Men, lead your family

Here is a short video encouraging and teaching us how to lean into the task of leading our family.  A related blog post is also linked right below the video...


Men, Lead Your Family from Desiring God on Vimeo.

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/how-a-man-loves-a-woman

April 11

Leviticus 15; Psalm 18; Proverbs 29; 2 Thessalonians 3

Yes Papa, I started adding comments for the full one-year M'Cheyne plan rather than the two-year plan.  Sorry to mess you up!  You can grab the one-year plan now in the Resources page right below the two-year version.

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 70: WHAT IS REQUIRED IN THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The fifth commandment requires that we preserve the honor and perform the duties which belong to every one in their various roles as authorities, subordinates or equals.
Scripture: Leviticus 19:32; 1 Peter 2:17; Romans 12:10; 13:1; Ephesians 5:21-22; 6:1, 5, 9; Colossians 3:19-22; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:7, 17.

Leviticus 15

The biggest thing I notice in this chapter is a summary statement that might apply rightly to chapters 11-15.  Lev 15:31 puts a bow on the topic of uncleanness and the reason for all the rules and processes.  The Lord is protecting them and instructing them as he did at the death of Nadab and Abihu in chapter 10.  In Lev 10:3 the Lord said that those who are near him he will be sanctified and before the people he will be glorified.  This was Moses' answer to Aaron at the death of Aarons sons.  It seems that the Lord wants unclean persons to know their uncleanness so that they will rightly be kept far from the tabernacle (God’s presence with the nation of Israel) so that they are not consumed like Aaron’s sons (Lev 15:31; Lev 10:1-3).  Sin still separates and will hinder my prayers (Is 59:2; 1 Pet 3:7; Prov 28:9) but I need not fear death if I am coming into God’s court by faith in the Son (Eph 3:11-12; Heb 4:16, 10:19-22).

Psalm 18

A focal point in this Psalm is the basis for David’s plea to God.  From verse 20-24 David speaks in a way that seems to be claiming merit before God as if the Lord owes him deliverance.  He speaks of God dealing with her according to his righteousness and the cleanness of his hands.  He speaks of keeping the ways of the Lord and being rewarded for his righteousness according to the cleanness of his hands in God’s sight.  This can seem odd but David clarifies his argument from verse 25-39.  At verse 25 he reveals that God shows his mercy through his people meting merciful and his righteousness (blamelessness) through his people walking blamelessly.  This is a clue as to the cause and means of David’s obedience.  It is the Lord exalting his own name and empowering David to walk sanctified to the praise of the name of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Clearly in verse 27 David acknowledges that the Lord saves the humble and thus his claims of righteousness would be odd if they were a self-righteous claim before God.  Every verse from 28-39 gives further argument for the fact that it is the Lord who is accomplishing righteousness in David.  He is even giving him wide and clear ground on which to step…he is making it easy for David!  Could I seriously boast in myself that I have not committed such and such sin in more than two years when the reality is that the Lord has placed my feet on solid ground and the place for my steps are broad?  If he has removed temptation and there is indeed no borage of slippery slopes and uneven ground then where can my claim to owning this righteousness possibly come from?  May the Lord indeed equip us for battle by giving us strength and blamelessness.  May he indeed give us the righteousness of Christ and may the others see our works and glorify God (1 Peter 2:12; Matt 5:16)!  May he equip us to keep from our guilt (Psalm 18:23)!  Thank you Lord that you rescue us because it is your delight and not because you have found merit in us (Psalm 18:19).  Thank you Lord that you do not deal with us according to our sin (Psalm 103:10) but as David says here according to our righteousness (Psalm 18:20), which is Christ’s (2 Cor 5:21).

Proverbs 29

Sin is a snare but obedience lightens the heart and give joy even in rotten circumstances (Prov 29:6).  There is hardly a reason to be arguing with a fool (Prov 29:9).  Maintaining thoughts and grievances within until all information is gathered and understood is wise.  It is foolish to react immediately only to find that I did not consider something and now it is me who is the fool (Prov 29:11).  Children cannot raise themselves and they need constant direction and discipline and instruction (Prov 29:15).  The first will be last and the last will be first (Prov 29:23).  If I am acting in a way to please man and keep his favor then I will make terrible decisions and end up in a bad way…but if I fear the Lord and act to please him then my way will be secure (Prov 29:25)!

2 Thessalonians 3

Paul prays here that the Lord would direct their hearts to the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ (2 Thess 3:5).  He knows that it is the Lord’s influence upon our hearts that brings change within us.  I cannot muster change or fruit…it is granted by God.  He admonishes us to warn those who are idle and are not working to support themselves but taking advantage of the hospitality and generosity of the church and to not associate with them (2 Thess 3:6, 10, 14-15).  He urges us to support ourselves and to not grow weary of doing good.  We are not to treat the idle as enemies but we are to be faithful brothers to them and admonish them.  He prays that the Lord would grant us peace always in all circumstances and so I pray that he would indeed!

Soli Deo Gloria!

April 10

Leviticus 14; Psalm 17; Proverbs 28; 2 Thessalonians 2

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 69: WHICH IS THE 5TH COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The fifth commandment is, “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God gives thee.”
Scripture: Exodus 20:12.

Leviticus 14

Here Moses writes about the regulations for how someone who is healed of their leprosy goes about becoming ceremonially clean.  This person would have been living alone outside of the camp until such a time as the disease seems to be healed.  Then the priest would again examine him and if the disease did seem to be healed they would begin a process as described.  A sin and a guilt offering are made to atone for the healed persons sins…their inclusion back into the covenant people of God requires this. 

Psalm 17

The psalmist prays to be preserved and the method of prayer is to appeal to the manner in which this rescue will be a wonderful displaying of God’s steadfast love (Psalm 17:7).  A good prayer method is to appeal to God and his character and his glory and his plan and his kingdom and to make our plans and our kingdom and our desires and our glory not the point of appeal.  We will be most satisfied when we are caught up in his glory, not wallowing in our feeble glory (Psalm 17:15).  Let us not be so focused on the world that our satisfaction and joy and concerns are all focused upon what is seen (Psalm 17:14). 

Proverbs 28

The righteous can face adversity and trouble with confidence because their Abba Father maintains the universe and nothing is outside of his control (Prov 28:1).  The children of God know justice and they fight for it.  There is a place for the political maneuvering and the social efforts to bring things like abortion to an end and to offer help to those who are devastated by such injustices (Prov 28:4-5).  Do I strive against evil?  If I stop hearing and listening to God it seems that he returns the favor (Prov 28:9).  It is critical that I do not ignore my sin and that I take the time to reflect and consider my motives and attitudes and that I actually open my mouth or my thoughts in prayer and confess my sins to my God and I also need to turn from my sin rather than simply plan for the next episode (Prov 28:13-14).  Taking no action to prevent me from returning to my vomit is not a turning from my sin.  Serial repentance may not be repentance.  Do I hate my sin?  Do I seek riches or faithfulness to the Lord with my life?  What message do I want my life to speak (Prov 28:20)?  Is it ok to ignore every person I encounter who is in need (Prov 28:27)?  Are there some who should receive some compassion and mercy from me?  Am I more worried about being taken advantage of than I am worried about my possible sinning against the Lord by hiding my eyes?  Which is worse?  Which do I know better…the poor person’s history and situation or my heart?  Can I pick up some sub-way gift cards at the super market and keep them handy?  There are millions of poor people who can’t get to the boulevard with their family to show themselves to me…do I see them?  Are my eyes open?  Where is my treasure?

2 Thessalonians 2

Paul attacks their fears and misunderstandings here.  He assures them that the second coming has not yet occurred and he uses evidence of other occurrences that must precede it.  There is debate over the teaching of this chapter with regard to a rapture and the possibility that it is the Holy Spirit indwelling the church of God that is restraining the man of lawlessness right now.  For certain there is coming a day when the guilty, those who remain in guilt because they do not trust in Jesus for justification, will be judged by God and they will perish.  But Paul offers the Thessalonians assurance that they have been chosen by God, called by God, loved by Jesus and that the Holy Spirit is at work in them to sanctify them and prepare them as the bride of the lamb (2 Thess 2:13-14).  When I walk in the truth and I am experiencing the sanctifying work of the Spirit then I am seeking after glory (Christ's) and honor (God’s) and immortality (eternal life effected in me by the Spirit and consummated at my bodily redemption) (Rom 2:6-7, Rom 8:23).  Paul prays for them that they would be comforted here and now in their daily circumstances and motivated at a heart level by the God who has granted eternal comfort and hope through his grace.

Soli Deo Gloria!

April 9

Leviticus 13; Psalm 15-16; Proverbs 27; 2 Thessalonians 1

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 68: WHAT ARE THE REASONS ATTACHED TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The reasons attached to the fourth commandment are, God’s creating the world in six days and resting on the seventh and his blessing the Sabbath day.
Scripture: Exodus 20:9-11; 31:16, 17; Genesis 2:2, 3.

Leviticus 13

This chapter is devoted to describing leprosy and the process of determining someone ceremonially unclean.  The priest essentially served as a public health agent here and there was a separation made between the unclean and the clean and the unclean were put far from the tabernacle to ensure they would not come in contact with anything holy and incur judgement.  There are allusions in the NT that uncleanness is, in one sense, a metaphor for sin but forgiveness and cleansing is given to us in Christ (Matt 23:37; Rev 21:22-27).

Thinking more on the use of this chapter this morning I am hit with the contrast of the priest here who can merely observe and judge as to the presence or absence of uncleanliness to the great High Priest who is the source and cause and accomplisher of our cleansing.  The rich young man in Mark chapter 10 wanted Jesus to observe for cleanliness.  The blind beggar in Mark chapter 10 knew he needed Jesus to create cleanliness.  Am I trying to display my cleanliness to Jesus as if he were a mere human priest or am I coming to him broken and seeking his righteousness by the power of the Holy Spirit?  May we receive a washing and not merely a judgement!  See that Jesus heals the leper in Matthew chapter 8 and tells him to go to the priest to be judged clean according to the law.  The great High Priest accomplishes the cleansing and then sends him to the human priest to see that it is so.  Let us not look to ourselves or to other men to do what only the living God can do in us.

Psalm 15

This Psalm begins with a very familiar question and the answer is given direct to the fruits and not to the cause.  The blameless person that does what is right is no more than Jesus.  The only way for me to fit this description is by substitution and then the in working sanctification of the Spirit brining change to my soul.  It would seem that the one who dwells with the Lord is the one who trusts Jesus and who walks in surrender to the Spirit of God…thus they are seeing the fruit of the Spirit and the sanctification of their soul.  I should not suppose that if I am unrepentant and walk knowingly in sin that I should have a place at the communion table with the Lord.  One who communes with God also does not take advantage of his fellow man.  The Psalm closes with reference to usury and the extortion of money from the poor and helpless.  See Lev 25:35-36 regarding caring for a poor brother and 1 Tim 5:8 regarding relatives.  This can bring up some issues to wrestle with regarding caring for aging relatives or family members in tough spots. 

Spurgeon on verse 1- "Members of the visible church, which is God’s tabernacle of worship, and hill of eminence, should diligently see to it, that they have the preparation of heart which fits them to be inmates of the house of God. Without the wedding-dress of righteousness in Christ Jesus, we have no right to sit at the banquet of communion. Without uprightness of walk we are not fit for the imperfect church on earth, and certainly we must not hope to enter the perfect church above."

Psalm 16

This Psalm contains a very well known closing verse that is precious to many.  This Psalm helps establish that a self denial of the crap I used to call pleasure or fulfillment is not an ultimate self denial of rejecting happiness or joy in my life, but rather it is a refining and an acceptance of true happiness and joy.  In the presence of the Lord is fullness of joy and nowhere else!  Our great God desires that we enjoy him and that we experience great joy and fulfillment and this is not a legalistic dutiful following of God but a joyful and free chasing of him in devotion and surrender.  The Lord is not only our refuge from trouble but he is the very source of joy.  It is no wonder why the Psalmist would declare that The LORD is his chosen portion!

Proverbs 27

No reason to boast about what I may accomplish tomorrow when it may never come.  I ought to do today what is important and living for the future (in this life) is a loser.  I ought to live for my eternal future and I ought to plan for tomorrow, but not have unquestioned expectation or sense of entitlement that it will arrive.  I should be eagerly awaiting the bridegroom!  Praise is a difficult thing (Prov 27:21).  Verse 2 and verse 21 speak of this and I see the first step in not being your own source of praise and then the next step being the right handling of the praise of others, should it come.  How do we rightly receive such praise?  Do we reject it?  Do we ignore it?  Do we kindly accept and then secretly pray to the Lord that we will discard it?  Do we adequately guard our heart against relishing it and taking it as a reward?  What does my heart do when someone praises me?  My heart reflects me and so how do I observe my heart?  Do my words expose my heart?  Do my desires and drives speak of my heart?  There is some direction in the proverb about friendship and the way we are honest and faithful friends.  The true friend wounds when it is needed (Prov 27:6) and gives good counsel and in these ways, and others, he is a source of sharpening to another (Prov 27:17).  Rebuke can be loving (Prov 27:5).  There is also instruction about remaining in the home and caring for the family and not running off leaving the family vulnerable (Prov 27:8).

2 Thessalonians 1

Paul gives thanks to God for the fact that their faith is growing and their love for one another is growing.  God is at work in them!  How is my faith and how is my love for the church of God?  Paul even boasts about the way the believers there are holding up under the pains of persecutions and afflictions.  He is rejoicing that he Lord is strengthening them and making them resolute and solid in their trust.  They are not fickle and fair whether Christians but they are followers of Jesus.    It seems that they had developed a misunderstanding, however, about the 2nd coming of Christ.  It seems maybe that they were wondering if he had indeed already returned (mostly clarified in the next chapter).  Here Paul lets them know that when Christ returns there will be no missing it and that he will come with flaming vengeance upon the unbelievers.  There will be great destruction and those who do not know God (presently) will never know God’s presence in eternity.  This reminds me of a quote by John Owen in The Glory of Christ-  “No man shall ever behold the glory of Christ by sight hereafter, who does not in some measure behold it by faith here in this world.”...“Nay, persons not disposed hereby to it cannot desire it, whatever they pretend; they only deceive their own souls in supposing that so they do”.  So the question arises, am I enjoying the presence of the Lord and the glory of his might?  Am I finding my joy on his holy hill or am I finding my satisfaction in the world?  Am I desiring of his glory now or do I just think I will want that later?  Do I seek him?  How do I do that?  Paul speaks of living worthy of the calling and fulfilling every good work of faith.  This is all to the end that the name of the Lord Jesus may be glorified in us.  By the grace of God, we can glorify our savior in the way that we live and in the way that we seek him and in the way that we find joy and satisfaction in him rather than in the world.  Does my faith grow?  Does my love for the church (all believers) grow?  Do I live for the glory of God or my own?  And how does this relate to putting the kids to bed or making the bed or doing the dishes or leading the family in a devotion or in rushing home from work or in making time for someone in need or...


Soli Deo Gloria!

April 8

Leviticus 11-12; Psalm 13-14; Proverbs 26; 1 Thessalonians 5

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 67: WHAT IS FORBIDDEN IN THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The fourth commandment forbids dishonoring the Lord’s Day by actions or thoughts that divert the soul from spiritual refreshment, or deprive the body of renewed energy or distract the mind from its special Sabbath focus on the Lord.
Scripture: Ezekiel 22:26; 23:38; Jeremiah 17:21; Nehemiah 13:15, 17; Acts 20:7; Mark 2:23-28; Romans 14:5-6.

Leviticus 11

This chapter is exclusively related to the determination of what animals are clean or unclean primarily in order to prescribe what can be eaten and what cannot.  There is also a prohibition from touching dead animals that makes one unclean for a prescribed period.  All of this creates a sense of attention to what they were doing with their eating and with their bodies in general.  These animals and the eating of their flesh would later be declared acceptable by God (Acts 10:12-15) and there would indeed be nothing unclean of itself (Rom 14:14, 20).   Jesus would even explain that it is not what enters a man’s stomach that makes him unclean but it is what leaves his mouth (Mark 7:18-20).  Today all food is good and I can honor God by giving thanks for his provision (1 Tim 4:4-5; Rom 14:6).  So like other ceremonial laws and rituals it appears that these instructions in Leviticus too were not due to an intrinsic problem with the animal but merely something to separate and display a need for self control and holiness as directed by God.  I must be willing to take God at his Word for the sake of his Word and not for my assessment of the matter at hand.  If he says to not eat an apple it does not matter that it appears to be good for food and a delight to the eyes.  This is for not.  I must take God at his Word and distrust my own understanding.

Leviticus 12

This chapter ties immediately to Luke chapter 2 (Luke 2:22, 39).  The 40 day period after childbirth (7+33) means that they would have arrived at the temple to present their first born child to the Lord.  At that time they met Simeon, as described in Luke 2, about 40 days after the birth of Christ.  They would have perhaps been paying the redemption price according to the law since the first born are required to be redeemed (Ex 13:2, 12-13, 15; Num 18:15).  It could be that the redemption price was not paid, as it is not mentioned, but that they devoted Jesus to the service of God as Samuel was by his mother who left him there at the temple.  Originally the redemption price for all the first born of Israel was reduced by the number of Levite were being devoted to service at the tabernacle (Num 3:45-47).  Similarly here Jesus may have been excluded due to his…well, due to the fact that he was the tabernacle of God. 

Psalm 13

The Lord may leave me to my own miserable thoughts and reflections and emotional valleys for a time, but if I trust in his steadfast love despite my own emotions and circumstances I know that I will yet again rejoice.  My heart can rejoice in his salvation that does not depend upon my emotions or my perceptions, but upon the person and work of Christ. 

Psalm 14

Paul cites this Psalm in Romans 3 as part of his argument to establish that no human being can possibly be justified by the law.  The law has only the power to condemn the guilty and here we learn that all are guilty.  This moves toward the doctrine of total depravity that until we are justified in new birth by the Holy Spirit we are among those who “do not do good”.  Romans 14:23 also attests to the fact that without faith in the living God, nothing we do can be anything but sin, since our actions must be done in relation to faith that we are honoring God in obedience.

Proverbs 26

I pity the fool!  So clearly there are times when the right thing to do with a fool is answer him and times when the right thing to do is to ignore him…may the Lord guide me (Prov 26:4-5).  The Lord takes us dogs and teaches us to feast on Christ rather than on our own vomit (Prov 26:11).  I should not look in the mirror if I am looking for someone wise to emulate (Prov 26:12).  Here Solomon gives some Biblical credence to the Indian concept of Karma (Prov 26:27), though at the hand of the Lord and not a mystical power. 

1 Thessalonians 5

Here Paul asserts that the Day of the Lord should not be a surprise to me in a big way since I should be eagerly awaiting the coming of the bridegroom (Rom 8:23; Gal 5:5; Heb 9:28).  I think of the burning lamps of the virgins (Matt 25:1-4).  I am to remain sober and awake and I am to be doing battle…why else would I be dressing up in armor (1 Thess 5:8)?  I should be grateful and honor those who labor in the ministry.  I should spur the idle on to seek God hotly.  I should encourage those who are losing steam or are weary.  I should be helping those who are weak of faith or who otherwise need some patient help.  There are not circumstances under which I should not be rejoicing and praying and giving thanks.  This is huge and requires a trust in the goodness and the sovereignty of God (Rom 8:28-29; Jer 32:40-41).  Paul closes by indicating that our sanctification will come just as the Lord is faithful.  We are told to abstain from every form of evil.  The Lord will enable us to walk worthy of our calling!

Soli Deo Gloria!

April 7

Leviticus 10; Psalm 11-12; Proverbs 25; 1 Thessalonians 4

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 66: HOW IS THE SABBATH TO BE SANCTIFIED?
Answer: One day in seven should be especially devoted to corporate worship and other spiritual exercises that restore the soul’s rest in God and zeal for His name. It should provide physical refreshment and fit one for a week of devoted service to Christ.
Scripture: Leviticus 23:3; Isaiah 58:13, 14; Matthew 12:1-14; Mark 2:27; Romans 14:5-6.

Leviticus 10

This chapter is powerful because it teaches us about God and it teaches us about our sin nature as well.  Aaron’s sons are killed dramatically right after the great ceremony of the completion of the tabernacle and the glory of God had filled it and it was a new era…but a wet blanket is thrown on the fire when sin gets in the way.  Aaron’s sons act outside of the instructions of the Lord and they do not follow authority and they seek their own designs and they do not seem to have the glory of God in mind, but their own perhaps and they are potentially under the influence of alcohol as they enter the tent of meeting and possibly the most holy place uninvited.  God makes a clear statement to the people of Israel and to the priests that he is holy and he is to be honored and the tabernacle is to be sanctified and kept holy in every way (Lev 10:3).  Death was the penalty for their error and so would be the penalty of our errors if it was not for the blood of Christ.  God will sometimes bring severe discipline and there will sometimes be serious consequences to our sin.  We are to have a proper fear of the Lord (Matt 10:28).  We cannot be cavalier in our service to God or in our devotion…it is the mercy of God we seek, we are not deserving or meritorious of anything but wrath.  Back to the story…the bodies of Aaron’s sons are taken away and Moses warns Aaron and the young priests to not have anything to do with the bodies or the formal mourning because of their duty as priests.  Then there is another breech of process when Aaron and his remaining sons fail to eat the remainder of the sin offering as the are supposed to do.  Yet, there is no record of judgement except for Moses’ anger with them…no doubt there has been enough death for the day and Moses does not want to see these too be killed for their disobedience.  They discuss it and it seems that Aaron and his sons make a good point in establishing that they could not have eaten with good conscience and fasting in such a circumstance was deemed acceptable.  We must always observe our convictions and we nothing we do that does not proceed from faith is a sin…even if it is not clear in scripture (Rom 15:23, 14:14; James 4:17).

Psalm 11

This psalm speaks to the tension between the righteousness we need before God and what we do not have.  The entire OT speaks of the righteous and the upright in heart in contrast to the wicked.  Knowing that all are unrighteous except for the blood of Jesus we must understand that this terminology is in fact used for those that are deemed righteous in the same manner Abraham was (Gen 15:16; Rom 4:3, 11, 21-22).  So to we know that the grace of God will be training us in righteousness so that there is not merely a passive righteousness (Christ’s) but an active righteousness (our mixed and humble increase in holiness by slow sanctification process by the Spirit).  With strong language the psalmist expresses that God hates the wicked.  The question may arise as to whether this hatred is toward those who are wicked in the moment or only toward those who will remain in the state of rebellion.  Does he hate his elect until they are converted?  In what way is hate meant here?  I don’t have answers but I propose that God loves his sheep when they are lost and when they are found (John 10:10-11; Rom 5:8).  He has indicated that some are made for the purpose of destruction (Rom 9:20-22).  The Lord certainly has a love for all people but a saving love I believe he only has for his sheep (John 17:9; Rom 1:7; John 14:21, 23).  I believe that our sin is attached to us and makes us un-lovable in a saving sense without the sin being separated from us and killed on the cross (Col 2:14; Ps 103:12; Is 53:11; Rom 8:3).

Psalm 12

This psalm speaks of the world we live in where wickedness abounds and where there is a great congregation of those who are sinners and scoffers.  We must be careful not to be under the influence of this world that we are not standing and then sitting among them (Psalm 1:1).  Psalm 12:7 tells us that it will be the Lord that keeps us and sustains our faith and our righteousness for the next generation.  How will he do this?  Will it be a magical sprinkling of obedience or will it be by turning our hearts to love his Word and to meditate upon it day and night? 

Proverbs 25

Lots of gold here.  God does not make all things known to us but it is glorious to dive into his Word and seek out truth where it can indeed be found (Prov 25:2)!  More than one reference to humility and to allowing someone else to exalt you if you are so to be exalted (Prov 25:6-7).  Honoring others and keeping their trust and speaking in ways that give life instead of tearing people down is outlined (Prov 25:11).  We can be good listeners and sometimes we will need to give helpful correction (Prov 25:12).  Feeding our enemy may bring him to repentance by the conviction that comes from our love (Prov 25:21-22).  In the end two analogies are given for the believer who falls to temptation.  A muddied fountain and a city without walls.  Both of these people are seeking their own glory rather than the Lord’s.  Let us pray for protection and let us search the Word and hide it in our hearts that we may not sin against him (Ps 119:11).  Grant us walls of fire around this city O God (Zechariah 2:5).

1 Thessalonians 4

The biggest thing I see here is the discussion on holiness.  Paul makes it supremely evident that the Lord intends to make us holy and that without this growing personal holiness, we are without the Spirit of God.  This is serious stuff and quite a challenge to the idea of cheap grace and the so-called “carnal Christian”.  See 1 Thess 4:3-8.  What is the will of God for my life?  My sanctification.  My honoring of God in my body.  My purity.  My holiness.  Brotherly love.  There is no question in these things.  There is also some talk here of the resurrection of the dead on the Day of the Lord.  There are different views on when the church will be caught up in the sky as it relates to end time events and the great tribulation and I will not spend time on that here as this is not a primary lesson to take from this passage.

Soli Deo Gloria!

April 6

Leviticus 9; Psalm 10; Proverbs 24; 1 Thessalonians 3

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 65: WHICH DAY OF THE SEVEN HAS GOD APPOINTED TO BE THE
WEEKLY SABBATH?
Answer: From the creation of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath; and the first day of the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian Sabbath.
Scripture: Genesis 2:3; John 20:19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2; Revelation 1:10.

Leviticus 9

This chapter is huge because the glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle and his fire comes forth and his glory is witnessed by the people of Israel such that they fall to their faces.  They have followed the instructions given by God to take offerings and to build this ornate tabernacle and to make these elements and to clothe and anoint the high priest and to make sacrifices to atone for sin and all this was that they might be able to know the Lord by his dwelling in their midst as he said in Exodus 25:8-9.  Now this day in Leviticus 9 the Lord has evidenced his dwelling among them.  This was like the ribbon cutting of the first capitol building or the christening of the first space vehicle or the signing of the declaration of independence.  This was the beginning of a new era of history where God dwells on the earth with man through the means of this tabernacle and the priesthood.  This tabernacle and the ark within it at its core will for centuries represent the presence of God for the nation of Israel.  Until this point the people of Israel only had a circumcision and a promise from God as the tangible components of their religion.  Now they have a law and they have a means of atoning for sin and they have a place of meeting with God.  The ark would be finally lost and the temple destroyed in 587 B.C. (about 850 years from this point) and will return again in the New Jerusalem (Rev 11:19).  The temple was rebuilt again and then finally destroyed in the year AD 70, but it never again held the Ark of the Covenant after 587 BC.  

Psalm 10

In this psalm the writer takes note of the wicked and the way in which they prosper in spite of their boasting and their pride and their hatred and ignoring of God.  They deny him and they abuse others and they seek only their gain in this life and yet the Lord allows them to continue in this way.  Psalm 10:5 says that he proposers at all times, but there is a truth there unseen to the wicked.  There are judgements of the Lord piling up against him that are ‘out of his sight’.  Paul warns the wicked of this in Romans 2:5.  The observations of the wicked ends with verse 11 and in verse 12 he moves on to plead with the Lord that he would not allow the wicked to oppress and afflict those who are innocent and helpless.  He recognizes that he Lord does count iniquity and he knows their ways and their will be a payment.  He recognizes that the Lord has always been a help to the needy and the helpless in verse 14 and this transitions him to ask that the Lord again protect them by brining the wicked to account for their sin.  In verse 17 the writer shifts attention to the hearts of the afflicted, to the one who would call out to the Lord.  He gives praise to God and recognizes that he far outlasts nations and the wicked are but perishing dust before him (Isaiah 40:17).  He speaks to the strengthening of the hearts of the afflicted more than the destruction of the wicked next and there seems to be a conclusion that the wicked will not strike terror an longer due to the strengthened hearts of the righteous and a justice that the Lord will do to the fatherless and oppressed.  It is unclear if this means a near term justice of judgement upon their enemies or if this is a preserving of the righteous and a judgement held for the Day of the Lord for the wicked…either way the righteous are strengthened and there is no more terror. 

Proverbs 24

The theme of this chapter seems to be not envying the evil doer and not being bothered by his success or his apparent gains (Prov 24:1, 19-20).  The main reason is that his gains are fleeting and his end is destruction.  The contrast is to be busy building a house with wisdom and filling it with furniture of knowledge in order to be full of strength.  I can sit around watching what the wicked are up to and I can be fooled by their temporal success and I can be distracted from my own mission and I can be tempted and I can become like the poor sap in Psalm 1 who goes from walking by and seeing what is happening to standing their admiring it to taking up a seat at the table with them.  Better than that, of course, would be that I do not take that counsel and that I meditate on the instruction of the Lord day and night and I take my delight in him.  I can spend my time watching the glitz and glimmer of the dying world or I can seek to understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (Prov 2:5).  Quite practically here I am motivated to spend my “spare” time seeking knowledge and wisdom and not foolishness and not observing the world.  I can rather be busy seeking to pull those fools back from destruction and introduce them to the sweet honey of wisdom found only in the Lord (Prov 24:13-14).  In Prov 24:27 Solomon tells me to work outside and be hard at preparation but then focus on building my house.  With the following verses I take this to mean that I am to focus on filling it with the furniture of knowledge and not with folly.  I can come home from work and seek nothing but mindless entertainment until its time to go into the field again and I can spend my time seeking revenge for the one who may offend me or I can seek knowledge.  I can be a sluggard toward the building of my house and it will become a ghost land that is overrun and taken like a city without walls (Prov 25:28).  The poverty of my soul will follow if I am not attentive to wisdom and seeking knowledge when I return from the field.  I should have output and input rather than output and slumber. 

1 Thessalonians 3

Paul reveals here that he had been concerned for their faith and that he sent Timothy to gain a report on the status of the faith of the believers there at Thessolonica and to encourage them and build them up or “exhort them in their faith”.  He mentions in verse 5 that the tempter could have come along and brought their previous labor to be vanity.  This is telling and suggests what Jesus told of in the parable of the sower when he described three examples of human reactions to the instruction of the Lord and how only one remained to mature while the others died off (see Luke 8:4-15).  Here Paul is concerned that perhaps the roots did not take and the initial profession of faith was for not.  Let us not ever look back at a prayer or an experience we had as the grounding of our salvation or the assurance of our eternal hope!  Let us look back only to the cross and Christ’s work for objective assurance.  If we want subjective assurance of our hope we can simply look or “examine ourselves” (2 Cor 13:5; Lam 3:40) and consider if I am currently trusting in Jesus (following him as a disciple) and repenting (confessing and turning from known sin).  Pastor J.D. Grear, in his book called Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart, says “Consider if you are in a posture of faith and repentance”.  I can consider if the grace of God is indeed doing in me what Paul said the grace of God does in people by reviewing Titus 2:11-14.  Paul was hoping to find that they were in a posture of faith and repentance…and he was pleased to hear the news Timothy returned with.  What kind of report would Timothy bring of me?  Finally Paul’s hope for them mentioned here is that the Lord would make them to abound in love for one another (fellow believers) and for all (the lost).  The end goal of this was to be established in holiness before God our Father (1 Thess 3:13).  Glorifying God is our aim and we do this both individually with God and also in relationships with others.

Soli Deo Gloria!

April 5

Leviticus 8; Psalm 9; Proverbs 23; 1 Thessalonians 2

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 64: WHAT IS REQUIRED IN THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The fourth commandment requires the keeping holy to God such set times as he has appointed in his word, expressly one whole day in seven to be a holy Sabbath to himself.
Scripture: Leviticus 19:30; Deuteronomy 5:12.

Leviticus 8

    In this chapter Moses consecrates Aaron and his sons as priests and they are to spend seven days at the tabernacle for ordination.  They are to be in the courtyard and remain at the entrance for seven days.  They made sacrifices and performed ordination rites that included placing blood on this earlobes and big toes and eating the boiled meat from the ram of ordination (the remaining meat from the sin offering was to be taken outside the camp and burned, while the ram from the burnt offering was completely burned up on the altar). 
     The LORD takes seriously this priesthood that Aaraon and his sons will serve under.  Aaron, as a federal head representing his people, will actually carry the guilt of the nation when he approaches God (Exodus 28:29-30).  Aaron will serve as vicar to come before the Lord seeking forgiveness and the covering of the sin of the people based upon the acceptability of the sacrifice and the service of obedience, by faith in the instructions given to Moses by God.  This priesthood is how the people of God had intimate communion with the creator and it took a serious effort of preparation in order that the priest would not die (Lev 8:35).  The presence of God annihilates sin and atonement (Exodus 30:10) is the only way to separate that sin, which must die in God’s presence, from the person.  Following the Lord’s directions on how a priest is prepared and how his sins must be atoned for first and how he is to be in right standing with the Lord in order to represent the people is critical.

Psalm 9

The psalmist speaks of recounting the mighty works of God and specifically it seems related to deliverance from wicked men and the work of God to judge and wicked.  The protection of the righteous because the Lord is a righteous and just judge and he is upright.  He does not forsake those who seek him so those that know his name are wise to put their trust in him (Psalm 9:10).  May the righteous, those who bear the very righteousness of God, enjoy his salvation and rejoice (Psalm 9:1-2, 14)! 

Proverbs  23

This proverb speaks to children and to fathers both.  We are called to discipline our children and we are called to honor and bless our fathers.  Our own wisdom, found in fear of the Lord by seeking him in his Word and by obedience, will benefit the next generation.  And when we see them walk in faithfulness and seeking the Lord and applying wisdom in their life, then we will rejoice (Prov 23:15-16, 24-25).  Our fathers will rejoice!  May we not live for wealth (Prov 23:4, 23) but may we buy all the truth and wisdom that we can in this life.  We are to be a living example of wisdom (Prov 23:26) and this means not being ruled by sexual temptation or substances (Prov 23:27, 31-32) and not being envious of those that life for these things (Prov 23:17; 24:1).

1 Thessalonians 2

Paul writes to the Thessalonians speaking of how Satan is hindering his coming to see them similar to how he spoke about being kept from Rome (Rom 1:10, 13).  Here though, he explicitly blames the enemy for thwarting him (1 Thess 2:18).  He speaks of how the apostles declared the gospel and taught them under tough circumstances (1 Thess 2:2) and how they labored to not be a burden upon these people while ministering to them spiritually (1 Thess 2:9-10).  Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy really cared for these people.  They did not merely shout some message of hell fire at them but they invested in their lives and they labored for the gospel.  True, they did not speak to please anyone but God (1 Thess 2:4), but they did this from a place of love and compassion (1 Thess 2:7-9).  The mission they had for the believers was that they would walk in a manner worthy of God (1 Thess 2:12).  This does not mean earning or meriting the favor of God but it means walking like the transformed believer that you are.  It means being the new creation that you are (2 Cor 5:17).  It means claiming the new life that is ours in Christ (Rom 6:4).  It means walking the walk (1 John 2:6).  These things come or else there is not evidence of the indwelling of God’s Spirit in us (Rom 8:5-6, 9-10).  God will accomplish our purification (1 Thess 5:23-24)!  Paul calls these believers, those who enjoy walking in a manner that expresses a trust in God and a preparedness for his coming (worthy), his glory and his joy.  Paul lives to see people grow in their knowledge and experience of God (Phil 1:23-25).  May we live to see others glad in God!

Soli Deo Gloria!

April 4

Leviticus 7; Psalm 7-8; Proverbs 22; 1 Thessalonians 1

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 63: WHICH IS THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The fourth commandment is, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.”
Scripture: Exodus 20:8-11.

Psalm 7

     v11-12.  God is righteous and man is sinful and thus each day there is an indignation and an enmity between God and the sinner who has not trusted in Jesus.  This is so serious that God has readied his sword and bow against the sinner who refuses to turn from sin and embrace Jesus.
     v17.  Thank the Lord that I am not left to conjure up a righteousness of my own that will satisfy God (Phil 3:9, Rom 10:3-4, Rom 3:20-22).  I can bear a righteousness that is not mine, but is the very righteousness of Christ…the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21)!  Praise the Lord for his righteousness in Jesus!

Psalm 8 

The Lord is majestic and he reigns but he has granted us authority over the creation!  He has given us dominion over all he has made on the earth.  We handed this over at the fall and Satan now enjoys much of this power but the rightful authority is man (John 12:31; Eph 2:1-2. 6:12). 

Proverbs 22

     v3.  Victory is the Lord’s but the prudent will still not walk off a cliff or walk into senseless battle without considering the danger.  We are to be wise even as we trust the Lord to be overseeing all circumstances.
     v6.  The closer we come to living up to this the closer it will come to being a hard promise of God, I would imagine.  But we will not do it perfectly and nor will it hold up perfectly as a promise instead of a wise saying that applies most of the time.  Perhaps challenging it with our best effort at training our kids to fear the Lord and seek him hotly and to know his Word and to love his people and to love the lost and to pour themselves out for the hungry and afflicted and to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness would be a good idea.  Do we model and show our children to have lives that are hidden in Christ and to live a life demonstrating Christ as our treasure?  Do we model and teach out kiddos to live God-centered, Christ-exalting, Gospel-driven lives? Do we model and train them to meditate on the instruction of the Lord day and night?  Perhaps this proverb would not be so controversial if we trained our children in the way they should go?  Training is not passive.  Training is not occasional.  Training is not easy.  Training is not unplanned.
     v11.  Who is not attracted to someone who always has right motives and kind speech?
     v15.  We are all born with foolishness and it is a disservice to our kiddos if we do not train it out of them.  See verse 6 above.
     v16.  The lottery?
     v29.  Skill is a good thing and should be valued.  Am I gifted is anything?  I should use my gifts and seek to train myself to be of the most usefulness to the Lord.  Skill brings influence.

1 Thessalonians 1

     v4-8.  Paul celebrates that it was quite clear that God had chosen this people and he brought them to believe in spite of affliction and trouble.  Their faith was being spoken of broadly.  The gospel was not mere word to them but the radical power of God working by His Spirit.
     v9-10.  They have turned completely from their idolatry and serve the living God.  They are now waiting eagerly for the Son (Rom 8:23; Gal 5:5; Heb 9:28).

Soli Deo Gloria!

April 3

Leviticus 6; Psalm 5-6; Proverbs 21; Colossians 4

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 62: WHAT IS THE REASON ANNEXED TO THE THIRD COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.
Scripture: Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 28:58, 59; Malachi 2:2.

Leviticus 6

This chapter gives added detail to the sin offering that is for accidental breaking of a negative precept.  If it is not a priest and not the whole congregation but only a leader or a common person, then the priest will eat the remainder of the (boiled) meat instead of carrying it outside the camp to be burned.

Psalm 5

     v2. Hear my prayers and my petitions when I come with passion and with need.  When I come with troubles and pains.  You are my king and my God and whom else can I go to?  Who else can help me O God if you do not?
     v3.  So to you alone do I come.  I rise early to seek you and I bring you my thoughts and my troubles.  I bring my confessions and my praise and my petitions.
     v5.  You do not hear the boastful.  They do not stand before you Lord so please let me not come with arrogance or with pride or with self-exaltation or with self sufficiency but with dependance and with a hallowing of your name.
     v8.  Lead me Lord.  You are my only righteousness and I need you to lead me in the right way and to grant me clear vision that I may walk a straight path as you would have me.
     v11-12.  Let all who seek you in the morning for refuge and protection rejoice and be indeed protected.  Let those who love you be caught up in exulting your name and may you bless those who bear your Sons righteousness and may your favor rest upon them each day in all their circumstances.

Psalm 6 

     v4.  Save me Lord for thy own sake.  I am your child and you have placed your name upon me and all watch to see how I handle life’s troubles and blessings alike.  Let me not be destroyed but hold me up and sustain me for the sake of thy witness and glory and praise among the peoples.
     v9.  You hear my voice O God and you accept the prayer that is in the name of your Son and in seeking your will above my own and the prayer that hallows your name and seeks thy glory and furtherance of your kingdom.

Proverbs 21

     v1.  The Lord maintains ultimate control over the authorities that he puts in place.  Hearts are his to influence and to restrain.  He is the embankment that guides and limits the desires and the motives and the outflow of a man, especially a King here.  This is a good picture of Abimelech who he did not allow to sin against Sarah in Genesis 22.
     v2.  We rationalize all we do and we have our own reasons for each action but God looks to our inner motives of the heart and knows if we act for love of him and others or for love of self.
     v3.  The Lord prefers that we do the right thing than that we ask for forgiveness later.  This is why sanctification is something that the Lord accomplishes in us rather than leaving us in the same sorry state and simply applying the blood for cleansing.  Justification is full and complete at conversion but yet he wants us to be made holy as he is holy.  The atoning work of the Son is precisely enough for our sin but this sin he plans to reduce.
     v13.  The golden rule has its consequences.  The Lord cares for the poor and we ought to as well.
     v17.  The tin can pleasures of this world are not to be loved over the gold and silver and jewels of the pleasures in God.  Richness toward God is our prize to seek and it will not be found in wine and luxury.
     v21.  The one who pursues righteousness and kindness.  Meaning he who loves the Lord and loves others, will find life (real life- eternal life), righteousness (a righteousness not their own, but from God), and honor (honor not their own but the honor of the living God and all of his glory).  See Romans 2:7, 10.
     v26.  The sluggard craves but has nothing.  The righteous labors in order to give it away to the glory of God.
     v31.  We plan and we strive and we hope…but ultimately it is the Lord who determines the outcome and he is the one we owe thanks to.  All my striving can come to naught in a heartbeat so I ought not take credit and glory when something works…it still only works by the will of God.  If there will be a victory O God, it will be yours!

Colossians 4

     v1. Paul asserts that those with authority over others (specifically those with hired help under them) should remember that they too have a boss (Almighty God) and so we should be just and fair in our dealings rather than heavy handed or cruel.  This suggests that God is watching and would perhaps bring judgement/discipline upon us for our actions if we are not in alignment here.
     v2. Paul has been giving instructions of putting sin to death and putting on the new self and instructing them on how to live and be married and to love one another and forgive each other.  He now tells them to remain steadfast in prayer with thanksgiving.  Watchful prayer is called for here and maybe it means to be expecting answers and to be not weak in intention or focus but to be very purposeful and looking for God to move.  Watch and pray that you may not enter temptation.  We are to be sober and reflect upon our hearts.  Perhaps watchful prayer could also refer to reflecting upon our hearts and praying for the guarding of our hearts against ill motives and desires and a careful tending to our reliance upon God.
     v3.  The above comments are somewhat validated in verse three because he now contrasts praying for them also.  Suggesting that the watchful prayer is for yourself, not others.  Now he directs them to pray for the apostles that they may receive favor and have opportunity to declare the good news, though he is in prison.
     v4. Paul wants to have clear speech.  He wants that message to be plain to those who would hear and he wants to be simple with his message.
     v5-6. Here Paul speaks to evangelism and the gospel-centered life.  He wants us to act wisely, always mindful that there are those outside of the family of God who see and watch us and we must always be concerned for our witness.  We must be mindful of how we impact them by our living and our speech and our conduct in every way.  We must make best use of our time here on this earth by being constantly in battle for the gathering of the children of God.  He puts a focus on our speech and indicates salt as though our conversations with non-believers should be such as to invite them into questioning us in our faith.  We aught to create opportunities for others to inquire and to see that we are always ready to provide gospel instruction and witness.
     v7. Paul is sending them a witness to fill them in and to lead them.  He gives credit to this man and indicates that he is a faithful minister and fellow servant of the Lord.  This is high praise and something any believer would want to be true of him.
     v8. Tychicus is being sent to inform them and to encourage their hearts.
     v9. Onesimus, a warm brother, but not seemingly indicated to be a minister of the gospel, is also coming with him and Paul gives great praise for him as well in this.
     v10-11.  Knowing that they care for the others as well he updates them and gives greeting from the others that are with him that they know.
     v12. Here he refers to Epaphras (who is a minister to this church in Colossae- see Col 1:7) as a prayerful man who cares about the Colossians and is engaged in constant prayer for their faith.  He seeks that they would be fully assured and mature in their walk.  This is good instruction that we too aught to be engaged not merely in praying for the positive outcome of circumstances for one another but for our hearts and for our faith and for our maturity and confidence in God.  We aught to pray for one another in this deep way that we would be growing in our knowledge of God.
     v13. Paul speaks of how hard this man has worked for them and others.  I can only assume that this means the man has engaged in prayer for hours on end and day after day and week after week by witness of Paul.
     v17.  He indicates here that someone there has a calling and it needs to be fulfilled. 
     v18. Paul want the Colossians to remember his chains.  Perhaps remember the need to suffer for the gospel or the way that Paul suffered joyfully or perhaps keeping in mind that a life of leisure is not our calling. Or perhaps Paul was indicating more provision to be sent later?

Soli Deo Gloria!

April 2

Leviticus 5; Psalm 3-4; Proverbs 20; Colossians 3

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 61: WHAT IS FORBIDDEN IN THE THIRD COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The third commandment forbids all profaning and abusing of anything whereby God makes himself known.
Scripture: Exodus 20:7; Malachi 1:6, 7; Leviticus 20:3; 19:12; Matthew 5:34-37; Isaiah 52:5.

Psalm 4

v1.  This is huge because Christ is my righteousness and his past rescue is evidence of his future mercy. 
v3.  The Lord sets some apart for himself.  We do not do it…he does it.  These are those whom he hears.
v4.  Be angry and do not sin.  Contemplate your heart and reflect.  Be not so quick to move on to the next day.  See below for arcing of verses 2-5.

Click image to open larger view

v6.  The world looks for “good” in order to find happiness and contentment.
v7.  God’s elect trust him and can celebrate in all circumstances and he gives more true joy even in the midst of trouble. 
v8.  Because I am secure in Christ and I have a great and mighty God who cares for me and is merciful I know that I can rest well under his sovereign care. Let me remember each night to rest in your peace O God that I have by the blood of your Son.

Proverbs 20

 
v1.  Do not let wine control you.
v3.  It is honorable to avoid fighting and conflict for every fool seeks a fight
v4.  Plow in the autumn.  Work hard in the Lord
v5.  My desires and motives and purposes are deep inside and it take purposeful seeking and pondering and considering and thought to find my motives and to consider my sin and my misalignment of thoughts and attitudes.
v6.  It’s easy to claim how much I love the Lord or my wife but how does it display itself?
v7.  Let me walk faithfully Lord in the integrity of my heart with the righteousness that you assign to me from Christ.  Let my children be blessed after me O God.
11.  Let my conduct indeed be pure and upright O God for the sake of your name.
v13.  Sleep too much is not good!
v18.  Much counsel is good in difficult decisions where much is at stake
v22.  Don’t seek vengeance but leave it to the Lord and simply wait upon him

Colossians 3

v1-2. Correlate to Romans 2:7 and Romans 8:5-8. This is walking in the Spirit.
v3. See Romans 6:2-5.  Life hidden in Christ- this is beautiful and I take it to mean that all I am is wrapped up in Christ and that there is no treasure and nothing valuable in my life that is outside of Christ.  He is my all in all and there is nothing about me that is outside of him.  I have not a secular life and a church life.  Christ is my very life. 
v4.  When you walk like this it is evident that Christ is your life and when he appears you will also appear with him in glory.  This seems to reference the second coming where the saints come with him in the air.
v5. Be killing sin.  Put it to death- by violence seek to put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit.  Rom 8:13.  This verse seems to focus on bodily pleasure seeking and maybe the covetousness here is the desiring of someone who is God's provision to another man.  The big lust problem of doubting God and questioning the appropriateness of his provision to you in wondering what you are missing elsewhere.  This is idolatry because I want something more than or other than God and his provision for me.  Focusing above put to death the things that pull your attention back down to earth.
v6. God's wrath is coming because of these things that trap our attention and steal us away from God. 
v7-11.  We once walked the same as these but note that this is no longer the case.  Something is categorically different about us now.  We have put away the old self- we are new creatures.  We are new and under a process by the spirit of God that is making us like Jesus.  It involves being renewed in our mind.  We are to be studying God's Word for this renewal see Rom 12:2, Rom 2:18  Also there are no categories among us but we are all one body in Christ and he is all for all of us.  We all have him and are united in him.
v12. Here he flips from talking about what not to do and he switches to the new self and the things that we now are to do. 
v13. Here he gives the imperative that we are to forgive since God forgave us. 
v14. The greatest virtue to define our new identity is love. 
v15. The result if putting these things on (and taking the others off) is that peace will reign.  We were called to this peace and it may speak of peace between man as it refers to us being one body.
v16. Here Paul urges that we study and know the Word in order that we may teach one another and that we might speak to Word of God to one another in song and that we might joyfully relate to one another with thankfulness to God in our hearts.
v17.  And in this teaching or admonishing or singing, let us do it in the name of Jesus and for the glory of God.  We aught to be giving thanks to God for the blessings of his Word and for the joy he gives us in one another.  We give thank to God for what he enables us to do in service of the body.
v18-25.  Here a teaching on domestic life that deserves more study.

Soli Deo Gloria!

March 30

Leviticus 1; John 20; Proverbs 17; Philippians 4

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 60: WHAT IS REQUIRED IN THE THIRD COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The third commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God’s name, titles, attributes, ordinances, words, and works.
Scripture: Psalm 29:2; 111:9; 138:2; Deuteronomy 32:1-4; 28:58- 59; Matthew 6:9; Ecclesiastes 5:1; Job 36:24; Revelation 4:8; 15:3, 4.

Leviticus 1

In this book Moses lays out further revelation from God that he receives in the tent of meeting concerning the sacrificial system of offerings and worship, the priesthood, ceremonial cleanness, the Day of Atonement, feasts and holy days, and the Year of Jubilee.  

“1 The LORD called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying,” (Leviticus 1:1, ESV)

John 20

Who am I seeking?  Am I looking ahead to the coming of the meek and mild Jesus who lays down his life or am I looking ahead to the coming of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah who conquered and reigns and brings the wrath of God upon the earth?  Do we take Jesus to be other than he is?

“15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”” (John 20:15, ESV)

What is our only hope in evangelism?  That the Holy Spirit will do his work of convincing people of their need for a savior and of the person and all-sufficient work of Christ.

“21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21–22, ESV)

“29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”” (John 20:29, ESV)

“31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31, ESV)

Proverbs 17

“3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts.” (Proverbs 17:3, ESV)

“15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the LORD.” (Proverbs 17:15, ESV)

Compare proverbs 17:15 to Romans 4:5

“5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,” (Romans 4:5, ESV) 

“17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17, ESV)

Philippians 4

Under what circumstances should I rejoice in the Lord and why?

“4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;” (Philippians 4:4–5, ESV)

“12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12–13, ESV)

But how?

“6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, ESV)

And after praying, walk as with wisdom looking and expecting to be upheld...

“8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8–9, ESV)

Soli Deo Gloria! 

March 28

Exodus 39; John 18; Proverbs 15; Philippians 2

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 59: WHICH IS THE THIRD COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The third commandment is, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
Scripture: Exodus 20:7.

Exodus 39

The ESVSB gives a good illustration of the priestly garments.  The representation of the priest for the nation cannot be missed in the stones of remembrance on the shoulders and the individual stones on the breastpiece.

Proverbs 15

“14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.” (Proverbs 15:14, ESV)


“25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow’s boundaries.” (Proverbs 15:25, ESV)


“29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29, ESV)


“33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 15:33, ESV)

 John 18

“3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.”” (John 18:3–8, ESV)

This passage in John is very intriguing.  They come to Jesus with the human perspective of "Nazareth" no doubt because they are knowing that the true Messiah comes from Bethlehem.  By looking for Jesus of Nazareth they could be labeling him as a mere man...Jesus corrects this misunderstanding in the answer.  The ESV footnote clarifies that the Greek phrase translated as "I am he" is the phrase "I am".  Of course we recognize this as the way God identifies himself to Moses at the burning bush and when Jesus announces this the gang of armed men coming for Jesus fall to the ground.  As they get back up he asks again, "Who are you looking for?".  I take it that they are being instructed that they misunderstand who it is that they are actually seeking.  The one they have come for cannot be taken by force with weapons but only willingly.

Philippians 2

“2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2, ESV)


“4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4, ESV)


“8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8, ESV)


“12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12–13, ESV)

“18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.” (Philippians 2:18, ESV)

Paul lays out and argument of joy for joy.  He wants joy in seeing us rejoice with him.  He wants the Philippians to humbly rely on God to do the saving work and the sanctification in them.  He wants them to be in awe of the power that God wields in their lives to save them and to change their drives and motives and desires.  He wants them to know not the pride of self accomplishment, but the amazement and joy and humility of seeing God's work. 

Soli Deo Gloria!