Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:11-13

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 4:1-13, as I move on to what the commentary describes as the third division "Entering with the Word," which looks at Hebrews 4:11-13.  Here, the commentary calls out how the text in v11 reinforces the exhortation to "strive to enter [God's] rest."  Key to this effort is how we encourage one another daily (see Hebrews 3:12); the commentary shares how corporate worship enables this encouragement: "[t]his is one of the things we do every Sunday in corporate worship when we sit under the preaching of the Word of God. This is what we do when we sing together. This is what we do when we pray together. This is what we do when we fellowship together. We gather in corporate worship to encourage one another to be fully satisfied in Christ and in him alone, lest we fail to enter his rest."  The commentary then pivots to how the text in v12-13 highlights the Word of God and the key role it plays to helps us avoid "falling away." It shares that "[s]ince God is the author of Scripture, it is not a dead book. As God lives, Scripture lives....Thus, Scripture, because it is God’s Word, is alive and life giving. The Bible is not a bunch of dead, lifeless words. It is the living Word of God.  It accomplishes everything God wills. As the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah, 'so my word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do' (Isaiah 55:11)....The description of the Bible as a sword that can pierce and divide the soul demonstrates the invasive quality of the Word....it is Scripture that reads us. Scripture untangles the human heart and unearths sin like no other book can. No other book can discern the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. Only God’s Word can do that....In conjunction with the Holy Spirit, the Word of God cuts through the sin and darkness of the human heart to restore spiritual health and vitality for Christ. Without the Word, we are as good as dead. God’s Word, however, eradicates the disease of the human heart and breathes life where there is death....Without the Word, we are as good as dead. God’s Word, however, eradicates the disease of the human heart and breathes life where there is death....Scripture strips us bare before our own eyes and before the eyes of God because it exposes God’s ineffable character. As Calvin famously stated, “It is certain that man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked on God’s face, and then descends from contemplating him to scrutinize himself” (Institutes, I.I.2). God gives us the gift of Scripture so that we will not follow the example of Israel’s disobedience." Worship and commune with your brothers and sisters in Christ, and read/study God's Word! 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who provides the church, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and Your Word, so that I am armed to not fall away...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of these 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 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.

Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’ As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’”

Hebrews 3

Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’ As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’” Hebrews 3:10-11

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 3:7-19, as I build on my post yesterday, and lean on commentary for this text.  I start with the commentary's overview of this text "Exhort and Encourage for the Sake of Faith," and then move to what the commentary describes as the first division "Learning from a Bad Example," which looks at Hebrews 3:7-11. The commentary highlights the text's first few words that follow "therefore", which sadly I overlooked in my initial reading yesterday.  These words are "as the Holy Spirit says," and the commentary indicates: "[the author of Hebrews] prefaces a quotation of the Psalms with the words, “as the Holy Spirit says.” In doing so, the author dramatically affirms the divine inspiration of Scripture."  The commentary then outlines how the use of these words accomplish two tasks: "[f]irst, it teaches us that God is the author of Scripture. It teaches us, “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21)....When we hear Scripture, read Scripture, study Scripture, or encounter Scripture in any way, we can be confident God is speaking to us.  Second, it affirms the living character of Scripture. The author does not use the past tense. He does not say, “The Holy Spirit said.” He uses the present tense. Every time we open the Bible, the Holy Spirit speaks. Even though the biblical authors recorded these words long ago, they are still living words.  The author of Hebrews explicitly argues this in the next chapter: “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12)."  The commentary then shares how the text uses the word "today" in v7 and how this emphasizes the urgency of believing today, not to put off any decision of faith.  It then moves to share why the author used the story of how the Israelites wandered through the wilderness and lost faith - we are exhorted to remain faithful.  "[The author] wants [readers] to make it to the true land of rest." Of course this true land of rest is through faith in Jesus Christ. The commentary defines rest as "safety, security, and salvation."  The commentary wraps its examination of Hebrews 3:7-11 by indicating the serious and sobering nature of either not believing or losing faith as the Israelites did in the wilderness: "[j]ust as he did with Israel, God will shut out from his rest those who rebel, walk in unfaithfulness, and presume on the grace of God. Like faithless Israel, those who presume on the grace of God will die on the wrong side of the Jordan. We must hold firmly today lest we wake up outside God’s eternal rest." Hold firm in your faith!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God - thank You for how You help me remain firm in my faith - by providing Your Word, the Holy Spirit, my church, brothers and sisters in Christ, etc.  Thank You Jesus for these blessings.  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 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.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. v16-17

Paul's closing thoughts to Timothy begin with a warning about persecution and how all believers will face it during their lifetime in some form or another (v12).  Yet he includes several encouragements, including how God has "rescued" Paul from persecution on each occasion (v11).  He then moves on to encourage Timothy to rely on scripture as a source of strength.  As v16-17 indicates, I can unequivocally state in in my own life that scripture is useful and it has equipped me for the circumstances I face, including persecution, my role as a father and husband, and for the good works I pursue in service for Christ.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

James 1

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. v22-24

James wants us to be in action, specifically in the context of our scripture reading - and this appears to be for two key reasons: (1) the act in of itself and its role glorifying God, (2) the application of our scripture reading will help us reinforce both head and heart learning of the scripture - on this latter point Jesus was able to remain pure, holy, and blameless in part because of His perfect understanding of scripture (Matthew 4, Luke 4).  I am in dire need of a spiritual discipline that applies scripture so as to reinforce the learning.  I need to defeat sin in my life.  I know Jesus will save but I know also that I can be more successful in beating sin.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, pure, holy and blameless.  I am not - I am filthy and in need of cleansing.  You have been patient with me, merciful, gentle, etc. and not punishing me with what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus for Your mercy and patience...and Your blessings.  I am not deserving of the many blessings You provide. Please forgive me for my lustful actions and my indiscretion...help me turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me apply my scripture and reinforce my learning.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength, comfort, and freedom from pain.  Please heal and cure her cancer.  Please help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

James 3

 ¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

 ¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

This is why I must fill myself with scripture - because I desire purity, peace, and wisdom that comes from God alone so that I can demonstrate fruits of the spirit.

My Prayer: Lord, Your words and scripture are pure, holy, and life giving - beyond any wisdom I can attain on earth.  I confess to you now that I often either live a live avoiding scripture or I seek wisdom that is earthly - more so than seeking scripture than is heavenly.  Thank You for providing Your scripture and of course Your Holy Spirit so that I can filled with both.  Please help me Jesus - forgive me for my selfish, lazy ways and for my desires to seek earthly matters first before Your word.  Purify me of these sins - transform both my heart and my life so that I can be more like You.

They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.

Luke 4

They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. v32

What are people amazed at - they are amazed because Jesus speaks truth - He says what the bible says... 

After He is baptized, earlier in chapter 4, Jesus beat Satan because of His use of scripture...scripture has power.  He then went on to Nazareth - His hometown, and quoted Isaiah, and again people were amazed...scripture has power:

All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. Luke 4:22

Scripture has power but sometimes people are confronted by this power because it shines a light on their own lives - see Matthew 8:

Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”

 

He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.  Matthew 8:30-34

My Prayer: Lord, I know scripture has power - this is because it is You and You are powerful.  Yet I don't have enough knowledge and faith in Your word because I worry too much.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me turn from my worry.  Help me more fully devote myself to Your word so that I may have greater faith in You and Your power.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. v20-21

I am well aware of the pitfalls of arrogance as I have experienced them many times and continue to fall prey to this dangerous sin.  I have posted about confidence in Christ vs self and how their is a fine line between humility and hubris.

Peter warns us of arrogance in an indirect manner here by reminding us our understanding of scripture is something we can rely on because it came from God himself and the Word is not from prophets. We must also understand that our own understanding is made possible through faith and through the Holy Spirit.

Bottom line, we must thank God for how He provides these things and the blessings in our lives - it is through His power that we exist and experience the blessings we have, including both faith, scripture and our own understanding of scripture.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3

 

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of love and grace for me...and You provide Your Word, the Holy Spirit, and You provide me with faith.  I am grateful for all of these and I know You are so much more and do so much more as my words are insufficient for how great You truly are.  Thank You for blessing me so richly with faith and for Your Son who died for me.  I am not worth such love as I am often arrogant, and selfish, etc. among my many sins.  Please forgive me from my sins 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 do.  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.  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.

We Are Still Children....In Need of Punishment and Training

Today's Reading
Deuteronomy 3:12-29

As the Israelites stand on the precipice of the promised land, Moses pleads with God to allow him to see the fruit of the wanderings in the desert.

²³ At that time I pleaded with the LORD : ²⁴ "O Sovereign LORD, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do? ²⁵ Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that fine hill country and Lebanon." (verses 23-25)

As any good parent would do with their child when a punishment is handed down, God sticks with the punishment and does not budge.

"That is enough," the LORD said. "Do not speak to me anymore about this matter." (verse 26)

Although he is allowed a brief glimpse of the promised land, Moses quietly and completely accepts his punishment for not properly rebuking the Israelites as they rebelled against God earlier in their exodus/wanderings. He commissions Joshua and stays in the land east of the Jordan.

²⁹ So we stayed in the valley near Beth Peor. (verse 29)

This reminds me how we must all see ourselves (believers) as children (of God) in need of training, rebuking, etc. We must accept our human frailties and the consequences of such - we are a work in progress. To this end, I am reminded of scripture in 2 Tim provided by a friend and Christian brother:

¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17)

God has a plan for us, it is GREAT, and part of this plan includes training and development. Scripture is a key source of this training and development!

My Prayer: Lord your plan is GREAT, and oh have I learned and grown in you and because of you. Forgive me when I think of myself is complete in training and arrogant. Thank you for scripture, my church, and my Christian brothers and sisters as means for my training. Help me constantly see myself as a child of God and in need of you and your guidance/training for me.

I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments[.]"

Daniel 9

I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments[.]" Daniel 9:4

I continue my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 9:1-19 as I lean on my commentary for this text, which outlines the following divisions:

I. Let Your Prayers Flow from Your Study of the Scriptures (9:1-2): The commentary referring to v1-19 as "one of the most remarkable prayers in the whole Bible," as it includes "(1) corporate confession of sin and (2) recognition of the greatness, awesomeness, righteousness, and holiness of God as expressions of his character."  Daniel intercedes on behalf of a a sinful Israel.  The commentary shares how Daniel prays based on his understanding of God and scripture, including the Pentateuch and Jeremiah, the latter of which Daniel knew of because Jeremiah preceded him.  Daniel specifically refers to Israel's exile of 70 years (v2) which is from Jeremiah 25:1-14 and 29:1-11. The commentary describes how Daniel leans on prophecy from Jeremiah and does the math - "knows the end of God’s judgment of exile on his people is coming[,]" as he was exiled in 605 BC and the date of his writing here is from 538 BC.  The commentary for this division wraps by sharing that "[c]onfidence in the promises of God did not move [Daniel] to complacency. It drove him to action and to his knees. Immersion in Scripture will energize prayer!" As we grow in understanding of scripture, so too will our prayers "become richer and more soundly based on who God is."

II. Let Your Prayers Humbly Take You into the Presence of God (9:3): V3 gives us a model how we are to approach God in humility as the commentary describes Daniel as he "turned to the Lord with a heavy heart, a burden he could hardly bear," and how his prayer is similar to the prayer Jesus prayed to His Father in the garden at Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-44).  The commentary describes this posture of how to approach God in prayer: "[i]t is truly unconscionable that we would ever think to burst into God’s presence in arrogance or pride, in hubris or vainglory. When we know our sins and the sins of our people, we will approach God on our knees and with our faces to the ground. Only then can we turn our faces to the Lord with our prayers and pleas."

III. Let Your Prayers Be Characterized by Honest and Full Confession of Sin (9:4-14): Here the commentary shares how "[p]hrase after phrase comes right out of Scripture. There are allusions to Leviticus (26:40) and Deuteronomy (28:64) and Exodus (34:6) and Psalms (44:14) and Jeremiah (25:11)."  The commentary describes Daniel's humility and his solidarity with Israel in using "we", "us" or "our" more than twenty times when he confesses Israel's sin.  He knows that Israel's punishment is deserved and he does not exclude himself from Israel's predicament but instead bears their burden as he "feels responsible for the people under his care."  At this point in Israel's exile, the people should be driven to their knees in confession and repentance but they are not - except Daniel.  The commentary appropriately quotes Billy Graham when he says "[t]o get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees."

IV. Let Your Prayers Move to Petition and Pleas Grounded in God’s Character (9:15-19): The commentary describes how Daniel moves from confession and repentance to petition and pleas as he intercedes on behalf of Israel. Daniel requests mercy not because Israel is deserving but so that God's can be seen as merciful and glorified in how He keeps His covenant with His people. Prayer is emphasized as the commentary wraps for the text: "we should note the important role prayer played in the past but also in the present. In the past, in the garden of Gethsemane, our Lord was troubled and wept in prayer as he prepared to take on the sins of the world and to bear in his own body the judgment and wrath of God. But now, as Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25 tell us, we have an intercessor in heaven, a great high priest, who pleads our cause before “the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him and keep his commands” (Dan 9:4).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are great indeed, as Your mercies are great and they are new every morning as You provide not just mercy but also for all things and You are faithful.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your mercy nor how You provide.  My sins are great and they continue...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.

Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’ If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’?

John 10

Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’ If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? v34-37

Jesus continues to respond to the Jews challenging Him (v22-42) and just as He uses scripture in Matthew 4 to respond to Satan, Jesus uses Psalm 82:6 to respond to the Jews.  

MacArthur writes: "Kings and judges are set up, ultimately by the decree of God.  God, in effect, invests His authority in human leaders for the stability of the universe (Romans 13:1-7).  But God may revoke this authority (v7).  Jesus, in quoting this phrase ("You are gods") in John 10:34, supported the interpretation that the gods where human beings.  In a play on words, He claims that if human leaders can be called gods, certainly the Messiah can be called God".

In the defense against both sin and others who attempt to question or blaspheme our faith, scripture is our best defense.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You ARE The Word and The Word IS You - and I am grateful that I have Your Word to help me stand firm in my faith!  Thank You Jesus!  I am deserving of such love and blessings.  I worry.  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. 

“Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

Genesis 35, 37, 38, 43-44, 46, 49

“Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up.  He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?  The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Genesis 49:8-10

Today, in light of how my church is studying the life of Joseph in Genesis, I am drawn to look more closely at Judah, one of Joseph's brothers, as it is Judah, not Joseph, from whom Jesus descends (see Matthew 1).  Similar to Rahab - see Joshua 2 - whom we know was a prostitute, and not even an Israelite, God redeems in Judah a sinful and dysfunctional life to be part of a broader purpose.  Rahab is remembered in Hebrews 11 - aka the hall of faith."  Interestingly, Rahab fails to get the ink Judah does - which begs the question if both are equally sinful, and God redeems both lives for part of a broader purpose - the incarnation of Jesus, what more can we learn from scripture about Judah, as scripture dedicates much more text vs Rahab. 

Judah is first mentioned, albeit briefly, in Genesis 35 as one of twelve sons of Jacob from Rachel, Leah, Bilpah (Rachel's servant), and Zilpah (Leah's servant).  Judah is born of Leah.  We next see Judah and his brothers plotting to kill Joseph in Genesis 37, but in verse 26-27 Judah (like his older brother Reuben in verse 21-22) has second thoughts and proposes to his brothers that they "sell him to the Ishmaelites...[a]nd his brothers listened to him." We next see Judah in Genesis 38, where one might think to oneself we are taking a detour from Joseph's story.  In Genesis 38, we see how Jacob and Rachel's deceptive lives are passed on to Jacob's son's, in particular Judah who marries a Canaanite.  One of Judah's son's Er marries Tamar and she deceives Judah into sleeping with her - the deception and dysfunction continues.   However, we know from Matthew 1 that Perez (from Judah and Tamar) is in the line of Jesus, so we can be encouraged how God redeems sin and dysfunction for His glory. See also this commentary. 

We then see Judah next in Genesis 43, where Joseph's brothers have gone to Egypt seen Joseph (but Joseph has not identified himself to them) and returned to Jacob with food as the land was experiencing famine.  Joseph instructed them that if they were to return they must bring their youngest brother - Benjamin.  Although Jacob does not want to see Benjamin go, he relents and Joseph's brothers return to Egypt, with Benjamin, in an effort to secure more food. Upon their return they are successful in securing more grain, but upon leaving, Joseph, in act of deception himself, plants a silver cup on Benjamin's sack and of course Joseph's men find out and Joseph is indignant and Judah offers himself to stay in Benjamin's place.  Judah's impassioned plea for Benjamin (and for his father) in Genesis 44 ultimately leads Joseph to reconcile with his brothers.  Ultimately, in Genesis 49, we see before he dies, Jacob blesses his sons, including Judah, as Jacob prophecies how Judah's line will reign over Israel.  See also this commentary about Judah's transformation and how God redeems Judah's sin and dysfunctional life.

The story of Judah is an important component of scripture and we should examine every aspect of it for truth and application (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are good!  All of scripture is perfect and worthy of study as it provides incredible encouragement for how You use broken and sinful lives like mine.  I am not deserving of how You redeem and save.  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.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Day 288 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* further describes the historical interlude or intertestamental period between the Old and New Testaments which is attributed to the period 425 B.C. to B.C. Although many exiled Jews returned to Palestine, "[m]any Jews choose not to return and are still living in Babylonia, Egypt, and other areas as well....Thus the law’s influence itself has diminished....Of course local religious beliefs have a profound effect, as already seen when the Jews intermarried with those involved in idolatry and various pagan practices. Also of significant impact are the Persian beliefs in astrology and the occult. As a result, when many Jews read their Scriptures in this post-exilic period, they attach special meanings to any passage dealing with demons and angels, or light and darkness." A number of cultural and political influences are noted, including the rise of the synagogue (vs the temple), the role of the rabbi (vs high priest), and sectarianism which significantly impacts the Jews' unity and strength - and most importantly their faith, particularly to see and coalesce around the Messiah as the promised king so prophesied many times during Jewish history and in the Bible.  Additionally, my commentary describes how the crumbling of the Assyrian empire leads first to the rise of the Greek, then the Roman empire. Of course the Jews are described as being caught in the middle as empires around them rose and fell, and "[w]ithout doubt, the Jews’ only hope is the coming of the conquering king they have been promised, and what better time than now? It may be this very thinking which, just over a century from now, will be a significant factor in how the Jews of that day react to an unassuming man of peace who claims to be their king."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

This morning, I think of a study recently completed on the topic of Christian apologetics where we reviewed John Piper's book Why We Believe the Bible. I am also drawn to scripture that refers to the inerrancy of scripture.

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6

 

And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. Psalm 12:6

  

For no word from God will ever fail. Luke 1:37

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You and Your Word are indeed one and the same and both are flawless.  We can trust in You as You are faithful.  I am grateful Jesus for how You saved me, sustain me, and You never leave or forsake me.  I am not deserving of such a God.  I worry and I have other sins.  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. 

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

 Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

I return briefly (for one day) to my study of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book. My focus this morning is the concluding division from the concluding chapter in the commentary that explores 12:9-14, which are the last five verses of Ecclesiastes.  The commentary's final chapter is entitled The Preacher on Preaching (Wisdom from a Wise Wordsmith), and this third and final division discussed in this commentary chapter covers Ecclesiastes 12:11, 13-14 and is entitled Exhortation. As the broad theme of this chapter (see also post here) is about how pastors should carefully and fearfully fulfill their role in teaching scripture, the commentary for this division refers us to Luke 24:44 where Jesus "teaches us in Luke 24 that all of Scripture is about Him—all of it. That includes the book of Ecclesiastes[.]"  We are also referred to Tim Keller where he discusses in more detail how the whole Bible points to Jesus.  We are encouraged to dig deeper into scripture to see how Jesus is in all of scripture and the redemptive story of the Gospel.  The text and commentary end with a warning to be obedient and holy as "Solomon tells us a day of reckoning is coming. It will be comprehensive and detailed in scope. Every thought and every action will be exposed to the searchlight of God’s judgment. Not one thing will escape. Not one person will escape." Surrender to God and be ready!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of love and grace for me - making me one of Your elect and helping me prepare for Your return.  Thank You Jesus for Your Word as a means to direct my steps and of course for my salvation!  I am not deserving of such gifts and 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.

And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Mark 2:13-17

And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:16-17

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 2:16-17, which is the third division (Jesus Calls the Spiritually Unhealthy to Fellowship with Him) of the text 2:13-17 per commentary.  Excerpts from the third division per commentary:

• "The Pharisees were the pious Jews who rigorously followed the law of Moses and opposed Greek and Roman influence. Josephus claims they numbered about six thousand in Jesus’ day. While the Sadducees were mostly upper-class aristocrats and priests, the Pharisees appear to have been primarily middle-class laypeople, perhaps craftsmen and merchants. The Sadducees had greater political power, but the Pharisees had broader support among the people."
• "The most distinctive characteristic of the Pharisees was their strict adherence to the law of Moses, the Torah. They carefully obeyed not only the written law but also the oral law, a body of extrabiblical traditions that expanded and elaborated on the Old Testament law (e.g., “the tradition of the elders” in Mark 7:3). The Pharisees’ goals were to apply the Torah’s mandates to everyday life, and to “build a fence” around the Torah to guard against any possible violation."
• "Jesus condemned the Pharisees for raising their traditions to the level of Scripture and for focusing on the outward requirements of the law while ignoring matters of the heart. For their part the Pharisees denounced Jesus’ association with tax collectors and sinners, and they deplored the way He placed Himself above Sabbath regulations."
• "Jesus was much closer theologically to the Pharisees than to the Sadducees, sharing similar beliefs in the authority of Scripture, the resurrection, and the coming of the Messiah. Conflicts arose because He challenged them on their own turf, and He was a threat to their leadership and influence over the people. Today the term Pharisee is often equated with hypocrisy and legalism but not so in first-century Israel. The Pharisees were held in high esteem for their piety and devotion to the law. Indeed, the Pharisees’ fundamental goal was noble: to maintain a life of purity and obedience to God’s law."
• "Jesus criticized the Pharisees not for their goals of purity and obedience but for saying one thing but doing another, for raising their interpretations (mere “tradition of men”) to the level of God’s commands (cf. 7:8), and for becoming obsessed with externals while neglecting justice, mercy, and faith."
• "Jesus was a friend of sinners. He called the seemingly unlikely, reached out to the socially undesirable, and healed the spiritually unhealthy. He cared for them, He spent time with them, and He loved them."

In the text today, Jesus focuses on heart condition - why it matters what is in our heart.  We must seek for God to transform our hearts and minds from the inside out as it is often our thoughts that drive sin.  We are no better than anyone else and if we feel we are more superior or more righteous than someone else - this is of course arrogant and prideful.  Hate is another example - hate of our brother (even without action) is sinful - see 1 John 3:15. We must be humble and approach our time with others in humility.  One of the core reasons why we read and study the Bible daily is so that we can understand our own sin as scripture reveals sin - see Romans 7:7c.  This article from DesiringGod.com on the sins of omission is a good one for us to understand the gravity of our sin as identified from scripture. The article uses the story of Reuben and Gad from the Old Testament as well as the Great Commission for two great examples of how God seeks for us to be active in demonstrating and sharing our faith with others. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God that is full of amazing grace and mercy for me - mercy that never ceases and is new every morning.  Thank You Jesus - I need this mercy as my sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me 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. 

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

 Mark 1:9-11

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  This morning, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 1:9-11 - the first division of Mark 1:9-13 per my commentary. The commentary describes "seven truths" Jesus' baptism teaches us:

•  "Jesus’ baptism inaugurated His public ministry": His baptism in the wilderness fulfilled prophecy. "Why in the wilderness? God has often met with His people there. Recall the exodus, when God brought His children out of Egypt into the wilderness where He would give them His law, feed them, and lead them by cloud and fire. Again in Hosea 2:14-15 He promised His presence: “Therefore, I am going to persuade her, lead her to the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. . . . There she will respond as she did in the days of her youth, as in the day she came out of the land of Egypt."
• "Jesus’ baptism identified Him with sinful humanity.  In His baptism Jesus joins those who seek a baptism of repentance and who are confessing their sins. Jesus neither repents of sin nor confesses His sin because He had no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15). Still, He aligns Himself with those He came to save."
• "Jesus’ baptism associated Him with John’s ministry."
• "Jesus’ baptism demonstrated His approval by His Father. Immediately—an important word in Mark’s Gospel (here translated “as soon as”)—the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus through an opening in the sky. Jesus sees the heavens being “torn open.” The word occurs only one other time in Mark’s Gospel, when God the Father tears the temple curtain in two from top to bottom! At His baptism and at His crucifixion the Father intervenes supernaturally, eschatologically, declaring that Jesus is the Son of God. Isaiah 64:1 had predicted this: 'If only You would tear the heavens open and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence.'"
• "Jesus’ baptism revealed the Triune God. Adrian Rogers said, “The doctrine of the Trinity is not beyond logic and reason—just above it!” And as difficult as it can be to wrap our minds around the concept of a triune God, we clearly see all three persons of the Godhead at Jesus’ baptism."
• "Jesus’ baptism showed His total dependence on the Holy Spirit.  The presence of the Spirit on the Messiah was promised in Isaiah 42:1: “This is My Servant; I strengthen Him, this is My Chosen One; I delight in Him. I have put My Spirit on Him; He will bring justice to the nations.” The prophet elaborates on this promise in Isaiah 11:2: “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.” Jesus is the fulfillment of these promises."
• "Jesus’ baptism declared the type of Messiah He would be.  Mark 1:11 is surely one of the most important verses in the Bible! It is echoed again at the transfiguration in Mark 9:7, along with the admonition for the disciples to “listen to Him.” It is a combination of three massively significant Old Testament texts. The phrase, “You are My Son” comes from Psalm 2:7, and in quoting this Davidic psalm, the Father announces, “You are the Messiah-King, the greater Son of David who will rule the nations.” In calling Christ “beloved,” we are reminded of the way Abraham saw Isaac, the son he was called to sacrifice (Genesis 22:2). It bears the weight of Christ being the “One and Only” Son of the Most High God. The third phrase, “I take delight in You,” comes from Isaiah 42:1, which is the first of Isaiah’s Suffering Servant songs. These passages climax in the great Isaiah 53 text where the Servant is crushed by God as He bears the sins of the world! This declaration of the Father’s love for His Son cannot be overstated and must not be overlooked. No prophet ever heard words like these! 

Building on the commentary's discussion regarding how the text reveals attributes of Jesus and how Jesus fulfilled prophecies of Jesus from the Old Testament, we should understand how Jesus is revealed not just in the Gospels, and not just in the New Testament, but in all of scripture - see 2 Timothy 3:16-17.  Jesus was there in the beginning (Genesis 1:2), He will defeat Satan for good during end times (Revelation), His Kingdom is eternal, and all of scripture points to Him.  John Piper's words here and here echo and complement what the commentary shares about Jesus in reference to how Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and how we are to see Jesus in all of scripture.  To truly know Jesus, we must read and study all of the Bible - to see Him as completely as we can on this side of Heaven.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer:  Father God, Jesus, You are an awesome God who has always existed and who came earth to experience all that we as humanity experience.  All of scripture points to You.  Thank You Jesus for Your Word and how You reveal Yourself to me and speak to me through Your Word.  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 Word 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

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 9

I proceed with my study of Jude using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my study consists of a review of Jude 8-10, with a focus on a commentary-assisted review of the second division per the commentary - v9.  The commentary first describes this text as "one of the most mysterious and difficult verses in the Bible to interpret. Its application is easier to grasp, but the exact meaning Jude intended is elusive and even troubling to some."  The commentary then gets to the actors in the text including Moses (leader of Israel) and Michael (see post yesterday).  Next, the commentary shares how this verse, according to most Biblical scholars, refers to a non canonical book The Assumption of Moses where it is hypothesized that Satan perhaps sought Moses body as a relic of idol worship, or perhaps for other reasons.  We are encouraged to lean on sources to understand scripture where-ever the sources may take us - this does not add or subtract from truth but gives us greater insight into truth.  Regardless of what Satan may have been doing here - we can all agree that Jude's writings - like all scripture - is divinely inspired and perfect.  Most important here for Bible readers and believers is the application and that is more clear and the commentary emphasizes how (like my post yesterday) believers are to understand our "place in God's economy."  The commentary shares: "As great as [Michael] is, he knows his proper place in God’s plan—something false teachers have failed to grasp. He is not his own authority, master, or lord. He does not set policy and make up the rules as he wishes. No arrogance, haughtiness, rebellion, or pride runs through his angelic veins.  Michael's words to rebuke Satan come from Zechariah 3:2 (where Satan is also rebuked). The commentary concludes by sharing that "[o]ur authority for spiritual warfare is in God, not in ourselves. In our own strength the devil will defeat us every time. Perhaps Michael could have taken on the devil, given who he is, but he did not because he knew the true source of his authority. In our case, to battle Satan without help is sheer folly." Help us have confidence in God and not in ourselves.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who helps me understand scripture and how it speaks to me - I seek to understand Truth and not add or subtract to truth so You give me my church, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and other blessings to sharpen my understanding of Truth. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  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.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Pages: 55-63

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

This morning, I continued with John Piper's Reading the Bible Supernaturally: Seeing and Savoring the Glory of God in Scripture, covering chapter two - Reading the Bible toward White-Hot Worship.

Here, Piper seeks to demonstrate the second of six implications that flow from the ultimate goal of reading the Bible (as listed in my previous post); this second implication is that "that the supremely authentic and intense worship of God's worth and beauty is the ultimate aim of all his work and word[.]"  Piper describes the six stages of redemptive history (predestination/Ephesians 1:5, 14, creation/Revelation 4:11, incarnation/Revelation 5:12, propitiation/Revelation 5:9, sanctification/Philippians 1:11, consummation/2 Thessalonians 1:10), demonstrating that, through scripture, worship is the goal of all God's acts. 

Piper then describes authentic and intense, or white-hot worship, writing that "there is a correlation between the measure of our intensity in worship and the degree to which we exhibit the value of the glory of God." We are encouraged to pursue not "lukewarm" relationships with Jesus, but instead ones that display "zeal" and "fervent" worship (Romans 12:11). Another dimension to this zeal and fervent worship is that it is authentic and undivided - there must be no competitors to God nor half-hearted affections. Piper points to the following scripture as evidence:

• Luke 10:27
• Deuteronomy 4:29, 10:12
• 1 Samuel 7:3
• Proverbs 3:5
• Zephaniah 3:14
• Psalms 9:1
  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who gives me inexpressible joy - thank You Jesus - in all things I see Your hand and Your ways and deeds are both perfect and full of love - for me and for all of Your children!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for all the love and blessings You pour out for me.  I worry...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.

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Titus 3

 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. Titus 3:9-11

I maintain pause my study of 1 Corinthians and focus on a study of 2 Thessalonians and Titus as part of a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning I read Titus 3, assisted by the Christ Centered Exposition Series commentary for 1-2 Timothy and Titus, and focus on vv9-15. Per the commentary:

• Main idea: We must practice church discipline in submission to the Word of God. 
  
• Excerpts from the introduction: The New Testament has a great deal to say about church discipline....[N]o aspect of church life in our day is more neglected than this one. Indeed, the contemporary church’s disregard for this clear teaching of Holy Scripture is perhaps its greatest visible act of disobedience to our Lord....[W]e have been seduced in a far more insidious fashion. Th[e] subtle slide away from biblical faithfulness can be seen in both practical and spiritual aspects. The effects spread throughout the whole church, but the problem finds its origin at the top, with the leadership, with the pastors....Surely the answer must be found in returning to God’s Word, which gives us the model that provides a way out and the way forward. While Titus 3: 9-15 is not a text deemed as one of the major Scriptures on church discipline, it does provide a foundation for a general treatment of this issue as well as specific counsel for particular situations that demand the practice of this necessary and lost treasure of the church. Here Paul provides five principles by which the body of Christ is to conduct the practice of church discipline.
  

Per the commentary, divisions for this text, including excerpts:

1. Avoid the Foolish (3:9): "Paul describes these troublemakers first as those who engage in “foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law.” He says these things are “worthless.” They are unwise and not worth your time. In his context the troublemakers were Judiazers who added both to the words of Scripture and to the work of our Savior. They debated theological minutiae, created fanciful allegories and mythologies based on biblical genealogies, and added works to the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.  Thinking of themselves as the theological elite, spiritual know-it-alls, they tore up and would continue to tear up “whole households” (1:11) if left unchecked. These kinds of persons are not to be debated but denounced and dismissed....Going beyond Scripture, adding to the work of Christ, advocating a “Jesus plus” and a “faith plus” and a “Word plus” theological agenda, these false teachers are “unprofitable.” Nothing good comes from their attitude or their teachings. Avoiding them has as its goal bringing to light their error and their sin. It is redemptive and restorative. It is essential and not optional. The risks are too great. We must avoid the foolish."
   
2. Reject the Divisive (3:10-11): See also Matthew 18:15-20. The ministry of church discipline is mandatory if we are to be faithful to our head, who is Christ. Divisive individuals in the church can be dangerous and destructive and must be confronted and disciplined. With grief, humility, self-examination, and a broken heart, we must confront him and, if necessary, shun and reject him. Following Paul’s directive in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, we must turn him over to Satan with a hope and prayer that the discipline of the heavenly Father (Heb 12:5-13) will bring him to brokenness and repentance and that he will give evidence he is indeed God’s child after all. We have our duty. God has His.
   
3. Follow the Leader (3:12-13): Because Paul would be sending godly, spiritual reinforcements who could handle any troublemakers if more should arise, Titus could set aside this work and move ahead to a new ministry, a ministry that would soon take him to Dalmatia (2 Tim 4:9).
   
4. Maintain Good Works (3:14): Good works must not be neglected - they are a habit of believer's lives. Good works must also meet needs.
   
5. Enlist the Faithful (3:15): Paul prays that the grace God gives supply us with balance, self-control, wisdom, and endurance. By God’s grace and for God’s glory, we will be equipped and enabled to stand and serve, even when the odds are against us and the battle seems all for nothing.
   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me Godly brothers and sisters in Christ that serve as models for my own faith.  Thank You Jesus!  Thank You for giving me the encouragement and support I need to live for You.  Yet I am undeserving...I continue to sin....daily.  Please forgive me Jesus...please help illuminate my sin, help me turn from it, and turn 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.  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 have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Daniel 11

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

I continue my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 11:21-45 as I lean on my commentary for this text.  The commentary's main idea for this text is that "God reigns sovereign over the greatest enemies of his people and even uses those enemies for his own purposes."  It shares two primary divisions for this text:

I. God Raised Up a Contemptible Person to Refine, Purify, and Sanctify His People (11:21-35): Here, the commentary discusses how Daniel's vision prophecies the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes (who reigned from 175-163 BC), and how his wicked and sinful reign led to great suffering of God's people. Yet as we see with other periods of suffering throughout scripture, it is in response to sin and used to purify and sanctify God's people. 

II. God Will Raise Up the Antichrist, Who Will Exalt and Magnify Himself as God (11:36-45). This section of scripture is discussed by the commentary as being markedly different in terms of redemptive history, as the commentary shares that the antichrist highlighted here and the ensuing conflict is reflective of end times.

The commentary urges us to see Jesus in all scripture and here is no exception.  We are urged to see the contrast between Antiochus/Antichrist and Jesus and provided the below table to highlight the differences.  Once again, take heart that God overcomes (John 16:33).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace, compassion, and You save!  Thank You for how You speak to me and all believers and give us peace and confidence knowing that You have already won the victory over sin and death!  I am not deserving of how You save.  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.