Devos

Romans 6:16

Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?

What did Paul mean when he used the term “slavery” in this verse?

While there was a time when slaves were brought “into Roman society by the hundreds of thousands. . . one must be careful not to assign the barbaric treatment of slaves by the Romans in the pre-Christian centuries to the early Christian era. . . [H]umanitarian changes had been introduced. . . and these led to radically improved treatment of slaves, who had most of the legal rights that were granted to the freeborn” (Silva 72).

Some slaves received better treatment than free persons.

A good master would have meant that the slave(s) would have been like part of the family (but they did not share all the same rights as family members).

Galatians 4:1–7

Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. 3 So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

Jeffers writes, “while Christian slave owners are not told to free their slaves, they are told to transform their relationship with them into one of brotherhood” (235).

“Sin then is a serious matter. Though set free from it, we can in effect become its slaves again if we give ourselves to it” (Moo 210).

www.ministryofgodsprisoner.com/articles/is-slavery-supported-by-the-bible-yes-andor-no

Works Cited

Jeffers, James S. "Slavery." The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era: Exploring the Background of Early Christianity. IVP, 1999, pp. 220-36.

Moo, Douglas J. The Romans NIV Application Commentary: From Biblical Text to Contemporary Life. Zondervan, 2000.

NASB. New American Standard Version. The Holy Bible. Lockman, 2013.

Silva, Moises. The Essential Companion to Life in Bible Times: Key Insights for Reading God’s Word. Zondervan, 2011.

Acts 12:1-6

1 Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to mistreat them. 2 And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword. 3 When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 When he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people. 5 So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.

6 On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison.

James, one of the closest (Matthew 17:1), was the first of the twelve to be martyred.

If James was not spared considering his position, what hope did the Church have?

Peter was thrown in prison because James’ death pleased the people.

Prayer was being made for Peter.

Peter was sleeping.

Only true rest can be found in Christ alone.

Dear Jesus,

I know I am a sinner. I also know that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I ask that today you would forgive me of my sins and come into my life as my Lord and Savior. I pray that you would be my one true hope in life.

Amen.

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

The treasure Christians have (the hope of the Gospel) is stored on earth in jars of clay (paper cups of the ancient world).

Our bodies are fragile and will not last long, but the treasure we have inside carries on into eternity!

This is all done for God’s glory and power.

God’s power shines through because of the persecution and trials that Christians face.

Afflicted, but not crushed.

Perplexed, but not despairing.

Persecuted, but not forgotten.

Struck down, but not destroyed.

No matter which way we are pressed or squeezed, through God’s power, we can persevere.

1 Peter 1:1

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen

Peter is an Apostle and Leader of the Church.

1 Peter Theme: Stand Firm in the Truth You Know (5:12)

Who is Peter?

1. Rejected Jesus 3 times (Matt. 26:69-75).

2. Rebuked by Jesus more than any other disciples (e.g. Luke 22:31-34).

3. The only disciple called Satan by Jesus (Matt. 16:21-23).

4. Had some successes, but seemed to always stick his foot in his mouth (e.g. Mark 8:27-30; John 21:1-11).

1 Timothy 6:8-10

8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

I want to share some notes from a study I did on this passage a couple months ago.

In continuing his talk about godliness and its value, Paul says that we should be content with food and clothing.

Those who want to be rich will deal with the temptation and the snare that comes with wealth.

Those who desire wealth will face the many things that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

This is because money is the root and foundation of all kinds of evil.

Some who have desired wealth have left their faith and have brought many griefs on themselves.

God is a God that wants our desire to be for things that genuinely matter.

Judas is a perfect example of someone who gave up salvation for wealth (Matt. 26:14-16, 47-50; 27:1-10).

Jude 1:24-25

24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Jude ends this epistle with a theological statement.

Theology = God talk

To the only One Who offers security, hope, and can make us stand blameless, be all praise, for all time, AMEN!!!

Jude 1:20-23

20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.

As these false teachers are dedicated to tearing down, so believers should be dedicated to building up the Church and its members (both in strength and number).

They were not only called to fight in defense of their faith, but also to work in building it up.

This is done with anxious anticipation for Christ’s return.

These believers are also called to share this hope with those who doubt and with those in desperate need of snatching out of the fire! Sharing this hope should be accomplished through a love and gratefulness for the work God has completed and will complete through His Son Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:17-19

17 But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit.

Unlike those who use words to achieve their purposes, believers must remember the words of the apostles (Today’s context: The Bible).

The sin in the garden (Genesis 3) happened because God’s Word was not remembered by Adam and Eve. In the same way, believers must recall what God’s Word says when someone claims that something is truth.

Temptation to give into these ungodly lusts is not a struggle of strength; instead, it is a truth struggle to see if the believer trusts what God’s Word says.

Jude 1:14-16

14 It was also about these men that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord came with many thousands of His holy ones, 15 to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” 16 These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage.

Jude quoted from 1 Enoch 1:9. While it is not a canonical book, it was respected by both Jews and early Christians.

Jude recognized that even though 1 Enoch references all the ungodly, God would come in the same way to execute judgment on the false teachers that had entered the church.

Jude also mentions that these individuals are revealed through their self-serving words. They do not seek to serve God, but they are governed by their lusts and use flattery to achieve their purposes.

These are the ones that use destructive words to discourage the body of Christ. They distract from the contentment that should accompany godliness (1 Timothy 6:3-10).

Jude 1:9-13

9 But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 But these men revile the things which they do not understand; and the things which they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals, by these things they are destroyed. 11 Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. 12 These are the men who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam; wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever.

Michael the archangel responded to the reviling (Jude. 1:8). What was disputed is widely debated (some say it involves the Assumption of Moses); however, the main point is not the context of debate, but that Michael’s rebuke was from God, not himself.

Similarly, God will rebuke the false teachers for their ignorance to the things they claim to know. Instead of following God, these false teachers would face destruction for the things which were natural to them.

WOE for they have gone the way of. . .

1. Cain – Jealousy – Gen. 4:5, 8

2. Balaam – Greed – Num. 22:1-25:9; 31:16

3. Korah – Rebellion – Num. 16

These false teachers are ignorant. They sneak into the church so that they can selfishly satisfy themselves (1:12-13).

Jude 1:5-8

5 Now I desire to remind you, though you know all things once for all, that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day, 7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.

8 Yet in the same way these men, also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties.

Jude points out that the sin of the false teachers is no different than the previous sins of those who have been judged.

1. Egypt (1:5): Exodus 12:51; 14:21-31

2. Angels (1:6): 2 Peter 2:4

3. Sodom and Gomorrah (1:7): Genesis 19:1-29

The false teachers creeping into the Church are guilty of the same sin as those in the past.

Will God not deal with this unrighteousness in the same way?

Jude 1:3-4

3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. 4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Jude already had desired to write concerning the common salvation. But he said it was necessary for him to write an appeal for these believers to contend for the faith.

Contend Earnestly (G1864) – To stand firmly against; to fight so as to win.

This was necessary because the false teachers previously mentioned (1 Pet. 2:1-3) were now here.

These teachers were not openly opposing Jesus, instead they snuck in unnoticed so as to mislead others to join with them.

Jude 1:1-2

1 Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,

To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.

Bond-servant (G1401) – doulos

Does not call Himself Jesus’ brother or an apostle (an easy way to give himself authority).

Rather, Jude just obeys his calling.

Jude prayed for three things for the recipients:

1. Mercy (G1656) – Showing compassion to those in need.

2. Peace (G 1515) – A state of tranquility and rest.

3. Love (G 26) – The unconditional love of God (agape).

It is fitting that Jude prayed for these things in light of the challenges that the fellowship was facing (false teachers).

Luke 10:30-37

30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ 36 Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”

The parable of the Good Samaritan is well known and familiar; however, it would have been an unthinkable event to have taken place from a Jewish perspective.

The Samaritans were looked at as false Jews who did not worship YHWH in the proper manner (they worshiped on Mt. Gerizim instead of Zion). They also despised the Jews because of the reject to their offer to help in the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 4:3).

Both the priest and Levite would have been expected, because of religious role/obligation, to help the man.

Yet it was a halfbreed Samaritan who came to the man’s aid.

Who then is our neighbor? How can I show mercy to them?

1 Kings 19:14-18

14 Then he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

15 The Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus, and when you have arrived, you shall anoint Hazael king over Aram; 16 and Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. 17 It shall come about, the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall put to death. 18 Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

Elijah had just defeated the prophets of Baal, and now he was running for his life from Jezebel.

Elijah approached God in a cave, but God instructed Him to go to the mountain to stand before the Lord.

A great song wind, earthquake, and fire passed by, but it was the gentle blowing that Elijah recognized as God’s presence.

Elijah brought his situation and his burden to God – he felt all alone.

God gave Elijah a job to do (anointing kings) and a friend/successor (Elisha).

God also promised judgment on those who bowed to Baal.

God also encouraged Elijah through telling him there were 7,000 that had not bowed to Baal.

Joshua 4:1-9

1 Now when all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying, 2 “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from each tribe, 3 and command them, saying, ‘Take up for yourselves twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet are standing firm, and carry them over with you and lay them down in the lodging place where you will lodge tonight.’” 4 So Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the sons of Israel, one man from each tribe; 5 and Joshua said to them, “Cross again to the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel. 6 Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ 7 then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.”

8 Thus the sons of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, just as the Lord spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the lodging place and put them down there. 9 Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan at the place where the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant were standing, and they are there to this day.

God has been faithful throughout all history, especially in the case of the Israelites. God had promised to bring Israel into the Promised Land and as He was doing this, He gave the people a very important reminder: He is with them.

God led His people through the Jordan River on dry ground as He had done for the previous generation at the Red Sea. Except this time God had one more step before the waters returned to their regular flow.

The land the people were entering was filled with pagan and sinful nations that did not know the God of the Israelites. Israel needed a reminder of the work God had done to bring them into the land.

Twelve men from each tribe were to gather a large stone from the Jordan to set up a memorial.

This would serve as a reminder to all generations that God was at work in the lives of the Israelites.

What memorials do you have?

Isaiah 58:3-4

3 ‘Why have we fasted and You do not see?

Why have we humbled ourselves and You do not notice?’

Behold, on the day of your fast you find your desire,

And drive hard all your workers.

4 “Behold, you fast for contention and strife and to strike with a wicked fist.

You do not fast like you do today to make your voice heard on high.

The people of Isaiah’s day were superficially obeying God’s Law. Their motivation was not to glorify God and live in fellowship with Him. Instead they desired to be seen by others and complained when they weren’t.

Jesus says that those who fast for all to see have already gained their reward (Matt. 6:16-18).

God’s reason for giving the Jews the command to fast on the Annual day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29-30) was completely missed by these Jews. They instead sought to fast and worship for personal gain.

Even though they fasted, they still exploited their workers and had vengeance for their enemies in mind.

They treated obeying God like it was a deal: “if we do what You say, you have to bless us how we want.”

We can see that when God commanded the Jews to fast, it was not the food that was important. The most important thing was their heart behind the fast.

God desires hearts that are dedicated to seeking Him. Thankful for the grace He has freely given to all who ask of it.

What does your fasting look like?

Isaiah 19:16-18

16 In that day the Egyptians will become like women, and they will tremble and be in dread because of the waving of the hand of the Lord of hosts, which He is going to wave over them. 17 The land of Judah will become a terror to Egypt; everyone to whom it is mentioned will be in dread of it, because of the purpose of the Lord of hosts which He is purposing against them.

18 In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will be speaking the language of Canaan and swearing allegiance to the Lord of hosts; one will be called the City of Destruction.

In this passage, Isaiah addresses just one of the alliances that Judah was trusting in against the Assyrian threat.


Isaiah’s use of the term women in this context references the fact that women in that day had almost no involvement or experience with the military.

Like these women, Egypt would tremble in their ability to stand before the Lord.

But the purpose was not destruction, but to bring praise and honor to God.

There are many things in life that we can put our trust in, but every knee will bow and tongue confess that YHWH alone is Lord (Is. 45:23).

Why would we follow the ways of the world when we can choose now to freely praise the God of all creation? One day the whole world will realize that YHWH alone is Lord, but believers have the ability to serve Him today.

Matthew 5:13

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

Salt had several purposes in the days of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

1. Flavor food.

2. Preserve meat.

3. Purify water and sacrifices.

As salt was useful to a great many things, so Jesus says we are vital parts to His purposes.

Believers should seek to (like salt) enhance taste so as to make the world a better place.

But what about the warning given?

How can salt lose its taste?

Salt was obtained through evaporation and a plentiful supply could be found in the Dead Sea.

However, the salt gathered was not always pure. If salt became too corrupted by other matter, it would lose its power and become tasteless.

 Like tasteless salt, the believer that is mixed with a wrong way of life becomes useless to God’s purposes.

John 19:28-30

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, *said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. 30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

Even on the cross Jesus was careful to fulfill everything that had been prophesied about Him.

When Jesus knew He had completed His work on the cross he declared more than just a statement that the work was finished

(Precept Austin https://www.preceptaustin.org/tetelestai-paid_in_full)

TETELESTAI is in the perfect tense which describes a PAST completed act with PRESENT effect, emphasizing that the past completed event of Christ's death on the Cross has ongoing, even permanent effects. Jesus’ sacrifice may have occurred in time and space, but its results will last for eternity!

Jesus’ work was completed, but its effects carry on into eternity!

Now all can come and receive forgiveness from their sins!

Isaiah 40:6-8

6 A voice says, “Call out.”

Then he answered, “What shall I call out?”

All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.

7 The grass withers, the flower fades,

When the breath of the Lord blows upon it;

Surely the people are grass.

8 The grass withers, the flower fades,

But the word of our God stands forever.

This takes place after the rejection of the Assyrians and the announcement of Babylon’s coming.

These two nations serve God’s purpose and then they fade away like grass. But God’s Word stands.

Nothing can do away with the Word of God.

Unlike the grass and flowers which grow for a season and then wither away, God’s Word stands through every season.

Isaiah 43:25

“I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake,

And I will not remember your sins.

When God forgives us, He does not remember our sin anymore.

Quote from Page 118–119 of the Ragamuffin Gospel.

We can trust that God does not remember our sins when He forgives us of them, so why do we?

How can we accept God’s grace and forgiveness if we continue to hold onto guilt without ever letting it go.

Matthew 6:9-10

9 “Pray, then, in this way:

‘Our Father who is in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

10 ‘Your kingdom come.

Your will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

These verses are the first part of the Lord’s Prayer. This describes a model for how prayer should begin.

The disciples had just asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Not what words to use, but a model of how to pray like He did (Luke 11:1-2).

This is because the disciples recognized that Jesus was a Man of prayer (Luke 5:16).

Jesus’ first priority in prayer was to recognize Whom He was speaking to (Heb. 5:7).

“Father probably refers to an Aramaic word Abba, which was used both during childhood and adulthood and could be used for respected men outside of one’s family. ‘Daddy’ is not quite the best English equivalent. This intimate Father is also in heaven, emphasizing His transcendence and divinity.”

(Page 1463 of the Moody Bible Commentary)

When we pray, we must remember the One we are approaching. We do not need to fear, but rather, revere the Name we call on. We must recognize to Whom we are speaking before any prayer takes place.

Philippians 2:5-8

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

This is part 1 of the Kenosis passage (Phil. 2:5-11)

Kenosis = Jesus emptied Himself.

Christ’s attitude was one of humility and submission to the Father’s will.

This submission held firm even to death.

How can you have this attitude?

The same resources available to Christ are available to you.

1. Prayer (Luke 5:16)

2. The Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22)

3. The Word (John 7:16-17)

Jesus’ model can be lived out because you have the Word.

1 Peter 1:6-9

6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Peter was writing to believers that were in exile because of persecution. Peter encourages them through the reminder that though believers can expect trials, they can also rejoice in them because only that which is true lasts through trials.

These believers could expect that they would deal with trials of many kinds (multicolored trials). Trials unique to the believer’s life.

Trials can be considered a joyful time because they show the value of the believer’s faith.

Gold was expected to be tested by fire - the believer’s faith is considered more valuable than gold. Trials prove value.

Trials can be counted as joy because they show faith that, unlike gold, with not perish.

Trials were also an occasion for joy because they were proof of salvation.

John 8:52-59

52 The Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets also; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death.’ 53 Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; 55 and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” 59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.

The Jews were questioning Jesus about His identity. Jesus claimed to be the Light of life (John 8 12-13).

The Jews misinterpreted Jesus’ words (vs. 57).

Jesus’ claim was that Abraham looked forward to Jesus’ day, Jesus (the man) did not live for thousands of years.

Jesus, however, did take this opportunity to establish that He is God (vs. 58; Ex. 3:13-14).

At this time, the Jews understood Jesus’ words (vs. 59).

I can live in the Light (Jesus) of life and know I will never spiritually die.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

The church of Corinth found itself in an area much like Los Angeles. They were surrounded by sin and temptation was everywhere.

Paul had already written a letter to the Corinthians before what is known as 1 Corinthians (this book is actually the second letter he wrote to them according to 1 Cor. 5:9).

This letter was again addressing the areas of sin that the Corinthians found themselves in.

All temptation is common to mankind. There is no new kind that is unique to an individual.

Through God’s strength, He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can handle. God holds some back.

God provides a way of escape from temptation. This is not relief from it, rather, you will be made able to bear the temptation.

We must learn from the example of others, whether good or bad (1 Cor. 10:6, 11).

We must be ready for temptation; it can come at any time (1 Cor. 10:12).

We must flee from temptation (1 Cor. 10:14).

Temptation is never a power struggle, it is a struggle to trust God’s truth as accurate for our lives.

Luke 13:10-13

10 And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your sickness.” 13 And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made erect again and began glorifying God.

This woman was healed from a sickness that cursed her for 18 years. It seems this woman’s condition that was caused by an evil spirit was a challenge between Satan’s power and God’s.

The description of this woman’s condition shows the power of God displayed through Jesus. She couldn’t straighten up AT ALL!

Satan had this woman bound, looking to the ground for 18 years, and Jesus called her over to heal her.

After she was healed, it can be observed that it was not in vain. This woman began glorifying God. There was an instant change in posture. The woman, who was bent in shame, now was upright glorifying God!

No one could deny the change Jesus had made in her life!

Are you changed?

Do you live like it?

Do your actions communicate the change Jesus has made in your life?

Habakkuk 3:16-19

16 I heard and my inward parts trembled,

At the sound my lips quivered.

Decay enters my bones,

And in my place I tremble.

Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress,

For the people to arise who will invade us.

17 Though the fig tree should not blossom

And there be no fruit on the vines,

Though the yield of the olive should fail

And the fields produce no food,

Though the flock should be cut off from the fold

And there be no cattle in the stalls,

18 Yet I will exult in the Lord,

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

19 The Lord God is my strength,

And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet,

And makes me walk on my high places.

For the choir director, on my stringed instruments.

The prophet Habakkuk talked to God asking why the Chaldeans, who were a wicked people, were being used by God to bring judgment to Judah.

God’s answer was that the righteous would live and the wicked will fall; even if God uses the Chaldeans for a short time to accomplish His purpose. The verses of this passage are the end of Habakkuk’s response to God.

Habakkuk is troubled because he is sitting in wait for judgment, however, he recognizes that God is sovereign over the situation.

Habakkuk’s hope was not in his current surroundings because he understood the land which produced and sustained fig-trees, fruit on the vines, olives, fields of food, and cattle would not last in the coming judgment. Only his hope in God would remain.

Sometimes believers face trials and it becomes a time that we have to realize where our true strength lies. Not in any material thing, but in God Whose strength will never be destroyed.

Habakkuk recognized that he could rejoice in the strength of the Lord and believers can too! No matter your circumstances, trust in God and you will find a strength that never fails.

This is a song of hope to all who hear, God is the God of strength and salvation!

Philippians 4:6-9

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Paul calls believers to pray instead of becoming anxious.


He mentions two kinds of prayer:

1. A general prayer.

A. This kind of prayer is designed to bring your focus back onto God (where it should be).

B. Before you ask God for anything, you must first put your attention on Him and recognize His identity.

2. Specific prayer

A. This prayer is a time when we bring our specific requests to God.

B. We ask, recognizing that He is capable of handling our situation.

When we bring our requests before God, His peace becomes a stronghold for our hearts and minds.

Paul also calls believers to dwell (or meditate) on a few things. These are things that should be the focus of our minds.

Meditate - does not mean to empty yourself as middle eastern thought might suggest. It means that these are the things that should fill our minds.

Lastly, Paul shares that he has modeled these things, and they can be followed by those who have seen his life in action. Paul lives as an example, that if emulated, will lead individuals closer to God.

When Paul’s example is lived out, the God of peace is with you.

This is a challenge for believers to live their lives similarly.

Psalm 33:16-22

16 The king is not saved by a mighty army;

A warrior is not delivered by great strength.

17 A horse is a false hope for victory;

Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,

On those who hope for His lovingkindness,

19 To deliver their soul from death

And to keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waits for the Lord;

He is our help and our shield.

21 For our heart rejoices in Him,

Because we trust in His holy name.

22 Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us,

According as we have hoped in You.

Nothing from man guarantees victory, only trusting in the Lord can bring assurance.

Things that are not a sure hope:

1. A mighty army.

2. Great strength.

3. Horses in battle.

These things may appear to be products for victory, but God reveals that His eye is on those who fear Him.

How do you fear the Lord?

1. Hope for His lovingkindness.

A. To deliver their soul from death.

B. To keep them alive in famine.

2. Wait for Him.

3. Trust in Him (this trust brings rejoicing).

The requirement to receive God’s lovingkindness is to hope in Him fully. To hope in God is to have full confidence that victory can only come through Him.

Matthew 7:13-14

13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

The way to destruction is made broad and effortless to enter and continue down because it is an easy lifestyle in the short term, not the long term.

The other gate is narrow because we need to leave some things behind to enter. The way remains narrow because it is difficult.

Most people won’t go through the narrow gate because they want to do what is easy.

If you want to enter the narrow gate, you have to count the cost.

1. It will cost every part of your life.

2. It includes persecution and remains narrow the whole way.

3. It is lonely.

The narrow path is difficult, however, it is the way that leads to life. Only the true Gospel which guides believers on the narrow path will last.

Isaiah 40:29-31

29 He gives strength to the weary,

And to him who lacks might He increases power.

30 Though youths grow weary and tired,

And vigorous young men stumble badly,

31 Yet those who [wait for the Lord

Will gain new strength;

They will mount up with wings like eagles,

They will run and not get tired,

They will walk and not become weary.

Those who do things in their own strength...

1. Grow weary.

2. Become tired.

3. Stumble badly.

Those who trust in God’s strength will...

1. Be raised in Christ (Eph. 2:6).

2. Effectively run the race before them (Heb. 12:1).

3. Be prepared to walk in Christ (Col. 2:6).

When we trust in God, we are strengthened. When we trust in our strength, we will discover how faulty and unreliable it really is.

Psalm 77

1 My voice rises to God, and I will cry aloud;

My voice rises to God, and He will hear me.

2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord;

In the night my hand was stretched out without weariness;

My soul refused to be comforted.

3 When I remember God, then I am disturbed;

When I sigh, then my spirit grows faint. Selah.

4 You have held my eyelids open;

I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

5 I have considered the days of old,

The years of long ago.

6 I will remember my song in the night;

I will meditate with my heart,

And my spirit ponders:

7 Will the Lord reject forever?

And will He never be favorable again?

8 Has His lovingkindness ceased forever?

Has His promise come to an end forever?

9 Has God forgotten to be gracious,

Or has He in anger withdrawn His compassion? Selah.

10 Then I said, “It is my grief,

That the right hand of the Most High has changed.”

11 I shall remember the deeds of the Lord;

Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.

12 I will meditate on all Your work

And muse on Your deeds.

13 Your way, O God, is holy;

What god is great like our God?

14 You are the God who works wonders;

You have made known Your strength among the peoples.

15 You have by Your power redeemed Your people,

The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.

16 The waters saw You, O God;

The waters saw You, they were in anguish;

The deeps also trembled.

17 The clouds poured out water;

The skies gave forth a sound;

Your arrows flashed here and there.

18 The sound of Your thunder was in the whirlwind;

The lightnings lit up the world;

The earth trembled and shook.

19 Your way was in the sea

And Your paths in the mighty waters,

And Your footprints may not be known.

20 You led Your people like a flock

By the hand of Moses and Aaron.

I read Psalm 77 a few years ago and came across some notes I took on it. Today I felt led to share them with you:

• Sometimes it feels like God doesn't hear us in our days of trouble.

• When we feel like this, we need to remember what God has done, because Who God was yesterday is Who He is today.

Understanding Who God is happens when we remember and recognize His past works. God’s character can be known by His actions.

• He created everything (Gen. 1-2).

• Delivered His people from captivity in Egypt (Ex. 12:29-14:31).

• Sent His only Son to die and bring forgiveness of sins to all (John 3:16-17).

• Gave us His Word so we can be prepared for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

• And so many more things!

When we understand what God has done, we can know that He is willing and able to help us through any situation we may face. Nothing is too big or small for our God!