If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. —1 John 1:9
Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Do you know what it means
to confess (means “to admit; to confess your guilt exposing yourself for
punishment”)? God will forgive when we confess our sin.
Emphasis: We are to recognize the destruction sin does, not only to
a nation, but also to each life. We are to place our hope in Christ, obeying
and pleasing Him, not the things of this world.
Lesson Summary: We need to remember what we have learned about Judah
so far: after King Jehoshophat, the nation of Judah
had a time of bad kings. King Jehoram (King Jehoshaphat’s son) married wicked
King Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah. He too, was a wicked king. Jehoram’s son,
Ahaziah, was yet another wicked king. He had only reigned one year when Jehu
killed him (when he was visiting the king of Israel,
Jehoram). When King Ahaziah’s mother, Athaliah, heard her son was dead, she
made herself queen – killing all of the seed royal (except for one that was
hidden – Jehoash). During this time of wicked kings, we learned that the house
of God had become in great disrepair. When Jehoiada the priest revealed Jehoash
as king of Judah,
wicked Queen Athaliah was killed and the house of God was repaired. This is
most likely the time that the book of Joel took place.
The book of Joel begins with, “The word of the LORD that came to Joel ….” Joel prophesied to Judah during the reign of Jehoash (Joash) that began in Second Kings chapter twelve. As we study, we will find that God directs His Words to the priests and the elders (remember that Jehoash was only seven years old when he became king, and Jehoiada the priest counseled him). God spoke, and Joel relayed God’s message to the people. After seeing a plague of locusts, Joel warned of a coming invasion that he compared to that plague of locusts. Just as a plague of locusts completely destroys everything in its path, so the enemies of God would do to His people unless they repented of their sins against God. Joel called for the people to repent.
Joel continued his cry with an alarm warning of the “day of the Lord.” God’s people would be taken captive, but when they repented, God would restore the years that the locust had eaten. God’s judgment would fall upon the enemy nations and hope would once again be restored, and Judah will dwell forever.
“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” Acts 15:11
Jesus’ ministry began shortly after John the
Baptist introduced Jesus saying, “Behold
the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John
1:29b). Then “… Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent:
for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). There were many facets of Jesus’ ministry. Not
only did he preach repentance to the people, but he healed many as well. “35.
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues,
and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every
disease among the people. 36. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with
compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep
having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:35-36).
The words moved with compassion means
“from the bowels; to feel deeply; to
yearn, have compassion, pity.” Jesus saw the need of the people. However, especially
notice that it took a decision on the part of the person, or persons, involved
– to believe or not to believe. Remember: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save
that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
Sometimes after Jesus healed someone, He would say to tell no one. However, oftentimes the one
healed told everyone – insomuch that
Jesus could not enter into the city for the crowds that wanted to see Him. This
hindered Jesus’ ability to preach. “1. And again he entered into Capernaum
after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. 2. And
straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to
receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the
word unto them” (Mark 2:1-2). Soon the crowds heard He was in town and went
to find Him. “3. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy,
which was borne of four. 4. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the
press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it
up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 5. When Jesus saw
their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:3-5). Four
friends brought a man sick of the palsy to Jesus to be healed. Palsy means “the loss of motor power in the muscles or the voluntary muscular
motion; equivalent to motor paralysis.” These friends lowered the sick man (who could not come on his
own) through the roof because there were too many people in the house. Nevertheless,
Jesus saw their faith. Faith means “faith in Christ to be able to work miracles
or to heal the sick.” Do you remember what Jesus went about preaching?
Repent. Repent means “to change the mind; regret or sorrow,
accompanied by a true change of heart toward God; sorrow for unbelief and sin
and turning from them unto God and the gospel of Christ.” Jesus wanted the
people to turn from their sin. Therefore, he forgave those who
came to Him in faith.
“But there were certain of the scribes
sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7. Why doth this man thus
speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?” (Mark 2:6). These
scribes understood that it was only the Lord, “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases”
(Psalm 103:3). Yet, they witnessed Jesus declare this man’s sins were forgiven.
“8. And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned
within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9. Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy
sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10. But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth
to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick
of the palsy,) 11. I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way
into thine house. 12. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and
went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified
God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion” (Mark 2:7-12).
When Jesus forgave that man’s sins, the scribes
were “reasoning in their hearts.” Amazingly, Jesus knew their thoughts and answered their unspoken
questions. Remember: God knows all. In addition, to show these unbelieving
religious leaders He had the ability to not only heal but also forgive sins, Jesus
told the man to take up his bed and walk. And he did. All were amazed at this
healing.
Christians understand that sinners must be brought to Jesus. Just as these four friends brought their friend to meet Jesus, we, too, must bring our friends to Jesus. However, most importantly, we must understand that although the four friends brought this man with palsy to Jesus, this man had to decide for himself. He had to have faith in Jesus, believing His words. When the man obeyed, he was healed. It was not his friends’ faith that saved him. It was incumbent upon that man to decide whether he believed Jesus’ word or not. He had to act upon the word of Jesus. When he immediately arose, took up his bed, and went forth – that showed his faith in Jesus. No one had ever seen anything like that before.
Remembering that Jesus came to provide salvation, if you do not tell your friends about Jesus, who will?
“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” John 12:46
There was a particular blind man that Jesus healed. Jesus had
just told his disciples that He was the Light of the world. “As long as I am in the world, I am the
light of the world” (John 9:5). When they encountered a blind man,
Jesus made clay and anointed the eyes of the blind man. He then told the man to
go wash his eyes. The blind man went, washed his eyes, and came again seeing.
There was much discussion about this man amongst the people.
They finally took him to the Pharisees. When the Pharisees asked what happened
to him, he told them. After much discussion, they called him again asking how
he could see. All he knew was, “whereas I was
blind, now I see” (John 9:25b).
The religious people challenged Jesus’ authority to give this
blind man sight. “We know that God spake
unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is”
(John 9:29). This man, who was once
blind, did not understand them. This is a marvelous thing! Even though these
religious leaders did not know Jesus, the blind man was just glad that he could
see! This blind man understood enough to know that God is the one that heals. “32. Since the world began was it not heard that
any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. 33. If this man were
not of God, he could do nothing” (John 9:32-33).
The religious leaders did not like his answer. “34. They answered and said unto him, Thou wast
altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out”
(John 9:34). They cast him out of the Temple.
When Jesus heard, he found the man. “Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he
said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?” (John 9:35).
The man who had been healed had a question. “He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?”
(John 9:36). Jesus declared to him that He was the Son of God. Read the man’s
response. “And he said, Lord, I
believe. And he worshipped him” (John 9:38). This man who was blind
could now see. But more than that, he met Jesus and believed that He was the
Son of God. He could not only see physically, but spiritually he “saw” Jesus.
What happened next? Jesus had a point to make. “And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this
world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made
blind” (John 9:39). The religious leaders heard what Jesus had to
say. The Pharisees responded. “And some of
the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we
blind also?” (John 9:40). Jesus responded: “Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now
ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth” (John 9:41).
The Pharisees did not think they were blind. Jesus pointed out that they were right. They could see. Most importantly, they could see the sin in their lives and chose to let it remain – even though Jesus was right there. For Jesus is the only one who could take that sin away, curing the blindness in the Pharisees. Remember why Jesus cam: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). In this instance, the Pharisees chose to remain in darkness. Read what the Bible teaches about those who choose to remain in their sin. “26. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26-27).
Have you chosen to see (believing in Jesus), or to abide in darkness (remain in sin)?
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
After much healing and preaching, Jesus sent the multitude away. “35.
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the
other side. 36. And when they had sent
away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were
also with him other little ships. 37. And there arose a great storm of wind,
and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38. And he was in
the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say
unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:35-38). First,
recognize Jesus told them to pass over to the other side. They should have had
confidence that they would make it, because Jesus told them they would. Next,
see that they should not have worried because Jesus was with them. This can be
seen as a practical test to see if they had learned anything that Jesus had
been teaching them. How did they fare? We find these seasoned fishermen afraid
in a storm.
Jesus slept on the ship – even when a storm arose. The disciples were fearful
and woke Jesus. “39. And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the
sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how
is it that ye have no faith? 41. And
they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this,
that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:39-41). Jesus rebuked the
storm, and it ceased. Jesus then questioned the disciples. How could they be so
afraid? Understand that their lack of faith caused them to fear. Faith here means “in an absolute sense of Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah and Savior.”
Jesus wanted to know why they had no faith. After all the things the disciples
had witnessed and learned, they still needed to know more. They still did not
understand Jesus is God. There is an important verse that can help us
understand what the disciples had not yet learned. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”
(Romans 10:17). Jesus is the Word of
God. Remember: “In the beginning
was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John
1:1).
Most remember when Jesus fed the five thousand men plus women and
children. As He was teaching, Jesus had compassion on them and because much
time had passed, He fed them with the five loaves and two fishes (see Matthew 14:13-21). John tells us what the people’s
reaction to this miracle was. “When
Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make
him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone” (John 6:15). They wanted to force Jesus to become a
king.
Instead, Jesus sent the disciples in a ship across the sea where He would
join them. Jesus went up on the mount to pray. “22. And straightway Jesus
constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the
other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23. And when he had sent the
multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening
was come, he was there alone. 24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea,
tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25. And in the fourth watch of
the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26. And when the disciples
saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and
they cried out for fear.” (Matthew 14:22-26). Remember, Jesus had told them
to go to the other side before Him. When the disciples saw someone on the
water, they were afraid.
“27. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32. And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:27-33). Peter asked Jesus to call him onto the water to Him. Peter acted, in faith, when he heard Jesus. However, as Peter walked on the water, he became afraid. He still had more to learn. When he cried out, Jesus saved him. After these events, we see the disciples’ faith had grown. They now acknowledged that Jesus is the Son of God.
Do you read your Bible, hearing the Word of God, allowing your faith to grow?
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by preaching repentance. In
that message, John was preparing the people’s hearts to understand their need
for Jesus. After John the Baptist introduced the people to Jesus, read what
happened. “35. Again the next day after John stood, and two of his
disciples; 36. And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb
of God!” (John 1:35-36). John again declared Jesus as the Lamb of God. “And
the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:37). Recognize that these men left John the
Baptist to follow the One for which John had come to prepare the way. John had
done His job: he had directed the people’s attention to the Savior of the
world, Jesus. These men left John, and they followed Jesus.
“38. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith
unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being
interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? 39. He saith unto them, Come and
see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day … 40. One of
the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon
Peter’s brother” (John 1:38-40). John’s disciples called Jesus Rabbi
(Master); yet another indication that they had turned their focus from John to
Jesus. They were ready to hear the teachings of Jesus now that they had met
Him. Rabbi means “a doctor, teacher, master; a title of honor
in the Jewish schools.” After Andrew believed in Jesus, he immediately
found his brother, Simon (Peter), and took him to meet Jesus.
“The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee,
and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me” (John 1:43). Jesus called Philip, too. What did Philip
do? “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of
whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth,
the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). Philip
recognized who this man was that called him. Philip understood that Jesus was
the Promised One that Moses and the prophets had written about in the Old
Testament. Immediately he went and found Nathanael to bring him to Jesus. (Remember,
that is what Andrew had done. Andrew immediately went and found his brother,
Simon.) Today, when a person meets Jesus, becoming a Christian, the immediate
response should be to introduce others to Jesus, too.
Nathanael was a skeptic – at first. Nevertheless, after Jesus told him
where he had been, Nathanael believed. Remember that each person has the choice
– to believe or not to believe. Nathanael believed.
Many people followed Jesus because they wanted to hear His
teachings – so many that they crowded Him. Jesus saw the empty ships, and asked
Simon to thrust the ship out a little from the shore. Jesus taught the people
from the ship. After finishing teaching, Jesus told Simon (Peter) to go out to
the deep water and throw out their nets again to fish. Simon (Peter) initially
objected – but then he obeyed Jesus. They caught so many fish that their nets
broke, and then both ships began to sink because of the number of fish caught.
How did Peter respond? “8. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at
Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9. For he
was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which
they had taken” (Luke 5:8-9). Especially notice that Peter was not the only
one affected by this miraculous catch of fish. “10. And so was also
James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus
said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11. And when
they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him” (Luke
5:10-11). It was at this point that
these four men forsook their old occupation as fishermen of fish, and followed
Jesus as fishers of men. If you notice, it said, “they forsook all.” In
Matthew, chapter four it tells us that James and John were working with their
father. They left him, too.
People were trying not only to hear Jesus’ teachings, but also to be
healed. Many people followed Jesus. He was drawing the people from a religious
practice to a commitment of the heart – a heart committed to Jesus. Jesus saw
the need of the people. Read what Jesus did. “12. And it came to pass in
those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night
in prayer to God. 13. And when it was day, he called unto him his
disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles” (Luke 6:12-13). Apostle
means “an ambassador; it indicates the
distinctive relation of the 12 men Jesus chose to be His witnesses of Him
before the world.” This was the third call of these men. They were initially
called to believe in Jesus. Then they were called to follow
Jesus. Finally, Jesus called them for a special purpose – to be
His apostles.
Just as Jesus called the twelve disciples (Apostles) for a
special purpose, when someone today is saved (asks Jesus into their heart),
Jesus has a special purpose for them as well. “8. For by grace are ye saved
through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 10.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God
hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8, 10). Not
only are Christians His workmanship (workmanship
means “the result of work; something
produced; something made”),
but God has before ordained (before
ordained means “to make ready beforehand;
used of God’s foreordaining for good, referring to glory and good works”) that new Christian to walk in that
new life Jesus has for them. Jesus has a job for each Christian.
Have you believed
in Jesus, becoming a Christian?
Do you follow Jesus and His teachings?
Have you recognized the job that Jesus has for your life?
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” 1 John 2:16
It would be very important to understand that as soon as one acknowledges
publicly that they belong to Jesus, and they begin to be obedient to God’s
Word, the battle begins. Because Christians have made the decision to reject
the things of this world for the things of God, the Prince of this world
(Satan) wants to defeat Christians in the Christian life. “8. Be sober, be
vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour: 9. Whom resist stedfast in the faith …” (1
Peter 5:8-9a). Adversary means “enemy; it is applied to the devil, the
adversary of man and accuser of Christians.” Remember Job: Satan stood
before God’s throne, accused Job, and proceeded to attack him. But only with
God’s permission (see Job 1:6-12 and 2:1-7). We must watch out because Satan
desires to “devour” Christians. He wants to destroy each Christian life and
that witness for Jesus. Understand that God knows when Satan comes against
Christians, and God wants to help us to be strong – defeating Satan’s
temptations. If you recall, Satan tempted Jesus immediately after Jesus was
publicly declared as God’s Son.
In that wilderness, Jesus was tempted in three particular areas by Satan.
Later, John wrote a verse where these three areas are clearly mentioned. “15. Love not the world, neither the things that
are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not
in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the
lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the
world” (1 John 2:15-16). Notice the three areas of temptation: the
lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Keep these
thoughts in mind as we read the events of Satan tempting Jesus in the
wilderness.
Remember: Jesus had been in the wilderness for forty days and nights with
no food. “3. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son
of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall
not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of
God” (Matthew 4:3-4). God had just declared with an audible voice to
all that Jesus was His Son. Nevertheless, the first thing Satan said to Jesus
was a challenge of that very fact: “If thou be the Son of God.” Once a
person trusts in Jesus, becoming a Christian, one of the first things Satan
wants to do is to cause that new Believer to doubt their very salvation – that
they are truly a child of God – and to doubt the Word of God. However, did you
notice Jesus’ defense? “It is written.”
Jesus quoted the Bible. Did you notice the temptation Satan presented to Jesus?
Food! Recognize that Jesus defeated this temptation from the devil by quoting
God’s Word. Just as God’s Word says, “… that man doth not live by bread
only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD
doth man live” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus understood that God’s Word was more
important than earthly food. Even today, we are to use God’s Word as our
defense. Notice this was a temptation of “the lust of the flesh” (stones to
bread). Remember 1 John 2:15-16.
The second temptation was recorded in Matthew 4:5-7: “5. Then the
devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the
temple, 6. And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down:
for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their
hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a
stone. 7. Jesus said unto him, It is written again,
Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Jesus again quoted God’s
Word as a defense against Satan’s attacks. “Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God …” (Deuteronomy 6:16a).
Notice this was a temptation of “the pride of life” (to jump from the pinnacle
of the temple). Remember 1 John 2:15-16.
The third temptation was recorded
Matthew 4:8-11: “8. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high
mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9. And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall
down and worship me. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him,Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written,
Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.11. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold,
angels came and ministered unto him.” Jesus quoted God’s Word as a defense
against Satan’s attacks – again. “Thou
shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him …” (Deuteronomy 6:13). Notice this was a temptation of “the
lust of the eyes” (the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them). Remember 1
John 2:15-16.
The following verses help us understand why Jesus had to be tempted and be victorious in those temptations. “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). Also, see the following verse. “15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). Jesus understands what it is like to endure temptation, and He can be an encouragement to all Christians today. Jesus will help us.
Have you hidden God’s Word in your heart to use as a defense against temptations?
“That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:17
After learning of Paul and his missionary journeys in the book of Acts,
we can read the letters he wrote to the Gentile churches – many of which he
started while on those missionary journeys recorded in the book of Acts. When we
study these letters, we begin to recognize a pattern that develops. This
pattern is revealed in an important verse found in Second Timothy. “All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2
Timothy 3:16). Look at this verse more in depth by using the
following definitions to help in the understanding of it:
Scripture means “every part
of the whole and all of it together; that which has been written once and for
all and constitutes the final authority of God’s revelation.”
Given by inspiration of God means “prompted by God; divinely inspired; appears only in 2 Timothy 3:16.”
Profitable means “to be
useful, profitable, or advantageous.”
Doctrine means “teaching or
instruction with the meaning of warning.”
Reproof means “to convict; in
the sense of refutation of adversaries; not merely the charge on the basis of
which one is convicted, but the manifestation of the truth of that charge and
the results to be reaped; the acknowledgement of its truth on the part of the
accused.”
Correction means “to set
right again; to correct or make straight.”
Instruction means “to
instruct; rectification; including discipline.”
Recognize that this verse cites the four benefits (profitableness)
of the Word of God: doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction.
The different parts of this verse reveal that each of these components are
interdependent and are all necessary in the process of sanctification of a
Christian’s life. First, the Word of God is presented as doctrine or
instruction as in authoritative teaching. Then as truth, which is ethically
persuasive, convincing one of error. Next, it places that person in a correct
moral position, which allows one to be brought to the final place where that
one can be provided the discipline, chastisement, or training needed to bring
about righteousness. This verse summarizes the third division of the New
Testament: Romans – 2 Thessalonians. It
is with this insight that Paul spent much of his time writing to the new
churches, so that they would know how to become righteous.
Remember theses letters of Paul that are
important for each Christian to study:
Romans: the teaching of doctrine,
1 and 2 Corinthians: reproof for failure to live right,
Galatians: correction, rectifying wrong doctrine that had permeated the church,
Ephesians: the revealing of deeper doctrinal truths intended for growing Christians,
Philippians: reproof for wrong living, the rectifying of a potential problem,
Colossians: correction to rectify wrong doctrine,
1 and 2 Thessalonians: the teaching of doctrine and instructions.
Did you notice the pattern of how these books, or letters, can be used as doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction? As we read about the churches as they received these letters from Paul, some of them immediately put into practice what was taught therein. When that happened, we read that Paul received encouraging words about the growth of the churches. After reading theses letters (books), can you recognize the different stages of implementation each one was designed to teach? Remember, that these books (letters) are for Christians to use even today. Remember what the very next verse in Second Timothy says. “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:17). The words throughly furnished means “to equip fully; completely.” This is the purpose of God’s Word. To equip Christians completely to be able to do what God wants us to do.
Do you read understanding that all Scripture, when it is implemented into one’s life, will furnish you unto all good works?
“4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Galatians 4:4-5
Have you ever considered that God provided witnesses to the
birth of His Son, Jesus?
When Jesus was born, the angels declared His birth to the
shepherds who were watching their flocks by night. “10. And the angel said
unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which
shall be to all people. 11.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ
the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12). They immediately went to the city of
David, Bethlehem,
and found the child just as the angels had told them. “And when they had seen it, they made
known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child”
(Luke 2:17). After they saw the
baby, Jesus, they told everyone about this child and what they knew of Him.
We also remember that there were Wise Men from the East who
followed a star. They went to Jerusalem
to find out where the new King had been born. Herod called in the chief priests
and scribes to ask them where this new King would be born. They recalled the
answer from the book of Micah. “But
thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of
Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be
ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from
everlasting” (Micah 5:2).When the Wise Men learned that this King
was born in Bethlehem, they went and followed the star. It came to rest over
the house where Jesus was born. “And
when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his
mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their
treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh”
(Matthew 2:11).
The shepherds and the Wise Men are both witnesses that Jesus
was born in Bethlehem – just as
God’s Word had declared.
We find that God also had declared in His Word that Jesus
would come to the Temple. “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he
shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly
come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in:
behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:1). The
people were to be watching for the Lord to come to the Temple.
In Luke chapter two, we find that there were two such people. Simeon was a man
waiting for the Messiah to come. When he saw Joseph and Mary bring the babe
Jesus to the Temple, he declared, “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation”
(Luke 2:30). He recognized Jesus was
that Messiah God had promised from the beginning of time.
Anna was a widow who “… departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and
prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37b). When she came in at that
instant and saw Jesus, she gave thanks to the Lord, “… and spake of him to all them that looked
for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38b). She
understood that this was the One that God sent to redeem His people. (See
Hebrews 9:12.)
Simeon and Anna were both witness that Jesus came to the Temple
suddenly – just as God’s Word had declared.
Each of these instances took place in different cities, in different places, and at different times. Yet each of these instances fulfilled the stipulations put forth in the Bible. Only God could know that these events would happen exactly as they did, hundreds of years before they actually took place! God declared that he sent His only Son into the World, to redeem the world from sin – if only they would believe. It is only then that one can become a son of God, through Christ. “4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:4-7). One must only believe the witness that God sent His Son, Jesus, to redeem man from sin.
Have you believed the witnesses that Jesus came, born of a woman, to redeem any who would believe?
“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:14
There were times in the Old Testament that God warned a people that He would send complete and utter destruction upon them because they were against God’s people and because of their wickedness (remember Nineveh in the book of Nahum). The city of Nineveh saw complete physical destruction. In remembering the book of Nahum, one can see the wrath of God fall upon a nation that had wronged His people. However, more than that, remember that the people in Nineveh had once repented from their sin and wickedness and turned to God (during the days of Jonah). Nevertheless, the people of Nineveh forgot God.
Nevertheless, we must consider another kind of judgment as
well. Each Christian will be accountable for his or her own actions: good or
evil. After we die, we will all stand before the Lord and He will pass eternal
judgment upon each individual according to what that person has done with his
or her life. “10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;
that every one may receive the things done in his body, according
to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11. Knowing therefore
the terror of the Lord, we persuade men …” (2 Corinthians 5:10–11a). These verses were written as a
warning to Christian people. Terror
in this verse means “a deep and reverential sense of accountability to God
or Jesus.” How many Christians are living their life with a deep and reverential
sense of accountability to God; or are most people just living a life pleasing
self? Just as in the Bible times, today, each person must consider the things
done in his body, whether they are good or bad, knowing God is a perfect and
righteous judge. Not only will we be accountable, but we should live a life
that persuades others to have a reverential fear of God as well. God had spared
the city of Nineveh once before
(remember Jonah). Nevertheless, when they returned to sin, forsaking God and His
people, there was a price to pay.
In the New Testament, we can read pictures of a lifeapart
from Christ. These are then compared to a life with Christ. Be
encouraged to compare your own life to these verses and see what kind of a life
you live in comparison to God’s Word, revealing the kind of witness you are.
We must understand the law reveals the sinner (remember that all are
sinners according to Romans 3:23). “9.
Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless
and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for
murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10. For
whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers,
for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is
contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:9–10).
Christians are not to live like the world. “17. This I say therefore,
and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in
the vanity of their mind, 18. Having the understanding darkened, being
alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because
of the blindness of their heart: 19. Who being past feeling have given
themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness”
(Ephesians 4:17–19).
How are Christians to live? Read and then reread the following verses: “22.
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is
corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of
your mind; 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness. 25. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every
man truth with his neighbour … 26. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go
down upon your wrath: 27. Neither give place to the devil. 28. Let him that
stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands
the thing which is good … 29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your
mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying … 30. And grieve not the
holy Spirit of God … 31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour,
and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32. And be ye kind
one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s
sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:22–32).
Remember what Solomon recorded for us to remember. “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
Do you live a life in which you are ready to give an accounting to the Lord?
“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” Isaiah 60:3
We are all familiar with the birth of Jesus that we often
refer to as the “Christmas Story.” There had been about four hundred years
without a new word from God or His prophets. Suddenly, we learn the angels
begin to tell of the birth of Jesus that would soon be. When Jesus was born,
the angels declared the birth of the “Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11) to the shepherds who went to see Him. However,
have you thought about what happened shortly after Jesus’ birth?
Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem,
Jesus had been born, and the shepherds had visited. “Now when Jesus was born
in Bethlehem of Judaea
in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem”
(Matthew 2:1). Notice the question these wise men asked, “Saying, Where is
he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and
are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). They went to the obvious place to
find a newborn king: the palace (the king’s house) in the capital city, Jerusalem.
Remember though, that the reigning king, Herod, was an illegitimate king
appointed by the Roman government to rule over the Jewish people. Read how he
responded to this news. “When Herod the king had heard these things,
he was troubled, and all Jerusalem
with him” (Matthew 2:3). To understand this verse better, you have to know
a little about King Herod. He built many great buildings, but he was also known
for his great jealousy and cruelty. He had his own wife and two sons put to
death. That helps us better understand why when it was declared that a new king
had been born, “he was troubled, and all Jerusalem
with him.” No one at the palace knew of a newborn king – but Herod wanted
to find out. “4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes
of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5. And
they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the
prophet, 6. And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least
among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall
rule my people Israel” (Matthew 2:4-6). The religious leaders had found the
answer in God’s Word (in Micah 5:2). Notice that the chief priests and scribes
were the ones who knew the answer – yet we do not read that any of them even
went to look for this Governor, who would rule God’s people.
When Herod called in the wise man to give
them the answer, he sent them to search and find the child. Herod told these
wise men to return and tell him where this new king was found so that he too,
could go and worship him (see Matthew 2:7-8). When the wise men left, the star
went before them until it stood over where the young child was. “When they
saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10). But more than that: “11. And when
they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother,
and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures,
they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12. And being
warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed
into their own country another way” (Matthew 2:11-12).
They worshiped the child and presented Him with gifts. The Wise Men also heeded
the warning from God and did not return to King Herod to tell him where the new
king had been born.
God also warned Joseph of the pending danger
(see Matthew 2:13-15a). Joseph obeyed
God, and Jesus’ life was spared. And remember wicked King Herod? When he finally
figured out that the wise men were not returning, he was angry. He had all the
children two years old and under killed (see Matthew 2:16). However, what Herod did not know was that God had
already moved Jesus to a safer place, protecting Him from wicked King Herod.
Remember what Isaiah wrote hundreds of years earlier. “1. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 6. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD” (Isaiah 60:1-3, 6). Remember that there were about four hundred years of silence from God before Jesus was born (“darkness shall cover the earth”). Then angels appeared declaring Jesus, the Savior of the world, was coming (“his glory shall be seen upon thee”). Remember also that Jesus is the “Light of the world” (see John 8:12). Wise men (“Gentiles”) from the east brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (“they shall bring gold and incense”). It all happened just as God declared it would.
Have you recognized Jesus, the Saviour, which is Christ the Lord?
