Proverbs 11:16 - Grace Earns Honor

Proverbs 11:16 

A gracious woman attains honor, 

and violent men attain riches.

Message: Grace Earns Honor

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: Comparing versions:

NIV says, "A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth." 

NLT says, "A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth." 

Good News / Today's English Version, "A gracious woman is respected, but a woman without virtue is a disgrace. Lazy people will never have money, but aggressive people will get rich."

At first glance, this seems like a little bit of a puzzling contrast. From the NASB, it compares gracious women with violent men. Hmm. What's that about? To be gracious is to be forgiving. It is to give without looking at the character of the individual receiving grace. For God to be gracious towards us or saving us by grace He is saving us without any expectation of us doing something in return. We do not have to work. And so here is the gracious woman and this is someone that everyone wants to be like for she receives honor for her grace. 

The violent man in contrast receives riches. Riches is all this person can attain. Thus, honor is greater than riches. Could it be that anyone can go make riches? Granted, it takes work, but to receive honor means you don't just look out for self. Honor is showing respect or having great esteem for another. This is a need in a marriage and is part of our wedding vows to love, honor and respect. And yet I think what most people want in life is both. We want honor but also riches. 

God is the definer of grace. When looking at grace, we first look at God and His extending grace to us. He sets the bar. All other grace is inferior, but for a woman to have grace is a high calling. This is someone that has humility. As I was thinking about modest dressing. It is a person that isn't calling attention to oneself. It is to be gentle. 

Again, the contrast then is to a man of wealth. As I look at commentaries, all the focus is on the woman and defining grace and honor. There is little words on the man's role of riches. And yet maybe this isn't a classic contrast of positive and negative but rather to say that a man is not simply to acquire riches but retain and keep them. That we are not simply to gather but sustain. And yet the man is more focused on providing for his family. The woman is helping mold the children and their character and the man is out providing what they need. 

Violent appears to mean ruthless and powerful. It is a sort of 'at any cost' to obtain. 

Prayer: O God, I am to extol honor over riches. Help me to value honor and not simply value wealth. Help me to think of character over possessions. I don't want to arrive at a funeral with people thinking of my wealth but rather who I am as a person. I want to point to You God and help people do this. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 8-9 - Mephibosheth Sits at the Kings Table

2 Samuel 8-9

So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate at the king's table regularly. Now he was lame in both feet. (verse 9:9)

Message: Mephibosheth Sits at the Kings Table

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: In chapter 7, David has rest and God tells him He shall build a house for himself. David responds in praise to God, asks for further confirmation and for this, He praises God. 

In Chapter 8, David defeats the Philistines (verse 1), defeats Moab with the "Moabites becoming servants to David." David defeats Hadadezer, capturing horsemen, foot soldiers, then killing Arameans that came to help Hadadezer with the Arameans eventually becoming servants of David. David takes gold and bronze from these cities (v.2-8). 

Toi brings David silver, gold and bronze, with David dedicating them to the Lord. "He put garrisons in Edom...and all Edomites became servants to David." Thus, "David reigned over all Israel." David placed different people in charge: Joab over the army; Jehoshaphat the recorder (chief advisor); Zadok and Ahimelech priests; Seraiah the secretary; Benaiah over Cherethites and Pelethites; David's son's were chief ministers. 

In Chapter 9, there is a different thought or change of thought as David seeks to show kindness to Jonathan, though he has died. David made this promise in 1 Samuel 20:14-17 and 1 Samuel 20:42. Ziba, of the house of Saul, is called to David and David discovers there is a son of Jonathan that is crippled. David brought him from his place to him. David shows him kindness and restores the land of Saul to him. He makes this known to Ziba so that all of the land and produce would be for Mephibosheth and all in that land would be his servants. And "he ate at the king's table regularly." 

David didn't have to do this. Mephibosheth was crippled but became lame when his nurse fled from fear (4:4). But David honored his relationship with Jonathan. David is shown to take over the kingdom of Israel, defeating foes and establishing his leaders, and all the while He praises God and dedicates all he receives to the Lord. He surrenders all. And then from this he fulfills a commitment and has mercy on Jonathan's son.  David is showing kindness. The Hebrew word hesed is not adequately limited to the idea of kindness. It seeks the good of others and does not break promises. We are to be a people that puts the interest of others ahead of our own. David did not see him as an enemy. David never saw Saul as an enemy though Saul saw David as such. Likewise Jonathan. David looks out for others interests. 

This lesson in a good reminder to me as well, to be kind. Help me to be kind God in my interactions even as people are attacking me. 

Summary: David sets up Israel in defeating areas and taking hold of precious medals, giving glory to God and then fulfills a commitment to Jonathan by giving his son Mephibosheth Saul's land and sitting him at his table.

Promise: We love those who are not able to do anything for us. 

Prayer: Lord, I think of my wife and her work and am thankful for the love that she has for others, students that can't return that love in any way. She wants the best for them always and does not want to exasperate them, but show them respect. It is hard work as they fight her all the way, but this is a love that David had for Mephibosheth because of his commitment to Jonathan. Help me God to love in this way and to give without expecting in return. Help me God in this to honor You and glorify You. You are the great one. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 15:10-35 - The Importance of Obedience

I Samuel 15:10-35

22 Samuel said,

“Does the Lord have as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices

As in obeying the voice of the Lord?

Behold, to obey is better than a sacrifice,

[And] to pay attention is [better] than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is [as reprehensible] as the sin of divination,

And insubordination is [as reprehensible] as false religion and idolatry.

Since you have rejected the word of the Lord,

He has also rejected you from [being] king.”

(v. 22-23)

Message: The Importance of Obedience

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: In Chapter 15, Samuel tells Saul that the Lord had sent him to say to Saul that he should punish the Amalekites for the evil oppression they did toward Israel. Saul sets out to do this, but he doesn't do all that the Lord says and spares Kenites and the King Agag. 

Once again, in verse 10, "the word of the Lord came to Samuel" and he was regretting Saul as king because he "has not carried out My commands." All must be obeyed not partially. Partial obedience is seen as no obedience. This is hard and tough but even a little sin or Jesus would say, "a little leaven leavens or spoils the whole lump (I Corinthians 5:6)." We need to be about complete obedience. 

But in verse 13, Samuel believes he has been obedient and tells Saul as much. And yet the animals that he has spared in conquering the Amalekites are crying out, basically showing him something is wrong (v. 14). Saul in sparing them now says it is for the purpose "to sacrifice to the Lord your God. (v. 15)" 

Saul reviews with Samuel what has occurred up to this point. "The Lord anointed You king over Israel (v.17)." "And the Lord sent you on a mission...and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites (v.18)." So why did he spare some spoil (v.19)? 

Saul once again thinks he has done right (v.20). In verse 21-23 Samuel declares before Saul "to obey is better than sacrifice" and he tells Saul that "rebellion is as the sin of divination." In other words, we can't be partial in our obedience. Then Saul comes back and while he says he has sinned in verse 24 he brings up the people once again, shifting the blame to them, rather than completely on himself. He asks for a pardon.

Samuel said to Saul, "No." As Samuel is leaving, Saul seizes the edge of his robe. Saul pronounces this as a sign in that "the Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel (v. 28)." 

Samuel judges Agag and hewed him to pieces before the Lord at Gilgal (v. 33). "Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel (v. 35)."  

I can’t help myself but to have some sympathy for Saul, because in the way, he thought he was being obedient. But Samuel states that because he compromised that therefore his obedience was incomplete and therefore any good that Saul thought he had done was not seen. I suppose it is a good reminder of our need for grace and redemption. We are too often trained in the idea that we are expecting God to grade us on a curve. 

It still seems like, though the Lord regretted it, just as he sort of regretted mankind in sending Noah to lead a flood of the world that soul was still chosen of the Lord. Yes, our evil ways or a disappointment, clearly. Obedience or disobedience, does not make us more worthy or less worthy. God chooses his people and such as people on high because of that choice.

Summary: Saul gets told that the Lord regretted making Him king because he lacked complete obedience. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "Going through the motions—even if they are the right motions—is insufficient to fully please the Lord. He does not want our sacrifices if we do not intend to obey Him in other matters."

Prayer: God, I must admit, this is a tough lesson of obedience, maybe because of how I've been trained, on the curve and to do the best I can, but the bottom line is your grace covers me. I just wonder if it covered Saul. I have to think it did because you did work through Him. And maybe like him you have regrets about me. I suppose I have those regrets as well. Glory be to God for your mercy and love. For loving me always. And still bringing me to be together with you forever in paradise. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Peter 1:3-8 - The Right Tools

2 Peter 1:3-8

3 His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, 6 knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, 7 godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Message: The Right Tools

Time: Written by Peter, he being influenced by the writings of Paul to Ephesus (Ephesians) somewhere between 62 and 63 AD. 

What the Lord is Saying: We had a guest speaker this morning at church and he did a message from 2 Peter on Right Tools. He used an example of fly fishing throughout his message to basically talk about the fact that God has given us Christians all the right tools that we need to carry out godliness in our lives. 

As is my pattern, I looked at the text and went back to verse 1 to understand a little bit better the context of this passage. Peter's message is written to those Christians that have the same understanding of faith or belief that he does. 

I noticed verse 1 says this faith is "by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ." I wondered with that verse if Peter is linking God and Jesus or if God and Jesus are separate. On one hand, it sounds like he is stating that Jesus the Savior is God. But could he be stating that faith is of the righteousness of God and the righteousness of Jesus Christ?

In verse 2, he asks that "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." Here again, Peter is mentioning grace and peace because of those (verse 1) having a knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 

Even if Peter is not stating that Jesus is God, he is linking characteristics that are the same of the two - righteousness, grace, peace - all found in the knowledge of God and Jesus. 

Verse 3 - "His divine power." When I read this, that's what made me go back to verse 1 and 2 and think about who's divine power He is speaking about for His is singular and yet so possibly it lends itself to think that verse 1 and 2 and the words of God and Jesus are unified rather than separate. Yet, His divine power could be the last name spoken in verse 2 (remembering that punctuation and verse divisions were added later). But also here we then have Jesus being the one with divine power and God also has divine power. Thus, there is another linkage here with Jesus and God having the same attribute of divine power. 

This here is the point of the pastor's message yesterday morning and initially the first point of the text of 2nd Peter. That to the Christian, the fellow believer and Peter - that through Jesus, his righteousness and our knowledge, those Christians have "everything pertaining to life and godliness." The everything we have is because of the faith we have, the grace, and the peace. This is indeed a compelling statement. We have everything pertaining to life because we have faith "through the true knowledge of Him." 

And later in the text it states therefore, with the qualities mentioned in verse 5-7, namely "moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love -- we are neither useless nor unfruitful." Thus we have everything we need for life an godliness and because of that we will be fruitful and useful. 

This sounds like a promise. This takes me back to verse 4 - "For by these" where these seems to be "everything pertaining to life and godliness." Peter says, "these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature." 

Again, we have everything we need pertaining to life and godliness. We have qualities that we will supply to others and throughout life to be of use and fruitful. Thus, we become divine-like. 

But in this text then is a mysterious statement to me - "He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises." Promises. What are these promises? 

2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness..." There is a promise. 

2 Peter 3:13 says, "But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth." 

We have everything we need for life and being Godly. We are those that have faith and knowledge of God and Jesus. We have been given qualities. We will be useful and bear fruit. We will be divine. And this is all according to His precious and magnificent promises. 

I find this interesting because Peter explains all of these outcomes which we have because of our faith, but doesn't specify the promises, and so his audience must have understood these promises. 

I don't know exactly what these promises are right now. I could look at commentaries and review the different ideas. I suppose for now I will focus on what I know - I have everything I need.

Prayer: God, you have done it. Through faith, I have everything I need to do everything pertaining to life and godliness. I want to discover this Lord. And believe this and trust in this. And help me to share this with others to encourage them. Give us all hope. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:1 - Black and White in a Grey World

Proverbs 11:1

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,

but a just weight is His delight. 

Message: Black and White in a Grey World

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: God, it has been interesting reading these words of Solomon, starting in chapter 10 and the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. Lord, I believe I see the righteous as being those that are living their lives according to Your design. I see it as those individuals you have directly called as your chosen ones. The wicked are not your called ones. And so in life there is these two different types of people. And your word clearly shows that distinction while I think in our world there is a subtle move to try and take the ways of the wicked and make them to be not so wicked but more or less good. Is the world getting more gray? Yet Lord, there remains a clear distinction. 

God, maybe these Proverbs are there to help me see that distinction and remind me that it is there. Help me to read these proverbs so I can see the person I am to be. Help me to understand what the writer meant by these words and therefore what you what me to take away from them. 

This verse now uses weights and measures to make a contrast between what is good and not good or bad or unwelcome or against you. The text uses the word abomination which is a strong word Lord to show extreme dislike, hateful or morally offensive. This abomination to the Lord that is described is a false balance in this text. Other translations state dishonest scales with the Amplified even bringing in dishonest business practices. Lord, wouldn't this be obvious that you abhor what is dishonest or false? That principle seems easy, but maybe it is hard at times to call out what exactly is dishonest or false.

Right now, the first thought that comes up for me is work and our purchasing practices. In our quest to get goods and services, there is a thirst or desire to get what we need as fast as possible without having to jump through too many hoops. And I notice often it is hard to understand what the rules are and what we are permitted to do. And so we often will try to state things in the best possible way for our purposes in order to see if they get accepted. We only change when we are told to change. In essence, because the standard is unclear, we try to see what we can do. Thus, what is false is blurry. How we define what is false is blurry. I wonder if this is how we approach life at times. Rather than staring at the black and white, I look at the gray. 

Lord, you take me back to that album by Leslie Phillips -- Black and White in Grey World. As you know, I did not at the time get into her music as the rocker female lead singer was not my thing I gravitated towards and actually sort of disdained. Leslie, later known as Sam, is now seen as a person deconstructing their faith, which is now a popular term for describing people that are taking the traditional faith and revising it or changing it or even abandoning it. But I mention it here Lord because of the title track. Those lyrics voice the idea of standing out (i.e. black/white) in a world that blends.  

This world I live in Lord not only acknowledges the blending of black/white, but accepts it, then approves it and then celebrates it. It has turned grey into a stand alone conclusion. Now, black and white is no longer the standard but the exception and often described as radical. That song starts out with these words - "No distinction, no emotion for right or wrong / They tell me any choice will do / No color contrast in their dull morality / The shades of good and bad are through." 

Jesus, you have words that are now recorded in Revelation 3:15-16 to speak about this grey person - "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot...so because you are lukewarm....I will spit you out of My mouth." Ouch. Lord, those are strong words. While we venture towards lukewarm or grey, you state spitting that out. 

Lord, as I study these scriptures, I see the reminder of the opposites while I live in a world of the gray or blending. Simply identifying the black and white now is hard for I am daily being trained in only the color of grey. Help me God to stand out even if my standing out is not what people want. I want to be of your delight and so i want to be a just weight or let your truth in me be defined by You and Your definition. I will stumble Lord. I will forsake You as I have done. Forgive me for this now and in the future. Let it be glaring in my life the direction I need to go and be. As I go to church today, I thank you for that place, a place of refuge that retrains me or reminds me of your standards. I go there to get trained. And then help me to return to the arena of gray and continue to stand out. As I come across these grey moments, help me to know what is the way of standing out. Sometimes I can't see it Lord or I am blinded to it. Sometimes I don't know what is your standard. I pray for your grace to be extended to me so I can see what is the just weight. Lord, help me also to separate the sin from the sinner. I want to hate the sin, but I want to love the sinner. This is hard at times Lord. Again, I pray for your grace. Thank you Lord for calling me and taking me to this standard of living - of being. In Christ alone I pray. Amen. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Joshua 9 - Grace for the Gibeonites

Joshua 9

All the kings who were beyond the Jordan...gathered together with one accord to fight with Joshua and with Israel...They went to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us.”...Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live...they heard that they were neighbors and that they were living within their land...and the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders...“Why have you deceived us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you are living within our land?"..."Because...we feared greatly for our lives because of you."...Thus he did to them, and delivered them from the hands of the sons of Israel, and they did not kill them. 

Message: Grace for the Gibeonites

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying:

Thus far, my study of Joshua: After Moses' death, the Lord calls Joshua to lead Israel to the land of Canaan, promising to be with them every step of the way. The Lord encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous as he goes across the Jordan toward Canaan, remembering God's law, and being careful to follow it. Joshua commands the people to prepare to cross the Jordan and possess Canaan. The people respond in obedience to his words. Joshua sends spies to Jericho and Rahab hides them, protects them and states her faith and belief in God and wants to be protected in the future from any wrath coming.  The Lord sends the ark of the covenant (His presence) ahead of Israel in crossing the Jordan to Canaan and stills the water of the Jordan to show them His power now and in the future. The Lord asks Joshua to have 12 stones brought from the Jordan to Gilgal for a memorial of God providing his people the means to cross the Jordan. The people of the land of Canaan are amazed at God's provision. The sons of Israel are circumcised and Passover is held for the 3rd time and then the manna ceases to be provided by God. Joshua encounters a man with a sword and realizes he is Lord and this man's servant, captain of the host of the Lord, who resides on holy ground. The Lord provides the fall of Jericho, a city where people do detestable things, sinning against the Lord and with a shout, the walls of Jericho fall. The people of Israel next go to Ai, but here they take in casualties due to one family disobeying God at Jericho and not being obedient to the Lord and ultimately their lives are taken. The Lord leads Joshua on the people back to Ai to conquer it, showing them a way to ambush the people, with the end result of the king of Ai being cursed, hanging on a tree. Joshua leads Israel to build an Altar at the Mount of Ebal, at Shechem as commanded previously, to worship the Lord, renewing our commitment to Him. 

Chapter 9 - Here we have a group of kings that surround the area where Joshua is at now, ready together to fight him. In verse 3, Gibeonites are on the scene. They would like to make a covenant with Joshua. Undoubtedly, they have heard about how the Lord has led Joshua and in the process kings have fallen, towns have been overtaken and the people killed and these people are obviously sensing what might happen to them. Israel had a need to make covenants with people outside of the land of Canaan, but 3 days later it is discovered they are not outside of Canaan but in fact are current neighbors to Israel, "living within their land." Joshua spares them. They had already made an oath to them (verse. 15) so despite the news they would not go back on their words and they would let them live, but they did receive a curse (verse 22). 

Summary: The Gibeonites are spared by Joshua and Israel despite deceiving but Joshua had already made a covenant promise with them. 

Promise: The Israelites were deceived because they did not ask counsel from the Lord (Joshua 9:14). 

Prayer: Lord, help me to be an honest person. Forgive me for my dishonesty and making it out often that I am someone I am not. Thank you for your grace that you show me each day. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 1:16-18 - The Full and Final Revelation of God

John 1:16-18

16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

Message: The Full and Final Revelation of God

Time: Jesus' disciple John, the brother of James, the son of Zebedee was one of the inner circle of Jesus' most trusted companions. It's most likely that John wrote his gospel while he was in Ephesus, and that he wrote it for an audience that lived outside Palestine, perhaps in Asia Minor. John appears to have had in mind members of a Jewish community who had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but who had continued to worship in the synagogue. John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: As I have been studying, John bore witness of Jesus and was His forerunner, preparing the way. We are all to be like John the Baptist and bear testimony of Him. In building off of the previous lesson, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory." Through Jesus or by way of Jesus we see the glory of God. 

In verse 16, "For of His fullness we have all received." It parallels Paul's words in Colossians 2:9, "In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily; and ye are complete in Him (NKJV)." This is a remarkable statement that Jesus dwells all the fulness of the Godhead. Again, this is a clear declaration that Jesus possesses all that God possesses. And so in receiving Jesus (v. 12) we all receive God. What amazing words these are and what a clear connection there is here of God and Jesus. 

I love reading from Alexander Maclaren's and his words on this passage are great:

• for this is the very centre and heart of Christianity, that in Him who is Christianity God is not merely made known, but given; not merely beheld, but possessed.
• Christ is more than all His gifts. All His gifts are treasured up in Him and inseparable from Him. We get Jesus Christ Himself.

John says that we all receive "grace upon grace." From Tabletalk, "Interestingly, this phrase may be better translated “grace instead of grace,” suggesting the exchange of one kind of “lesser” grace, for “greater” grace." The greater grace is the grace of the New Covenant. Grace was present in the old Covenant. In the sacrificial system of the altar of the burnt offerings there were repeated sacrifices and then annually through the atonement; thus, we received a substitute for our sins. This was a form of grace for even in the sacrifice grace was imparted to people through the suffering of another: an animal. Man even in that situation was made right with God through no part of his own. But now in Jesus the grace is greater because it is once and for all. It is complete and never has to be repeated. Thus, John is mentioning the promise and the sacrifice of Jesus which to this point has not occurred but had occurred at the time of John's writing. 

What a wonderful statement and idea this is that I had not put together previously. Even the Mosaic Law had grace. It speaks to the consistency of scripture. The message of the Bible is the same from Old to New Covenant, Old to New Testament. Grace went form annual to everlasting. As stated in verse 17, "grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ." What a powerful statement. 

And even more clearly - "No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained." In Jesus we know God. Only Jesus. Exodus 33:20, "But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” No one can see God and live and so with Jesus, in Jesus we see the fullness, the glory, all that God is. 

Summary: All that we know of God we have in Christ. His grace is everlasting and greater than repeated annually. 

Promise: Let us rejoice to be partakers of the new covenant and look to Christ for the fullest revelation of God.

Prayer: O Father God, you are glorious and your message is complete and penetrates my entire being. I have such reverence and fear of God and yet Jesus it clearly states in Your word that the fullness of God is found in You. Thank you for the consistency of your scripture and how grace is interwoven throughout the Bible. Lord, may the clarity of Your Word shine forth into people's lives. May you pull the blinders off of people and remove any obstacles. We want to behold You and You alone. All truth is complete in You. 

Bible Study Fellowship - Lesson 1 - Matthew

Focus Verse

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21

FIRST DAY: See Introduction Lesson Notes.

1.   Use this space to record how you have seen God’s activity during the week. How has He provided, answered, comforted, restored, guided, etc.? [What Has God been teaching me lately?] [How am I learning to trust Him more?]

9/7 – God provides me insight as I read his word. It remains exciting to discover truths like being reminded recently of the curse from Deut 21:22-23 and how Jesus hanging on a tree met that. Reminded me of the words from the notes about the New Testament writers connected the words of the Old Testament to Jesus. Yesterday in His word I was encouraged to love him and love others. As I meet with others and talk about truth I am encouraged by that fellowship. Lately I’ve been learning to serve my dad without expecting anything in return. No payoff. My words aren’t valued, but I can still serve. Also learning to love my wife for who she is. I need to accept people as they are and not get in a rush to change them. 

9/14 - I was also encouraged as to how the BSF men have been impacted by this study time together. That God speaks to them and God has used this to awaken them to life change. Through the pandemic I notice the resiliency of kids. Out with friends after church and noticed this. Jesus said to be like the children and they simply wear the mask. I don’t see them fighting it off but simply going along.

2.   What from the notes, lecture, or personal study impacted you most in the past week?

• The apostles connected the teaching of the Old Testament to the person and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. P. 5 [Often why we see so many references of the Old Testament in the New Testament - showing us how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament teaching.]
• The Holy Spirit inspired the apostles as God's chosen instruments to uphold the truth. P.6 [Learning more and more that it is the Spirit that is speaking to us today and giving us understanding of God's word and teaching us. I've spent so much of my life, not really acknowledging the work of the Holy Spirit.]
• God wrote to us, using human language to express spiritual thoughts and concepts that cannot be fully captured by human words. P.6 inset [Does this mean we need to be careful that we don't become too confident in what God's word has to say to us?] 
• We read to hear God speak. P. 6
• I am always amazed by T’s excitement to be here each week and enjoy the fellowship with this men and the joy he has for teaching the men. Also reading about how the New Testament writers brought key verses from the Old Testament.

SECOND DAY: Read Matthew 1:1-17.

Matthew presents the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah.

3.   Matthew began his book with Jesus’ genealogy. Why might he have done so? What was the importance of including such names as Abraham, Jacob, and David?

9/8 – Matthew, as a Jew, writing to a predominant Jewish population probably wanted to show that Jesus had a direct connection with Old Testament patriarchs of David and Abraham. And wanted to show the perfect line that he was in.

9/14 - I’ve heard missionary stories that in some parts of the world just reading the genealogy has brought salvation to people. It seems to me that since he was speaking to a predominantly Jewish population it was important to show the linkage Jesus had to David and Abraham and the patriarchs. Abraham represents God blessing humanity through the Jewish people to all humanity. Son of David is mentioned 10 times in Matthew. And this brings us king David and Jesus as offspring of royalty.

The generations link us to the Old Testament and the premise that the entire OT is about Jesus. Reminds me of Daniel and how emphatic he is about Jesus and the New Testament.

The genealogy shows us how God uses all types of people. Canaanites - prostitutes - Moabite women.

4.   What pattern do you see in the way Matthew organized the names in his list?

9/14 - Letters in Hebrew are also used as numbers. David’s name is 14 total numbers assigned to David’s name. 4+6+4. He omits generations at times to get to the 14 number exactly. A common practice in other genealogies.

5.    a.    Give the background of each woman Matthew mentions in Jesus’ genealogy.

Tamar (Genesis 38) - Tamar, once wife of deceased Er (son of Judah) later disguises herself as a prostitute and Judah secures her services and Tamar gives birth to two sons - Perez and Zerah. Perez in Ruth is identified as ancestor of David. 

Rahab (Joshua 2, 6:17) - Rahab, a Harlot, and yet someone who knew the Lord's work and believed the messengers could help her. Yet, the bible does not mention anywhere else the relationship of Rahab and her son Boaz. Rahab is another Gentile. But God saved Rahab from judgment and her lifestyle of prostitution. 

Ruth (Ruth 1; 4:13-17) - After mentioning the mother of Boaz, we now have Boaz offspring with Ruth. She is also another Gentile and a Moabite that marries an Israelite. This puts Ruth as well as Rahab in the line of David. 

"Wife of Uriah" (2 Samuel 11; 12:15, 18, 24) - without mentioning her is the sin of David as apparent? So once again, it seems sin is brought to the forefront. Saul was the first king of Israel, but he failed and didn't achieve victory, but David did. Jesus is our second chance. Adam did not succeed, but Jesus has. 

Mary (Luke 1:26-56) - On one hand the genealogy as recorded ends with Joseph as though married to Mary, Joseph is never thought of as the father of Jesus, and yet perhaps Matthew saw it this way. He believed that Jesus is the heir of Joseph and therefore the proper heir of the Davidic throne. For Jesus to be the Christ he must be in the line of David and Abraham. 

b. Why might Matthew have chosen to include these particular women?

Perhaps his intention was simply to show that if these women could belong in the line of Jesus then anyone could be included. Like Jesus these women were not royalty and good things can come from meager heritage. Jesus also identifies with sinners. That is a big thing about Jesus that we need to remember and brings many to salvation for we are all sinners. And yet three of them are people of faith: Rehab, Ruth, and Mary. Maybe Matthew wanted to emphasize also that women would not be demeaned and that they would have a meaningful role in life and marriage and ministry.

6.    How have you experienced God’s grace – blessings you do not deserve?

As a mature in life, it seems all of live is a result of God's grace. Any blessing that comes my wife is a gift of God that I really don't deserve. I think of my wife and my children - each one is a special blessing. God's grace has shined on me to give me the mother I had and the father I still have. He has blessed with a job and the means to be involved in ministering to other people and understand His truth. I'm not the best at communicating it but I try to remain faithful to people and His ways.  

THIRD DAY: Read Matthew 1:18-25.

God reassured Joseph and declared the names of His Son.

7    a.    How did Joseph respond to Mary’s pregnancy?

First of all, Joseph was a man of faith and understood the tradition of being a Jew. For Mary to come to the relationship already pregnant he knew on one hand would risk her being stoned (Deuteronomy 22:21).  So naturally he did not want to press this law and the reason he spoke of sending  her away secretly, so this would not be a public thing. Joseph, at the time, unlike us, did not know the whole story of Mary's innocence. He was concerned about his household and the reproach he might bring upon his family. At the time, he assumed her condition was one born of sin, and yet wanting to keep her safe sough out the way to do this by then writing out a certificate of divorce, but secretly, so as not to bring her harm. Divorce was not sin and that I think needs to be emphasized. 

b.    What comfort and instructions did God give to Joseph?

 God spoke to Joseph in a dream. Dreams, as a side not are still very prominent in middle east and Africa and other countries as to a means of speaking to people. God told him to not be afraid but rather to trust in God. Despite the evidence that was present before him, God tells him to not stare at it, but instead listen to Him. And Joseph does and responds in faith. 

8.   a.    What two names did God give to Mary’s Son? What does each name mean?

Jesus - He Himself will save people from their sins; God is salvation; Yeshua means to deliver or rescue

Immanuel - God with us; appears 3x in Bible (other 2 in Isaiah)

b.    What do both of these aspects of Jesus’ character mean to you?

Jesus is fully man with the purpose of redeeming mankind. As Paul would say, the second Adam. Adam who brought sin into the world and Jesus would remove it's punishment through His life and sacrifice. God gave us his Son to rescues us. He came to save me. 

9.   Read John 3:17; Acts 4:12; and Romans 10:9. What does the word “saved” mean to you? 

Jesus came to this world to save people; to show them a better way, the only way. Saved means not perishing and having eternal life in Christ. Saved from wrath; saved from death and hell; redeemed from the law. 

10.   How did Joseph demonstrate his faith?

He took Mary to be his wife. Joseph was disciplined. Sexual purity was a big deal to him. He would exhibit self control until Jesus was born. No small feat. Even in divorcing her, his goal was to minimize her shame. Even in the church as Christians, how often have we given certain sins the scarlet letter. 

FOURTH DAY: Read Luke 1:26-38 to understand God’s plan for Mary.

While Matthew focuses on Joseph, Luke’s account records God’s revelation of His plan to Mary.

11.   a.    What facts did the angel Gabriel reveal to Mary?

First of all, it is interesting that Luke focuses on God's revelation to Mary, while Matthew focuses on God's revelation to Joseph. He chose her. She didn't ask for this. - 1. The Lord is with her. Jehovah God is with her. She will conceive and bear a Son as a virgin. Her son's name will be Jesus. He will be great and God will give him the throne, so he will be king. And He will rule and unlike anyone else His rule will not end. The holy child will be called the son of God. 

b.   Read Job 33:4; Matthew 1:20, 23;and Luke 1:35. Of whom was Jesus born, besides Mary? Why is this important?

The Spirit of God made Jesus, conceived Him. Jesus with the Holy Spirit coming upon Him could not have saved mankind. All the fullness of deity was manifested in Jesus. God sent Jesus and it was the Spirit who helped conceive Him. The triune God is present. 

12.   How did Mary express her faith?

She was faithful to the Word of God and because it was said by the Lord's servant she knew it must be so. She had done nothing to deserve this. It was unmerited favor. 

13.   How has God worked in your life to build your faith and lead you to surrender to His plan?

I and my life is on a roller coaster but he is my constant. His word is constant. And even as i see this world try to figure out the best way to live I am more sure of God's way being the only way. In reading scripture, you see the complete plan of God from beginning to end. Every reading and lesson and preaching causes me to be more convinced. He works through other people and allowing me to see their faith. My involvement in evangelism, especially over the last 15 years and being able to see God work in other people's lives confirms His truth and help me to surrender to Him. 

FIFTH DAY: Reread Matthew 1:1-25.

Jesus’ birth fulfilled prophecy and revealed God’s faithfulness.

14.   a.    In what ways did Matthew connect Jesus’ birth to Old Testament prophecy in this chapter?

Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah King promised from David's line (2 Samuel 7:12-16)

Jesus is the Son of Abraham of whom all nations will be blessed (Genesis 12:3)

The virgin shall be with child and they will call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14)

 b.    What does this reveal about God?

What it means to me is the entire Bible points to Jesus. It is a reminder that God never changes. He wants people to be saved, to be redeemed and his plan is consistent. I was talking to someone the other day about God's inspired words and what this actually means to us. The question came up about why we have so many religions, denominations even within Protestants and among people so many different interpretations. My thinking is God's word is true and has no contradictions. It was written by men but inspired by God and so its words are infallible. But man is a sinner and man's words are not God inspired always. I think the Holy Spirit is in us and speaks to us but the reason we might have so many difference is we are all trying to figure out exactly what this Word says and yet we are fallible and so we are simply doing the best we can. We must be careful to not make it out that we have a corner on truth. I have much trouble with people that think a church is the only church because none of us are perfect. But God is perfect and His word is true and so prophecies like this help confirm that he is true and never changes.

15.   In what ways would Joseph and Mary’s steps of faith and obedience have been costly?

Both had a lot to lose with the appearance that Mary had a child out of wedlock. Both risked not just themselves but their families. A reminder that rarely is an issue that we are having only reserved to one person. And yet was their a cost other than being a little humiliated. For Joseph and Mary they may have had a plan for their life or marriage. For Joseph he didn't get the physical sexual enjoyment of a woman while he was married, until Jesus was born.

16.   When has obeying God been costly for you? How has God met your needs and demonstrated His faithfulness?

Jesus said in Matthew 16:24 - "Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me." The cost I have is daily I must deny myself and what I want. For me this has been shifting my priorities and my desires. Often I fail and don't deny self and in return I ignore disobedience so that I can think that I'm taking care of myself and my needs. But actually I'm doing be harm. As I submit to Him and His ways he continually shows me the better way. There is no freedom in not loving my wife. When I do she is everything I need. But when I look around, thinking I can find or see something better, there may be temporary enjoyment but nothing lasting. Thus, with Christ I have a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is not my will, but thine be done.

SIXTH DAY: Review Matthew 1:1-25.

God became a man to enable sinners to live a new life.

17.   What truth about Jesus challenged or inspired you this week?

Reading and studying the Genealogy is what interested me. Matthew's version is different I know, but I've heard stories of people being saved because of it. In thinking about the women and why they are included, it opened my eyes once again about how inclusive Jesus is and I wish the culture saw this more.

My Utmost for His Highest - May 16th - The Habit of Wealth

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. - 2 Peter 1:4

    We are made partakers of the Divine nature through the promises; then we have to "manipulate" the Divine nature in our heaven nature by habits, and the first habit to form is the habit of realizing the provision God has made. "Oh, I can't afford it," we say--one of the worst lies is tucked up in that phrase. It is ungovernably bad taste to talk about money in the natural domain, and so it is spiritually, and yet we talk as if our Heavenly Father had cut us off with a shilling! We think it a sign of real modesty to say at the end of a day--"Oh, well, I have just got through, but it has been a severe tussle." And all the Almighty God is ours in the Lord Jesus! And He will tax the last grain of sand and the remotest star to bless us if we will obey Him. What does it matter if external circumstances are hard? Why should they not be! If we give way to self-pity and indulge in the luxury of misery, we banish God's riches from our own lives and hinder others from entering His provision. No sin is worse than the sin of self-pity, because it obliterates God and puts self-interest upon the throne. It opens our mouths to spit out murmurings and our lives become craving spiritual sponges, there is nothing lovely or generous about them.

    When God is beginning to be satisfied with us He will impoverish everything in the nature of fictitious wealth, until we learn that all our fresh springs are in Him (Psalm 87:7). If the majesty and grace and power of God are not being manifested in us (not to our consciousness), God holds us responsible. "God is able to make all grace abound, (2 Corinthians 9:8)" then learn to lavish the grace of God on others. Be stamped with God's nature, and His blessing will come through you all the time.

- From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition.

Mom's Notes

Deanna's birthday

My thoughts

The danger in life is to think that we are going at it alone, like when we say at the end of a day, "I barely made it through the day." Again we act like trials shouldn't happen and yet God promises them. Instead we should approach each day seeking to better understand what God wants to teach us through the circumstances of our life. Guard against self-pity or "woe is me." This is self-absorbed thinking rather than being completely satisfied with Him, no matter the circumstance. Remember grace should be a constant in our life. We experience it and we pass it onto others.  

 

Romans 11:6 - Keeping Grace Gracious

 Romans 11:6 - But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.

Message: Keeping Grace Gracious

Time: The Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans from the Greek city of Corinth in AD 57, just three years after the 16 year old Nero had ascended to the throne as Emperor of Rome. Persecution of Christians wouldn't begin until AD 64. The church was experiencing times of relative peace. From where he wrote, Corinth, was a hotbed of sexual immorality and idol worship.

What the Lord is Saying:

Life is about doing, for in life we live. Each day we are doing something, even if to others it looks like nothing. Each day as I go to work I have tasks that I do and am responsible to do. I have a new position at work I am learning. There are things I need to know about that position and there are things I want to accomplish so that at the end of its assignment I will have done it successfully. I think that is partly why I have been given this new task because the work I did previously was accepted as good and true. My desire is to do work that adds value, that meets expectations, that is pleasing to others and pleasing to myself. 

Beyond work, I am a person that believes I am not here randomly but on purpose and that purpose was designed by my creator-- God. He is the reason I am here. 

Because He created me, I believe He has a plan for me. Just like I have a job to do each day and it is defined a certain way as to how I am to work, God designed me to live a certain way. Yes, I am unique but my uniqueness still has an order to it and a way I am to live. Thus, my question to God is "Am I living according to Your design?" 

The Bible is a book that tells the story of God and his creation and how people go about pleasing their creator. Early on is the discovery that the reason I am not living my life according to His plan is sin. Sin is disobedience to God. He has a plan for me but I get off track from that plan and this happens when I sin and seek after my plan. I think many people in the world believe there is only one plan - the plan of man. But I believe there are two plans - a Godly plan and the plan of man. The goal is for them to be in agreement. 

This leads to the question - How do they come into agreement? The natural thinking is that because sin that I committed separated me from that plan, the way to get it restored is by me doing something good. And so many religions teach this - that there are things we can and must do to be in a right relationship with God. Yet, is that the only way? Christianity actually teaches that we are incapable of really getting ourselves back into a good relationship with God because we can never really be good enough because we always have this stain of sin on our life. But what if someone never sinned. Jesus is this person and through Him we can receive justification or be restored to God's plan. 

So how does one acquire this? Basically, by believing it is so - having faith in God that His plan is the right plan. The other way would be by showing God it is so by what we do. But again, what I've studied and seen here in scripture is that the problem of showing God that I am worthy is really impossible because that stain of sin that I have committed can never be erased. Thus, the only way to truly be made right with God or justified is by faith alone in His Plan. 

Faith gets me back into God's plan. But still I live and so once I am back in His plan the way I live now is different. Thus, it is not that good works are not necessary, it is simply they are not necessary for me to get back into God's plan but once I am there, my life is different. Today's verse says if is is by grace and the "it" here is being restored to God's plan, so if being restored to that plan is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works. "No longer"  is an interesting choice because it gives the idea that works formerly were involved or maybe they were thought to be involved to the audience being addressed. There was the thought by this audience that works were necessary. But this is saying they are not necessary. Because it says if works are needed to be restored to God's plan then grace is no longer grace. 

The title of this message today is Keeping Grace Gracious, but I must also say keeping grace glorious, for it is amazing that I can be accepted by God based only on faith in what Christ has done. Yet, I need to continue now, after grace and faith, to be about obedience. Grace happened. It is finished (see John 19:30). Thus, how shall I now live. This brings us back to good works. 

Good works are an essential part of my life. In Paul's introduction in Romans 1, in verse 5 he says --- "through whom (Jesus) we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake." We receive grace and then we are obedient. This is my calling. Grace and Obedience is my calling. In Titus 1:16 it even states that if we simply profess to know God and yet deny works, we are denying Him -- "They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him." Thus, again, it should be clear that deeds are not simply expected but required in the life of a Christian. And this is what James meant in James 2 that faith without works is dead and so work justifies the faith. 

Yet, we still must go back to Romans 11:6, if being restored to God's plan is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works. Don't mix the two. Keep them separate. But keep them both extremely valuable. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, it says, "We must relax our grip on our good works, confess our utter reliance on divine mercy and not bring our achievements before God as if He owes us His righteous declaration for our obedience. But all true Christians have a desire to obey God.  

Prayer: Thank you God for giving me this time to think about me and why I'm here and how you have called me and how my security is completely resting on You and yet the live I life is to give you glory and to always be obedient. Help me to help others understand this truth. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of June is about justification; May was about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January, the doctrine of God.

Mankind's Condition - The Sins of the Gentiles - Though born with God being evident, Gentiles do not honor God or give thanks, look to their selves for truth, and God gives them over to their sin, and in the process God's wrath is sin which will culminate on the Day of the Lord. The Sins of the Jews - Jews thought their status meant only Gentiles were true sinners. Romans 2 and 3 explains that Jews are just as guilty before God. 

The Law Speaks - The Law and Accountability - the Law reminds us we are sinners and doing good will not outweigh this bad; I am condemned. Righteousness According to the Law - The Law can make one righteous if obedient to all, but we are sinners. Human Inability - man cannot make himself righteous because he is a sinner. 

Only Justified through Christ (God) - The Obedience of One - with Jesus all obedience was completed in Him which resulted in Him taking on all sin; we trust only in His words, not ours. God's Initiative In Justification - God initiates the act of justification through the work of Christ alone; he saves us out of His kindness. Faith and Justification - no one is continually righteous; only through Jesus one will be made righteous; to be made righteous one must believe in God, ask for His mercy. 

Saved by Faith - Faith and Righteousness - Faith is what God uses in us to build the bridge to being accepted by God and restored to a right relationship with Him. Justification and Sin - Nothing changes the fact that we are sinners, but our status before God changes by Christ's obedience as this declares us to be righteous. Not by any of our works - Justification is by faith alone. By adding any work, we must add all works. Why Faith - Faith is the instrument [or what we do] to usher in to our life the finished act of righteousness. 

Faith Works - What is Saving Faith - Saving faith is not simply understanding truth, it is believing the truth is true and then living by that truth. Justification and Our Good Works - Once God declares us righteous by the righteousness of Christ, we cannot help but do what is right. 

Ephesians 2:8-10 - Why Faith?

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Message: Why Faith?

Time: Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon. Ephesians deals with topics at the core of being a Christian - faith and practice, no matter the situation.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Well, these devotionals continue to hit the message clearly about justification. 

    Faith =>  is the Means => for our Justification = where we are Made righteous by the atoning work of Christ

Romans 4 speaks of: 

Righteousness  -  Apart From Works

                            Apart From Circumcision

                            Apart from the Law

                            By Faith

And then just to make sure that you don't think that there is something else to this, Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

___________

But Faith is the instrument [or what we do] to usher in to our life the finished act of righteousness (Romans 5:18); and it must be received (5:17).

Faith is a Gift -- 

    Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith." Salvation and Faith is conjoined. Both are the gift of God. Thus, His gift is not steps to obedience. 

I look at Jesus' words in John 6:35-40

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; the one who comes to Me will not be hungry, and the one who believes in Me will never be thirsty. 36 But I said to you that you have indeed seen Me, and yet you do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I certainly will not cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of everything that He has given Me I will lose nothing, but will raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”\

Verse 35 reminds me of Matthew 5:6 when Jesus says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." It almost seems like the blessed ones meet the bread of life, Jesus, and are given righteousness. And another point in this passage is that of everything that He has given Me I will lose nothing meaning the Father gives Jesus followers of him. Some will see him and not believe (v. 36) but when the Father gives followers of Jesus they will not ever not be followers. 

Promise: This faith gift does not return void. It is the instrument men and women practice for their justification in order to receive the finished act of righteousness. 

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your Word, for speaking to us through it. For helping me understand it. Thank you for the gift of grace and the gift of faith. Thank you for drawing me and I believe, choosing me and not letting me ever go. You have justified me and made me right with God now and for all eternity. I do not deserve this. I never will. And I am even unworthy to be your follow, but you equip and you work in me and you show me the works I need to do. Let me choose to do those works every day. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of June is about justification; May was about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January, the doctrine of God.

Mankind's Condition - The Sins of the Gentiles - Though born with God being evident, Gentiles do not honor God or give thanks, look to their selves for truth, and God gives them over to their sin, and in the process God's wrath is sin which will culminate on the Day of the Lord. The Sins of the Jews - Jews thought their status meant only Gentiles were true sinners. Romans 2 and 3 explains that Jews are just as guilty before God. 

The Law Speaks - The Law and Accountability - the Law reminds us we are sinners and doing good will not outweigh this bad; I am condemned. Righteousness According to the Law - The Law can make one righteous if obedient to all. Our sin keeps us from this. Human Inability - the simple reminder that man cannot make himself righteous because he is a sinner. 

Only Justified through Christ (God) - The Obedience of One - with Jesus all obedience was completed in Him which resulted in Him taking on all sin; we trust only in His words, not ours. God's Initiative In Justification - God initiates the act of justification through the work of Christ alone; he saves us out of His kindness. Faith and Justification - no one is continually righteous; only through Jesus one will be made righteous; to be made righteous one must believe in God, ask for His mercy. 

Saved by Faith - Faith and Righteousness - Faith is what God uses in us to build the bridge to being accepted by God and restored to a right relationship with Him. Justification and Sin - Nothing changes the fact that we are sinners, but our status before God changes by Christ's obedience as this declares us to be righteous. Not by any of our works - Justification is by faith alone. By adding any work, we must add all works.

Romans 5:18-21 - The Obedience of the One

Romans 5:18-21

So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Message: The Obedience of the One

Time: The Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans from the Greek city of Corinth in AD 57, just three years after the 16 year old Nero had ascended to the throne as Emperor of Rome. Persecution of Christians wouldn't begin until AD 64. The church was experiencing times of relative peace. From where he wrote, Corinth, was a hotbed of sexual immorality and idol worship.

What the Lord is Saying:

These are somewhat difficult passages. I studied this four verses in these 2 lessons: Constituting Us Righteous and The Reign of Grace. I was reminded recently of a verse from Mark in the story of the paralytic and how the focus often in the gospels is on the Jewish scribes and I think Paul is also speaking to them here, answering their potential questions as we all look at Jesus and who He is and what He truly offers - helping them see it is through righteousness (obedient acts of good works) that we are made right with God and it is God that makes us righteous (declared good). 

As mentioned in the previous lesson, Paul does a contrast of righteousness and condemnation in Romans 5:12-21. The previous lesson looked at man's condemnation or a human's inability to be worthy before God. Now let's look at the contrast or the solution to this. 

The condemnation of man is then contrasted with the righteousness of Jesus. With Adam, one sin resulted in all being sinners. We are guilty because of sinning one time. In contrast, Jesus fulfilled the entire Law and then took all sin upon Him. With Adam one sin was committed, with Jesus all obedience was completed in Him which resulted in Him taking on all sin. Thus, verse 16 says the gift is not like through the one who sinned or stated again here - through the obedience of the One (Jesus) the many will be made righteous. The focus here is that One makes many righteous. 

One results in death. The (only) One results in life. And Romans 5:17 also makes another key distinction, in Adam's sin death comes to all. In Christ, one must receive grace and the gift. Grace and righteousness is a gift. I think this refers to Christ giving, man receiving.  

Other misinformation that I have heard is Jesus's death means man has the means to being obedient - but again the focus returns to man's obedience. No idea where that idea comes from, but man is still guilty even after Jesus dies and pays for sin. What happens is when Jesus calls someone so that they will receive grace and the gift. On his own man is not capable of making himself a child of God. He must be chosen. 

Jesus is the one who saves. Transfer your trust to Him and let Him take care of it. Let grace reign in our life. Let God's provision reign in our lives. The last phrase of verse 21 says it all:

even so grace 

would reign through righteousness 

to eternal life 

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

RC Sproul stated, "The question is not whether we are going to be saved through works; the question is whose works. We are saved through the works of the One who alone fulfilled the terms of the covenant of works." 

Promise: What gets us eternal life? Being righteous and this does not come about through our own deeds but rather by God's grace accomplished through Jesus Christ Our Lord. 

Prayer: O God, our life on this earth is continually judged by what we do and who we are. And it is so easy to then think that this is how judge us. In a way you do, but as a Holy God, you demand obedience - always. And only Jesus was always obedient. Thank you that when see me, you see His obedience. I am trusting in Jesus Lord. Every day I want to trust in Him. And yet Lord, every day I need your help. Every day is a reminder that I am lost without You and without You I can do nothing. So I seek You once again. I come to You and ask You to be my strength, to help guide my decisions. I want to be careful and to be careful to glorify You in all I do. Show me the way. Thank you being My Way. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of June is about justification; May was about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January, the doctrine of God.

 - The Sins of the Gentiles - Though born with God being evident, Gentiles do not honor God or give thanks, look to their selves for truth, and God gives them over to their sin, and in the process God's wrath is sin which will culminate on the Day of the Lord. The Sins of the Jews - Jews thought their status meant only Gentiles were true sinners. Romans 2 and 3 explains that Jews are just as guilty before God. The Law and Accountability - the Law reminds us we are sinners and doing good will not outweigh this bad; I am condemned. Righteousness According to the Law - The Law can make one righteous if obedient to all. Our sin keeps us from this. Human Inability - the simple reminder that man cannot make himself righteous because he is a sinner. 

I John 4:19 - Is Grace Resistible?

I John 4:19
We love, because He first loved us.

Message: Is Grace Resistible?

Time: The author of this epistle never identified himself by name, but Christians since the beginning of the church have considered this letter authoritative, believing it was written by John the apostle. A date of about AD 90, with John writing from his exile on Patmos, ends up being the best proposition. John focused on three issues: the zeal of the believers, standing firm against false teachers, and reassuring the Christians that they have eternal life.

What the Lord is Saying:

Is Grace Resistable? Is it possible to resist God's grace?

The western church condemned Pelagius and his teaching at the Second Council of Orange in AD 529. Also struck down was semi-Pelagianism. Augustine, Pelagius and the French monk John Cassian lived during the late 4th and early 5th centuries. John Cassian and semi-Pelagianism steers a middle ground between Augustine's view of grace alone and Pelagius view of works. This view affirms grace as a need for salvation, yet still denies original sin and the depravity of man. Thus, grace is necessary but humans take the first step toward God. People need grace to be saved, but this grace does not take the initiative in salvation. Augustine meanwhile says that no sinner can seek God of their own accord. The only people who seek Him are those who He first sovereignly and effectually are drawn by His sovereign grace.

Thus, the dividing line is whether there is synergy in divine grace - God and human beings working together toward regeneration. But John Calvin and Augustinians say that divine grace is monergistic in regeneration where only God brings about the new birth of believers. We love, because He (God) first loved us. God guarantees that His elect will love Him. He will overcome their resistance to Him.

Promise: If God reveals his love to man then they can't reject him. There is glorious love and beauty of our Creator.

Prayer: Thank you for loving me God. Thank you for calling me to be with You, to be Yours for all time.

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of April is about salvation by grace alone. March was about the sovereign providence of God; February was about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January is about the doctrine of God.