Moses sought such wisdom per v5 where the text shares that "Moses commanded the people of Israel according to the word of the LORD."  We also see obedience on the part of the daughters of Zelophehad in v10.  Compromise is often the right thing to do - particularly when God commands it.  The daughters of Zelophehad lost the privilege to marry outside their tribe but the people of Israel (including the daughters of Zelophehad) gained a sense of unity through shared fairness and provision.   
• 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 leaning on your own understanding but on that of God (see also Proverbs 3:5-6).  Claim the promise that God hears our cries/prayers/petitions, responds, and is always at work for good. Follow the example of Moses who did as God commands.  Trust and abide in Him and He will guide and direct your steps.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Your Word is perfect and blesses in all ways!  Thank You Jesus for giving us Your Word and for saving.  I am not deserving.  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.

For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”

 Proverbs 13:22, 22:7; Romans 12:18; 2 Corinthians 8:12-13; and 1 Timothy 5:8

For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.” 2 Corinthians 8:12-15

I continue a pause of my study of Numbers to focus on text that will be discussed Friday morning with my men's small group.  The text today is focused on the second of two sets of five texts that will be used to derive Godly wisdom for a personal situation faced by one of my brothers in Christ. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do learn from the text about God?: God seeks for us to care for and provide for our families - yet we should be careful about wrongly interpreting Proverbs 13:22.  Most importantly is that we pass on to our children a love of God (see also this post from John Piper on DesiringGod.com).  We should also be careful about how we use money as an instrument to exercise selfish or evil intent against those to whom we lend money (Proverbs 22:7) - we are to be good stewards of our financial resources and use them for His will.  The broader text surrounding Romans 12:18 is less about financial dealings then it is about how we generally interact with others, including our brothers and sisters in Christ, those who persecute us, and the lowly. 2 Corinthians 8:12-13 does concern how we give financially to others but it's important to also read surrounding text including vv14-15 where fairness is emphasized and corresponding text in Exodus 16:18 where some view this that we should trust God in how He provides and not concerns ourselves with gathering too much for ourselves.  1 Timothy 5:8 does instruct us about righteous behavior about providing for our family, and a reading of the surrounding text focuses on how we are to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ within the church - particularly widows.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Money is a difficult matter for nearly everyone so there is much scripture from which we can draw....the challenge is for us to rightly view this scripture and prayer for wisdom is key. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): God is clear that we are not to use our financial resources selfishly nor for evil intent.  We are not to worry about finances as we should claim the promise that God provides.  Follow the example of Paul who was content regardless of need - Philippians 4:11-12.  Trust God and be a good steward of what He provides in our care. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of how You love, save, provide, etc.  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.