But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Mark 2:1-12

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” Mark 2:10-12

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 2:5, 10-12, which is the text for the third (of three) division of vv1-12 per the commentary.  Excerpts from the commentary for the third division (We Should Glorify Jesus for What He Does) vv5, 10-12:

• Quoting Mark commentary from Lane, the commentary shares: '[t]he paralytic experienced the fulfillment of God’s promise that the lame would share in the joy of the coming salvation.' See also Isaiah 35:6.
• "Often we think we know what our greatest need is, but really we are only focusing on our circumstances. In reality the problem you are facing today is not your spouse, children, or parents. It is not your job, boss, or coworkers. It is not your lack of resources, shortage of time, or insufficient income. Just like this young man, your greatest need is for the Messiah Himself."
• "Jesus saw everything clearly—far more clearly than we do. He used this teachable moment to make the point concerning our greatest need in this life or the life to come!"
• "The response of the man and the crowd is appropriate. Even the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who “had come from every village of Galilee and Judea, and also from Jerusalem” (Luke 5:17), could not deny this man had been healed and his sins forgiven. Nor could they deny that it had all been done by this man named Jesus. They may not like it, but they could not deny it! Thus we see forgiveness of sins declared (2:5), questioned (2:6-9), validated (2:11), and recognized (2:12)."  

Core to this text is how in response to what Jesus did, "all [were] amazed and glorified God."  For believers, we all have a testimony regarding what God has done in our lives - He has certainly saved us, and He continues to do a work in us through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our heart - sanctification.  Our response should be to "offer our bodies as a living sacrifice...which is your worship." (Romans 12:1).  God created us to glorify Him in all that we do (see also 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17).   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace - every day that never ceases.  You continue to do a work in me and of course You saved me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy nor 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.  Help me 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. 

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:23-33 and 11:1

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to a unassisted review of 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1.  Here Paul provides commands to do everything for the glory God and so that others may be saved. A review of the text:

• vv23-24: while believers continue to follow the moral law of the first covenant with God from the Old Testament, ceremonial law no longer needs to be followed; one example of this is circumcision.  Paul also seeks to warn believers about practices, while lawful, may not be helpful to others or the church.  Paul makes this clear in v24.
  
• vv25-30: there are no restrictions about meat that is purchased in the marketplace, as v26 states that all from the earth is from God with the implication that we are to eat anything in the garden (Genesis 2:15-17) or from God; however, if offered something that will not be helpful in our efforts to save others we should avoid such acts/practices.
• vv31-33: do everything for the glory of God; be careful to avoid anything that might hinder others as we seek to share the gospel with them
• 11:1: follow Paul's example as he seeks to follow Christ
  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and compassion.  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 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.     

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God...And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1 Corinthians 10 and Colossians 3

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God...And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3

This afternoon, until I start a new Bible study, I continue using devotionals from John Piper.  Today, the post focuses on giving us purpose - every day.  This is particularly appropriate, given the approaching new year.  We may seek resolutions, but more important than any earthly aim we may have, we are encouraged by Piper to seek a heavenly aim....to seek Him and to seek the glory of God through our lives each and every day.  We are encouraged to do so also so that we may avoid the aimlessness that occurs when we build our houses on sand (Matthew 7:24-27).  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who serves us as my rock and foundation - the Cornerstone of my life and for all things - thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such a God.  I sin...daily, worry being a persistent sin.  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 heal Lisa as 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.