QT 1/31/2025 1 John 3:17-24, Do we really believe in Jesus?

1 John 3:17–24 (ESV) —

17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.

 

NOTE: Love is the crucial identifying mark of the believer. But it is not talk about love or what others should do, it is what I am doing. What deeds show my love for others? How am sacrificing my time, my energy, my money, my things out of love for others? If I am not sacrificing, am I really loving, or is it all just words?

 

John makes it very clear that there is one commandment that is required -- believe in the name of Jesus and love one another. Why is that one commandment? Because, if you have believed in the name of Jesus, you will love one another. You can't help it. Your life will be changed by the Holy Spirit who will abide in you upon believing in the name of Jesus. Lenski writes, "You cannot believe without loving nor love without believing."

 

Yes, Jesus died for the sins of the world, but there is still one sin that can send you to hell, and that sin is refusing to believe in the name of Jesus.

 

PONDER:

1. Is my faith evident by my life of love?
2. If not, have I ever really had faith in Jesus?

 

PRAYER: Father, help us to see the real self. Do we really love Jesus or do we only talk about it? And if we say we love Jesus, is it seen by our love for others or is it just fake?

QT 1/30/2025 1 Jn 3:11-16, Love is far different from what we think

1 John 3:11–16 (ESV) —

11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

 

NOTE: The underlying message of Christianity is love, but it is not really understood by the masses. They have watered down the word love into some "ooey gooey" feeling. When Jesus talks about love, the definition goes way beyond being nice to people. One of the opposite definitions of love is to envy another, like Cain (as mentioned in the passage above). McGhee writes,

"Let me give you a definition of envy: ‘discontent or uneasiness at the sight of another’s excellence or good fortune, accompanied with some degree of hatred and a desire to possess equal advantages."

Everyone struggles at times with envy, but a born-again believer recognizes the subtle form of hatred. He repents and seeks to love the other. The extreme form of hatred is murder, but even Jesus in redefining one of the ten commandments said,

Matthew 5:21–22 (ESV) — 21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

The definition of love for the Christian is far different than understood by the religious (and non-religious) masses. Jesus gives us our example when he laid down his life for us. True love is sacrificial, not "ooey gooey"-niceties.

 

Christianity is love, but it is not love as people would like to think it is. Christianity is defined by sacrificial love that costs time, commitment, and energy.

 

PONDER:

1. What do I think about the word "love?" How have I defined it?
2. Do I truly love others sacrificially giving time, commitment, and energy to the relationship?

 

PRAYER: Father, help us to better understand love and how to love others. Help us to move from our very shallow definitions of love into your definition and your example of love as sacrificial.

QT 1/29/2025 1 Jn 3:4-10, The conduct of a true born-again Christian

1 John 3:4–10 (ESV) —

4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

 

NOTE: I think the ESV does a good job of capturing the meaning of the Greek words. We know that a Christian sins (1:8-9), but a person who is born again and hence abides in Christ, will be transformed. He will fight against sin and the practice of sin. He will fail, but he will not give up. He will also have victories and will see a life that produces love and care for others and less selfishness. Love for others is a defining characteristic of the believer. Insensitivity to others and their condition in regards to salvation shows either a very young believer or someone who is not truly born again. I think the key point is that a born-again Christian will show a changed life AND an ever-changing life. We don't stand still. We don't plateau. A born-again believer takes sin very seriously and seeks to practice righteousness in order to please his savior.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I growing in Christ? Am I different from I what I was?
2. Do people see a love in me for others or do people see a selfish man?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the confirmation in my heart of my faith. I see it in the changes that you are continually doing in my life. I know I am so different from who I used to be. Thank you!

QT 1/28/2025 1 Jn 2:28-3:3, The rapture is a glorious hope that affirms our faith

1 John 2:28–3:3 (ESV) —

28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.

1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

 

NOTE: There are really two separate thoughts in this passage. The first two verses (2:28-29) remind us to abide because that increases our hope and confidence, as we await his coming. I am very assured of his coming. There is a wonder in me of whether the rapture may occur in 2033 or 2040 (note: when Jesus said no one knows the time of his coming, he was referring to the second coming, not the rapture [which precedes the second coming]. In regards to the rapture, we are to understand the seasons, meaning it will become more obvious as we get closer).

 

The second thought regards being children of God. I've written about this before. We are created in the image of God and have great worth and value, but we are not children of God. We are not in God's family just because we are his created beings. A number of passages clearly teach that we are adopted into God's family upon belief (John 1:12, Eph 1:13). A person needs to be born again, born of God, to be child in God's family. Many fool themselves thinking all are children of God -- that is not true. You must know God. At the rapture, we will realize the final aspect of our salvation, the glorification of our bodies as we are transformed fully into his likeness. For now, we continue to be witnesses to our generation in the hope that they will see the change in our lives and come to know our savior.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I been born again or have I just been going through the motions?
2. Do I believe in Jesus or do I believe in churchianity?

 

PRAYER: Father, you are coming soon to rapture your children from the earth prior to your judgment upon the earth. I pray we would be aware that the days may be short and we need to use our days wisely so that others are saved too.

QT 1/27/2025 1 Jn 2:21-27, There are many voices trying to deceive us

1 John 2:21–27 (ESV) —

21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.

26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

 

NOTE: We have a promise from God, "eternal life." Those of us who have confessed the Son, that is, believed upon the Son, we have the Father and an anointing (the Holy Spirit). John says we don't need teaching, I think in context, we have the HS so that we know what is true and what is not true. The only way we can be deceived is to pull away from God and his word. When we started living for earthly gains, we don't lose our adoption into the family, be we become susceptible to the lies of antichrists. We need to be filled with God's word and the Holy Spirit can use it to protect us from these deceivers; teach us; and give us the intangibles that the world yearns for (true peace, true hope, true joy, and true life that we were created for).

 

PONDER:

1. Who do I listen to for truth about the world?
2. God's word is our protection for antichrists, how much time each day do I spend in his word?

 

PRAYER: Father, protect us from the voices out their (the antichrists) who are there to deceive us, confuse us, and draw us away from your truth. Protect us from the evil before us. May the word of God saturate our lives and brings us peace, hope, joy, and a fulfilled life.

QT 1/24/2025 1 Jn 2:15-20, The antichrists are already here

1 John 2:15–20 (ESV) —

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.

 

NOTE: The warning about the antichrist and the antichrists was written almost two millennia ago. We still have many antichrists teaching against God's word: multiple genders; different definitions of marriage; pride in sin instead of guilt; being their own gods versus serving the one true God; and many other forms of sexual immorality. These antichrists have fooled many people and have prepared the way for the final antichrist which will coincide with the tribulation period, seven years of hell on earth. It sounds like some of these antichrists got their start in the church showing that the church does have room for birds (people who take away the word of God from people).

 

PONDER:

1. What do I believe, the bible or the culture's values?
2. Do I need to repent of my rebellion from God and pursue him?

 

PRAYER: Father, help us to see these antichrists. I pray we will turn from evil and turn to you.

QT 1/23/2025 1 Jn 2:7-14, You want real change -- commit yourself to the word of God

1 John 2:7–14 (ESV) —

7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8 At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

12 I am writing to you, little children,

because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.

13 I am writing to you, fathers,

because you know him who is from the beginning.

I am writing to you, young men,

because you have overcome the evil one.

I write to you, children,

because you know the Father.

14 I write to you, fathers,

because you know him who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men,

because you are strong,

and the word of God abides in you,

and you have overcome the evil one.

 

NOTE: John addresses three groups: 1) little children, 2) fathers, and 3) young men. I think he is addressing the spiritual maturity of believers in the church: 1) new believers, 2) mature believers, and 3) growing Christians. Why does it seem out of order? Most people are in the last category and so John defines the end points first. At the beginning, our sins are forgiven, but by the end (mature), we know (really know) the person (God) who forgave us. In the middle (growing), we are fighting the enemy and dealing with life. At the beginning, we know we have a true Father, one who loves us deeply, but by the time we are mature, we really know the God of all eternity.  In the middle, we need to be strong, we need to get the word of God into our lives at all costs, and we need to overcome the enemy who wants to distract us from God's word.

 

The most important thing a person can do this year is immerse themselves daily in the word of God. Are you willing to do the most important thing you can for your spiritual growth?

 

PONDER:

1. How often do I get into the word of God on my own?
2. Do I have a plan to get into the word -- listen to it, read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it?

 

PRAYER: Father, there is nothing that can impact us more than a regular intake of the word of God. I pray we would be committed this year to allowing it to change us.

QT 1/22/2025 1 Jn 2:1–6, Works are not a way to salvation but an indication of salvation

1 John 2:1–6 (ESV) —

1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

 

NOTE: Once again, behavior (or works) is not a means to salvation but an indicator of salvation. Jesus did all the work on the cross. Salvation is a gift, unearned in any way. The Holy Spirit is given upon belief (Eph 1:13), and that is why "change" should be evident. Another aspect of our salvation is "propitiation." God hates sin and propitiation means that God's wrath against sin has been satisfied by our advocate, Jesus. We are now children of God, we never were before belief. We are created by God but not children of God. When we place our faith in Christ, we are adopted into the family of God -- now we can call ourselves God's children. Most people don't understand that, thinking that the whole world's people are God's children, but they are not.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I experienced transformation?
2. What is my assurance that I believed and received the gift of salvation?

 

PRAYER: Father, transformation is integral to true faith. Without any real change, what does salvation mean?

QT 1/21/2025 1 Jn 1:5-10, Salvation should result in real change

1 John 1:5–10 (ESV) —

5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

 

NOTE: Some have suggested that John's teaching is meant to combat antinomianism -- where salvation negates the need for behavioral change. In essence, there is no law after salvation. While it is certainly true that our continuance in the faith is not dependent on keeping any law, it is an expectation that members of the family of God live in a manner worthy of the new name we represent. The New Testament is full of commands and encouragements to live lives worthy of the gospel. Additionally, and I believe this is John's argument, works is a sort of internal proof that we have been born again. If our lives are not changing, we need to ask if the Holy Spirit is truly in us, and if we truly believed, versus an emotional response or forced response or peer pressure. If your life is not changing, then I would be worried:

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

 

Too many so-called Christians don't look any different after salvation than they did before. They are as John says, "deceived."

 

PONDER:

1. Have I experienced a changed life upon salvation?
2. Am I still changing as I grow in my knowledge of the savior?

 

PRAYER: Father, wake up the "deceived" to their lost state. It is not enough to go to church or go through the motions. Religion does not save a person. Only belief in Jesus saves and transforms people. Open people's eyes to the real gospel.

QT 1/20/2025 1 Jn 1:1-4, The word of God is trustworthy

1 John 1:1–4 (ESV) —

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

 

NOTE: One of the important attributes of the New Testament is that every book was written by an eye-witness during a period of time when other eye-witnesses still lived. The archaeological story is seen in that many hundreds and thousands of copies of these book were created in the first and second century. There actually is no dispute about which books should or should not be in -- that issue was decided by the churches in the first century when the Holy Spirit moved the churches to make copies of letters attested by eye-witnesses. There is no Christian book or letter written in the first century by an eye-witness that was copied multiple times that is not included in our bible. The skeptics want to make an issue of various councils held many years later, but as for the true church, God made it very clear what books were true to the body of Christ.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I trust what God has put together?
2. Do I waver in unbelief because I listen to the enemy who tries to throw doubt on God's word?

 

PRAYER: Father, we have complete assurance in the message you have given us. It is made even more true by the change it produced in lives. Thank you for the word and thank you for its impact in my life.

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.