QT 1/17/2025 Rom 16:25-27, Get into the bible this year

Romans 16:25–27 (ESV) —

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

 

NOTE: There are a number of mysteries in the NT, things hinted at in the OT but not fully revealed until the NT. Fruchtenbaum identifies 8 mysteries.

 

1. The Mystery of the Seven Stars and Seven Golden Lampstands - Revelation 1:20
2. The Mystery of the Body - Ephesians 3:1-12
3. The Mystery of the Indwelling Christ - Colossians 1:24-29
4. The Mystery of the Bride of Christ - Ephesians 5:22-33
5. The Mystery of the Translation - I Corinthians 15:50-58
6. The Mystery of Israel's Hardening - Rom 9:1-11:36
7. The Mystery of Babylon - Revelation 17:1-18
8. The Mystery of Lawlessness and the Lawless One - II Thessalonians 2:1-12

 

There is not enough time to discuss all of the mysteries, and a document can be found at Ariel.org for a small price. https://www.ariel.org/store/product/The-eight-mysteries-of-the-new-testament-pdf.

 

I think the important thing for the believer, is that all the mysteries have been revealed. God has made it known in his word. There is no need for secret societies or gnostic writings. The scriptures are clear and we are the beneficiaries of the revealing of God's truth. Of course, now the question remains if we have taken advantage of this great blessing -- do we regularly get into the word of God and read it? Just plain read it. Don't try to interpret it, just read it. I would recommend starting in the gospel of John. There are many free plans. Try https://www.biblereadingplan.org/ to get started.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I have a bible reading program?
2. Do I regularly get into God's word?

 

PRAYER: Father, your word has completely transformed my life over the years. Nothing has done more to make me into a new creature than your word and the Holy Spirit using it. Continue to transform me and change me through the power of your word.

QT 1/16/2025 Rom 16:17-23, Find good teachers not combative ones

Romans 16:17–23 (ESV) —

17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.

22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.

 

NOTE: The church is not always such a great place. There are those who cause divisions, create obstacles, and who oppose basic doctrine. The message is to avoid them, but somehow they manage to create a following of people who want their ears itched. I call these people the birds of the church. They nestle in the tree that grew out of a small seed. They are the ones who snatch the word that is sown on the path. In multiple letters to the church, Paul warns them of these people. An example is in Peter's letter:

 

2 Peter 2:1 (ESV) — 1 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.

 

The church can be a dangerous place if you do not look out for the birds. We have some clues. Does you teacher stir division? Is you teacher always fighting against the leadership of the church? Does your leader deny that God's word is true and has the answers we need for life? Does your leader cause you to doubt more or grow stronger in faith?

 

PONDER:

1. Check yourself: Do you cause division or contribute to unity?
2. Does your philosophy of life question God or rely on God's truth?

 

PRAYER: Father, expose the evil that creeps into our churches and causes the sheep to doubt you and your word. Help us to grow stronger, not weaker.

QT 1/15/2025 Rom 16:11-16, The supposed foolishness of the gospel

Romans 16:10–16 (ESV) —

10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus.

11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

 

NOTE: There are a lot of names mentioned, many for the first time in scripture. Some of these names may be famous, such as Narcissus, a high official in Rome. Aristobulus (verse 10) was also a famous private citizen whose brother was a close friend of emperor Claudius. Here, Narcissus, was possibly Tiberius Claudius Narcissus, a friend of emperor Tiberius, and a man of proverbial wealth. (As a side note, narcissism is a nineteenth-century word which had its origin in Greek gods, one in particular who fell in love with his reflection in a pool.) Still, if true that Narcissus' family believed, it is interesting that the gospel was having an impact on Romans, both high and low.

 

In Corinthians, Paul seems to exclude the high and mighty:

 

1 Corinthians 1:20–25 (ESV) — 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

 

It is possible for the high and mighty, what we call the elites, to understand the gospel, but they must overcome their own pride. They must recognize that they do not have the answers to life. They must repent of their sins and humbly give their lives to the savior. Some can, and have, done that. But many will die eternally because their pride is too great.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I look pass the "smart" people, thinking they won't listen to the gospel?
2. Do I recognize that my "smarts" is foolishness in God's eyes?

 

PRAYER: Father, I fool myself often in thinking I know the answers. Forgive me for my pride. I want to know you and you alone.

QT 1/14/2025 Rom 6:6-10, We remember those we regularly lift up in prayer

Romans 16:6–10 (ESV) —

6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus.

 

NOTE: This is part of a very extensive list of personal acquaintances. Paul had never visited the church in Rome, but he had come in contact with many of the believers, either who grew up in Rome or ended up in Rome. Claudius had kicked the Jews out of Rome at one point, so some of the relationships may have started as a result of that event. I think my biggest worry when listing people is to leave someone off the list. If you are regularly praying for others, you are not going to forget them. I think Paul prayed for these and many other church leaders very regularly. He may have had a list or memorized a list since his eyes were going bad. So, it was probably easy to remember them because he prayed for them.

 

This is a good challenge to myself. I need to be praying for the leaders, the missionaries, and those I regularly interact. I have left prayer slide in my business, and that is wrong.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I have a list of people I regularly pray for?
2. Have I memorized my list of people?
3. Do I regularly pray?

 

PRAYER: Father Help me to remember to pray for others. I have been very weak in this area. I ask for your forgiveness. Deepen my love for my brothers and sisters through prayer.

QT 1/13/2025 Rom 16:1-5, Women impacting other women

Romans 16:1–5 (ESV) —

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.

 

NOTE: In our church, there are some wonderful ladies who have really taken on our intentional discipleship group (IDG) ministry. They are investing themselves in helping younger ladies just as the scripture teaches. They are using their gifts and strengths to make a long-term impact in a generation of leaders and moms. I am so proud of them. They are changing the tenor and spirituality of the church. From the pastor's wife to many other retired ladies, they have multiplied their lives by making disciple-makers. The men have done well, but the women have done much better, which is amazing because usually children and family make it difficult for women to be involved in discipleship ministries.

 

Phoebe, Prisca, Lydia, and others set an impressive example of women who were true lovers of Jesus, and whose lives were transformed by the gospel. It is exciting to have the same type of women in our church.

 

PONDER:

Do we remember to thank the women who lead behind the scenes for their ministry?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for your work in our church to transform men and women through discipleship. I am excited to have even a small part of what you are doing. Continue to bless and give me the strength and time to stay involved.

QT 1/12/2025 Rom 15:28-33, Trusting in God's plan

Romans 15:28–33 (ESV) —

28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

 

NOTE: I have been very sick these last couple of weeks. I feel like I am only now recovering. These last two QTs are two I missed last week.

 

As I mentioned in the previous QT, Paul did not know that his plans were different from God's plan. And his desire for his visit did not turn out quite as he had planned. A riot ensued, multiple attempts were made on his life, he was in prison for two years, and then almost drowned trying to get to Rome. He would then spend time in house captivity chained to a Roman soldier. God's plan was different than Paul's plan. One thing that did happen is that Paul was able to share the gospel to many Roman leaders. It was against the law to try to convert a Roman citizen to a different faith, but because of the situation and arrest, Paul had to testify before kings and rulers why he was on trial.

 

Our life may not be going the way we desire, but if we have a relationship with Jesus, we can be assured that God's plan is better and God has a good reason. Trust him and have faith that he knows what he is doing.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I believe God's plan is better than my plan?
2. Am I looking to see what God is really doing in my life right now?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to rest in your control. Life may seem out of control, but you know what you are doing. I need to trust and have faith in you first.

QT 1/12/2025 Rom 15:22-27, Giving because you are born again

Romans 15:22–27 (ESV) —

22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings.

 

NOTE: Twice in the passage, Paul makes mention of giving. The first is his expectation to be helped along after a visit. The second is the ongoing project to collect money for the poor in Jerusalem. Ultimately, he will end up in prison as a result of this trip to Jerusalem. It was a good thing, but God had plans to use it differently than Paul might have imagined. To Paul, giving was a natural part of being a believer in Christ. I think giving has been one of the most exciting parts of my ministries over the years. God has done far more than I would have ever expected allowing me to minister to many different missionaries. A healthy giving program is a good indicator of true faith -- it is not a work, but an outgrowth of faith. If you give because you have to, then you do not understand giving, and you may not have been born again.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I give because I have to or because I want to?
2. Do I give more than what is required? By that, I mean if you are giving to a requirement (like a tithe), you do not understand Christian giving.

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the years of abundance. In retirement, things have not been abundant, but there are still great opportunities to give. Thank you!

QT 1/8/2025 Rom 15:14-21, Reminders

Romans 15:14–21 (ESV) —

14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written,

“Those who have never been told of him will see,

and those who have never heard will understand.”

 

NOTE: I think that in verse 14, Paul was saying that the Romans had all that they needed to continue to grow in the faith, Paul was merely reminding them, rather boldly of those things they already knew. Reminders are good. God uses multiple means to remind us of truth. Sometimes, it is the simple re-reading of a passage that many years ago had taught us something or changed a behavior. Sometimes, God uses people to remind us of things we ought to know. Those are not always comfortable, as Paul's BOLD comments probably were not. I suppose they are many ways for God to remind us, but the third one I think about is what I call the 2 by 4 (or brick wall) approach. In the US, a 2 by 4, is a piece of lumber approximately two inches by 4 inches, and at least six or eight foot long. Learning something through the 2 by 4 approach is where you get banged over the head pretty hard by a 2 by 4 in order to knock some sense into you, just like running into a brick wall when you don't know where you are going or a running from God.

 

The point of the three methods of reminders is this: If you are a child of God, he will not let you go. He will start easy with a verse, but then bring in a person or something, but when you finally won't listen, he will use a 2 by 4 or a brick wall to get your attention.

 

PONDER:

1. What has God been trying to say to me and I am not listening?
2. How has God been trying to get my attention?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to be sensitive and receptive to your word and your Spirit within me. Help me to see my faults before they get any worse.

QT 1/7/2025 Rom 15:8-13, We are part of God's grand plan

Romans 15:8–13 (ESV) —

8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,

and sing to your name.”

10 And again it is said,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,

and let all the peoples extol him.”

12 And again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse will come,

even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;

in him will the Gentiles hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

 

NOTE: Paul quotes extensively the OT to make his point that God's plan has always been to save the Gentiles. Technically, he intended to use Israel to do that mission but they failed. And technically, all the early believers were Jews, and it was those Jews who did take the gospel to the Gentiles.

 

The four quotations are taken from all three parts of the Old Testament, the Law (v. 10), the Psalms (vv. 9, 11), and the Prophets (v. 12). Accordingly the truth of the inclusion of Jew and Gentile in Christ through the Gospel is shown to extend through the whole range of Old Testament prophecy. This, adds point to the preceding exhortations as to mutual forbearance.” (Vine, p. 209.)

 

Now, it is mostly Gentiles taking the gospel to other Gentiles nations as well as Jews. The church is a new entity composed of Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave and free, with no distinctions. In the latter days, when the church is taken out of the earth, it will fall upon the Jews to take the gospel to the nations again. The bible tells us that 144 thousand Jews will be his witnesses throughout the world in those last days.

 

We, Gentiles, were not an after-thought in the mind of God. We have always been part of his desire to bring all people to a knowledge of him.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I take my role as a witness seriously?
2. Do I realize my actions toward a Jewish person could affect his faith in Jesus during the tribulation?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to be conscious of my actions. I have no idea who I am witnessing to through my actions. It could be one of the 144 thousand at the end of time.

 

QT 1/6/2025 Rom 5:1-7, An obligation to live for others

Romans 15:1–7 (ESV) —

1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 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. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

 

NOTE: This is the very opposite of "personal rights," where a person makes choices that please themselves -- that is not the Christian life. Rather, the opposite is true, we have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, even if it interferes with our own desires and plans.

 

Jesus died for us, not to make earthly life great, but to save us from our sin. Since we have a sin-marred body, sin will always reign, and we will make poor choices. We need to crucify the flesh, that means letting go of our "personal rights," and choosing to consider others more important than ourselves. It is not that we don't love ourselves, we can't help but love ourselves, but we can do more to love others. We have an OBLIGATION to that end.

 

PONDER:

1. Who am I really living for, myself or for others?
2. How does it show in my life? What am I doing differently which communicates that people are important?

 

PRAYER: Father, as I start this new year, continue to transform me. Remove the selfishness and help me to exude grace to all.

 

QT 1/3/2025 Rom 14:19-23, Loving others is more important than my freedom

Romans 14:19–23 (ESV) —

19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

 

NOTE: Verse 19 is a simple principle -- pursue those things that make for peace and mutual upbuilding. If you know that your activity is going to cause another believer problems, then the right thing to do is to NOT do that activity. Mounce says it well:

 

While freedom is a right, it is not a guide for conduct. Love serves that purpose. Rights are to be laid aside in the interest of love.”836

836 Mounce, pp. 257-58.

 

In the west, and especially in the United States we have elevated our freedom to the status of a god. In reality, we have elevated ourselves to a god by demanding our right to freedom. What an ugly thing that is!

 

Yes, our freedom is important to us, but for a Christian, it is trumped by our commitment to others first (love for others), which is out of our commitment to Jesus (love for God). Other people are more important than my individual exercise of a freedom. I can give something up, if it will protect another believer's faith.

 

PONDER:

1. What are activities that I engage in that might hurt the faith of others?
2. Am I willing to love others by discontinuing the activity for the sake of peace?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to recognize those things that might bother some other believer in the Lord. I may not even recognize the issue. Open my eyes.

QT 1/2/2025 Rom 14:13-18, Believers in Christ are not perfect but should be growing and changing

Romans 14:13–18 (ESV) —

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

 

NOTE: The kingdom of God is not a matter of many things that people somehow think it is. In fact, some people are still struggling with sins because of their past involvement. Those sins do not change overnight -- at least in most cases. I am amazed at what the Holy Spirit can do in a person's life in a short period time. But I know others who struggle with various sexual sins whose progress is slow and uneven. The kingdom of God is available to anyone who believes in the Lord Jesus for salvation from his sins. That's it. There is no standard of works which follow belief that has to be attained. Salvation is by faith alone, but a person who has truly been saved will experience the new creation that comes when the Holy Spirit enters your life upon belief. And that person's life will begin to change from the inside to the outside.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I judge people by what I see of their behavior?
2. Do I truly know the person, what he has gone through and what he is still going through today?

 

PRAYER: Father, we need to show grace toward other brothers and sisters in the faith. We, ourselves, have our issues too. You are still working within us. Our sins might seem "less" ugly, but in your eyes, sin is sin, whatever it is.

 

QT 1/1/2025 Rom 14:7-8, Who do we truly live and die to?

Romans 14:7–12 (ESV) —

7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,

and every tongue shall confess to God.”

12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

 

NOTE: The passage starts out with a true goal of a believer, we don't live or die to ourself meaning that "life is not about me." Last summer, I saw a saying etched on a car "my life, my rules." That is wrong. That philosophy of life is of the devil. I can't be any stronger in my statement. Life is to be lived for Jesus, and is under the rules of God. My life is NOT my own, I was bought and paid for by Jesus' death on the cross. Having said all that, it is very hard to live in that manner. We are all very selfish and we live in a narcissistic society. The world culture promotes and applauds narcissism, that we ought to be able to do and be whatever we want. The world tells us that there are no rules (and in political circles, it seems there are no laws either). The Holy Spirit can change us, and it starts with regular time in the word, and repentance and prayer. A relationship with Jesus is life-changing. You will not be the same person. If you have not found that to be true, I wonder if you have truly repented, confessed your rebellion to God, and asked him to be your Lord and savior. You can say the words, but if you mean it from deep within your heart, you will see God begin an amazing work in your life.

 

PONDER:

1. Who do you live for, yourself or God?
2. Have you seen a miraculous change in your life caused by your faith? Are you truly saved?

 

PRAYER: My assurance of faith is confirmed by the word of God and by the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. I am a new creature. I've seen it and I know it. I still struggle with selfishness, but I know you are changing me in that area. Continue your work in my heart.

QT 12/31/2024 Rom 14:1-6, Understanding convictions

Romans 14:1–6 (ESV) —

1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.

 

NOTE: The passage is really about convictions, in the cases above, the issue is food (Edenic diet vs non-Edenic diet), and special days (Sabbath, Sunday, Feasts, etc.,). The formula is such:

 

1. One person believes "A" while the other person believes "B"
2. Let no one despise (look down upon) the person who does "A" or pass judgment on the person who does "B"
3. God is each person's master and we will stand before him
4. I would add, in every case, one ought to be able to give honor to the Lord in the activity and give thanks to the Lord in the activity.

 

I suppose if the activity does not honor the Lord or give thanks to the Lord, those are warning signs to the individual (not to others) that maybe they should review their convictions. If a habit that you justify, based on convictions, does not bring you closer to God but rather, farther away from God, that is probably a good sign that it is not a good activity, and that you are using the idea of conviction to justify an activity that you know God would not approve.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I justify any activities or beliefs that really do not honor God nor give him thanks?
2. Do I judge others for their activities or beliefs because they are not the same as mine in cases where the scriptures are not absolutely clear?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to see my own activities through this prism. Help me to reevaluate anything I am doing that does not bring you honor and thanks.

QT 12/30/2024 Rom 13:11-14, Living in the light

Romans 13:11–14 (ESV) —

11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

 

NOTE: So, the bible does have something to say about "woke" and it is not good. We are sleeping spiritually. The night is far gone, and every year we get closer to the return. The day is the time of Jesus' reign. The Greek word for sensuality is aselgeia meaning indulgence in sensual pleasure unrestrained by convention or morality. It means people don't care. I can almost read a level of "pride" in their sin. This is the culture of our day, and yes we need to wake up, but not to stupid ideas of forced equality based on characteristics (some sinful), but to biblical values based upon God himself, who created us, and knows what is best for us.

 

There is a secret in this passage to living a Christ-like life. The secret is to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. I think this is three-fold. First, we need to put our faith in Jesus Christ for the salvation from our sins. Second, we need to be saturating our life with God's word by regularly reading the word and praying to him. Third, when we want to get rid of a habit (put off), we need to replace it with its opposite (put on). The example in scripture is the person who steals, that he do something good with his hands -- put off stealing by putting on constructive work with your hands. There are many more examples, ask God to give you insight into what you need to put on to help you with putting off.

 

PONDER:

1. Where am I living? Am in living in the world's darkness, or am I in the world but trying to live in God's light?
2. What do I need to put off? What can I put on to replace the thing I put off?

 

PRAYER: God, give us insight into how we can break habits. We need to repent of sin, and then we need to build good habits to replace old bad habits. Give us strength and wisdom.

QT 12/28/2024 Rom 13:1-7, No Peace for man of his own accord

Romans 13:1–7 (ESV) —

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

 

NOTE: "… for rulers are … God's servant for you good…" Having just witnessed an election in the USA that went from one extreme to the other, it seems hard to believe that it is the same God who allowed each to assume power. The problem is not God's apparent fickle choices, but our failure to see the larger picture. God doesn't really care much about politics except as it leads to an end times finale, followed by 1000 years of Jesus' reign on earth. There is no system or political party which can achieve the peace we all desire. As the song says,

 

"For hate is strong, and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men."

…

"God is not dead, nor does He sleep

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men."

 

There will be no government solution to this world's ill, except to repent of our rebellion to God's rule which began in the garden. When Jesus returns and reestablishes his rule, then we will see what God had always planned. Things may not look right or good, but in God's big picture, he is working. We need to live for God and do what is right until He comes again.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I still believe that humans alone are capable of creating a harmonious government?
2. Am I still in rebellion? Or have I yielded to his rulership over my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, I don't know the plan, only the end states. Help me to obey and trust as you bring your plan to fulfillment.

QT 12/26/2024 Rom 12:15-21, Show grace, not anger

Romans 12:15–21 (ESV) —

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

NOTE: Paul, in writing to a church had never visited, shares a number of instructions (probably because he had never visited personally). Generally, the message in this paragraph is about peace and avoiding the things that disrupt peace. What are those things that disrupt peace?

• When we don't show interest in what is happening in others life (communicates you don't care),
• When we are proud,
• When we won't associate with certain people,
• And when we focus on revenge or getting even.

The enemy is always on the prowl, looking for things that can disrupt harmony and peace. Most of the time, people will do things unintentionally, without any malice, and it will get interpreted negatively. I think this happens when we are driving a car quite often. We need to show grace, and if the other's action is from malice, overcome evil by doing good. Not only are we commanded to live this way, it can save a number of years of our life that could be lost because of anger, or stupid emotional decisions.

 

PONDER:

1. What is my first response to a perceived aggression?
2. Do I really have to respond to a negative action? Why?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to relax in you. I have eternity before me. I have eternal life. I am completely loved. I am completely forgiven. I should feel sorry for those without the savior, and show grace always.

QT 12/24/2024 Rom 12:3, Humility is a much better look than pride

Romans 12:3–8 (ESV) —

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

 

NOTE: I almost always (I'm giving myself a little grace by adding "almost") think more highly of myself than I ought. I have always struggled with pride. I'm not going to blame it on my parents. It is sin and part of my sinful nature. My whole Christian life has been an experience of learning to be humble. Sometimes God humbles me, sometimes my pride makes me look like a fool, sometimes he lifts me up and gives me opportunity to respond differently than normal. And yes, I have seen a lot of change. I don't always have to tell my story or my background. Sometimes I can be comfortable being the nobody in the crowd. I am glad for where the Lord has taken me because it is a better look than before I knew Christ. I don't know what the next year will hold. I don't know what I will be learning. But I do know by faith, that God will be guiding me every step of the way.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I always have to give my story when another tells there?
2. Is it important that people know my background, why?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to let go of my pride. Help me to believe that it is only your opinion that matters and nobody else's.

QT 12/23/2024 Rom 11:31-36, In comparison to the mind of God, we are ZERO

Romans 11:31–36 (ESV) —

31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.

33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,

or who has been his counselor?”

35 “Or who has given a gift to him

that he might be repaid?”

36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

 

NOTE: We really don't understand how little we know. I am amazed at the people who think they have the perfect argument against God that somehow they will present if they find at their death that God exists. Oh, the foolishness of man to think the finite can defeat the infinite. God is so far beyond our paltry brains, it is like an adult explaining quantum mechanics to a two-year old, and even that example fails to understand the relationship of finite (man) to infinite (God). I'm a math guy, that is where my degrees have been gained. When you divide a finite number by an infinite number, well it is undefined but essentially ZERO. We have zero knowledge, zero intellectual ability, zero wisdom in comparison to God. If we were so smart, we should be able to recognize the relationship at a minimum is incredibly one-sided.

 

PONDER:

1. If God exists, do you really think you will stump him with your argument?
2. Do you really believe you can argue with God and win?

 

PRAYER: Father, you say that creation alone is a sufficient argument to realize your existence. And yet we still talk about random events and evolution -- mathematical improbabilities. I pray that we would humble ourselves and seek real truth.

QT 12/20/2024 Rom 11:25-30, We are near; what are we doing?

Romans 11:25–30 (ESV) —

25 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. 26 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”;

27 “and this will be my covenant with them

when I take away their sins.”

28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience,

 

NOTE: Why are the gifts and calling of God irrevocable? Because they were given by grace and not works. God's program, which includes his promises, unconditional oaths, and grace toward Israel, has not stopped. Ethnic Israel is right now experiencing a hardness of heart because of their rejection of the Messiah when Jesus (God himself) walked the earth. Those promises to Israel have not been transferred. They were made to Israel, and they will be completed toward Israel. All Israel, the nation of Israel, will be saved. For now, God is at work in the ethnic Gentile nations, and individuals saved are called the church (including individuals who are Jewish). It has nothing to do with promises made to Israel, except we (the church) are also recipients of the Abrahamic blessing. The church consists of Gentiles and individuals from Israel who put their faith in Jesus. They are called the bride of Christ. They will be snatched up soon for the wedding preparation. At that time, the program for Israel will resume, the 70th week of Daniel will resume. I believe it is coming soon. It could be in six years or nine, or a 100, but it is coming. God may be slow in some people's eyes, but he always fulfills his promises.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I think God is slow about his promises?
2. What if God's return is within the next 10 years; am I ready? What am I doing? Do I have oil in my lamp? Do I even have a witness that is different from the world?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray I would look different from the world. Help me to identify with Jesus in the opportunities you give me. Help me to keep oil in my lamp, which is the spirit and the word which changes me.