Please pray for one of our faithful readers, Norma. Unfortunately, she is not healthy this morning and needs our prayers.
14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
1 John 5:14
Month: December 2021
1 Peter
This is going to be REALLY hard to keep short! LITERALLY, Every scripture could be an individual post. Hey, maybe in 2022, we pick one book and do that? Dissect EACH verse of one book?
Peter will discuss facing persecution for their faith. In the first 9 verses, Peter uses the word ‘Faith’ a lot. In chapter one (if you want to go back and find all the keywords), you will see Peter pointing out the Holy Trinity.
Paul suddenly mentions “the Prophets.”
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow.
The entire Old Testament pointed to Jesus’ suffering on the Cross for our Salvation. Peter will quote the Old Testament 25 times in this book (See if you can find them: like a where’s waldo picture 😂). Without reading the Old Testament, the New Testament would not make sense.
Before the Creation, God already had a plan to bring us back to Him. This was a mystery…but all the clues were given in the OT but were revealed at the Birth of the Messiah (like that ‘aha’ moment in a suspense movie). 20 He was chosen before the world’s creation but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him, you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
In this chapter, we are called “foreigners.” This world is temporary for us. But while we are here, we are to foreigners set apart from the rest of the world, just as He was. 16 for it is written: “Be holy because I am holy.”
THE BIBLE:
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
(This is the power of the Word of God). It is the food that saved you when you were starving to death.
24 For,
“All people are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers, and the flowers fall,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
And this is the word that was preached to you.
If putting the Word in your hearts nourishes you. Stop eating junk food! KEEP EATING, READING, and STUDYING. What are you going to study in 2022, or are you going to go back to ‘junk food’-malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. (our version of ‘Fake News’)
2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Now that you have read the Bible. You can now hear a familiar scripture, or a song verse, or sit in church and know the context of the Sermon-10 times deeper than the Pastor will have time to get into it; what now?- Grow in your Salvation. Keep studying.
We are just getting to Chapter 2, and I am already unglued and hyper. So I will try to write less and encourage you to read the whole book a second time. It is worth it.
The Cornerstone: We know that the most important part of a structure is the cornerstone. When they were cut, the builders would lay them so carefully. If it wasn’t perfect (I mean perfect), they would have to reject it. The entire structure was leveled and balanced on it. If it wasn’t perfect, the structure would fall.
Being the most important part of a foundation, the cornerstone was examined, measured, and chosen VERY carefully. MANY were rejected by the builders.
It was the plumbline to build something huge like this.
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
You are-
- a chosen people,
- a royal priesthood,
- a holy nation,
- God’s special possession,
- called out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Your Cornerstone looks like this:
The rest of the book highlights that we are foreigners in this world- What do we look like? What do we sound like? What do we do? If you are a list maker, here is your list:
- to abstain from sinful desires
- Live such good lives among the pagans accuse you of doing wrong
- Submit yourselves to human authority: (emperor, supreme authority, or governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and commend those who do right.)
- For it is God’s will that you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people by doing good. (not with words or Facebook posts)
- Live as free people, but live as God’s slaves.
- Show proper respect to everyone: love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
- Submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate but also to those who are harsh.
- Why? Because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.
- Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,
- Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives and treat them with respect
- Suffering for Doing Good
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Let’s keep adding to your checklist:
- Always be prepared to answer everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (Now that we have read the Bible, we CAN do this!!).
- Be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
- 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
- Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. (This one will be hard for me, my husband likes to entertain, I want to be by myself)
- Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others
Suffering for Being a Christian
Many of us have suffered because of decisions made in our past or current lives. These are not sufferings but consequences. TWO very different things. Please know that. Not every trial we are faced with is a ‘from God’. We create many of them on our own. BUT God can still be Glorified from both of them.
If you have been marinating in Church for most of your life, what are you doing with it? Anything?? Ponder on that! What are you supposed to be doing?
- Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them— Who are you mentoring??
If you are newer in the Church, what are you doing?
- submit yourselves to your elders. (If they are versed in the Scriptures)
- Humble yourselves: Say, “What does this mean? Can you explain this scripture or book?”
ALL OF US:
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
We think we can recognize the devil trying to devour us: like this…
In REALITY, it might be more like this:
Peace to all of you who are in Christ. ❤️
1 Peter Overview
This book was written by Peter in 62 A.D. The last few books we read focused on the internal problems of the church. Now let’s look at what was going on outside the church.
Nero was the emperor in Rome, and he was a horrible ruler that killed members of his own family and was an extreme persecutor of Christians. While Paul was writing this book, Nero tried to make Rome a “cultural” capital of the world. Nero wanted to advance construction projects in Rome, but he was out of acres.
Solution: set fire to the ‘old part’ of town to make room for new construction. The fire burned for a week, and the Christians were blamed for it.
Suffering (for Christ) will be a big part of this book.
“Simon” Peter, also known as Cephas, was one of the first followers of Jesus. He was a disciple, one of Jesus’ closest friends, an apostle, and a “pillar” of the church. Peter was enthusiastic, strong-willed, and impulsive. Whenever the apostles are listed in any of the Gospels, he is consistently named first (Judas was always last)
Simon was originally from Bethsaida and lived in Capernaum. He was married, and he and James and John were partners in a profitable fishing business. Peter met Jesus through his brother Andrew, who had followed Jesus after hearing John the Baptist proclaim that Jesus was the Lamb of God. Andrew immediately went to find his brother to bring him to Jesus. Upon meeting Simon, Jesus gave him a new name: Cephas (Aramaic) or Peter (Greek), which means “rock.” Immediately, Peter left everything behind to follow Jesus.
Peter was part of the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples, with James and John. Only those three were present when Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus and when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain. Peter and John were given the special task of preparing the final Passover meal.
It was Peter who boasted that he would never forsake the Lord, even if everyone else did—and later denied three times that he even knew the Lord. But, from that experience, he would never do it again.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached a sermon to the crowd in Jerusalem (Acts 2), about 3,000 people became followers. Then, as they returned to their hometowns, churches began growing.
Jesus said that Peter would die a martyr’s death (John 21:18-19)—a prophecy fulfilled during Nero’s reign. Tradition has it that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome. However, he refused to die in the same way Jesus did.
Are you behind?
Listen, I have struggled to stay with it. STRUGGLED! But there is NO reason you can’t say, “I will read with them the last 2 weeks of 2020”. Can you think of any reason? So pick up your Bible and start where we are today. We read Titus today. It is 3 chapters. Paul is in prison writing to a Gentile convert named Titus on an island called Crete. Paul gives him some teaching tips for his churches (which are in their homes). Over the next 12 days, we are going to read:
1 Peter, Heb 1-6, Heb 7-10, Heb 11-13, 2 Timothy, 2 Peter; Jude, 1 John, 2/3 John, Rev 1-5, Rev 6-11, Rev 12-18, Rev 19-22
I will (god willing) put an overview out before you read the Peters, Hebrews, Jude, the Johns, and Revelation books the night before.
Titus
Do you ever insert your name in the letter? Paul, Patricia, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
Skip down to verse 12 so that you can see why this letter is being written to the churches in Crete:
12 One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” 13 This saying is true.
Oh my! So this is what the Bible studies look and sound like. Not good.
Paul orders the silencing of certain teachers because their teaching is deceptive: theologically, socially, and morally.
16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good.
WOW
I noticed that chapter 2 was very similar to the letter to Timothy. What are the characteristics of leaders? So if we really want to be a leader in God’s eyes, look at the list and see where we need refinement. Set some godly goals for 2022-
Men-
- be temperate,
- worthy of respect,
- self-controlled,
- your sound is in faith, in love, and in endurance.
- to be self-controlled.
- by doing what is good.
- show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Women-
- reverent in the way they live,
- not to be slanderers,
- not to be addicted to much wine,
- teach what is good.
- love their husbands and children,
- to be self-controlled and pure,
- to be busy at home,
- to be kind,
- to be subject to their husbands
Slaves- (for the sake of today, look at financial responsibility or as an employee)
- try to please them,
- not to talk back to them,
- do not to steal from them,
- Show that you can be trusted
To all:
- say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions,
- live self-controlled,
- be upright and show godly lives
Chapter 3
How to live under civil authority: (rulers and government)
- Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,
- to be obedient,
- to be ready to do whatever is good,
- to slander no one,
- to be peaceable and considerate,
- and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Let’s pick the following scripture apart:
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
The Greek word here for kindness is ‘chretotes’- (Christlike, in flesh). The word love in this text is ‘philiantropia’-(to love humans). These words were used to compare Jesus to Zeus. Terms used to characterize Zeus were selfish and misanthrope. Zeus hated humans. So Paul expounds on the ‘contrast’ of Zeus and Jesus by saying:
4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
I zoned out the first time I read this book, nothing absorbed. So I listened to it. Nothing absorbed. I stopped, prayed, took a deep breath… reread it. AND LOVED IT. The end of the book ends with:
14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
Titus Overview
This is a letter written to a church leader named Titus, a Gentile convert of Paul. It appears Paul and Titus took a mission trip to Crete around AD 62—64. Paul later left, with Titus remaining on the island as a church leader.
Paul sends this letter with Zenas and Apollos. It encourages Titus to select church leaders for local house churches, deal with offenders in the church, and give directions regarding certain church practices.
This short but amazing letter includes the
- proper behavior of Christians (I better sit down for this one)
- submission to the government (you better sit down for this one 😁)
- proper treatment for people,
- and responses to false teachers
Most importantly, he encourages good works.
1 Timothy
- Overview posted yesterday
- Click here to read
- Click here to listen
Chapter 1
5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience, and a sincere faith.
What a wonderful scripture on the heels of correcting false teachings.
8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.
So when is it used properly? It is not used for salvation teaching; it is used to show that we are sinners. No one reads the law and says, “yup, I’m good.” We read the law to shine the light that we are not good.
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
Tears just came to my eyes.
Chapter 2- Why is he addressing men and women separately?
At the time, men were literally “fighting” issues. To the point of fistfights. 8 Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
There was also a movement called “the new Roman woman.”
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As women grew independent of men, they began to have elegant, sexy hairstyles, jewelry, and “self-promoting” wardrobes. Paul invites women to keep Christan virtues. However, a sect of women preached to rid themselves of domestic obligations, interpreting scripture, and contradicting Paul’s teachings. Paul compares such women to Eve, who listened to Satan.
Chapter 3
Church leadership had become a problem in Ephesus. Charges were brought against church officers, fights broke out, and men all wanted to be “in charge” for self-promoting reasons. Paul lays out the characteristics of an Overseer for a church, so they are aware they are held to a higher standard:
- is to be above reproach,
- faithful to his wife,
- temperate,
- self-controlled,
- respectable,
- hospitable,
- able to teach,
- not given to drunkenness,
- not violent but gentle,
- not quarrelsome,
- not a lover of money.
- He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him
- He must not be a recent convert (needs spiritual maturity)
- He must also have a good reputation with outsiders
Deacons under them:
- are to be worthy of respect,
- sincere,
- not indulging in much wine,
- not pursuing dishonest gain
- they must keep hold of the profound truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
- They must first be tested, and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
- He must be faithful to his wife
- and manage his children and his household well.
This is all spelled out for Timothy, who is his protege while he is in Prison
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Chapter 4
Paul prepares Timothy for spiritual warfare. One scripture popped out at me:
7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
I grew up in an Italian family. Steeped in superstition, “saint” worship, traditions (not commemorative), and false teaching. To this day, if I showed my mom that scripture, I would hear, “Well, that is how I was raised.” Sadly, she has never seen or read a Bible and has no desire because she was raised on old wives’ tales, which are “truth” to her.
16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Chapter 5
Throughout the OT, widows were always cared for. I remember how in the book of Ruth, Boaz gave instruction to leave the edge of the crops fields unharvested so women could come and glean the extra. Widows were to be cared for by the Church. However, it is a family obligation first (if they have one). Back in Matthew 15, Jesus called the Pharisees Hypocrites for not honoring their mother and father. Their “loophole” was Corban.
“Corban”- Whatever money might have been used to provide for aging parents could be dedicated to the temple treasury instead (BUT you can keep it in your wallet and use it if you needed). Saying, “It is Corban,” would exempt a person from his responsibility to his parents.
Elders of the Church should be treated fairly. The Church should care for them:
“Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” (They have to eat too!!)
But…Paul also sets down the rules when they are not living a Christian life either as leaders of the Church.
Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses
Oh, I bet this has been taken out of context many times:
This is not a “red solo cup, I lift you up” moment.
Timothy was ill. It is suspected that the water was the cause of it. It usually was, and many people died of dysentery.
This week at work, I have been talking about “Contenement” a lot. Then it was in yesterday’s scripture. Then today, I read:
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy Overview
1 Timothy was one of only four letters in the New Testament written by Paul to individuals. The others are 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
- Timothy was the only person to receive two individual letters from Paul in the New Testament.
- Timothy was from Lystra (modern-day Turkey).
- He was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. Timothy’s mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, were also believers (it will be mentioned in his 2nd letter).
- They had raised him to know the Old Testament.
- He was converted to Christianity by Paul in Acts 16:1–5.
- We learn that believers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy.
- Paul wanted to take him on his missionary journey, but Timothy was not circumcised. So Paul circumcised him, and they traveled together on Paul’s second missionary journey.
Timothy would be with Paul during his first Roman imprisonment. However, when 1 Timothy was written, Timothy was in Ephesus, serving as a leader among the various house churches that existed then. Paul wrote to him to encourage his faithful service to Christ. Timothy will serve some time in jail for his faith but will be released (Hebrews 13:23).
This letter will read differently since it is written to an individual.
- Written to a co-worker instead of a Church
- The letter will be easier to read (less complicated) (YAY!!)
- He will use strong Greek terminology since it was his native language
- It will describe ‘overseers’ and ‘bishops’- the character needed to serve as a leader
- Reminders of basic truths about dealing with false teachings.
- Most of the scriptures will be an amplified or clarified version already spoken.
The name Timothy means “one who Honors God.”
Outline:
- Law and Grace (Ch 1)
- Prayer and Worship (Ch 2)
- Leadership (Ch 3:1-13)
- True and False Religeion (Ch 3:14-5:2)
- Widows, Elders, and Slaves (Ch 5:3-6:2_
- Money and Wealth (Ch 6)
Philippians
From the first verse, we know that this is an established organized church because it uses the terms overseers and deacons. “To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.”
Paul expresses his wishes on the church:
- that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
- so that you may be able to discern what is best
- be pure and blameless for the day of Christ
- be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ
That should be our desire too.
12 Now, I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the Gospel.
Paul was in chains FOR Christ. So how can he carry out his mission work? Paul tells the Philippians that his chains would spread the Gospel in 2 ways:
- People began to understand why he was in prison, and they began to spread the Gospel in boldness. He is not in chains just because of Christ, but he was in chains FOR Christ. The scriptures say even the prison guards were hearing the Gospel!
- Because Paul was imprisoned, others began “replacing” him and preaching the Gospel for notoriety. Who cares what their motive was? The Gospel was being spread. So who cares??
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice.
Paul is on trial. He knows he may walk away, but he also knows he might be handed a death sentence. Nevertheless, he is at peace knowing that regardless of the outcome, Christ will be exalted.
20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
When I first read that verse, it really hit me. While here, we live for Christ, but our real reward comes when we die.
Chapter 2, starting in verse 5, is called “The Christ Hymn.” This is one of the most quoted scriptures in the Bible in churches today. The hymn follows a pattern of increasing humiliation followed by an increasing exaltation.
Paul follows the hymn with a reminder to obey God even in his absence. Timothy and Epaphroditus are models for them to follow in Paul’s absence.
Chapter 3- As usual, every city had Judiazers coming in speaking against Faith and relying on their hierarchy and genealogy. Paul confesses he was one of them once. His Hebrew pedigree is outstanding.
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
But all of that is garbage (actually, if you research the word, the Greek root word is where the word ‘rubbish’ comes from, and Paul actually was using a word that meant “fecal matter.”)
He calls the body of believers to “join together.” Be in community, following those who are models of being a Christain. (who are you following?)
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Chapter 4
In his final exaltation, he tells them not to be anxious. He knows that his imprisonment has caused them great stress. Look at the big picture. They were being persecuted under Nero. It is Nero that has him in Chains. Paul is a Peace. Paul has Joy…he tells them not to be anxious about it! Why? Because in chapter 1, he had said: 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
So what should they do? Nothing? No, they should BEG GOD. The Word supplication is a powerful word. I like the ESV version of this scripture:
Supplication means to plead or beg humbly. Don’t just make a quick prayer request. Ask in repetition. Pray on your knees!
Ok, read every word. Don’t just underline the scriptures you see on coffee mugs. Read WHY we have that scripture. For example:1
3. I can do all this through him, who gives me strength.
Read that scripture in the context God created it!
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
WOW!! We can be CONTENT.
Philippians Overview
I know you know this already, but this is another letter written by Paul, from Prison. Paul had visited Philippi during his second mission trip (if you printed the maps). Lydia, the Philippian jailer, and his family were converted at Philippi. A few years later, the church was well established.
Paul is writing this letter to acknowledge a gift of money from the church at Philippi, brought to the apostle by Epaphroditus, one of its members. This is a loving letter to a group of Christians special to Paul. ❤️
The book is about:
- Christ is our life,
- Christ in our mind,
- Christ as our goal,
- Christ as our strength,
- and joy through suffering.
It was written during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, about thirty years after Christ’s ascension and almost ten years after Paul first preached at Philippi. Paul is a prisoner of Nero (remember him?)🤮 yet he talks about “joy”. .
A sneak peek of some familiar scriptures:
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Reading the Bible - 2021 