April 17 (happy birthday Nicole!)

Leviticus 21; Psalm 26-27; Ecclesiastes 4; 1 Timothy 6

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 74: WHAT IS REQUIRED IN THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The sixth commandment requires all lawful efforts to preserve our own life and the life of others. 
Scripture: Ephesians 5:29, 30; Psalm 82:3, 4; Proverbs 24:11, 12; Acts 16:28.

Psalm 26-27

In Psalm David looks for the LORD to vindicate him.  He believes that he has walked uprightly and he hope that the LORD and by the end of the Psalm it seems that his request is to not end up with the same fate as the wicked.  He hopes for deliverance and for some kind of meaning and joy and fulfillment in this life.  He seems to conclude that he will walk in his integrity and trust that the LORD will redeem him and be gracious.  Lord, I too hope for your blessing in this life and that your gracious hand would be upon me and that you would cause me to be a light to the world by my unwavering trust in you and my suffering for the sake of Christ and I pray you would indeed sustain me in all circumstances.

In Psalm 27 David exults in his knowledge that the LORD is his light and his salvation, his stronghold (Ps 27:1).  He has no fear because of this, even though there are threats against him.  This is a wonderful place to be and a trust that does not rely on circumstances.  He references his adversaries falling so he is experiencing the protection of God in his circumstances that is feeding his confidence it seems.  But he makes clear what he delights in and it is not victories, but it is seeking the LORD and gazing upon his beauty (Ps 27:4).  David is confident in the promises of the LORD to bless his throne and to maintain his throne forever and be believes that the LORD can deliver.  He celebrates that the LORD is his defense, not swords and armor, not might and skill (Ps 27:7).  Indeed LORD, let me exult in you and trust not in my own devices to protect me or my family from danger or evil but let us wait upon you and trust you and walk in your wisdom trusting you to get us through.

Ecclesiastes 4

Solomon takes note of the oppressed and those who toil just out of coveting their neighbor or out of envy that they don’t want other to have better than themselves.  This is the American Dream!  He wrestles with how worthless it seems to toil and strive just for things.  Nobody is ever actually satisfied and thus he sees it as a striving after the wind.  It is a never-ending task and it get us nowhere.  But he breaks out with some positive wisdom in friendship or partnership whether in spiritual or earthly focus.  Two are better than one and a third is even better…not quickly broken.  Men need a a close band of three guys who share life together and who are vulnerable with one another and who pray for one another and who ask the hard questions and who sacrifice rights and comfort and resources for one another. 

1 Timothy 6

     v1. Respect authority so as not to turn others against God or the teaching of his ministers.  This is what happens when people see hypocrites.  It damages the work of the laborers.  Let us respect and honor our teachers and ministers.
     v2. Don't use your Christian connection to take advantage of people who have authority over you but remain under them and respect their authority.
     v3. Do not listen to any teaching contrary to Christ or that leads aways from godliness.  Don’t let your flesh interprets grace and license but understand that grace is the power of God to kill sin in your life (Titus 2:11-14).  Grace is freedom from sin and nor freedom to sin!
     v4.  The one who teaches such is puffed up with conceit and knows nothing.  He craves controversy and quarreling.  This is a pretty apt description of someone who merely wants to debate theology and shows no fruit of godliness in his life.
      v5.  There is constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of truth.  Their thinking is not according to grace and is still stuck in sin and they are not being fed the truth.  They are thinking that godliness is a way to get something else they want.  Let not godliness be a means to gain something before men.
     v6-7.  The truth is that godliness with containment is the gain.  Being content to just be godly!  Not be godly in order to get some other great stuff…amounting to idols.
     v8-10.  Let us be pleased to have basic provision and he warns against desiring to be rich as it is a trap of the devil.  Love of money is a root of many evils.  Many are led away by the devil by this and they face many struggles.
     v11. But the man of God is not like that.  He flees such things and seeks after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.
     v12.  Fight! Take hold of what is yours even now…wait not for the future.  Be not idle with triflings but go after it!  Be zealous and fervent in spirit- Rom 12:11.
     v13. Like our Lord and savior gave confession before the one who would slay him, we too aught to give the good confession in our lives before this world who hates us.  Jesus confessed to be the King of the jews and said that this is why he came.  We were called and we remain for the furthering of the cause of Christ.  He was given human life in order that he may bear witness to the truth- to reveal God to his sheep.  Now we are alive for this purpose as well.
     v14. Be godly and do not forsake the commandments but remain firm until the end…until his coming.
     v15-16. He will declare when the time is right so you just focus on the task at hand.  he is in control.  he knows what we face.  He is ultimately and supremely powerful so do not fear!
     v17-19. Those who are rich- do not trust in your riches but hope in God.  Be rich toward God for he supplies all we need and with everything that is to be enjoyed.  Riches are fleeting and uncertain.  God is forever the giver.  These are to be full of good works and generosity Rom 12:8, 13.  Giving away is storing up! Give to truly live!
     v20. Guard the truth.  Guard the message.  Do not get tricked into focusing on meaningless babble and contradictions.  Do not join in the fight over men and over creeds.  Serve the Lord.

Soli Deo Gloria!