Follower of the Way

Reading for Today - II Corinthians 6:1-13 -- How wide are our hearts?

2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (ESV)
Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.   For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.  We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.  We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open.  You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.   In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.

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Paul worked hard not to put obstacles and stumbling blocks before his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.  He went out of his ways to share to God's word with them.  In this passage from II Corinthians we see a glimpse into the challenges and hardships Paul accepted, yet he could rejoice.  I think it is interesting that Paul notes to the Corinthians that his heart was wide open and that they were restricted by their own affections. 

Where are our affections?  Do we love our brothers and sisters in Christ enough to suffer hardship for them benefit?  Do we love Christ enough to endure the challenges in sharing his word and standing up for the truth.  May our prayer be that God will wide our hearts to the show the love of Christ for all and to have a love for the Heavenly things.

Reading for Today - Romans 12 - A Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

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In Romans 12, Paul appeals to Christians to live their lives as a living sacrifice.  To accomplish this Paul write several things that are needed:

To not be conformed to this world

To be transformed by the renewal of the mind

As Christians we should be different than the world.  To help us accomplish this, to help us to be set apart, we need to renew our minds in the word of God, the Bible.  When we constantly feed on God's word with a mind and heart seeking to be changed by the word of God, we will be transformed in our minds so that we will be different from the world.  In the verses that follow Romans 12:1-2, Paul provides many examples of how we will be different.

1) Do not think more highly of ourselves than we should

2)  Think with sober judgement

Worldly pride is a terrible thing.  For the Christian it is something we must be careful of.  We are all made in the image of God.  What we have -- ability, monetary blessings, position,  is entirely a gift of God.  We each have different abilities and all that God asks is that we use what He has given us to His Glory and to the best of our ability.

3)  Let love be genuine

4) Abhor Evil

5)  Hold Fast to what is good

6)  Love one another with brotherly affection

7)  Outdo one another in showing honor

May we seek to live a life that puts the good of others ahead of our own and may we only seek that which is good and honorable.

8)  Not slothful in zeal

9)  Fervent in spirit

10) Serve the Lord

11)  Rejoice in hope

12)  Patient in tribulation

May our hope be in Christ and may we be able to see that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

13)  Be constant in prayer

14)  Contribute to the needs of the saints

15)  Show hospitality

16)  Live in harmony with one another

17)  Do not be haughty

18)  Associate with the lowly

19)  Never be wise in our own sight

20) Do not repay evil for evil

21)  Bless and do not curse those who persecute us

22)  Rejoice with those who rejoice

23)  Weep with those who weep

24)  Do what is honorable in the sight of all

25)  As far as it depends on us, live peaceably with all

Romans 12 has a lot of thoughts for us to think about on how we should be different.  May we seek to feed on God's word and seek to live after the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  May our prayer be that we will be salt and light in all that we do, directing the world to God.  May our speech be with grace toward all.  May we never do anything that would lead someone away from Christ or cause harm to the work of Christ.  May we seek to build up the kingdom of God, doing good, seeking the best for all those around us, desiring that all would come to a knowledge of the truth.

Reading for Today - Romans 9:1-11:36

Romans 11:11-36 (ESV) So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.  Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?  If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.  But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.  Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.  Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy.   For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.  Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Reading for Today - Romans 8:1-39 - What shall separate us from the love of God

Romans 8:1-39 (ESV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.  For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope  that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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There are so many powerful thoughts to consider in Romans chapter 8.  As Christians, our lives should be different from the world.  We should be seeking the things of the spirit and not the things of the flesh.  Our hope should be set on spiritual things.  Whatever we have in this world is nothing in comparison to what awaits us in Heaven.  We should long for the “revealing of the sons of God.”  It is awesome to know that “the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”  How great is the love of God.  If God was willing to give His Son for us, imagine what he has prepared in Heaven for those who love him.  God’s love for us is very great.  As Paul closes chapter 8 he mentions several things that cannot separate us from the love of God.  If we are separated from God’s love it will be because we have chosen to turn away from Him and not to follow after his word and will.  No one else and nothing else could separate us.  God has provided life and forgiveness in Jesus Christ.  God has showered us with His great love through the death of His Son, providing a path of adoption for us.  If we choose not to access to grace, if we choose not to follow his word or will – we have made the choice to separate ourselves from the love of God.

Reading for Today - Romans 7:1-25

Romans 7:1-25 (ESV) Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.  For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died.  The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.  So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.  Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand.  For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.  Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

Reading for Today - Romans 6:1-23 - Whom do we serve?

Romans 6:1-23 (ESV) What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.  For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

 

What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.  I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.  For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.  But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

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Each day we should be examining our actions to determine who we are serving.  Are we serving God and presenting ourselves in obedience to Him by serving righteousness or are we serving sin?

Reading for Today - Romans 3:21-5:21

 

Romans 3:21-31 (ESV) But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.  Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

 

How great is our God.  How great are His promises.  How great is His love.  Christ is our righteousness.  It is by faith that we are able to become children of God.  Many today confuse these words.  Some think of a simple acknowledgement of God as a saving faith.  Some think of just asking God to forgive them as a saving faith.  A saving faith is a faith that comes to God, believes that he is, and seeks his will.  We see in the book of Acts how people were brought to Christ.  People were taught the Gospel, “The Good News”.  The Gospel included the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God.  Men came to believe the Gospel.  When those at Pentecost believed they asked "What shall we do?" and Peter responded -- "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins". (Acts 2:38).  Once we begin the Christian walk we should be seeking daily to follow God’s work and will.  It is not that our works that earn us salvation.  We could never earn salvation.  But as those who love God we should be seeking to please to him.(Romans 12:1-2)  As Christians we must be seeking God.  If you are not seeking God today.  If you do not yearn to read His word.  If you do not desire peace.  If do not seek to put others first and have a concern for how you may affect another soul, I challenge you to think about where you are in your Christian walk today.  As Christians, we should be so overwhelmed by the love of God for us that we want to be pleasing to our Heavenly father.  We should seek with all our being to live a life that is pleasing to God and seeking to know His will from studying the Bible.  If you heart and life is not pleasing God as it should today, you can start today by returning to him.  You can start by making the studying of His word a priority in your life.  You can start by seeking to follow after the life of Christ, seeking to serve others, putting others ahead of yourself.

 

As we read through Romans we read how Paul cautions the Jews not to be reliant on the fact that they are children of Abraham in the flesh.  Paul warns the Jews that if they do not seek God in his way, in the way of Christ, that they would be cut off.  Paul also warns the Gentiles that if God would cut off the Jews; how much more would he cut them off if they do not follow the way of salvation that He has provided.  We should not be careless in following after God.  As Christians we are blessed beyond all comprehension.  As Christians, we are God’s children.  Being a child of God is the most awesome part of being a Christian.  To think that God has adopted me is almost beyond comprehension.  To think that God desires to have a father and child relationship with us, should put us in awe.  John wrote in I John 3:1, “Behold what manner of love the Father has showered upon us that we should be called the Sons of God, and we are”.  May we value this relationship and seek to be pleasing to our Father in heaven.

Romans 3:21-31 (ESV) But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.  Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

 

How great is our God.  How great are His promises.  How great is His love.  Christ is our righteousness.  It is by faith that we are able to become children of God.  Many today confuse these words.  Some think of a simple acknowledgement of God as a saving faith.  Some think of just asking God to forgive them as a saving faith.  A saving faith is a faith that comes to God, believes that he is, and seeks his will.  We see in the book of Acts how people were brought to Christ.  People were taught the Gospel, “The Good News”.  The Gospel included the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God.  Men came to believe the Gospel.  When those at Pentecost believed they asked "What shall we do?" and Peter responded -- "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins". (Acts 2:38).  Once we begin the Christian walk we should be seeking daily to follow God’s work and will.  It is not that our works that earn us salvation.  We could never earn salvation.  But as those who love God we should be seeking to please to him.(Romans 12:1-2)  As Christians we must be seeking God.  If you are not seeking God today.  If you do not yearn to read His word.  If you do not desire peace.  If do not seek to put others first and have a concern for how you may affect another soul, I challenge you to think about where you are in your Christian walk today.  As Christians, we should be so overwhelmed by the love of God for us that we want to be pleasing to our Heavenly father.  We should seek with all our being to live a life that is pleasing to God and seeking to know His will from studying the Bible.  If you heart and life is not pleasing God as it should today, you can start today by returning to him.  You can start by making the studying of His word a priority in your life.  You can start by seeking to follow after the life of Christ, seeking to serve others, putting others ahead of yourself.

 

As we read through Romans we read how Paul cautions the Jews not to be reliant on the fact that they are children of Abraham in the flesh.  Paul warns the Jews that if they do not seek God in his way, in the way of Christ, that they would be cut off.  Paul also warns the Gentiles that if God would cut off the Jews; how much more would he cut them off if they do not follow the way of salvation that He has provided.  We should not be careless in following after God.  As Christians we are blessed beyond all comprehension.  As Christians, we are God’s children.  Being a child of God is the most awesome part of being a Christian.  To think that God has adopted me is almost beyond comprehension.  To think that God desires to have a father and child relationship with us, should put us in awe.  John wrote in I John 3:1, “Behold what manner of love the Father has showered upon us that we should be called the Sons of God, and we are”.  May we value this relationship and seek to be pleasing to our Father in heaven.

Reading for Today - Romans 2:12-3:20

Romans 2:12-3:20 (ESV)  For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.  For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.  For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical.  But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just. What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands; no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
“Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.”
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
“Their feet are swift to shed blood;
in their paths are ruin and misery,
and the way of peace they have not known.”
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Reading for Today - Romans 2:1-11 - For God Shows no partiality

Romans 2:1-11 (ESV) Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.  We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things.   Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.  He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality.

Reading for Today - Romans 1:16-32

Romans 1:16-32 (ESV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.  For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

Many of the world have chosen not to have God in their knowledge as those who Paul writes about in the first chapter of Romans. Let us not be confused about the nature of God. Many times it is hard for the world to understand how a loving God could punish his creation, man. Many times those who call themselves Christians cannot reconcile the grace of God and his abundant forgiveness with the fact that God will one day punish those who have not sought him diligently. While we could do nothing to earn out salvation, because it is the gift of God provided through Christ, God in his very nature requires that we seek to live a life that is acceptable to him. God has prescribed a way that we must follow to access the free gift he offers. If we choose to follow after the world and if we choose to seek worldly ways, living as the world, we are cutting ourselves off from God. May we seek not to have strife, deceit, maliciousness, envy, and covetousness in our lives. May we seek the moral high ground and flee from that which is evil. If we are not seeking to live a life that is pure how can we expect to be able to be in the presence of God for eternity. This doesn’t mean we will live a perfect life. We are human and we make mistakes. We should be seeking truth and seeking to live after the example of Christ. This also does not mean that we cut ourselves off from the world, but it does mean that we show the example of Christ to all those we meet.

We should not be those who “take advantage of grace” and think we can live as the world because the grace of God will forgive. That would be willful sin against God. It is one thing to be seeking God and to err off the path versus intentionally going off the path expecting God to accept this because He gave his Son for us. The Hebrew writer says that those who come to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.

The question for us today is – are we seeking God?

Have we died to self? Who are we living for? Are we living for self or for God? Are we following the example of Christ? Christ came to  servant and not to be served. Are we seeking to build up the church and our brethren? What is our first desire? Do we desire the things of the world or heaven? Are we more concerned about how our actions might affect another or about getting our way? Is our life and desires aligned with the word and will of God?

These are serious questions. Questions that we need to be truthful with ourselves about answering. God knows our heart. We need to be honest with ourselves. The love of God for us is too great. The precious promises he has given us are too great. As Christians we are God’s Children. Let us wear the name proudly, seeking to die to self, serving others, and seeking to live a life that honors God above everything. May we truly seek God in all we do.

Reading for Today - Romans 1:1-15

Romans 1:1-15 (ESV)

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.  For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.  I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Paul looked forward to being with the Christians in Rome.  Paul wanted to encourage them, but he too wanted to encouraged by being with them.  Can you imagine the great challenges that face those who choose to be Christians in Rome.  Many in the Roman government and in Rome thought of Christians as trouble makers because they did not know the truth about Christianity.  When something bad would happen the Roman citizens would blame the Christians because they would not worship the local gods and this made the Romans feel that the gods were punishing them because the Christians would not appease them.  Yet in the capital of Rome, under persecution, the church grew.  Paul prayed for the brethren at Rome and was thankful for the example of their faith.  Paul noted that their faith was "proclaimed in all the world".

Our example can be a great encouragement to others.  We don't suffer the persecution that Christians suffered, but we are looked down upon by many because we will voice moral wrongs and stand up for truth.  The book of Romans addresses how we can be in the world, but not of the World.  There are many things for us to think about our example and Christian life in this world as we study Romans.  We should be thankful that we know Christ.  We should be thankful we can be counted as Christians.  We should be thankful for the examples of others and the encourage they provide in our life and we should seek to be an encourage to others as they seek to follow after Christ.

Let us Pray that we may encourage others and they we will have strong Christians in our life that will encourage us.

Let us Pray that are faith will be seen and that it will lead others to Christ.

Let us Pray that we will let God use us in the harvest.  May we seek lost souls.  May we preach and teach the word by our example and action.

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2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

Romans 13-15 - More ways to live life as a living sacrifice

In Chapter 12 of Romans, Paul writes:

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

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In our last post we reviewed many ways Paul shared in Romans 12 that we should live in order to be a living sacrifice.  In chapters 13 through 15 of Romans, Paul continues with other ways Christians should be different from the world and how we can live a life pleasing to God -- a life that is a living sacrifice.

1)  As Christians we should be good citizens.

2)  Owe no one anything , except to love each other

Paul mentions that one who shows love fulfills the law

Romans 13:9-10 (ESV) For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”   Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 

3)  Our desires should be for those things which are found in Christ

Romans 13:14 (ESV)  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

4)  We should be careful in our judgement

5)  We should be careful not to make someone stumble

6)  We should pursue peace and seek to build each other up

7)  We should follow after the example of Christ

Romans 15:1-7 (ESV)
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.   Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.  For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”   For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,  that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

If we seek to live in the way Paul describes in Romans chapters 12 to 15 we will be living in a way that seeks glory for God.

Romans 12 - A Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

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In Romans 12, Paul appeals to Christians to live their lives as a living sacrifice.  To accomplish this Paul write several things that are needed:

To not be conformed to this world

To be transformed by the renewal of the mind

As Christians we should be different than the world.  To help us accomplish this, to help us to be set apart, we need to renew our minds in the word of God, the Bible.  When we constantly feed on God's word with a mind and heart seeking to be changed by the word of God, we will be transformed in our minds so that we will be different from the world.  In the verses that follow Romans 12:1-2, Paul provides many examples of how we will be different.

1) Do not think more highly of ourselves than we should

2)  Think with sober judgement

Worldly pride is a terrible thing.  For the Christian it is something we must be careful of.  We are all made in the image of God.  What we have -- ability, monetary blessings, position,  is entirely a gift of God.  We each have different abilities and all that God asks is that we use what He has given us to His Glory and to the best of our ability.

3)  Let love be genuine

4) Abhor Evil

5)  Hold Fast to what is good

6)  Love one another with brotherly affection

7)  Outdo one another in showing honor

May we seek to live a life that puts the good of others ahead of our own and may we only seek that which is good and honorable.

8)  Not slothful in zeal

9)  Fervent in spirit

10) Serve the Lord

11)  Rejoice in hope

12)  Patient in tribulation

May our hope be in Christ and may we be able to see that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

13)  Be constant in prayer

14)  Contribute to the needs of the saints

15)  Show hospitality

16)  Live in harmony with one another

17)  Do not be haughty

18)  Associate with the lowly

19)  Never be wise in our own sight

20) Do not repay evil for evil

21)  Bless and do not curse those who persecute us

22)  Rejoice with those who rejoice

23)  Weep with those who weep

24)  Do what is honorable in the sight of all

25)  As far as it depends on us, live peaceably with all

Romans 12 has a lot of thoughts for us to think about on how we should be different.  May we seek to feed on God's word and seek to live after the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  May our prayer be that we will be salt and light in all that we do, directing the world to God.  May our speech be with grace toward all.  May we never do anything that would lead someone away from Christ or cause harm to the work of Christ.  May we seek to build up the kingdom of God, doing good, seeking the best for all those around us, desiring that all would come to a knowledge of the truth.

Reading for Today - II Timothy 4:6-22 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness

2 Timothy 4:6-22 (ESV) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

Let each us live our life so that we can say we have fought the good fight and that we have kept the faith. What more would you want to be able to say about your walk in the race of life. How great is our God that he has laid up for us the crown of righteousness.

Reading for Today - II Timothy 4:1-5 - preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching

2 Timothy 4:1-5 (ESV)
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.  For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.  As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

 

We should teach the word of God whether it is in season or not.  The word of God does not change.  All men need to hear and know the word.  We need to study the word of God so that we are ready to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and teaching.  Many don't want to hear the word of God, they would rather hear something that suits what they want to believe.  Paul warned Timothy of this when he said that the time would come when people would not endure sound teaching.  We need to make sure that we are not seeking to only hear what we want to hear.  We need to make sure we are going to the word of God with an open heart seeking to learn and understand from the word.

Reading for Today - II Timothy 3:10-17 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work

2 Timothy 3:10-17 (ESV)
You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.  Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

 

Paul provides several very important points for us to remember in these verses.

1)  All those who live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted

2)  The knowledge that comes from studying God's word is able to make us wise for salvation

3)  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for

    A)  Teaching

    B)  Reproof

    C)  Correction

    D)  Training in Righteousness

4)    Studying the scripture will help us to be complete and equipped for every good work. 

Reading for Today - II Timothy 3:1-9 - Avoid such people

2 Timothy 3:1-9 (ESV) 
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.  For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.   For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.  Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.  But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

We need to make sure we are not like those that Paul warned Timothy about who are "lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power."  Additionally, we need to avoid those who are not lovers of God who have the appearance of godliness, but deny its power.  May we not be led astray by those who give the appearance to follow Christ, but are seeking their own.

Reading for Today - II Timothy 2:20-26 - pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace

2 Timothy 2:20-26 (ESV)  Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.  Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.   So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.  Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.  And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

May we seek to be vessels of honor by . . .

Let us pursue

1)  Righteousness

2) Faith

3) Love

4) Peace

Let us avoid

1) Youthful passions

2) Foolishness

3) Ignorant controversies

4) Being quarrelsome

Let us

1)  Be Kind

2)  Able to teach

3)  Patiently enduring evil

4)  Correcting opponents with gentleness

Reading for Today - II Timothy 2:14-19 - avoid irreverent babble

2 Timothy 2:14-19 (ESV) 

Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.  But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

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We need to be those who study the word and seek to know the truth.  When we study with others we should not seek to quarrel with words.  We need to make sure we rightly handle the truth.  We need to seek to teach the truth in love.  We need to stand firm for the truth and teach it.

We must be careful that we do not teach things that God has not taught us in his word.  Many can get caught up in topics such as angels or the afterlife and cause a quarrel over things that we do not have all the details revealed in scripture.  May we be those who speak were the Bible's speaks and are silent were the Bible is silent.

Reading for Today - 2 Timothy 2:1-13 - If we have died with him, we will also live with him

2 Timothy 2:1-13 (ESV)   You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.   No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.  An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.   It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.   Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.   Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!  Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.  The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

Thoughts from this passage:

1)  Our aim should be to serve God.

2)  Let us seek to follow the word of God

3)  Let us work hard in the Kingdom of God

4)  If we have died with Christ we will live with him

5)  If we endure, we will reign with him

6) If we deny him he will deny us

7) If we remain faithful, he remains faithful to us

Reading for Today - II Timothy 1:8-14 - for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me

2 Timothy 1:8-14 (ESV) 
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.  Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.   By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Our hope is great.  How great our God's promises to us.  No matter what we suffer in this life, we have great hope in the life to come.  How great is God's plan and God's purpose.  May we never doubt that God desires what is best for us, God loves us, and God has prepared great and wonderful things for those who love and serve him.

May we as Paul told Timothy - "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."

Reading for Today - II Timothy 1:1-7 - I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day

2 Timothy 1:1-7 (ESV) 
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.  I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.   As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.  I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.  For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

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What a moving greeting from Paul to Timothy.  Grace, mercy and peace.  Could any of us hope for more in our lives!  How great is God's grace and mercy to us that He gave His son to die for us.  Can anything surpass the peace we have in Christ!  Paul remembered Timothy in his prayers night and day.  Wouldn't you have wanted to be in the prayers of Paul.  We each need the prayers of others and should remember others daily as well. 

What a great example of faith that Timothy had from his mother and grandmother.  We too should seek to be an example to our children in faith and should desire for our children to have a strong faith.  May our daily lives be an encouragement to those around us and may our example encourage and build faith in our children.

Reading for Today - I Timothy 6:3-21 - godliness with contentment is great gain

1 Timothy 6:3-21 (ESV) 

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.  But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.   But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.  But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.  Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.  O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.

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We are just passing through this world.  In fact, we are spiritual beings having a human experience.  It is important to think about the fact that our goal is Heaven.  This world is temporary and our Heavenly home is permanent.  This thought helps us to put life into perspective. Let us:

1) Pursue righteousness

2) Pursue godliness

3) Pursue faith

4) Pursue love

5) Pursue steadfastness and gentleness

6) Not seek controversy and quarrels

7) Not be haughty

8) Not put hope on uncertain riches

9) Put our hope in God

Reading for Today - I Timothy 4:6-16 - for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way

1 Timothy 4:6-16 (ESV)

If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.   Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.  For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things.  Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.  Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.  Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.   Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Let us never forget that studying God's word "holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come".  May we follow the words of Paul to Timothy and

1)  Set our hope on the living God

2)  Be an example in Speech

3)  Be an example in Conduct

4)  Be an example in Love

5)   Be an example in Faith

6)  Be an example in Purity

Reading for Today - I Timothy 4:1-5 - the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith

1 Timothy 4:1-5 (ESV)

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.  For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

 

We need to be sure we are following the word of God.  There are those in the world that will seek to teach false doctrine.  There are those who conscience is seared and they do not teach or practice the truth and seek to draw us away from God.  May we study God’s word diligently and may our hearts be open to be touched by and filled with the word.

Reading for Today - I Timothy 3:14-16 - you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God

1 Timothy 3:14-16 (ESV)
I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

 

How great is the gospel message!  Paul wrote to Timothy that he was writing so that “you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God.”  That should be our desire that we would know how we “ought to behave in the household of God.”  May we seek daily to learn from the Bible that we may know God’s word and God’s will for our lives.

Reading for Today - I Timonthy 3:1-13 - If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task

1 Timothy 3:1-13 (ESV) The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.  Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.  He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?  He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.  Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.  

 

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.  They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.  And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.  Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.  Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.  For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

 

In the New Testament we read of elders and deacons in the congregations of the church.  In Paul’s letter to Timothy he mentions traits that those who serve in these roles should have.  Elders have great responsibility for the flock and deserve respect and honor.  Elders seek to lead the flock and must do this through both example and action.  Paul mentions, in addition to many personal traits, that elders should manage their own household well and should be well thought of by outsiders.  It is important for elders to be living a life that glorifies God and directs others toward Christ.

Deacons, are those who serve.  When a congregation looks to add deacons they should seek those who are already serving.  Deacons too, must manage their households well.

In the church the elders and deacons should not be the only ones serving.  We should all seek to serve God and others.  Throughout our lives we should be seeking to follow the example of Christ who came to serve and not to be served.  If anyone was more deserving of being served while they were on the earth it was Christ, yet Christ came to serve and to seek and to save the lost.  May we all seek to follow the example of Christ in our lives, serving others and seeking to put others ahead of ourselves.

Reading for today - I Timonthy 2:1-8 - This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth

1 Timothy 2:1-8 (ESV) First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.  For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.  

 

Do you pray for peace?  Do you pray for those who are in high position?  We should be those who seek to live in peace with others and who seek to live a godly life.  It should be our prayer that conditions in our country will allow us to live as Christians.  As we seek to live the peaceful Christian life our focus should be on sharing the saving message of Christ.  Our God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”.  That should be our desire as well.  May we seek to be light and salt in this world directing the world to Christ and living a life that glorifies God.

Reading for Today - I Timothy 1:12-20 - Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners

1 Timothy 1:12-20 (ESV) 

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.  But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.  To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

How great is the grace of God.  How great is the power of our God.  How great is the love of our God!  How amazing that God sent his Son, Christ Jesus, into the world to save us from sin!

Reading for Today - I Timothy 1:1-11 - The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith

1 Timothy 1:1-11 (ESV) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.  As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.   The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

We need to be careful not to get caught up speculative issues in the Bible.  It is neat to study angels and spirits.  There are a lot of things we don't know about life after death and many other questions we could ponder.  Paul reminded Timothy that he should charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.  We too need to be careful.  We need to make sure we are teaching the same doctrine that Paul and Peter taught.  We need to be sure we are following the New Testament.  Paul told Timothy that the aim of his charge was "love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."  Can you think of anything more beautiful than someone who has love from a pure heart, someone who has a good conscience and someone who has a sincere faith.  Don't you want that?  I know I desire to make sure all three of those attributes are in my life and growing.  If we are rightly studying the word of God the result should be growth in those three areas.

Reading for Today - II Peter 3:14-18 - And count the patience of our Lord as salvation

2 Peter 3:14-18 (ESV)
Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.  And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.  You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Reading for Today - II Peter 3:8-13 - But according to his promises we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells

2 Peter 3:8-13 (ESV) 
But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.  Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!  But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

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God is patient with this world, because he does not want anyone to perish, but all to come to repentance.  Just because the Lord is patient, doesn’t mean he will not fulfill His promises.  One day, all things of the earth will be dissolved and the works that have been done exposed.  May we heed Peter’s word and seek to live a life of holiness and godliness.  May we live a life that shows we are waiting for the Lord and desire his coming.

What a glorious day it will be to enjoy His promises in a “new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

Reading for Today - II Peter 3:1-7 - I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder

2 Peter 3:1-7 (ESV) This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.  They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”  For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.  But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

We need reminders.  Reminders are good because they help to keep us safe.  May we desire to please God and look forward to Christ’s return.  May we never forget that God is in control.

Reading for Today - II Peter 2:4-10 - The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials

2 Peter 2:4-10 (ESV)
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;  if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;  and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.

Reading for Today - II Peter 2:1-3 - In their greed they will exploit you with false words

2 Peter 2:1-3 (ESV)
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.  And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.  And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

 

We should be careful that we are learning the truth.  There are false teachers.  We must be careful so that we do not follow error.  May we study God’s word to ensure we are being taught the truth.

Reading for Today - II Peter 1:16-21 No Prophecy was every produced by the will of man

2 Peter 1:16-21 (ESV)
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.  And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.  For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Reading for Today - II Peter 1:12-15 - I intend always to remind you of these qualities

2 Peter 1:12-15 (ESV)
Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.   I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.  And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

 We need to be reminded of our spiritual goals.  The qualities that Peter mentions in II Peter are qualities we need to have in our life and qualities we need to be growing in.  It is important for us to make daily Bible study a part of our life.  The word of God is quick and powerful.  The word of God can change us.  May we seek the truth of God word daily and seek to grow after the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Reading for Today - II Peter 1:5-11 - Be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election

2 Peter 1:5-11 (ESV)
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.   For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.  Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.  For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

  As Christians, we should be growing in this list of items that Peter provides:

            Faith

            Virtue

            Knowledge

            Self-Control

            Steadfastness

            Godliness

           Brotherly Affection

           Love

We should ask ourselves frequently if we are growing in these things.  Is our faith strong than last year?  Do I know more of God’s word than last year?  Do I have more self-control than last year?  Am I growing in my ability to show love?  If we are living a life pleasing to God we should be seeking to grow in these.

Growing in these Christian graces will help us to effective and fruitful for God.  Peter wrote, “be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.”

May we seek to grow every day to become more like Christ.  May we seek to follow his example.  May we trust God in all things and seek to live the life that pleases Him and that will draw men to Him.

May we be a light in the world shinning the light of the Gospel through our life.  May we shine our light in Faith, Virtue, Knowledge, Self-Control, Steadfastness, Godliness, Brotherly Affection and Love.

Reading for Today - II Peter 1:1-4 - His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness

2 Peter 1:1-4 (ESV)
Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:  May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.  His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 

 

What we need is found in God.  Peter writes, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.”  Truly in Christ we have “precious and very great promises”.  How great it is to be in Christ.  May we put our desires on things above and seek the true knowledge that can only be found in God’s word.

Reading for Today - I Peter 5:5-14 - Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you

1 Peter 5:5-14 (ESV)
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.   Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.  And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.  To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.  By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.  She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.  Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Reading for Today - I Peter 4:12-19 - Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good

1 Peter 4:12-19 (ESV)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.  If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.  Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.  For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”  Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

 

When we do good and suffer for this, let us entrust ourselves to God.  God knows when we do good and suffer for it.  God is the one who will punish evil and reward those who have served him.  Let us focus our lives on doing good.  Peter wrote in I Peter that we should not repay evil for evil, instead we should return a blessing.  Let us trust in God and do good glorifying God.

Reading for Today - I Peter 4:7-11 - In order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ

1 Peter 4:7-11 (ESV)
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.  Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.  Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.  As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

May we seek to use the talents, abilities, and blessings God has given us to serve others.  May we be good stewards of the gifts of God and seek to be pleasing to God and to be a light in the world pointing others to Christ.

Reading for Today - I Peter 4:1-6 - Arm yourselves with the same way of thinking

1 Peter 4:1-6 (ESV)
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.  For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.  With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.  For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

 

As Christians, we will live different than the world.  The world will be surprised that we do not live for the human passions of this world.  May we seek to live in the spirit and not after the flesh.

Reading for Today - I Peter 3:18-22 - For Christ also suffered once for sins

1 Peter 3:18-22 (ESV)
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.  Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

Christ suffered to bring us to God.  Not only did Christ die to provide a way that we could have forgiveness, He died to provide a way to reconcile us to God that he would call us His Children.  When we learn of God’s plan for salvation, when we believe it, chose to repent and turn from our past sins and confess Christ we are ready to turn our lives over to God.  It is through the act of Baptism that we access this salvation and make an appeal to God for a good conscience.  After we have become Christ’s we must then continue to seek and to follow Him.  If we do not remain faithful to Christ, he cannot confess us before His Father in Heaven.  This does not mean we live a perfect life, but it does mean our heart and motives are right and that we are seeking to do that which is right.  We read in I John 1:7 that If we walk in the light as he is in the light the blood of Christ continues to cleanse us from all sin.  May we seek to be in Christ and to follow Christ, to be pleasing to God and to provide a light to others that they may come to know the grace and love of God.  May our hearts always be open to His word so that we are touched by the His truth and seek His will and not our own.

Reading for Today - I Peter 3:13-17 - It is better to suffer for doing good

1 Peter 3:13-17 (ESV)
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.  For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

 

If we suffer for doing good – God knows the truth.  Peter writes if we “suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.”  It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.  We have the example of Christ.

We are also told to make a defense of the hope that is within us.  When we teach others, it should be done with “gentleness and respect”.  When I read this verse, I think of Paul’s advice that our speech be always with grace and seasoned with salt.  How we teach others and defend the truth could impact how someone receives the word at that time.  May we show respect and use gentleness.  May we be gracious and share the good news Christ.  May our words build up others and lead them to Christ.

Reading for Today - I Peter 3:8-12 - Bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing

1 Peter 3:8-12 (ESV)
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.  Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.  For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

 

Christians are more concerned about others and doing good than “having their rights”.  We were called to bless others.  We know from the example of Christ to show brotherly love, to have a tender heart and to have a humble mind.  May we not be like the world returning evil for evil.  Let us be like Christ and return a blessing.  May we seek peace and pursue it.  May we seek righteousness.

Reading for Today - I Peter 3:1-7 - Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart

1 Peter 3:1-7 (ESV)
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.  Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.  For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.  Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Reading for Today - I Peter 2:18-25 - Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example

1 Peter 2:18-25 (ESV)
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.  For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.  For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.  For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.  He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.  When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.  For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

What an example we have in Christ.  The Son of God left Heaven, came to earth, served man and died on the cross to save man.  What an example.  Christ was due all honor and praise, yet he suffered and died for us.  What is it for us to suffer in comparison to what our Lord and Savior suffered for us.  What an example for us to serve others and to show love to others.  Without the example of Christ, we would not know what it really means to show true love.

Reading for Today - I Peter 2:13-17 - Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution

1 Peter 2:13-17 (ESV)
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.  For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.  Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.  Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

 

As Christians, we should strive to be good citizens.