Monthly Archives: November 2013

Hebrews 1-2

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The writer of Hebrews commences by describing the supremacy of God’s son. The heir of all things, worshipped by angels, sitting at the right hand of God having made purification for sins through his sacrifice, made perfect through suffering, crowned with glory and honour.

Yet Christ was “made like his brothers in every respect… able to help those who are being tempted.” We’re told that Jesus is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters. He is a merciful and faithful high priest. So we’re exhorted to “pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” The salvation we’ve been offered is the greatest gift one could ever receive.  Let us not “neglect such a great salvation”, but make it a real and active part of our daily life.

 

 

Philemon

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Paul’s commendation of Philemon is inspirational, highlighting a great example for us all. “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you”.

Like Paul, we can derive much joy and comfort from the love and example of those around us. Your love and faith toward Jesus has been an inspiration to me, a refreshing representation of Christ.

Take some time today to thank God as Paul did, for the people in your life from which you can derive joy and comfort, that the sharing of their faith might inspire others also.

Titus 1-3

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Paul could confidently say that he was “in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began“. He shared this hope with everyone he met, including Titus.  “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and saviour Jesus Christ…declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority“. This hope is ours, available to everyone willing to serve God.

Paul continues to encourage Titus by reminding him that “being justified by [God’s] grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” We have been invited to be heirs forever of a glory unimaginable, so let us be encouraged by Paul’s words to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.

2 Timothy 3-4

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Paul continues his letter to Timothy, describing the method and importance of “training in righteousness“. This training involves following Paul’s example, his teaching, conduct, aim in life, faith, patience, love and steadfastness. It requires us to be ready to “preach the word” at all times, to continue in what we have learned and firmly believed from the Bible, knowing that the instruction contained provides a wisdom far greater than man’s.

Paul also reminds Timothy that, even though he has endured persecutions, “from them all the Lord rescued me“.  Even though “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted“, like Paul we have a promise of a far better existence. “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing“.

It is up to us to demonstrate our love for Jesus’ appearing in the way we live our life today.  Paul was confident that “the Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom“, and we can have that same confidence in following Paul’s advice.

Nehemiah 13, 2 Timothy 2

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Nehemiah is a great example for us to follow.  He takes active leadership in the reformation of Israel, without regard to the potential personal consequences, choosing instead to rely on God.  Throughout the narrative recounting his actions, Nehemiah prays to God, “Remember me, O my God, for good”, highlighting how integral God was to his daily life.

Paul is another example of someone whose faith pervaded every aspect of his life and encouraged others to do the same. “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory… If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him“.

Joel 3, 2 Thessalonians 3

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Joel 3 describes a time when the nations will be judged, a time when the men of war are stirred into battle. But in the midst of this judgement, there are a people that are safe. “the Lord is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel“.

Paul uses similar language in 2 Thessalonians 3. “The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one…may the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”  It is through our love of God, and the sure foundation of the work of Christ, that we have a place of refuge. We can find comfort in these words, knowing that God will help us if we trust and rely on Him.  Paul concludes his letter with a prayer for his readers, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all“.

 

Joel 2

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Joel 2 describes the day of the Lord, the hope and the judgement, the love and the power of God. “The day of the Lord is great and very awesome; who can endure it? Yet even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart… return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love”.

Our God is so merciful, that He will always welcome our return. God had pity on Israel when they returned to Him, and said “I will no more make you a reproach among the nations”. He blessed their harvest, so that Israel would know “that I am the Lord your God and there is none else”.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” is the concluding thought of this chapter.  God first loved us, but He expects us to reciprocate that love, to devote our short existence to developing His character and demonstrating that to those around us.

 

Nehemiah 5-6, 1 Thessalonians 5

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Nehemiah is a great example of someone who consistently turned to God in prayer. When accused of rebellion against the king, Nehemiah turns to God, “But now, O God, strengthen my hands”. When troubled by the actions of enemies, Nehemiah prays to God, “Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did”. Nehemiah attributed the success of the wall-building to God, “this work had been accomplished with the help of our God”.

Paul offers advice that mirrors Nehemiah’s actions. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  Let us be children of light, making God part of our daily lives through prayer.

1 Thessalonians 1-2

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Paul’s message to the believers at Thessalonica was more than just words. It was Paul’s full conviction, and the type of person he proved to be, that convinced the believers to become imitators of Paul and of Christ.  They “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God”.

Paul’s message didn’t come with flattery or any attempt to deceive. He didn’t seek glory from people, but instead was “gentle… like a nursing mother taking care of her own children”, toiling night and day so as to not be a burden to the Thessalonians. Paul longed to be with the Thessalonians again, encouraged by the example of their faith and stand for the gospel.

Paul’s passion and care for those to whom he preached is a lesson for us. Our preaching should similarly be something we’re passionate about, the chance to share the life-saving news of the gospel.  Let us strive to show Christ to those around us, as the Thessalonians did.

Colossians 1

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Paul constantly prayed for the Colossian ecclesia, “that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks for the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.“

This prayer is full of encouragement and advice. The Colossians were commended for their love of the gospel, bearing fruit and increasing since the day they heard the gospel, and as such they’re a great example for us.  Let our prayers for each other reflect Paul’s prayer for the Colossians, that together we might all bear fruit and endure with joy, knowing that we’ve been offered a part of God’s eternal inheritance.