Romans 5:12-7:6 God's grace is abundantly more!

The consequences of Adam's fall into sin are death for all.

The consequences of Christ's obedience or act of righteousness is justification that brings life for all people.  Many will be made righteous.  

The one is the consequence coming to all.  The latter is the choice taken by some.  Again, we need to recognise the free gift of God's abundant grace.

The four 'reigns' in this passage (5:12-21) are:

Death reigned (5:14)

Reigning in life through Jesus of those who receive God's abundant provision of grace (5:17)

Sin reigned in death (5:21)

Grace reigned through righteousness (5:21)  

Two operate for all people, but the other two are there available as a free gift to those who would choose them.

We are dead to sin & alive to Christ.  We are united with Jesus Christ.

Enjoy & express this position in Christ so as to have a life of victory over sin - 

Count yourselves dead to sin (v11)

Count yourselves alive to God in Christ Jesus (v11)

Do not let sin reign in your mortal body by obeying its evil desires

Do not offer the parts of your body to sin

Rather, offer yourselves to God

Offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness!

6:15-23  2 masters are contrasted:

Sin & God

Sin leads you to death

Obedience leads you to righteousness which leads you to holiness, which ultimately leads you to eternal life.  

Obviously, therefore, we should not continue to sin in any way shape or form!

We have died to the law through Jesus' death on the cross.  Our new husband is Christ - we are united with Him now and so the fruit of this new union is righteousness and living by the Spirit.  

Romans 2:17-3:31 The Gospel for Jews & Gentiles

2:17-20 Privileges on which Jews would self-congratulate themselves

Called a Jew
Reliant on the law

Bragging about their relationship with God

Knowing God’s will

Approving of what is superior because they are instructed by the law

Convinced they are a guide to the blind

Convinced they are a light to the dark
Convinced they are an instructor of the foolish

Convinced they are a teacher of infants
Convinced they have in the law the embodiment of knowledge & truth

Substituting the words ‘Jew’ for ‘Christian’ & ‘Law’ for ‘Word’, shows the danger we potentially face of seeing ourselves in a privileged position whilst snubbing others.

2:25-29 

Jews rested on circumcision as the seal of God’s covenant with them – Paul demonstrates that you need to observe the law – it is not just simply the matters of the outward and physical, but rather the inward heart condition, which he describes as circumcision of the heart. 

As Christians, it’s not just the outward that matters to God, but also the inward – God looks at what we are like on the inside & judges us according to that – not on the ‘bits’ others can see.

4 Objections to the Gospel & their answers:

v1 – There is no value in being a Jew or being circumcised

v2 – Not so – there is much value in every way!  They have been entrusted with the very words of God!

v3 – What about those who did not have faith?  Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?

v4 – Not at all!  God is true and every man a liar, which means God will be proved right when He speaks and prevail when He judges. 

v5 – But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what about that?  Doesn’t that mean God is unjust in bringing His wrath on us?

v6 – Not at all.  If that was so, then how could God judge the world?! 

v7 – If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness & so increases His glory, why are we still condemned as sinners?  Shouldn’t we do more evil so good will result? 
v8 – The people who say this deserve their condemnation. 

Throughout, Paul uses the OT Scriptures to back up his argument, he clings to God’s righteousness and justice and strenuously repudiates those who see God’s grace as license to live lawless lives.

3v10-18 

Paul speaks of the general trend of human life (v10-12) – There is no-one who is righteous, not even one.  There is no-one who understands, no-one who seeks God, because ALL have turned away from Him.  There is no-one who does good.

He speaks of their speech (v13-14) – saying their throats are open graves, tongues are deceitful and their lips are the poison of vipers, mouths that are full of cursing and bitterness. 

He speaks of their conduct and inner attitude towards God (v15-18)  - they are swift to shed blood, ruin and misery mark their ways, the way of peace they don’t know, they have no fear of God at all.

We see from the early chapters of Romans that Paul is entirely justified in saying that “every mouth may be silenced (before God) and the whole world held accountable to God”. 

It is impossible for anyone by their own efforts or merits to win favour before God, escaping condemnation at the bar of God’s judgment.

3:21-26  The Righteousness of God:

It is from God

It is apart from the law

It has been made known

The Law and the Prophets testify to it

It comes through faith in Jesus Christ

It comes to all who believe

There is no difference in anyone – all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory
All are justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus

God presented Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in His blood

He did this to demonstrate His justice

In His forbearance, he had left the sins committed before the cross unpunished

He did this to demonstrate His justice at the current time (of Paul’s writing)

He therefore was both just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus

The two inferences that follow are:

v27-28  There are no grounds for boasting – it is excluded.  Not on the grounds of observing the law, but on that of faith.  We maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 

v29-30  Is God the God of the Jews only?  Isn’t He God of the Gentiles too?  Yes – He is God of both – there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 

It is because of Jesus that we are in Christ Jesus, who has become our righteousness, holiness and redemption.  Therefore, our only boast is in the Lord!  (1 Cor 1:29-31)  There is now no division – we are all one in Christ Jesus!  (Galatians 3:28) 

Paul’s answer to those who would therefore argue that the Gospel nullifies the law is “Not at all!  Rather we uphold the law!”

Romans 1:1-2:16 The gospel & our response

Paul describes himself as a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, a recipient of grace and apostleship to call people from among the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.

He also says he serves God with all his heart in preaching the gospel of Jesus, he prays for the believers in Rome and longs to see them to impart a spiritual gift and mutually encourage each other.  He is bound to the Greeks and non-Greeks, not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God.

We are those entrusted with the gospel of God, and so he is compelled to preach the gospel.  When we preach the gospel, we are simply discharging the trust given to us.

Paul teaches that the gospel is God's - He promised it before through His prophets in the Scriptures, regarding His Son.  Paul preaches it and is unashamed of it, because it is the power of God for everyone who believes - first the Jew, then the Gentile.  In it, a righteousness from God is revealed - by faith from first to last.

Paul's argument is that the sin of humans is deliberate, because what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain.

They deliberately choose to not glorify Him or give thanks to Him.  Since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities - His eternal power & divine nature have been clearly seen and understood from creation, so we are without excuse.

The sin of humans is spiritual - a deliberate throwing off of God's rule, mental - it is about our thinking and affects our hearts, moral - it means that they do things that are unnatural and don't serve God, and therefore the physical effects will come upon them.

God's wrath is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of humans who suppress the truth by their wickedness.  v24 shows that God gives them over to their sinful desires, v26 God gives them over to shameful lusts, v28 God gives them over to a depraved mind.

God promises there will be judgment for the sins of the world.

Four things said about God's judgment (2:1-16)

It is based on truth (v2)
God will give to each person according to what they have done (v6)
God does not show favouritism (v11)
The day is coming when God will judge people's secrets through Jesus, as the gospel declares (v16)

God's judgment is just and very real - it is coming one day to all.

2v7-10

We will be judged according to the way we live.  Do we seek glory, honour & immortality (for God)?  We will receive eternal life.  Are we self-seeking, rejecting the truth and following evil?  There will be wrath and anger, trouble & distress.

The day of wrath is delayed so that we may be judged through Jesus Christ -

"Because the sinless Saviour died

For God the just is satisfied

My sinful soul is counted free.

To look on Him and pardon me."

Proverbs 28-31 Upright living before the Lord

Keep the law - 28:2 - a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order, 28:4 - those who keep the law resist the wicked, 28:7 - He who keeps the law is a discerning son, 28:9 if you turn a deaf ear to the law, you prayers are detestable
Keep a right attitude to the poor -   28:22 - Don't be stingy, 28:27 Give to the poor & you will lack nothing, 29:7 - The righteous care about justice for the poor, 29:13 - The Lord gives sight to the eyrs of the poor & the oppressor

Ch 30:11-14

Those who have no respect for their parents
Those who are pure in their own eyes - not cleansed of their filth
Those with haughty eyes
Those who are of malicious intent devouring the poor and needy

Four lessons from v24-28

Ants - work hard ahead of time
Conies - make their home in tough places
Locust - no king, but work together
Lizards - small, but can get into royal places

Ch 31

v1-9
3 Virtues:

Be temperate
Be generous
Be just and fair

v10-31  The ideal wife

Noble character
Trustworthy
Hardworking
Multi-talented
Early-riser
Provider
Business-minded
Caring
Respected husband
Strong
Dignified
Wise
Fears the Lord

Proverbs 24-27 How to live a godly life

24:11-12  The missionary call is heard to take the gospel to those being led away to death, those heading to slaughter knowing nothing of the gospel.  It therefore leads us to the responsibility of sharing the gospel to those who have never heard.

The challenge of neighbourly love comes in behaving towards those around us as Christ would - to love our neighbours as ourselves.

The wise man learned from the sluggard not to sit back and do nothing, but rather to be proactive, working hard to achieve all that needs doing.

Jesus takes the teaching of Prov 25:6-7 and adapts it into one of His own parables.

25:8-28 show the importance of words for good or evil.
They can be used for betraying confidences, or for speaking aptly.  They can be a good rebuke or a refreshing word.  They can be gently used to 'break a bone' or be false testimony that causes harm like a club or a sword, they can bring angry looks or cause difficulty in a marriage.  Be careful!

26:1-12  Don't be a fool -

Because honour is not fitting for you
Because it is foolish behaviour!
Because you won't know how to handle a proverb

For Jesus, the fools are those who hear God's words and don't put them into practice.

Wrong speech exposed  (26:18-27:2)

Joking that can't be serious
Gossip and quarreling
Fervent lips of an evil heart (hypocrisy)
Lying
Boasting about the future
Praise of oneself

Wisdom for living  (27:5-22)

Open rebuke is better than hidden love
Earnest counsel is good from a friend
Loyalty as a friend is good
Sharpen each other as friends
Look after your master

The Reward of Dilligence  (27:23-27)

You will receive reward in due season - you won't be chasing fantasies. (28:19)  Keep your spiritual fervour - be diligent for God.

Proverbs 19-23 The importance of godliness

Our love must be unfailing and utterly faithful.

The Lord is present and so we allow our lives to be shaped by Him.  We fear Him and this brings life.  We remember that He has made us exactly as we are.

Principles for wise living that stand out: 

* Avoid those who talk too much

* Wait for God's deliverance, rather than paying back vengeance yourself

* God knows our inmost being

* Things may seem right on the outside, but only God knows & judges the heart

* It's not good to live with a quarrelsome wife

* Everyone has this in common - God made them

* Humility & fear of the Lord are the most desirable characteristics

* Discipline will drive a child away from folly

20:17-25  Different Kinds of Action that Ought to be Avoided

Fraud

Gossip

Cursing your parents

Paying back vengeance rather than waiting for God's deliverance

Dishonesty

Dedicating something rashly without thinking about it

20:24 shows God's Sovereignty in all things.  20:27  shows our responsibility to Him.  We hold these two in careful balance, remembering ultimately, God is Sovereign, although He gives us responsibility to look after ourselves and make our own choices.  

22:17-21  The steps involved in a full reception of God's Word

Pay attention

Listen

Apply

Keep them in your heart

Have all of them ready on your lips

Use them as your answers

The marks of a wise son (23:15)  

Avoiding envying sinners, joining those who drink too much wine or gorging too much on meat, selling the truth, 

Ensuring he is zealous for the fear of the Lord, listening to his father and mother, buying the truth, getting wisdom, discipline and understanding

23:29-35  The Effects of Too Much Indulgence in Wine

Woe, sorrow, strife, complaints, needless bruises, bloodshot eyes, having been 'bitten by a 'snake', poisoned by a 'viper', seeing strange things, imagining confusing things', behaving strangely.  

Proverbs 14:22-18 More wisdom

The beneficent effects of right words:
They turn away wrath, commend knowledge, bring healing and are a tree of life and spread knowledge.

If we fear the Lord, we have a secure fortress, as fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.  His eyes are everywhere, He detests the sacrifice of the wicked and the way of the wicked, death & destruction lie before Him, and it is better for us to have only a little but fear the Lord.

The four things that make satisfaction (15:13-17):

A happy and discerning heart that seeks knowledge
A cheerful heart
Fear of the Lord
Love

15:24-33  'The sanity of religion'

Following Jesus is a path of life, THE path of life.  If we fear the Lord, He teaches us wisdom and humility comes before honour.

16:27-30  The different kinds of evil carried out by evil men:

Evil plotting
Dissension & gossip
Violence
Corruption
Impatience and temper

Sins condemned in Ch 17:

Wicked men & evil lips
Liars & malicious tongues
Mocking the poor
Gloating over disaster
Repeating offences to others
Rebellion
Lack of mercy
Paying back evil for good
Starting a quarrel
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent
Loving a quarrel
Accepting a bribe
Punishing the innocent

Ch 18
Watch the 'door of your lips' as they can prove your undoing and a snare.  Listen before speaking.

Remember the Lord is a fortress and a strong tower.  We can run in to it and are safe.

Proverbs 10-14:21 Thriving as the righteous

10:2-6  Four conditions of well-being in circumstances, mind & character

Righteousness delivers from death
The Lord doesn't let the righteous go hungry
Diligent hands bring wealth
Blessings crown the head of the righteous

In light of James 3:10, our speech ought to be a fountain of life, loving, few in number, choice silver, nourishing others...

Integrity will bring about well-being in the day of wrath.

Dishonesty is an abomination to the Lord.  People of a perverse heart are detested by God.

5 principles for use of money (11:24-28)

Give freely
Be generous
Don't hoard
Be willing to sell
Don't trust in your riches

Consider the outcome of their way of life (Heb 13:7)  The righteous will end up in a place of benefit and blessing, the unrighteous will come to destruction.

As wise people, we will be ready to hear and heed God's Word, we will love others and live accordingly.

Proverbs 6-9 Wisdom's character and behaviour

Ch 6-7
6v1-5  Warnings against foolish financial pledges & commitments
v6-11  Warning against laziness
v12-15  Warning against scoundrels
v16-19  Warnings about the things God hates
v20-35  Warnings against adultery

7v1-27  Warnings about the adulteress

In my life, am I haughty?  Truthful?  Murderous?  A wicked schemer?   Quick to rush into evil?  A false witness?  A stirrer of dissension?

Wisdom is alluring and beautiful - it calls out to all of us and delivers its promise, not what the adulteress does.  She calls out, promising much and only delivering pain and destruction.

Ch 8

Wisdom was brought forth by God as the first of His works.  It was appointed from eternity.  It was part of God's creation of the world and was the craftsman at God's side.  It rejoiced in the world and delighted in mankind.  Wisdom foreshadows Christ and His relationship with the Father and His involvement in the world.

Christ offers to those who follow Him life everlasting - favour from God in abundance.

Wisdom and folly contrast significantly.  One is loud, the other quiet.  Both invite us to enjoy them.  I must flee from the behaviours of the mocker and scoffer and seek the quietness and thoughtfulness of the wise.

Proverbs 1-5 The beginning of knowledge

Proverbs 1

The book is designed to help attain wisdom & discipline, to give us words of insight, to help acquire a disciplined & prudent life, to do what is right & just, to bring knowledge & discretion, to help us on the road to knowledge.

We can begin right by fearing the Lord - this is the beginning of knowledge.
If we despise wisdom and discipline, we are on the road to folly.

v11-14  Attractions of the enticing talk:
The opportunity to swallow someone else whole
To get their valuable things & plunder them
To share the common purse

v20-32  The essence of the deplored outlook:

Simple ways, mockery and rejection of knowledge.  We are called to love knowledge, wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 2-3

In attaining wisdom, accept the words and store up the commands, turn your ear to wisdom, apply your heart to understanding.  Call out and cry out for understanding - look and search for it.  God gives wisdom and it will come to you if you ask.  It will save you.  It brings blessings and is more profitable than silver and better returns than gold, it brings more preciousness than rubies.  It was by wisdom that God laid the earth's foundations.  The wise inherit honour.

God disciplines those He loves - so we must remember that and not despise His teaching of us.  He does it for our good.

Proverbs 4-5

Look after your heart, desire wisdom and flee from adultery.

4v23-27
Heart - guard it
Lips - keep them free of perversity & corruption
Eyes - look straight ahead
Feet - walk on level paths

Otherwise, you will walk in darkness, giving your best strength to others, and come to disappointment at the end of your life.  Only God sees what you are really like - live to please Him alone.

Galatians 4:8-6:18 Know & are known

Christian freedom is what we are made for - we are to enjoy it!  We have been released from being slaves to those who are not gods.

Paul clearly demonstrates his pastoral concern and worries - he pleads with them & argues his case clearly.  Paul uses Genesis 16 as allegory, using Hagar as the enslaving one, whilst Sarah is the free one.  He reminds of the joy of freedom and also the danger of the law, by using Isaiah 54:1 & Gen 21:10-12

5:2-12  The four results of taking the way of the law:
Christ will be of no value to you
You are required to obey the whole law
You are alienated from Christ
You have fallen away from grace

v13-15  The Christian should use their freedom not to indulge the sinful nature, but to serve one another in love.

v16-24  The flesh and the Spirit are at war.  The Christian should be living to produce the fruit of the Spirit.  We belong to Christ and so seek to keep in step with the Spirit.

Living by the Spirit affects our social relationships, such that we want to live for others.
Don't be conceited, provoking or envying others.  Restore others gently.  Carry others' burdens.  Test your own actions.  Carry your own load.  Don't become weary in doing good.  Do good to all people, especially the family of believers.

The core of Christianity is simply boasting in the cross of Jesus - we must die to all.

Galatians 2-4:7 Not slaves - but sons & heirs!

Ch 2 - Paul talks of his visit to Jerusalem because of what happened with Titus - he was a Greek, but did not see the need to be circumcised.  Paul's motives for his opposition to Peter was because he was clearly in the wrong.  Paul was concerned that Peter was forcing Gentiles to follow Jewish customs.  Paul wanted to ensure that we know a person is justified by faith in Jesus ALONE.  We are crucified with Christ and we no longer live - only Jesus lives in us, and the life we live, we live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for us.

In Ch 2, we need to remember to keep controversy private, to not be afraid to stand up for the truth, but to do it clearly and fairly.  Ultimately, we are about living for Christ alone.

Ch 3 -

v1-5  Justification comes by faith in Christ - remember the way you were saved.
v6-9  For Abraham, he believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.
v10-14  Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.
v15-18  The promise was given long before the law itself.

We are saved by faith in Christ, not works of the law!

God gave His law, but this also depended on a promise.  Christ has kept the promise, but not set aside the original covenant either.

The law is there to help the promises of God - it is there so that what was promised may be given through faith in Jesus.

The privileges & position of a Christian (3:25-4:7)

No longer under the law's supervision
Sons of God
Faith in Jesus
Baptised into Christ
Clothed with Him
All one in Him - no discrimination
Heirs of Abraham's promise
Full rights of sons
Given the Spirit
No longer slaves
Sons
Heirs

Joshua 24 & Galatians 1 Changed life & entire devotion

Joshua chose to address the people and renew the covenant at Shechem - this was where the Lord had appeared to Abram, where Jacob went after meeting Esau again after their breakdown of the relationship.  Shechem was a place of significance, so Joshua used it specifically as the choice of where to renew the covenant.

Joshua sought to make it as significant an event as possible by calling all the people together, telling them they must serve the Lord and make a choice to serve Him alone, reminding them how solemn a thing it is to serve God, reminding them of their promises, urging them to throw away their foreign Gods and yield to serve God, and then making a covenant to serve God and obey Him.

Throughout the chapter, Joshua is aware of how serious it is to follow God and make promises to do so.  He knows they have and will repeatedly fail God, as Hosea 6:4 reminds us.

The book of Joshua reminds us of the faithfulness and goodness of God, despite the Israelites' repeated failings, He continues to be a good God keeping His promises and repeatedly showing His goodness.

Galatians 1

v1-10  Paul says he was sent by Jesus & the Father, who gives grace & peace and gave Himself for our sins to rescue us and to whom is glory for ever and ever.  He is the God who gives grace and whom we serve and try to please.  He is the God who has revealed Himself and who called Paul, set him apart and used him to reveal Jesus to the Gentiles.

Paul is clear that he was a sinner and from a Jewish background, but his life was completely changed having been called by God's grace.  The gospel he proclaims is one that is entirely of grace, revealed by the revelation of God.

v11-24  Paul explicitly states that the gospel he received was from direct revelation from Jesus.  His testimony illustrates the changed life that the gospel brings.  It results in the praise of God - we need to remember that Jesus entirely changes our lives, entirely of grace.

Joshua 20-23 The God who keeps His promises

Cities of refuge were a means of grace from God, for those who accidentally killed others, so that justice did not have to fall upon them - there was a means of escape.

In ch 22, Joshua is able to praise the conduct of the tribes for following God's orders - being strong & very courageous.  They have been obedient to God.

The sin of Peor (cf Numbers 25:1-9) is one of sexual immorality that led to idolatry.  It is given as a reminder and a warning of our need to solely commit to God and His ways.

Ch 23:1-13  Joshua is speaking to the leaders.  He reminds them that God will drive the enemies out of the way - as is His promise, but there is a need for them to follow closely to God's commands.

God's faithfulness is shown in His keeping of promises - not one promise has failed.  God has helped - leading in the past, and promising for the future.

Joshua 13-19 The Caleb attitude - there's still work to do!

God spells out to Joshua there are still large areas of territory to be taken & then expands on this in the next few verses.

The Levites are not given any share of the land, but only towns to live in with pasture-lands for their flocks & herds.  Caleb however still has land to possess and God gives him the strength and vision to do so.

The attitudes of the people of Joseph were lazy.  They saw that God had blessed, but thought that meant they had a right to possession, rather than seeing their need to work.

Joshua was seeking to correct laziness amongst the people - there was work to do & tasks to be involved in.

God has promised blessing, but there is work to do - there is no excuse at all for laziness.  We must get on and do the tasks He has given for us.

Joshua 9-12 "Do not be afraid..."

Joshua 9

The Gibeonite deception happened because of opposition to God, distancing from Him from His people and ultimately, disobedience from Joshua and the leaders.  They should have prayed, but did not.
The Jewish leaders kept to their side of the bargain & offered grace, as they allowed the Gibeonites into the community through a means of grace.

Joshua 10

Joshua & the Israelites had learned the importance of prayer & obedience to God.  Now, they were willing to obey.

We are reminded of the importance of keeping our promises, keeping close to God and doing His will - this includes living in a way that pleases Him and obeys Him.

Joshua 11

Joshua's final victory was because of obedience.  Joshua dealt thoroughly and brutally with sin - He did not tolerate even the slightest bit of disobedience to God.

Joshua 12

The battles God calls us to are ongoing & until Jesus returns, are never finished.  We must continue to fight all that opposes who God is and disrupts His glory.

Josh 5-8 Devotion & destruction

Before the conquest of Jericho, the Jews first circumcise themselves.  They do this to consecrate themselves to God.  For Joshua, it was a fresh start, reminding him he was the leader and God was with him.  For us, we need to remember our need for holiness and obedience to do God's tasks.

The conditions for Jericho to fall were obedience and faith (cf Heb 11:30).  Do I have those?

Rahab is protected as a woman of faith - she didn't see the whole picture, but she believed and joined in God's plan.

The sin of Achan is not trusting God.  Coveting, taking, hiding, and then in the process 'lying'.  God found out, as He always does.

To rectify the situation, the sin had to be dealt with.  Punishment was severe to show to others sin is serious.  We ought always view sin with the most serious perspective, because ultimately, it took Jesus to the cross.

For victory to happen, the people of God must be obedient to Him in everything.  Dedication and surrender is part of the Christian life - it shows we are serious in our relationship with God.

Joshua 1-4 Moses dead, now you, get ready...

Joshua 1 ties in with Deut 31:7-8

God's promises to Joshua:
I will give you & the people the land
I will give you everywhere you set your foot (as promised to Moses)
No-one will be able to stand up against you all your life
I will be with you (as I was with Moses)
I will never leave you nor forsake you
Be strong, courageous, careful & you will be successful wherever you go

Joshua is portrayed as God's chosen leader - the one who is to lead God's people into the next phase of their journey.

Remember God is with us wherever we go.  He asks us to take bold steps, but to go with Him, rather than away from Him or ahead of Him.  He is with us.

Joshua 2

Rahab trusted God & saw His power, joining in the life of faith lived out by the spies.  She believed God was Sovereign and in control, capable of anything.

The scarlet thread is a suggestion of the preciousness of blood in being able to save.  It is an important parallel.

Joshua 3 & 4

Camping before crossing
Consecration
Listening to God's words
Crossing
Dry land

Choosing 12 men to take the stones

Building the memorial

Camping at Gilgal

This is a reminder that it is one step at a time with God - there are tasks to do and things to accomplish to remember God is working.  

From the grumbling and rebellion of Numbers 14:1-10, the group has moved quite significantly back to a place where they recognise God's work and role and are thankful to Him.  We need to ensure we are in the grateful and thankful, rather than the grumbling and rebelling group.

2 Thessalonians 1-3 The Certainties of God

Ch 1

v5-12  The prospects which will see fulfillment in Christ which should comfort are:
God's judgment will be just and right.  He will pay trouble to those who trouble, but give relief to those who have been troubling.  He will punish with everlasting destruction those who do not obey the gospel of the Lord Jesus.
He will bring to glory those who have believed.

Paul prays for his brothers that their faith would continue to grow, as they persevere and face trials.  As a Christian, I ought to pray for perseverance and endurance in the midst of suffering and trial.

Ch 2

Don't become easily unsettled or alarmed about the return of Jesus or speculation about it.  Don't be deceived.  Remember what Paul taught when he was with them earlier.

Satan is a deceiver.  He is lawless, and doomed to destruction.  He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is God.  He will set himself up in God's territory.  He is under God's control and will be overthrown by the breath of Jesus' mouth and destroyed by Jesus' splendour.  His work will be displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders and in all sorts of evil.

Ch 3

2:13-15  God's initiative in salvation - Loved by God, chosen from the beginning, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, through belief in the truth.  Called you to share in the glory of Jesus.

Paul's prayers:

May God encourage your hearts & strengthen you in every good word and deed
Pray for us that the message may spread rapidly & be honoured
Pray for deliverence from wicked & evil men
May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance
May the God of peace give you peace at all times in every way

3:6-13  Daily work & tasks are a vital part of the Christian's life.  They have relevance and importance - we need to be involved in work and avoid becoming a nuisance to others.

1 Thessalonians 3-5 Increase your love

1 Thessalonians 3

Paul's love & concern for the Thessalonians is demonstrated in sending Timothy to strengthen & encourage them.  This example is a reminder of our need to pray for the strengthening & encouragement in their faith of other believers.

Suffering for Christ is to be expected - "we kept telling you that we would be persecuted"  (v4).  In the world we will have trouble & all those living a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.  We must remember that it is the norm.  We must also remember 1 Peter 5:8-9, that the devil is after those whom he may devour.  We need to face persecution looking to Jesus, clinging to Him.

Love & sanctification are inextricably linked.  God increases our love for each other and in the process, He makes us more like Himself.  Increasing our love for others is part of being made more holy.

1 Thessalonians 4

v1-12  The aims & aspects of Christian living:

Live in order to please God
Do this more & more
Be sanctified - avoid sexual immorality, control your body, be holy
Love each other - do so more & more
Lead a quiet life, mind your own business, work with your hands

We should do all this because God has called us to live this way & because our lives can win the respect of others (and ultimately, win them for Christ).

v13-18  We don't need to be unaware of what happens to those who die, nor do we need to grieve like unbelievers either.  We have a hope.

Jesus died & rose again so that those of us who have died in Him will be brought with Him when He returns.  God will come with those who are dead in Christ, and then those who are left who believe in Him will meet Him in the air & we will be with Him forever.  God keeps His promises and as a result of this, we can be sure in this wonderful hope.

1 Thessalonians 5

v1-11 The Day of the Lord will divide the world - those who belong to the day and those who belong to the night.  We will either suffer wrath or receive salvation.

The Lord's return should affect our behaviour - we are children of the light, waiting for Jesus to return.  We should be alert, self-controlled, encouraging each other & building eaach other up.  Work hard, live in peace, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone, be kind to each other & everyone else, be always joyful, pray continually, give thanks in everything, don't put out the Spirit's fire, test everything, hold on to the good, avoid all evil.

Psalm 28 & 29 The God who answers & thunders, 1 Thessalonians 1 & 2

Psalm 28 - When David's prayer is answered, he responds by praising God & reminding himself of who God is.

Psalm 29 - God in the thunder.

God has glory & strength.  His voice is over all the waters.  His voice thunders.  His voice is powerful.  His voice is majestic.  His voice breaks cedars.  His voice comes with lightning.  His voice shakes the desert.  His voice twists the oaks.

1 Thessalonians 1

The Thessalonians became Christians b/c they were chosen by God, and then the gospel came - with words, power & the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.  They saw lives lived out for the gospel, imitating the Lord, in spite of severe suffering.

The outstanding features of the Christian life & character of the converts:

Work produced by faith
Labour prompted by love
Endurance inspired by hope

Imitation of other believers & the Lord
Welcoming the message with joy (in spite of severe suffering)
Becoming a model to all the believers elsewhere
Their faith in God became known everywhere
Turned from idols to God, waiting for Jesus

The Holy Spirit came in the gospel proclamation, bringing joy with the message.

1 Thessalonians 2

v1-12, 17-20  Characteristics of a faithful Christian worker

Daring
Facing opposition
Truthfulness
Pure motives
Approved by God
Entrusted with the gospel
Pleasing God, not men
Not using flattery or greed
Looking for praise from God alone
Gentleness
Care
Love
Delight in sharing the gospel & their lives
Toil
Hardship
Holiness
Righteousness
Blamelessness
Encouraging
Comforting
Urging
Desire to serve
Glory in God alone

v13-16  The place of the word of God in the work of the gospel

The word was given, heard, accepted, at work...

Psalm 25-27 "You are good, O Lord"

Psalm 25

The main petitions:

Don't let me be put to shame

Don't let my enemies triumph over me

Show me your ways

Teach me your paths

Guide me in your truth

Teach me

Remember your love & mercy

Remember not the sins of my youth

Turn to me & be gracious

Look on my affliction & take away my sins

Guard my life

Rescue me

Redeem Israel from all their troubles!

The Psalmist reminds us of the depth of his troubles and the goodness of God.  

25:6-15  

God is merciful and loving (from of old)

God is good

God is upright and good

He instructs sinners in His ways

He guides the humble

He teaches them His way

All the ways of God are loving and faithful

He is a forgiving God

The Psalm is a reminder of the goodness of God even in the bleakest of circumstances.

Psalm 26

David reflects on his life and says that God's love is ever before him.  He recognises the good things and knows that God has redeemed him.  As a result, he is sure he will praise God in the great assembly.

David knows that God in His graciousness has heard him and will respond as He has promised.

Psalm 27

David knows that God is his light and salvation - he has noone to fear.  His one desire is to serve and seek God.  Our desire must be similar - to serve and seek God, to please Him alone.

David's 7 petitions are:

Hear my voice

Be merciful to me & answer me

Do not hide your face from me

Do not turn your servant away in anger

Do not reject me or forsake me

Teach me your way

Do not hand me over to the desire of my foes

David remembers God is the Lord.  He sees himself as His servant, submitting and serving Him.

Psalm 22-24 God of all the nations

Psalm 22
The suffering is made worse by not having an answer from God.  The contrast with God's previous help stands marked to His not responding here.  The Psalm accurately pictures the sufferings of Jesus.
In this Psalm, the faith of the man is rested in the goodness of God and the certainties of His character.

As a result of the sufferings of v1-21, the Lord's name will be declared and all the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord.  He rules over the nations, and all will worship before Him.  Future generations will be told about the Lord and they will proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn.

The reaction of the people to the deliverance of the sufferer:

Praise & declaration
Revering Him
Remembering Him & turning to the Lord
Telling others about Him
Proclaiming His righteousness

Are these my own reactions to Christ's suffering?

Psalm 23

Because the Lord is David's Shepherd, He knows that God is with him in the present and in the future - he has no cares about either.

Psalm 24

The Lord owns everything - the earth, the world, all who live in it - because He founded it and established it.

His hill and holy place are only for those who are clean, pure and not idolatrous or untruthful.  He is the King of glory - strong and mighty, mighty in battle - the LORD Almighty.

Psalm 18:31-21:9 The generous, giving & gracious God

All that God did for David:
He is the Rock
Arms David with strength
Makes his way perfect
Makes his feet like those of a deer
Enables him to stand on the heights
Trains his hands for battle
Gives him His shield of victory
Sustains him with His right hand
Stoops to make him great
Broadens the path beneath him
Armed him with strength for battle
Made adversaries bow at his feet
Made enemies turn their backs in flight
Destroyed his foes
Delivered him from the attacks of the people
Made him head of the nations
Avenges him
Subdues nations under him
Saves him from his enemies
Exalted him above his foes
Gives His King great victories
Shows unfailing kindness to His anointed

He will show similar goodness and kindness to those to whom He extends His grace.

The Psalm clearly is Messianic and points forwards to Jesus.  It reminds us of the victory that Christ has won.

Psalm 19

God revealed in creation (v1-6)

God's glory is declared in the heavens
His hands' work is proclaimed in the skies
Day after day they speak loads!
Night after night they display knowledge
Their voice can be heard everywhere
The sun is like a bridegroom placed by God to come out, like a champion running his course - it rises and covers all the earth

The revelation in God's Word (v7-14)

It is perfect
Trustworthy
Right
Radiant
Pure
Sure
Precious
Sweet
A warning

Psalms 20-21

Ps 20 is about the King and his people trusting in God, knowing He will prevail.  We can similarly trust in God, knowing He will prevail.

Psalm 15-18:30 The Goodness of God in the circumstances of life

Psalm 15 as a test of one's own life & holiness....countered by 1 John 1:8-9
Psalm 16 -
The marks of a believing person (v1-4): They take refuge in God, they have God alone as their possession, they will not pursue or follow other gods.
The privileges of a believing person (v5-8): Their portion and cup has been secured by God, their lot is secure and their boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places, The Lord counsels them, they will not be shaken.
The prospects of a believing person (v9-11): They will not be abandoned to the grave, they will not see decay, the path of life is made known to them & they are filled with joy in God's presence and His eternal pleasures at His right hand.
Psalm 17:1-7 David's plea is based on God being the sole judge, seeing what is right, and a great loving God who saves those who take their refuge in Him.
David is earnest in pleading to God. He is honest and seeks God's approval only. He desires to be the apple of God's eye
In contrast, his enemies are violent. They surround David, they speak with arrogance and are vicious. Their reward is only in this life. \
Psalm 18
v1-3 God was a rock, fortress, deliverer, shield and horn of salvation - in today's lingo, we'd say He was impregnable, a bunker, a protection and a means of rescue.
Today, I am reminded through Hab 3:17-18 and Heb 13:5-6 that God is all I need - He is my joy, my treasure and my delight. Whatever else may happen, I have Him and He is ALL I need.
David realises God is powerful to help and that He delights to help those who show themselves faithful to Him. He will help because He is absolutely flawless and His character oozes goodness (unlike mine).

Hosea 11-14 God's persistent love, Psalms 13-14

11:1-4 God's love in Israel's beginnings - He called Israel out of Egypt, despite their unfaithfulness to Him and their obliviousness of Him. God led them with kindness and love.
Despite their repeated failings and unfaithfulness, God still goes with them and loves them. He does not give them up.
In Ch 12, God desires an attitude of love and justice. He wants us to be faithful to Him. Israel's response to God's pleadings however is one of contempt and neglect. God deserves and demands better than that.
Ch13 God's coming judgment is coming like:
v3 Chaff swirling from a threshing floor and like smoke escaping from a window.
v7-8 Like a lion or a bear
v15 An east wind blowing in from the desert
v16 Falling by the sword, dashed to the ground and their pregnant women ripped open
These remind us of the seriousness of sin. Sin corrupts us completely & is serious before a holy God.
Ch 14 The triumph of God's love. Repentance involves returning to God (v1), the use of words that ask for forgiveness and change of relationship (v2), changed behaviour (v3) and then fruitfulness that comes from God (v8). The divine response is that God's ways are right - He wants His people to walk in them.

Psalms 13-14
Ch13 David is having to endure the opposition of his enemy and the feeling God has forgotten him. He avoids depression and despair by trusting in God's love and salvation.
Ch14 People say there is no God because they are foolish, corrupt, vile and do no good. We must remember it is God who opens eyes, not us - (2 Cor 4:3-4). It is God who reveals Himself, and shows His salvation.

Hosea 4:1-10:15 It is time to seek the Lord

4:1-14

The outward sins that caused God to have a controversy with His people:  No faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God.  Cursing, lying, murder, stealing, adultery, bloodshed following bloodshed,

The inward sins that the outward sins were an outcome of: rejecting God's knowledge, ignoring God's law, deserting the Lord, turning to idols, being unfaithful to God.

The description of the Israelites is as apt for us today - we inwardly turn from God and that leads us to outwardly display our turning from Him.

4:15-19  A warning to the Southern kingdom of Judah not to get brought into Israel's sins. We become like those we spend time with.

Ch 5: The real obstacles that separate the people from God and God from the people:

A prostitute mindset - belonging to others and not to God.
God allows them to face this and will find He has withdrawn Himself from them.
God's wrath is coming, like a flood of water.
The people will eventually realise their guilt and will seek God's face, and in their misery will earnestly seek Him.

5:15-6:6 is a dialogue between God and the people.  Their repentance isn't real and therefore, they will be surprised by God's response.

Throughout 6:7-8:13, we are told about the abundance of sin, but the certainties of God.  The Israelites have been caught up in multiple sins that have led them to turn away from God, but He longs to redeem them.  Their alliances have been with idols and not with God.  The cause of their perilous position is their own making - they have turned from God and He has allowed them to.

9:1-8  Hosea is describing the changes that exile will bring.  It will lead to the eating of unclean food, the sacrifices they make will not please God, they will be overrun and time of punishment and reckoning will be coming.

9:9-17  Their sin will lead to their glory deserting them, they will be in a barren place and face real hardship, pain and suffering.

Ch 10  The deceit of the heart is spoken of - their many oaths and promises cause them problems, they turn to idols, their idols will be destroyed and they will see their ruin.

Hosea reminds them to sow seeds of righteousness.   Seek the Lord and He will come and shower righteousness on them.

Amos 8:4-9:15, Hosea 1 & 3 The God who woos and wins

Social injustice is symptomatic of the problem - it shows the neglect they have for others and reveals their hearts.  

The 7 forms of judgment in 8:7-14 are:

Not forgetting

The land being stirred

The sun going down at noon

Religious feasts becoming times of mourning and weeping

Famine throughout the land - a famine of the words of the Lord

Men & women will faint as a result

They will fall & never rise again

These judgments are connected with the sin of the nation - the things they took for granted are now the areas where they face judgment.  

Judgment is part of the purposes of God, however, it is also part of His perfect plan for restoration.  He will redeem and buy back His people.

Hosea 1 & 3

Hosea was attentive and obedient to the word of the Lord.  His eyes were on Him and He guided him.

Hosea was aware that Gomer was adulterous, but was probably unaware of what she would do when married.  However, he saw God's hand throughout it all and helped him understand and then illustrate what Israel's unfaithfulness meant to God.  

God is the perfect craftsman - He knows exactly what He is doing and His ways are perfect.  Hosea buys back Gomer, but then disciplined her for a time - it is all part of his perfect love and plan.  

Hosea illustrates what Israel has done to God and then says "God says" - which brings it much closer to home and points the finger directly at Israel, showing what they have done.

The promise of God alluring Israel back and giving her back all she lost out on, showing her love and compassion.  God promises to woo her and win her.  The chapter illustrates what God has done and is doing with His people today.

Acts 3:1-8:3 Remember God!

The responsibility of the people of God is to walk with Him - He has chosen them and is in  control.

3:9-15 is about seeing what God does with those who aren't obedient to Him.

Ch 4 is a reminder of not living in a way that neglects others.  It says that we should not get sucked up into religious formalism that has not shaped the heart, and also that God has done significant things in an attempt to bring Israel to her senses.  4:12 is a reminder we will stand before God and we need to be prepared for that.

5:1-17 is a rebuke against people not seeking God.  They have gone their own way & living in a self-obsessed world, but have not seen everything God gives as from Him and His to use.

5:18-27  To make our worship acceptable to God, we need to submit to His justice and turn to Him.

Ch 6  The Israelites were insensitive to God's judgment because they felt secure in their own lives.  We must remember whatever God gives us belongs to Him and we need to rest in Him, not become self-consumed and satisfied.

Amos has 4 visions:

7:1-9  Swarms of locusts - they stripped the land clean.  Leading Amos to cry out "Forgive"
A plumb line and a wall - a reminder that God has His standards of what we must measure up to
8:1-3  A basket of ripe fruit - a reminder that God has set the seasons in place & knows exactly when things will happen.  He chooses them.
Songs in the temple turned to wailing - A reminder of the awfulness of God's judgment.

7:10-17  Amos was willing to go to the King and give God's message - he was fearless.  We must be willing to tell people "Hear the word of the Lord!" and tell them exactly what God says.

Acts 28:17-31 Preaching Jesus unhindered. Amos 1 & 2 The Judgment of God

Paul's main purpose on reaching Rome was to talk of Jesus - the hope of Israel.  He was concerned also not to discredit the name of Jesus in any way.  

Paul's message to the Jews at Rome was the Kingdom of God and Jesus, from the Law of Moses and the Prophets.  He explains to them that they are unbelieving because the Spirit had said this would happen.  He expected the Gentiles to listen.  Sadly, we expect no-one to listen, despite God telling us that some will believe.

Luke spells out: 2 years, own rented house, welcoming all, boldly and without hindrance, preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus.  

Key verses in Acts:

1:8 - Witnesses to an expanding area

6:7 - The word spread, disciples growing

9:31- The church strengthened, encouraged and growing, living in the fear of the Lord

12:24 - The word of God continued to increase & spread

16:5 - Churches were strengthened in the faith & growing daily

19:20 - The word of the Lord spread widely & grew in power

28:31 - Boldly & without hindrance, the kingdom of God was preached & Jesus taught

20:18-35  Paul's humility is evident, his perseverance is clear

21:13  Paul's sensitivity and willingness

21:14 His determination

23:1  His good conscience

24:16  His good conscience again

26:19-23  His desire to be obedient to God

26:29  His single-mindedness in longing for people to come to Jesus

27:22-25  His faith in God and fearlessness in that

Amos 1 & 2

The sins of the nations (1:3-2:3)  

Damascus - threshed Gilead with sledges having iron teeth

Gaza - took captive whole communities and sold them to Edom

Tyre - sold whole communities of captives to Edom, disregarding a treaty of brotherhood

Edom - pursued his brother with a sword, stifling all compassion

Ammon - ripped pregnant women of Gilead open so as to extend his borders

Moab - he burned the bones of Edom's king

Judah - they rejected the law of the Lord and have not kept his decrees, they have been led astray by false gods

Israel - sell the righteous for silver & the needy for a pair of sandals, profaning God's holy name

God hates things that go against His character - He is holy, fair, loving and just - we must also be.

Judah & Israel have failed to live up to God's Law.  2:4-16 shows what was expected of them:

Obedience to the law of God & keeping His decrees

Keeping true to Him.

Looking after the righteous & needy, not oppressing the oppressed.

Honouring His holy name.

Helping others to be faithful to God and do His will (prophesying).

We similarly fail to take God at His word & think we can make up our own rules.  He calls us to completely follow Him in all areas of our lives.

Acts 27:1-28:16 Unusual kindness

Paul received kindness from Julius enabling him to go to his friends who could provide for his needs.  Early on, Paul is not listened to, because the danger is not quite as real as in v21-25.  

During the times of testing and danger on the boat, the sailors were dishonourable, whereas Paul remained honourable.  He behaved in a godly manner, where others around him were ungodly.

Paul found opportunities for service in Malta - he received kindness, but also was able to heal Publius' father and the other sick of the island.  

Paul had wanted to reach Rome and finally manages it.  There have been many obstacles, but God has brought him there.  Now, God's purpose has been fulfilled and glory should be given to Him.