1 Peter 3:8 - "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous."
Thoughts on today's verse:
As Peter wraps up this letter, he has a few parting thoughts that he wants to communicate with the Church and some of those thoughts are seen here with five simple commands, which are, by implication, commands made to us as well.
First, Peter says that the believers are to be of one mind. The obvious implication here, is that naturally, believers are not always of one mind. Unity doesn't just happen - it is something that needs to be worked on.
Secondly, we are supposed to have compassion for one another. Other translations take this as the idea of "sympathy." One author stated that this means "caring deeply about the needs, joys, and sorrows of others" (Schreiner, Tom. NAC, 1, 2 Peter, Jude, p. 164).
Third, we are commanded to love as brothers. This brotherly love is recognized as a familial type of love that comes when we recognize that all who have Christ in common are part of the same spiritual family! We may have differences with our siblings, but this does not negate the love that we ought to show to them!
Fourthly, Peter says that we, as Christians, are supposed to be tenderhearted. The idea here is that of compassion. Paul alludes to this same concept in Ephesians 4:32 where we find that such compassion is to be borne out of a grateful heart to God for the compassion that he demonstrated to us in providing so great a salvation. It is much easier to be compassionate with our brothers and sisters in Christ when we put it in perspective of what Christ did through us!
Finally, Peter commands believers everywhere to be courteous, which carries with it the idea of being humble. Another translation states that we are to have "a humble mind" (ESV). This is fleshed out when we adopt the attitude that Paul put forth in Philippians 2:3-4 - "3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
This is really a picture of what Christianity should look like and how our lives should be marked: unity, sympathy, family, mercy, and humility!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"
Thoughts on today's verse:
The command is simple, but it is a command - Rejoice! Paul narrows it down and tells the believers in Philippi the source of their rejoicing - the Lord, and when they are supposed to rejoice - always! It seems simple, but we need to remember a couple of things. Paul was in prison when he penned these words - in prison! He was not in prison because he had stolen a chariot, laundered money, or sold drugs. No, he was in prison because he had been a faithful preacher of the gospel. His day to day existence was in question. He had chains that bound him to a certain place and to certain people, and all around him, there were enemies who wanted to destroy the church in Rome and elsewhere, yet in spite of these circumstances, Paul could say confidently - Rejoice!
This is where the always comes in. We rejoice when times are good, and we rejoice when times are not so good. We rejoice always, because when we think about the cause of our rejoicing, the Lord himself, who has granted to us life eternal through His Son, Jesus Christ, then we too can count this life and all that it entails, as a momentary, light affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17), and continue rejoicing in the Lord!
Thoughts on today's verse:
The command is simple, but it is a command - Rejoice! Paul narrows it down and tells the believers in Philippi the source of their rejoicing - the Lord, and when they are supposed to rejoice - always! It seems simple, but we need to remember a couple of things. Paul was in prison when he penned these words - in prison! He was not in prison because he had stolen a chariot, laundered money, or sold drugs. No, he was in prison because he had been a faithful preacher of the gospel. His day to day existence was in question. He had chains that bound him to a certain place and to certain people, and all around him, there were enemies who wanted to destroy the church in Rome and elsewhere, yet in spite of these circumstances, Paul could say confidently - Rejoice!
This is where the always comes in. We rejoice when times are good, and we rejoice when times are not so good. We rejoice always, because when we think about the cause of our rejoicing, the Lord himself, who has granted to us life eternal through His Son, Jesus Christ, then we too can count this life and all that it entails, as a momentary, light affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17), and continue rejoicing in the Lord!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Psalm 121:1-2 - "I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth."
Thoughts on today's verses:
In the days of the Psalmist people used to do most of their travel on foot. We don't really do that today. If you were to travel from one city to another and there were hills in between the cities those hills would provide the best concealment for robbers and vagabonds who would could greatly injure someone - think of the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37:
Travelers were not naive to this and no doubt, as they approached the hilly region they would be thinking about what they would do if a thief came out to meet them. Think of it in our modern day like going into a big city and having to pass through the ghetto section of town to get somewhere, at night. That would be very dangerous. No doubt you would double check to make sure your windows were up, the doors locked, and you would remain conscientious about not getting trapped at an intersection, making sure that 9-1-1 is on speed dial.
Well, as the psalmist considered the threat there was a very real anxiety, but there was also hope. Unlike the ghetto, if he was on a pilgrimage to the Holy City, Jerusalem, he would recognize that that city was nestled in the hills - the city where he was headed to worship God!
He then considered the help that he would receive. Was he counting on a good Samaritan to show up after he had been robbed and left for dead? Hardly. He recognized, as one who feared the Lord, that his help in fact came from the Lord. Then we get a glimpse into what that meant, as the psalmist gives us a creedal statement that it was the Lord who made heaven and earth. One cannot truly recognize God, without recognizing God as the creator. But this also brings up the idea of complete, and absolute power. The one who created all that is, and apart from whom nothing made was made, is the one who is personally interested in his creation and more specifically, his children. No one is better qualified to offer help than the Lord God, Himself!
From where does your help come? From the Lord who made heaven and earth!
Thoughts on today's verses:
In the days of the Psalmist people used to do most of their travel on foot. We don't really do that today. If you were to travel from one city to another and there were hills in between the cities those hills would provide the best concealment for robbers and vagabonds who would could greatly injure someone - think of the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37:
“A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead."
Travelers were not naive to this and no doubt, as they approached the hilly region they would be thinking about what they would do if a thief came out to meet them. Think of it in our modern day like going into a big city and having to pass through the ghetto section of town to get somewhere, at night. That would be very dangerous. No doubt you would double check to make sure your windows were up, the doors locked, and you would remain conscientious about not getting trapped at an intersection, making sure that 9-1-1 is on speed dial.
Well, as the psalmist considered the threat there was a very real anxiety, but there was also hope. Unlike the ghetto, if he was on a pilgrimage to the Holy City, Jerusalem, he would recognize that that city was nestled in the hills - the city where he was headed to worship God!
He then considered the help that he would receive. Was he counting on a good Samaritan to show up after he had been robbed and left for dead? Hardly. He recognized, as one who feared the Lord, that his help in fact came from the Lord. Then we get a glimpse into what that meant, as the psalmist gives us a creedal statement that it was the Lord who made heaven and earth. One cannot truly recognize God, without recognizing God as the creator. But this also brings up the idea of complete, and absolute power. The one who created all that is, and apart from whom nothing made was made, is the one who is personally interested in his creation and more specifically, his children. No one is better qualified to offer help than the Lord God, Himself!
From where does your help come? From the Lord who made heaven and earth!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Isaiah 46:4 - Even to your old age, I am He,
And even to gray hairs I will carry you!
I have made, and I will bear;
Even I will carry, and will deliver you.
Thoughts on today's verse:
In the larger context of this verse, Isaiah is warning the people of God about idolatry. Idols are a funny thing. These days we laugh and dismiss them as a thing of the past, yet, in a very real way, idols are just as much of a problem now as they were centuries ago. It seems, however, that idols have taken on a new look. In this country, anyway, idols may not necessarily be made from wood, stone, or metal, but a true idol is anything which takes the place of God; anything that competes with God, from a simple private sin, to food, to cars, a good career, etc. We can fall prey to looking to our idols for our sustenance. If I have a good job, then I will be set for life.
Here, Isaiah is reminding God's people that in fact idols are nothing, and it is actually God who sustains our life! He sustains us in the beginning (Psalm 139), and here, he sustains us in the end. And by implication, he sustains us all along the way! When we understand that He actually has taken our sustenance upon himself and he delights to do it, that should affect our lives! There is not one moment when God is not carrying you and me along. We shouldn't simply go around with the knowledge that he does these things. We see here that this should lead to a life of dependence upon him, where we cast our burdens on him, knowing that he will sustain us (Psalm 55:22)! We bless the Lord knowing that he "daily bears us up" (Psalm 68:19). And Peter told us to in fact to cast our anxieties on the Lord, because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7)!
Dear friend, humble yourself today and recognize that it is God alone who sustains you, and he is willing to prove it by bearing your burden!
And even to gray hairs I will carry you!
I have made, and I will bear;
Even I will carry, and will deliver you.
Thoughts on today's verse:
In the larger context of this verse, Isaiah is warning the people of God about idolatry. Idols are a funny thing. These days we laugh and dismiss them as a thing of the past, yet, in a very real way, idols are just as much of a problem now as they were centuries ago. It seems, however, that idols have taken on a new look. In this country, anyway, idols may not necessarily be made from wood, stone, or metal, but a true idol is anything which takes the place of God; anything that competes with God, from a simple private sin, to food, to cars, a good career, etc. We can fall prey to looking to our idols for our sustenance. If I have a good job, then I will be set for life.
Here, Isaiah is reminding God's people that in fact idols are nothing, and it is actually God who sustains our life! He sustains us in the beginning (Psalm 139), and here, he sustains us in the end. And by implication, he sustains us all along the way! When we understand that He actually has taken our sustenance upon himself and he delights to do it, that should affect our lives! There is not one moment when God is not carrying you and me along. We shouldn't simply go around with the knowledge that he does these things. We see here that this should lead to a life of dependence upon him, where we cast our burdens on him, knowing that he will sustain us (Psalm 55:22)! We bless the Lord knowing that he "daily bears us up" (Psalm 68:19). And Peter told us to in fact to cast our anxieties on the Lord, because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7)!
Dear friend, humble yourself today and recognize that it is God alone who sustains you, and he is willing to prove it by bearing your burden!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Titus 2:1-2 - 2 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
Thoughts on today's verses:
Paul was encouraging Titus in the pastorate about some of the issues that he should be addressing as the pastor of that church. He then zeroes in on the elder men and tells Titus to teach them three things that were in accordance with the society of the time: sober, that is, showing restraint; reverent, not presumptuous, and temperate - or balanced.
Then he goes on to give three aspects that highlight the Christian aspect of an older believer: sound in faith, in love, and in patience - characteristics which were not widely accepted or practiced by the elderly in that particular time. For some, especially the unsaved, getting older often brings with it certain physical pains, irritability, the difficulty of accepting change. But, Paul tells Titus that when one is a Christian their life is supposed to be different!
How are you doing, friend? Perhaps you have been saved for a while now. Is your love for God greater than it was initially? Do you love the people of God more than you did before? Are you excited at the prospect of seeing the Lord face to face? Do you love to read the Word more now, than at the first? We can all ask these probing questions, so that we too may be models to emulate rather than examples to avoid!
Thoughts on today's verses:
Paul was encouraging Titus in the pastorate about some of the issues that he should be addressing as the pastor of that church. He then zeroes in on the elder men and tells Titus to teach them three things that were in accordance with the society of the time: sober, that is, showing restraint; reverent, not presumptuous, and temperate - or balanced.
Then he goes on to give three aspects that highlight the Christian aspect of an older believer: sound in faith, in love, and in patience - characteristics which were not widely accepted or practiced by the elderly in that particular time. For some, especially the unsaved, getting older often brings with it certain physical pains, irritability, the difficulty of accepting change. But, Paul tells Titus that when one is a Christian their life is supposed to be different!
"For a Christian, old age should bring greater love for God, for the people of God, and for the sacred things of God. Those who have walked with Christ for many years should rejoice in that privilege and in the prospect of one day seeing Him face to face. A church should value and honor those who have spent many years in fellowship with the Lord, in the study of His Word, and in service to and through His church." (MacArthur, Titus, p. 72)
How are you doing, friend? Perhaps you have been saved for a while now. Is your love for God greater than it was initially? Do you love the people of God more than you did before? Are you excited at the prospect of seeing the Lord face to face? Do you love to read the Word more now, than at the first? We can all ask these probing questions, so that we too may be models to emulate rather than examples to avoid!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.
Thoughts on today's verse:
When we follow someone, that generally implies that we know a little bit about the person that we are following, namely, what they want, and how they want it done. This is exactly what the psalmist is doing when he petitions God to teach him to do His will! When we make this petition, along with the psalmist, we must understand that this teaching will come from our reading of, interacting with, and submitting to the Bible, wherein is contained our instructions for life!
One author said that "Doing the will of God implies a complete submission to his will, as revealed in his word so that the deeds done in the flesh are acceptable to the Lord. Obedience here is an outgrowth of redemption, which itself is a work of God freely rendered to those who express faith in him. Obedience and sanctification grow out of a relationship of grace."
Then, when we are walking in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord, our path is found to be stable, where our spiritual feet can be firmly planted!
Thoughts on today's verse:
When we follow someone, that generally implies that we know a little bit about the person that we are following, namely, what they want, and how they want it done. This is exactly what the psalmist is doing when he petitions God to teach him to do His will! When we make this petition, along with the psalmist, we must understand that this teaching will come from our reading of, interacting with, and submitting to the Bible, wherein is contained our instructions for life!
One author said that "Doing the will of God implies a complete submission to his will, as revealed in his word so that the deeds done in the flesh are acceptable to the Lord. Obedience here is an outgrowth of redemption, which itself is a work of God freely rendered to those who express faith in him. Obedience and sanctification grow out of a relationship of grace."
Then, when we are walking in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord, our path is found to be stable, where our spiritual feet can be firmly planted!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Colossians 1:28 - 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Thoughts on today's verse:
Many people preach today, but not necessarily from the Bible. Some preach on the environment, some preach on politics, others on social reform. Some get closer and actually preach at a church, but their homilies are moralizations from the Bible, for that is all that the Bible is to them: a compilation of moral teachings. When Paul thought about his message, as he was writing to the believers in Colossae, he recognized that the subject of his message was Christ Jesus! If you're not preaching Christ, what are you preaching? If you're not sharing Christ with others, then what are you sharing?
The warning that comes with preaching Christ can be seen in the judgment to come: the fact that Christ is going to return, which presupposes his resurrection. It is a living Savior who will return, and a living Savior who alone has the authority judge the earth. Thus, we teach the truth about Christ, that he was more than a good man with good moral teachings - He was in fact perfect and sinless! The Bible records for us hundreds of prophecies concerning the Messiah which Jesus Christ fulfilled! And, in his life and ministry upon the earth, Jesus taught that not all roads leads to heaven! In reality, He taught that the broad path leads to destruction and that many people are on that path! He also taught that it was the narrow path that led to salvation and few were on that (Mt. 7:13-14). In fact, we know that the narrow path is found in Jesus Christ himself, for he said in John 14:6 - "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no man comes to the Father except through me."
These things aren't common knowledge; people need to be warned and taught so that they may be presented perfect before Christ Jesus!
Thoughts on today's verse:
Many people preach today, but not necessarily from the Bible. Some preach on the environment, some preach on politics, others on social reform. Some get closer and actually preach at a church, but their homilies are moralizations from the Bible, for that is all that the Bible is to them: a compilation of moral teachings. When Paul thought about his message, as he was writing to the believers in Colossae, he recognized that the subject of his message was Christ Jesus! If you're not preaching Christ, what are you preaching? If you're not sharing Christ with others, then what are you sharing?
The warning that comes with preaching Christ can be seen in the judgment to come: the fact that Christ is going to return, which presupposes his resurrection. It is a living Savior who will return, and a living Savior who alone has the authority judge the earth. Thus, we teach the truth about Christ, that he was more than a good man with good moral teachings - He was in fact perfect and sinless! The Bible records for us hundreds of prophecies concerning the Messiah which Jesus Christ fulfilled! And, in his life and ministry upon the earth, Jesus taught that not all roads leads to heaven! In reality, He taught that the broad path leads to destruction and that many people are on that path! He also taught that it was the narrow path that led to salvation and few were on that (Mt. 7:13-14). In fact, we know that the narrow path is found in Jesus Christ himself, for he said in John 14:6 - "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no man comes to the Father except through me."
These things aren't common knowledge; people need to be warned and taught so that they may be presented perfect before Christ Jesus!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)