1 Peter 3:8-18
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. 11 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” w 13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” z 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. How are those who believe in Jesus supposed to behave? Are we to fight with those who wish us harm? Are we to attack? The short answer is, “no.” We are to treat people with love, kindness and so forth. But the lynch pin of this passage is that we are to be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have. I get asked a lot of questions. Sometimes the intentions behind the questions are good and sometimes I get asked questions are “gotcha” questions. They are intended to trap me or trick me into saying something that will incriminate Christianity. I’ll give an example, a question I get from time to time is related to all of the “contradictions” in the Bible. Most people who who make that accusation, if asked, can’t come up with a contradiction, but sometimes they might have an apparent contradiction in mind. Still, here is one, do Christians sin or not (Romans 3:23; 1 John 5:18)? Romans says we all have sinned and 1 John says Christians don’t “keep on sinning.” But, if you read the verses prior it is clear that the claim is not sinlessness, but that the follower of Christ is growing in righteousness and we are to pray with one another when we sin so that we will not continue in it. That is in the immediate context. How would we know that? By studying the word of God and being prepared to give an answer. We will never be omniscience, but we can study and be prepared to give an answer with kindness and that is what we should do. Spend some time praying, and don't forget to pray for those impacted by the hurricane in Florida.
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4Joshua 1:-11
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’ ” The story of Moses and subsequently Joshua are fantastic. As we open up to the first chapter of Joshua a transition is being made from the generation of Moses to the generation of Joshua. Moses and his generation would not see the promised land, but Joshua’s would. These people who had been in the wilderness for 40 years were getting ready to cross the river into the promised land, but it would not be easy. Moses had written what we now know as the Pentateuch or, as it is referred to in this text, the book of the law. That consists of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Notice the promise that goes with obedience to these first five books of the Bible. In order to obey what was written you have to know what was written; so, along with the promise and the command to obey it you have another exhortation in verse 8. Let it be on your lips, speak it, do it all the time. All of this is part of studying the Bible. Of course we now have the entire Bible, all 66 books. The principle remains. There is one more observation I want to bring to the fore. In verse 9 God reminds Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.” This reminder comes immediately after the command to keep the law and speak it day and night. Could it be that knowing and speaking God’s word gives us the courage we need in obedience? I think that is exactly the case! What are of your life do you think you are most likely to lack courage? What does the Bible say about that thing? Or, what does the Bible say about courage in general? Psalm 119:9-16
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12 Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. 13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. 15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. 16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. [1] Psalm 119 is an acrostic based on the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The first word of each line in each section starts with the Hebrew letter for that section. In so many ways it is a beautiful piece of poetry. Some attribute this Psalm to David, but the text doesn’t preserve who the author actually is, and it probably isn’t necessary to know. What is important is the one theme that runs throughout the entire Psalm. That theme is the word of God! Many terms are used, like commands, word, judgments, statutes, etc. All of those words reference the word of God. If you have time, don’t just read the verses I posted, read the entire thing. Here is what the prince of preachers Charles Spurgeon says about this Psalm, “The one theme of this Psalm is the word of the Lord. The Psalmist sets his subject in many lights, and treats of it in divers ways, but he seldom omits to mention the word of the Lord in each verse under some one or other of the many names by which he knows it; and even if the name be not there, the subject is still heartily pursued in every stanza.[2]” The question in verse 9 is so important, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity?” Perhaps that question shouldn’t be limited to young people. All people need to remain on the path of purity, but it is especially hard and important to young people. God’s word is valuable to teach, correct, and guide, among other things (see 2 Timothy 3:16). We see all of those things in this Psalm. What does it mean to “hide God’s word in your hearth?” Many will use this verse to suggest that we need to memorize God’s word, that is a reasonable conclusion, but it is really more than that. Memorizing God’s word allows us to take it with us in a way that simply reading it does not. However, there is s sense of internalizing it that must go along with memorization. If we memorize it we can meditate on it, recall it, and use it to minister and witness to others. Further, we are more able to be obedient to God, make right judgments about the world, and live in obedience to God. You can do it, memorize one verse this week. Write it down on a note card and put it somewhere where you will see it and read it. Do it as a family. Perhaps you will start with something really common like John 3:16 or maybe you will look at something like Isaiah 5:20. Pick a verse and memorize it, but do more than that and begin to allow it to change you. [1] The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ps 119:9–16. [2] Charles Haddon Spurgeon, The Golden Alphabet: A Devotional Commentary on Psalm 119 (WORDsearch, 2007), 12. Heb. 5
"11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." The pressures of life have a way of taking over our lives. Our employer or our business demands attention, hours, and commitment. Of course, our bills need to be paid, so we give it our time, attention, and commitment. If you are married your spouse demands attention, and rightly so. If you have kids, they have baseball practice, band practice, piano lessons, school, etc. If you are in school, you have to keep up with assignments and maybe you have a job or extra curricular activities as well. It’s easy to set aside reading and studying the Bible in order to keep up with everything else going on in your life. But is that the right decision? When we study God’s word we invest not just in this life and honoring God with this life, but in our eternal life. Our spiritual growth is not only good for eternity, it is good for our flourishing in this world. It gives us meaning a purpose in our daily lives as well. The question is, are we living on milk or are we growing so we can eat steak. There is nothing quite like a good steak dinner. So what does it take to eat steak? Read the text again, it gives you the answers. Be consistent, become acquainted with what the Bible teaches about righteousness, and training yourself to distinguish between what is good and what is not. Here is a video about 4 basic principles in studying the Bible!
Psalm 119 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. 107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word. 108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. 109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. 110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. 111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. 112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. What good is the word of God? Does it really deal with the issues we deal with day to day? Isn’t the Bible just a book of interesting ideas that really don’t have anything to do with the life we live today? The reality is that we are the ones who are limited in our sight and our understanding. Scripture is “God breathed.” That is to say the one who created all things, the one who designed everything, the one who is sovereign over everything is also the one who inspired Scripture. We, you and I, are the ones who are limited in our understanding, not God. If you have been camping in a context where there is no light, you probably understand the what darkness is. I’m not talking about a camp sight where there is some light, I am talking about camping where there is zero light. Where the sky is overcast and there is no residual light from the moon, but absolute and total darkness. In that context, even a little light gives us comfort and the ability to navigate our surroundings. God’s word is the light that disperses the darkness. God’s word is the light that allows us to step faithfully, to stay on the path, to avoid the pitfalls of wrongdoing. If this is the case, then our understanding of Scripture becomes essential. Is our mind on the things of this world (money, stability, comfort, etc.) or is it on the things of God? It is easy to focus on the things that meet immediate needs, but our eyes should be upon the things o eternal value. That is where God’s word is vital. So how do we study God’s word? Start with this, buy and learn to use a good study Bible. Here are a couple to consider: Eph. 2:19-22
“19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Growing up my home wasn’t always a pleasant place to be. There were more seasons of my childhood where I felt like my home was a place that even I didn’t belong. I was, in some ways, an outsider in the very place where I was supposed to feel like I belonged. Not having any blood brothers and sisters and being outnumbered by my stepbrothers certainly played a role in this feeling. That isn’t how home is supposed to feel. Perhaps, this is why I think the family of God combined with the metaphor of a household is so powerful. In this passage the foundation is the apostles and prophets, but Jesus remains the cornerstone. I believe the reference to apostles and prophets here is a reference to the Old Testament that prophesied about the cornerstone (Isaiah 28:16) and the apostles teaching about Jesus who was that cornerstone. The household of God which includes anyone who has put their faith in Jesus becomes the temple where God resides. Think of that, God’s presence among us! This is the beauty of being welcomed into the family, it is the place we belong, it is our home. We are never the outsider. In fact, this passage is about how gentiles were being welcomed into the family of God. It isn’t reserved for just the Jews. In fact, just a few verses earlier it says, this: “11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” I’m one of those gentiles being brought into the family of God, His household, being built up…that’s me. That’s probably you too. What a blessing to be included. What was your home life like growing up? Did you have amazing parents who demonstrated God’s love? Was your home life troublesome? What does it mean for you to be part of God’s family, His household, His dwelling place? Reflect on that privilege and spend some time expressing thanks to God. 1 Peter 2:4-8
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” I want you to reminisce for a moment. Do you remember when you put your faith in Jesus? Even if you don't remember a specific moment, maybe you remember a person who shared the gospel with you. Try to remember what it was like. If you haven't put your faith in Jesus, why not? Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith! What does that mean? This statement is even more important than saying Jesus is the foundation. The cornerstone is the first stone an ancient builder would put in the ground by which the rest of the foundation is arranged. The shape, size, and arrangement is the key to the rest of the building. This cornerstone will determine whether or not the building is level, square, and so on. It has to be perfect. While only Jesus is the cornerstone, those who have put their faith in Jesus are being built up into a spiritual house. In this passage, we are the material that is being used to build this spiritual house. It should not go unnoticed that the one that people rejected God chose and the ones that reject God's choice trip and fall over the one God chose. The wisdom of this world is foolishness. Christians must learn to identify and reject the wisdom of this world and embrace the wisdom of God, specifically the gospel itself. This is where spiritual disciplines come in to play. How do you know the wisdom of God without studying His word, seeking Him in prayer, and being in the community of God's people? The answer is you don't. Take some time and consider your relationship with Jesus. Are you growing? Is your life reflective of being chosen by God to being used to build a spiritual house? What might you need to adjust? 1 Cor. 3:10-15
10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. In the New Testament Jesus is often referred to as the foundation or cornerstone as Paul does in this passage, but the foundation is not the entire building. That becomes abundantly clear. While Paul laid the foundation, the foundation itself is Jesus and the gospel. But the reference to “someone else” building on the foundation which Paul laid is a reference to Apollos. People, in this case Apollos, build on top of the foundation of Christ. But we are all building on top of the foundation of Jesus Christ, the question is what we are building and what kind of materials are we using. Our work will be tested by fire and the kind of work we do as an outflow of our faith will be revealed. The followers of Christ bare a responsibility for what is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. What is being built? The church. This is done both on an individual level and a corporate level. Paul laid the foundation, but Apollos was building on that foundation. As we move forward in our series, “A Firm Foundation,” we will discover that spiritual disciplines play a big role in building the church. Some spiritual disciplines are individual, and some are corporate. That means each one of us plays a role and the work each one of us do will be tested with fire in the end. What are some spiritual disciplines that you struggle with? Are they something you do individually or corporately? Galatians 5:16-26
“16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” This rather well known and oft quoted passage contrasts what it means to live according to the Spirit to what it means to live according to the flesh. In the flesh, we have all kinds of desires that run contrary to what it means to live according to or be obedient to the Spirit. In verse 22 it lists the fruit of Spirit, one of those fruit is “self-control.” While this word isn’t the same as discipline, it is a synonym. Socrates considered this to be one of the chief virtues. Aristotle believed that a person who had this kind of self-control (ἐγκράτεια) often had strong desires but was able to suppress those desires. Further the stoics believed that this kind of sel-control actually led to freedom.[1] Jocko Willink the former Navy Seal wrote a book titled Discipline Equals Freedom. In it he says this, “So often, the easy path calls us: To be weak for that moment. To break down another time. To give in to desire and short-term gratification. Discipline will not allow that. Discipline calls for strength and fortitude and WILL. It won’t accept weakness. It won’t tolerate a breakdown in will.”[2] While Jocko’s book appeals to the strength of the human will, Paul in Galatians appeals to the power of the Holy Spirit and our willingness to cooperate with the spirit by walking by the Spirit. Take some time and pray for the Spirit’s work in your life and that you would cooperate with the Spirit. Self-control is a spiritual discipline. In what ways do you need to exercise this in your life? Pray that God would give you the strength to do it and then write down a plan to make it happen. Keep your plan modest, take a baby step. [1] H. Baltensweiler, “Discipline, Prudence, Immorality, Prostitute,” ed. Lothar Coenen, Erich Beyreuther, and Hans Bietenhard, New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986), 494. [2] Willink, Jocko. Discipline Equals Freedom (p. 27). St. Martin's Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Week 1, Day 1
1 Cor. 9:24 "24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." Have you ever trained for an event like a race or a game? What was that experience like? Many of the coaches I have had over the years have attempted to make practice harder than the performance. The idea is that the actual performance will feel easy if the practices are harder. That approach might not work in all situations, but there is a certain element of truth in it. I am not suggesting that our time with Jesus should be viewed as hard or difficult all the time, but sometimes it might be. Taking time to have devotions can be hard and arduous sometimes. We might feel like skipping a day or two, but don't. Just as we train our bodies for a race we should train our minds and our spirits to strive for the race set before us. This means doing hard things and difficult things. Take a few minutes and write down some of the things that get in the way of spending time with God daily and then develop a plan to deal with such things. |
AuthorPastor John is writing these devotionals to go along with the sermon series "A Firm Foundation." ArchivesCategories |
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