March 26

Exodus 37; John 16; Proverbs 13; Ephesians 6

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 57: WHAT IS FORBIDDEN IN THE SECOND COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The second commandment forbids the worshipping of God by images, or any other way that draws the heart away from his glory rather than toward his glory.
Scripture: Romans 1:22, 23; Deuteronomy 4:15, 16; Colossians 2:18; 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Proverbs 13

“1 A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” (Proverbs 13:1, ESV)

“3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3, ESV)  

“13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.” (Proverbs 13:13, ESV) 

“20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20, ESV) 

“24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” (Proverbs 13:24, ESV)

John 16

“13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13, ESV)

The Holy Spirit will guide us into truth and he speaks only what is consistent with the Word of the Father.  We should not suppose that "feelings" or a "sense" comes from the Spirit if it is not consistent with the Word of God.

“14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:14–15, ESV)

The Holy Spirit does not draw attention to himself but glorifies the Son.

“24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24, ESV)

Joy may be full- Chapter 8 and 15 give us some descriptions of abiding.  In Christ, in his love, in his Word...D.A. Carson gives a good tie-in to verse 24 here...

If that joy is part of the matrix of consistent obedience (John 15:11), that obedience, that remaining in Jesus (John 15:4) and his love (John 15:9) and his word (John 8:31), is the matrix out of which fruitbearing springs, the fruitbearing that is the direct consequence of prayer (John 15:7, 8). Thus the connections amongst asking, receiving and complete joy in 16:24 turn out to be a compressed version of themes developed in ch. 15, but now more clearly set within the eschatological situation introduced by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel according to John (p. 546). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.

“26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.” (John 16:26–27, ESV)

Interesting here that there is a love from the Father that only lands on the one who loves Jesus.  This is quite consistent with John 14:21.  This is a contradiction to the "God's loves everyone equally" sentiment that abounds.  I am glad that God has a unique love for his bride!  I think this is a good model:)

“33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” (John 16:33, ESV)

 Jesus tells them this after telling them that they will scatter and leave him.  So all told it sounds like "I am going, but the Holy Spirit is coming and he will help you.  He will guide you and teach you.  You will rely on me and you will pray to the Father in this reliance.  You will have success and you will have failure but you can be assured that I have conquered and that you are secure.  You can have peace because of my victory and not because of your circumstances."

Ephesians 6

“4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4, ESV) 

“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10–11, ESV) 

“13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:13, ESV) 

“18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” (Ephesians 6:18, ESV)

 Soli Deo Gloria!