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). 

Comment and discuss this post

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. 

Comment and discuss this post

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. 

Comment and discuss this post

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!

Comment and discuss this post

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. 

Comment and discuss this post

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.

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

 Jude 1:1-4

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jude 1:3-4

I've now moved to a quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), and my focus today is Jude 1:1-4, where the half brother of Jesus warns believers to watch out for false teachers (identifying them by their patterns of persistent sin) who have "crept in unnoticed," and how they can defend against a threat to the church by "contend[ing] for the faith."  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V1: God calls those who believe - softening their hearts and giving them the gift of faith - these are His "beloved" and they are "kept for Jesus Christ" as He seals, secures and guarantees their salvation referred to in v3. V2: God provides mercy, peace, and love.  The faith referred to and given (via calling) in v3 was delivered by God - again reinforcing how it is revealed and provided by God - not something you earn. V4: God is gracious - abounding in love and rich in mercy.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv3-4: Jude is eager to write believers about a threat to the church - false teachers - and how to protect against this threat. First, believers must "contend for the faith" implying efforts to put on a vigorous defense and fight for Truth that it not be twisted to suit human/wicked/ungodly desires. This leads to judgement from God and condemnation.     
• 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 falling victim to false teaching.  Claim the promise that we are "kept" for Christ and secure in our salvation.  For an unbeliever, follow the example of Jude himself who was skeptical but found faith after Christ's resurrection.  Contend for the faith - this starts with getting to know Christ and asking for (praying) discernment to help you identify truth and false teaching.

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for calling me, saving me, and for keeping me secure in my salvation.  Thank You also for revealing Yourself to me so that I can contend for the faith and help others do so.  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 would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever[.]

Philemon 1:8-25

I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever[.] Philemon 1:13-15

I conclude my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, today with my focus on Philemon 1:8:25, where Paul urges Philemon - not out of compulsion - to receive his runaway slave Onesimus, whom has become a believer, rather than punish him.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv8-9,14: God - and as a church leader faithful to Him - does not want us to do anything out of compulsion; instead we are to do something out of desire to please and glorify Him because of our gratitude to Him and in response to our love for Him for what He has done for us.  Paul's leadership position in the church could have led him to compel Philemon to not punish Onesimus harshly, but he wants Onesimus' heart to seek this outcome of "[his] own accord" (v14).  I base my argument here on similar text on giving to the church from 2 Corinthians 9:7 where Paul shares that a believer is to give based on what is "in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Vv15-16: Paul does not know for sure why Onesimus ran away, but he acknowledges that God is in control, His ways and thoughts are not our own (Isaiah 55:8), and that we should look for His purpose and Paul suspects that Onesimus is to return to Philemon so that Philemon can demonstrate Christ's grace and forgiveness.  There are no coincidences - we should always look at our circumstances and see how God is at work molding us into more of His image. God seeks a heart for Him.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Onesimus is identified (v10) as a son to Paul - of course not in the biological sense but in as Paul's charge similar to how Timothy was to Paul.    
• 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 doing anything out of compulsion.  Claim the promise that God is at work in all circumstances for good (Romans 8:28). We should follow the example of the woman and others who - not out of compulsion - out of love gave a penny to the offering - had a heart for God to give to, love, serve, and forgive others as Christ did for us.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for loving and forgiving me and 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.

...I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.

Philemon 1:1-7

...I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. Philemon 1:6-7

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today, I start Philemon, focusing on 1:1-7, where Paul sends greetings to an early church leader named Philemon, as well as greetings to those who attend his house church in Colosse.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V3: We are reminded that Christ is a God of grace and peace - He is full of grace in that we don't get what we do deserve (death and eternal damnation), but we do get what we don't deserve (salvation).  Plus, this grace continues to flow in an inexhaustible supply. See also this post on DesiringGod.com. Christ is a God peace in that He is not a conquering God but one that seeks to bind things together in love through faith - delivering peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).  God should be the object of our gratitude, love, and prayers, and we should be faithful as He is always faithful - see vv4-5.  V6: God gives us amazingly good things and an eternal inheritance - James (James 1:17) even says that "[e]very good gift and every perfect gift is from above[.]"  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv1-2: Paul makes it clear that he is a prisoner.  Fellow believers (Timothy, Philemon, Apphia, Archippus) are referred to lovingly as brothers and sisters in Christ and as fellow workers [in Christ.]  We must also share the same love and affection with our fellow believers in the local church. Paul goes even as far as referring to Archippus as a "fellow soldier," implying that believers are in spiritual warfare - which of course we are.  This points to Ephesians 6:10-20 where Paul expands on this spiritual warfare and how we are defend ourselves via the "whole armor of God."  Vv4-6: Paul prays for his fellow believers and he prays prayers that are pleasing to God - that the Gospel be advanced that the effort be "effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ."  V7: We are to be encouraging to our fellow believers - use our words to build one another up - see also 1 Thessalonians 5:11. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise that God is full of an inexhaustible supply of grace and that He provides a peace that surpasses understanding. Follow the example of Philemon whom Paul praises for his love and faith and leadership in the church.  Be an encouragement to other believers.   

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, thank You my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and for the tremendous encouragement they offer me.  Thank You also for the inexhaustible supply of grace You provide, and for the peace that surpasses understanding. 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.

[F]ulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.

Colossians 4:7-18

[F]ulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord. Colossians 4:17

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today my focus is Colossians 4:7-18, as Paul concludes his letter to the church in Colosse by sending final greetings and sharing many examples of church members working to encourage and support one another.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God draws people to Himself and knits together via divine appointment both the local and global church - and He holds all of it together via love (see also Colossians 3:14).          
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Paul specifically names nine individuals who are actively supporting others in the church - with examples of serving alongside one another, encouragement, sharing in suffering (e.g. imprisonment), sending greetings, praying, working hard on one's behalf, etc. These examples demonstrate how Christ seeks for the church to function - first and foremost how we are one body working together for the same purpose - to advance the gospel and bring glory to God. When one part of the body needs help, the other parts of the body come to assist. See also Romans 12:4–5, and 1 Corinthians 12:12–27.  Church unity and all the parts of the body working together (including other churches) in unison drive the gospel.  Love of God and of one another holds it all together.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise of how God holds all things together in love and our love of God and for others will advance the gospel. Follow the examples of those described here in the text today who love, serve and support one another in ministry.  Identify your role in the Great Commission - the church's work - and faithfully serve and fulfill this role. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, and for providing me a local church home where I am loved, discipled to, encouraged, etc.  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.

[P]ray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Colossians 4:2-6

[P]ray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Colossians 4:3-4

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today my focus is Colossians 4:2-6, as Paul begins to wind down his letter to the church in Colosse. Here, he asks for prayer and urges the church to be a light to others, not wasting any valuable time.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V3: God is in complete control - go back to chapter 1:15-17 - where God holds all things together.  For more on God's sovereignty, see John Piper's book Providence.  In light of God's sovereignty, it is God alone that opens and closes doors, giving us opportunity to advance the gospel.  V3: The fullness of God contains mysteries that are only completely known upon a believers arrival in Heaven (or upon Jesus' 2nd coming) - see Isaiah 55:8 and this post on the mystery of Christ.  As we hunger and thirst for righteousness and draw near to Him (Matthew 5:6 and Jeremiah 29:13), He promises to fill us and that we will find Him, essentially that He will reveal Himself to us (not fully but progressively until glorification).       
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V2: Because God is in complete control and only He knows what is to occur, believers must be watchful (or alert for changing circumstances that need to be addressed via prayer or otherwise accounted for).  At the same time, we know that God is at work hearing and responding to our prayers and He is SO good - as a result we should be thankful in our prayers, assuming a posture of gratitude (in all circumstances - see 1 Thessalonians 5:18). V3: Paul wants believers to understand how difficult circumstances are used by God to advance the gospel - he goes as far to effectively say, please use my difficult circumstances to advance the gospel....and v4 to make the gospel presentation clear giving him the words to say. V5: Believers are to "walk in wisdom" to the outside world, "making the best use of time."  My read here is that walking in wisdom - or abiding (saturating self in) in God's Word IS the best use of time.  Spending time with God in study of His Word and prayer are two of the best uses of your time.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promises that God reveals Himself to those that believe and to us He is progressively revealing the mystery of Christ.  Follow the example of Paul to seek that God use our difficult circumstances to advance the gospel and that we be effective in doing so.  Draw near to God and abide in His Word in study and prayer - daily. Be gracious with your speech. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, and for progressively revealing Yourself to 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.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:18-4:1

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today my focus is Colossians 3:18-4:1, where Paul pivots to commands for Christian households, including wives, husbands, children, bondservants, and masters.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: All commands in the text today are rooted in the Lord, including v18, v20 (pleases the Lord), v22 (fearing the Lord), v23 (for the Lord), v24 (serving the Lord Christ). and 4:1 (Master in Heaven).  All Biblical commands from are the divine words of God as recorded by Paul.  All the roles we assume in our earthly life are given to us by God for His purpose and glory - vv23-24 makes this clear.  V25: We are reminded that God will hold all accountable for what they have done - good and bad. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv18-23 and v:1 give us commands for wives, husbands, children, fathers, employees and employers.  In all of these roles we serving and working on behalf of the Lord (vv23-24).  V24: We have an eternal inheritance as our reward - for more on this inheritance see this podcast.  V25: We should fear God lest we not please Him and suffer punishment - fear should act as a preservative.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?):  As a father, I must not provoke my children, and as an employee not be a "people pleaser" - serving for appearances only. All believers should claim their eternal inheritance. Follow the example of Paul who tirelessly served the Lord as did many throughout scripture and redemptive history.  Work heartily for the Lord.  

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, and for giving me Your Word to understand how I am to serve You in my various roles as husband, father, employee, employer, etc.  Thank You also for my eternal inheritance.  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.