Search The Scriptures —Study 0 — 1 Timothy Introduction

Study 0 From The Book of 1 Timothy Is: The Introduction

1 Timothy was Paul’s dearly loved companion and helper whom he first found at Lystra (Acts 16:1-3) and ever afterwards regarded as a son (1Tim.1:2, 18; 2 Tim. 1:2; 2:1) He was with Paul on his missionary journeys and during his imprisonment in Rome (col. 1:1) and was sent by Paul from time to time on important missions (1 Thes. 3:1-6; 1 Cor. 4: 17; 16:10, 11; Phil. 2:19) At this time he had been left at Ephesus to check tendencies to false teaching (1 Tim. 1:3, 4) and to superintend the affairs of the church as the apostle’s representative (1 Tim. 3:14, 15).  The letter belongs to the last period of Paul’s life, between his first and second imprisonments’ in Rome.

Paul’s main purpose in writing was to guide and encourage Timothy in his work. The letter is full of practical advice concerning church affairs and the preservation of purity of life and doctrine. It exhorts the worker for God to be uncompromising in his loyalty and devotion to his duty.

My Walk With God, This Year 2015, in Review (sort of)

REVIEWING 2015 While Ushering into the New One

This year God has taken me on a path where I was forced to sit still and walk straight so that I can finally learn what the Bible means by: “ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD”. It has been a very deep learning curve. So deep that sometimes I was afraid of sharing what I learned. I was so sure people would say that I am crazy. But, the perceived depth was simply because my spiritual understanding was not ready for what God was teaching me.

In fact, I recall at one point I did not want to learn more about this walk and I sort of moved away from God hoping He would change channels and let me be. After all, what use is it to know how to walk with God like Enoch did?  But, instead of punishing me for my rebellious actions, a few weeks later, He went on showing me how nothing can separate me from His love. I was a “bitter sweet” time for me. I could not believe how lovingly He hanged on to me when I was more than willing to walk away from something that He felt, was important to put me through.

Fast forward to few weeks ago, He made me face how far I have come. At that moment, I realized all these truths I used to feel were too big for me to wrap my head around, have become so simple and straightforward. They are now part of my life, my understanding of spiritual things and most of all they are part of me, the “me” that is merging slowly but surely with the indwelling Christ in me. On a side note: even this phase is also the continuity of living the Advent and making use of the Good News which is the Gospel.

Now, those words ‘Enoch walked with God’ hold not mystery. Not only it has become simpler in my understanding, but also it is something that God aspires for all of us and it is not unattainable for those growing in His fullness. After all that I have learned about Enoch walked with God, if you were to ask me to share what it means in the soul of a Christian, I would say it is the fulfillment of a life being lived in the fullness of God… It is getting hold of His boundless riches…It is walking with Him in the fullness of friendship. It is living with the feeling and the strength that you have been established in Him…knowing His love that surpasses knowledge…reaching the pic of your spiritual maturity, It is living with adversities as your daily bread. It is a life where you are constantly growing and developping in Christ and almost always going in the same directions as He is. In short, your belief and behavior have come together in one accord to live the life of a true heir. Yet, even when you are there, you know that this Christian walk is a walk made of a million steps, yet you have perhaps barely reached a hundred thousand steps with Him. So, you still have a long way to go. The only thing that matters is that you know you are going with Him and you are following His agenda. Following His agenda here means that His plan of Salvation is unfolding as He alone envisioned it.

Now that 2016 is at my doorsteps, I have a very good idea what it holds for me. A few weeks ago, God started churning my heart with my understanding of God’s favors in our lives. Until further notice, I will be honest about my understanding, not because I want to defy Him or lacking reverence toward Him, but simply that is what my mind, which is limited to this physical realm, will allow me to understand and I refuse to repeat like a parrot that God does not have favorite people. I find that when we cannot tell God that we do not understand something and we are content to repeat what others are repeating, in reality we do ourselves a disservice. But, the good news is, if you are walking in Spirit, He will find you out and teach you to face Him with your understanding or lack of it.

So, lately, even my meditation time is hijacked by the spirit and I find myself back again to the same subject whether I like it or not. During the time that I wrote on Facebook about what I know about the subject and today, the last day of 2015, I already learned there will be a long learning curve to get there. It seems to me that I will be spending a good chunk of 2016 learning this one subject. I have to say that I used to hate the fact that everything God teaches me seems to be hard and convoluted. But, over time, I learned that it appears that way because it ceases being ‘emotional understanding’ and our own limited understanding at work. It is God sharing Himself and His world with us. So, like all teachers He is teaching so that we can grow, our understanding would be satisfied and we can also mature spiritually in Him.

I received a nasty email when I wrote on Facebook that God is not safe but He is good. The reality is that when you know God for real, you know He is not safe because we cannot understand what He means if He does not consume us with it and do it to us. If we understand anything about this process of becoming like Jesus, we know, it is by doing things to us that we are changing into His image. He is fusing Himself, He is replacing our spiritual DNA and image on the inside while we become truly Christian. Sometimes it is not easy to continue the walk and you wish that God could do His work without you having to follow Him.

Last night, in fact, I felt so miserable I stopped everything that I was doing in order to avoid offending God and go deep into a pity party. I hated the fact that nothing is working and God does not seem to be concerned about my life. I started feeling as if ‘HIM’ working so hard to make me this person He wants me to be and preparing me for heaven did not matter that much if He could not give me a break. There is so much pain daily, so many restrictions which feels like God put you on a tight leash , the uncertainties, the constant afflictions and adversites and so much of all that could go wrong cause me to be sometimes, overwhelmed. While you know God is sovereign, sufficient and He is in control, yet, time sometimes takes its toll on you.  In that sense my dear brothers and sisters, God is not safe, but, I know He is good so I hang tight and allow Him to do what He has to. I also know it is the time to exercise patience, perseverance and hang onto Him for the ride however long He deems. In fact, it is sad to know that the only God a Christian know is a safe God because it is only by learning to know the unsafe God that we are compelled to see and live the invisible.

So, this year, I do not care much about an empty happy New Year wish. A Happy New Year is one that see us taking this advent to a whole new level and make it a yearly love affair with the God of our Salvation. I pray that would be the New Year resolution and deep desire for a lot of us. I will end this by saying, HAVE A GREAT ONE!

Search The Scriptures —Study 5 — Micah 7:7-20

Study 5 From The Book of Micah is: Micah 7:7-20

WITH THIS WE END THE BOOK OF MICAH- NEXT STUDY IS ON 1 TIMOTHY

1.    7:7-20. The penitent city speaks in verses 7-10, and the prophet responds to them (11-13), and to God on their behalf (14-20). In what respects does the sinful city take the right course in chapter 7? On what promises does she rest her case (verses 7-9), and what promise does she receive (verse 11, 12, 15)?

2.    The end of the disobedient nations is appalling (7:10, 13, 16, 17; cf. 5:9, 15).  Strict justice is the principle of God’s judgement (cf. Rev. 16:5-7). How was Micah’s vision of a forgiving God (7:18-20) glorious yet restricted? How does the New Testament have a broader insight into this same forgiving God? Cf. Jn. 3:16; 2 Pet. 3:9.

Note. 7:11. ‘In that day’: cf. 4:1, 6; 5:10. For the promise of the verse, cf. Zc. 2:1-5 and IS. 26:15 (also ‘in that day…’, Is. 26:1).

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Search The Scriptures —Study 4 — Micah 6:1-7:6

Study 4 From The Book of Micah is:  Micah 6:1-7:6

1.    6:1-8. What was the substance of the Lord’s case against His people? Do not forgetfulness and misunderstanding still characterize them?  Apply Col. 2:20 and 3:1-4, for example.  Does God find in us what He has shown to us (verse 8; ‘require of’ literally means ‘seek in’)?

2.    6:9-7:6. Sin brings desolation (6:13, 16) and social breakdown (7:2-6). Do we (a) recognize and (b) grieve over this sad and modern tale? Do our lives shine like lights in this situation? Cf. 7:8 and Phil. 2:15.

Notes

1.    6:5. Balaam blessed Balak’s enemies three times when he was expected to curse them (Nu.22-24). ‘From Shittim to Gilgal’ refers to the crossing of the Jordan. ‘Know’ here means ‘care for’; cf. 3:1

2.    6:9 -16. The text is somewhat confused; but it is clear that a wicked Israel is receiving a stern warning.

3.    6:16. ‘The statutes of Omri’: cf. 1 Ki. 16:25, 26. ‘That I may make you….’: a final, not a causal, clause.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 3 — Micah 4:8-5:15

Study 3 From The Book of Micah Is: Micah 4:8-5:15

Two prophecies with a ‘Now … But…’

1.      4:8-5:1. Zion will be besieged and her inhabitants exiled.  But what will follow? On a personal level, what is man’s true perspective to be? Cf. 4: 12 and 1 Cor. 2:9, 10.

2.      5:2-6. From this early Messianic prophecy what do we learn of the Messiah’s origins and activity? How did Jesus fulfil the longings of prophet and people?

3.      5:10-15. The life of the restored remnant of Israel will be one of God-given (verse7) victory (verses 8:9), but purification will be involved (verse 10, 14).  Disobedience is disastrous (verse 15).  See 1 Pet. 2:9-12, 16; 4:7 and consider how the same principle still applies.

Notes

1.      4:10 ‘Go to Babylon’: a remarkable instance of prophetic prevision, because at the time the great enemy was Assyria, not Babylon.  But, see Is. 39:6, 7.

2.      4:11.  The nations gather to ogle, and worse.  But, one day the roles will be reversed; cf. 7:10b, 17.

3.      4:13 Devoting spoil to the Lord was an old custom; cf. Jos. 6:24.

4.      5:3 Israel shall be surrendered up until the Messiah is born; then, the Messiah’s family will be reunited.

5.      5:5 ‘Seven…eight’: an indefinite number according to Hebrew idiom; whatever the need for leaders is, it will be met.

6.      5:6. Read (with mg) ‘he (I.e., the Messiah) ‘shall deliver us…’

7.      5:14. ‘Cities’: probably, better, ‘sacrificial stones’.  Verses 10-14 (like 6:7b) hint at the sort of unfaithfulness which characterized the reign of Ahaz; cf. 2 Ki. 16:3.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 2— Micah 3:1-4:7

Study 2 From The Book of Micah is: Micah 3:1-4:7

1.    The nation’s prophets and priest come under scathing denunciation.  Why? And with what result (see ‘then’, 3:4,’therefore’, 3:6 and 12)? The priests remembered God’s promises (3:11; cf. Ps.132:13, 14) but not His stipulations (cf. Ps. 132:12). May our confidence be similarly false?

2.    Notice especially the contrast between the true prophet (3:8; cf. 2:7) and the false (3:5, 11; cf. 2:6, 11). How may we recognize the Spirit of the Lord?

3.    4:1-7. A new kingdom of peace (4:3, 4) and wholeness (4:6, 7) is to be established.  What will characterize the King, and what His subjects?

Notes:

1. 3:1 ‘Know’ here means ‘care for’; the verb is used in this pregnant sense in, e.g, 6:5; Ps. 144:3 (av); Pr. 12:10; Ho. 8:4.
2. 3:2, 3. God’s ideal (Am.) 5:15) had been turned on its head.  The judiciary, like ravenous wild beasts, while preying on the people.
3. 3:7 ‘Cover their lips’: a sign of shame (Lv. 13:45) or mourning Ezk. 24:17).
4. 3:10 Jerusalem was being adorned with fine buildings at the cost of the lives of the people.
5. Chapter 4. Zion will be the pre-eminent place of God’s revelation (verse 2) and His rule (verses 3:7).
6. 4:5. A parenthesis: at present men do not all give their allegiance to the Lord; this is yet to come. ‘In that day’ (4:6).

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Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — Micah 1 and 2

Study 1 From The Book of Micah Is: Micah 1 and 2

1.    Judgement falls on Samaria and (almost) on Jerusalem.  The Lord God is witness for the prosecution (1:10-16) and grief in the prophet 1:8, 9).  What was the basic reason for the catastrophe (1:5: 13)?

2.     What classes of the community and what sin are rebuked in chapter 2? What is the penalty?

3.    Promise (2:12, 13) follows banishment (2:10).  How are God’s gracious acts described? Do we, too, know the Shepherd’s love (Jn. 10:14, 15) and the King’s might (2 Cor. 2:14)? Cf.. Also Is. 40:11; 2 Sa. 5:20.

Notes

1.    1-5.  The Prophet sees the capital cities of the kingdoms of both Israel and Judah as the main sources of the corruption of the whole country, although they were the centres of worship.

2.    1:10-12. There is some word-play on the names of the towns mentioned and what they will endure. “Grovel in the dust as Dust-town” (Beth-le-aphrah), etc.

3.    1-13. “The beginning of sin”: Lachish was the border town at which chariots and horses purchased in Egypt would be received in Judah.  See 5:10 and cf. Is. 31:1; 36:9.

4.    1:14, 15.  The calamities coming on Judah will include separation from loved ones, deception, conquests and ignominious fight.

5.    Chapter 2. Micah preaches in verses 1-5; he is interrupted by the rich in verse 6 and retorts, verse 7. God speaks in verses 8:10 and 12, 13; the prophet soliloquizes in verse 11.

6.    2:4-5. The avaricious Landowners will lament because they themselves have been dispossessed; their portion in the Lord’s inheritance (verse 5) will be no more.

7.    2:6. Micah’s preaching is not well received and he is told.  Do not drivel…!’ Verse 11 and 3:11 describe the sort of preachers the rich wanted—and got!

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Search The Scriptures —Study 0— Introduction to Micah

Study 0 From The Book of Micah is: the Introduction

 Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah, but whereas Isaiah was a prophet of the court and of the city, Micah came from Moreshethgath (1:1, 14), a country town near the western border of Judah. Notice, 2.g., how often he used the image of a flock and its shepherd (2:12; 3:2, 3; 4:6, 8; 5:4, 8; 7:14). His prophetic ministry began only a few years after that of Hosea, and there are many traces in his book of the influence upon him both of Hosea and of Isaiah. See, e.g, Mi 4:1-3 and Hos. 2:13; 8:6; 9:1 and again Mi. 7:1 and Is. 24:13, etc. Mi. 4:1-3 and Is. 2:4 are almost verbally the same.  Yet, Micah was no plagiarist. He had his own message, and exercised a profound influence, as is seen from the reference to him in Je. 26:16-19. As Jonah’s prophetic word moved the king of Nineveh to repent, so Micah’s similar prophecy moved King Hezekiah; and so deep was the impression Micah made that these things were remembered about him a century later, and were instrumental in saving the life of the prophet Jeremiah.

Micah’s word still lives, because the Spirit of God is in it, and he has important lessons to teach us for our own day.

Search The Scriptures —Study 14 — 2 Corinthians 13

Study 14 From The Book of 2 Corinthians Is: 2 Corinthians 13

This post is the last of the book of 2 Corinthians and the next post will be on the book of Micah

1.    What effect has Paul’s love for the Corinthians on his attitude to their sin? In answering consider the evidence of both verses 1-6 and verses 7-10.  See also 12:20, 21

2.    Consider how closely related the exhortations and promises of verse 11 are to the teaching of the whole letter.

3.    Consider how the prayer of verse 14 sums up our Christian heritage, and gives the complete solution to our threefold need—our sin, sorrow and weakness.

Notes

1.    Verse 1.  When Paul comes he will hold a judicial inquiry.  Cf. Mt. 18: 16; 1Tim. 5:19.

2.    Verses 2-4.  Christ’s ‘crucified in weakness’ is not the whole gospel. He also lives by the power of God, and that power will be manifested also in His servant Paul.

3.    Verses 7-10. Paul would rather that the Corinthians should act rightly, and so make it needless for him to rebuke them, than that he should gain prestige by the demonstration of his apostolic authority.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 13— 2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Study 13 From The Book of 2 Corinthians Is: 2 Corinthians 12:11-21

1.    Paul again summarizes his past ministry in Corinth and his attitude towards the Christians there. What accusations is he meeting in this passage and how does he answer them?  What impresses you most as showing the measure of his Christ-Likeness? In answering this question bear in mind how deeply he has been wronged by the ingratitude and suspicion of the church.

2.    In verses 20, 21 what anxieties does Paul have over the church in Corinth?  What can we learn from this about our responsibility for younger Christians?

Notes

1. Verse 13. ‘Forgive me this wrong!’: spoken in irony.
2. Verse 14. ‘I seek not what is yours but you’: cf. 4: 5, 15; 5:13; 13:9.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 12 — 2 Corinthians 11:21b – 12:10

Study 12 From The Book of 2 Corinthians Is: 2 Corinthians 11:21b – 12:10

1.    Follow Paul through the experiences which he describes. In particular let your imagination dwell clause by clause on the list of sufferings in verses 23-29. Why do you think Paul felt it necessary to ‘boast’ of His experiences?

2.    Why did Paul believe he had been given the ‘thorn in the flesh’?  What did Paul do about this ‘thorn and with what result?  Notice the force of the present tense in the Lord’s reply. What lessons did Paul learn that changed his whole attitude to trial? Have we begun to understand these things? Cf. Rom. 5:3-5; 1 Peter 4:14.

Notes.

1.    12:5. Paul contrasts himself, as a passive recipient of divine revelations, with himself to other capacities.

2.    12:7. The ‘thorn in the flesh’ seems to have been severe bodily suffering of some kind, but its exact nature is not disclosed.

3.    12:9. ‘He said’: better, as in Rv, ‘He hath said’—a word of abiding application.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 11 — 2 Corinthians 11:1-21a

Study 11 From The Book of 2 Corinthians Is: 2 Corinthians 11:1-21a

1.      Why was Paul so concerned for the Corinthian Christians? See verses 1-4, and cf. Gal. 1:6-10. On what two grounds was he amazed that they should so readily tolerate these false teachers? See verse 4 and verses 19 and 20.  But, see also verses 13-15.  What warning for our won day can be drawn from what Paul says about the false teachers, their methods, and their message?  Is ‘another Jesus’ preached today?

2.      In what ways does Paul distinguish his own way of life while at Corinth from that of the ‘false apostles? Have you learnt anything new about Paul’s character from this passage?

Notes

1. Verse 5. An ironical reference to the intruders at Corinth who exalted themselves so highly.
2. Verse 7-12.  Paul refused to take money from the church in Corinth, and says that he will continue to refuse, one reason being that his enemies who, it is implied, did receive support from the church, would have liked to see Paul doing the same.
3. Verse 16. Paul feels ashamed to be engaged in self-praise; but in the circumstances he can do no other. Cf. 12:11. He will do even this for the Church’s sake. It is to be ordered noted, however, that he speaks less of what he has done than of what he has suffered. Cf. verse 30.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 10 — 2 Corinthians 10

Study 10 From The Book of 2 Corinthians Is: 2 Corinthians 10

In his third section of the letter Paul has specially in view the disaffected minority, who were being led astray by visiting preachers, who were enemies of Paul and of the gospel.  His desire is to destroy the influence of these men, so that his visit, when it comes may not be one of strife and conflict. In this chapter he twice refers to a charge, which his enemies made against him (10:1b, 10), that while he might be able to write vigorous letters from a distance, he was weak and ineffective when present in person. Paul answers that he has powerful weapons at his command, and that the church in Corinth falls within sphere of his God-given authority.  

1.    Consider Paul’s description of his ministry as a warfare (verses 3:6).  What is the aim he has in view? What fortresses have to be captured, and how is victory achieved? Have you known in your own experience (a) of lawless elements in your own thought-life brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and (b) of winning such victories for Christ in the thought-life of others?

2.    What does Paul claim for himself in verses 7:16, and what hope for future service does express? Cf. Rom. 12:3; 15:18-24.   What is the only form of commendation in which he is interested?

Note. Verse 16. ‘Done in another’s field’: an allusion to those who came to a church already founded by someone else, to make mischief there. 

   

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Search The Scriptures —Study 9— 2 Corinthians 8:16 – 9:15

Study 9 From The Book of 2 Corinthians Is: 2 Corinthians 8:16 – 9:15

Today’s portion falls into two parts. First, in 8:16-24. Paul explains why he is sending Titus and two others to Corinth, and given them his warn commendation. Second, in chapter 9, he shows the blessings of cheerful and generous giving.

1.    What may we learn from Paul’s example of the duty of giving praise where praise is due? What picture do you have of the personalities of the Christian workers he describes?

2.    What lessons do we learn here about handling money? What kinds of giving does God value?  What reward does He give?

Note. 9:15. ‘His inexpressible gift’: i.e., the gift of Christ, so great as to be beyond description, the spring and pattern of our giving.

                    

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Search The Scriptures —Study 8— 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Study 8 From The Book of 2 Corinthians Is: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Chapter 8 and 9 form the second section of the letter which relates to the fund which Paul was collecting from the Gentile Churches for the poor in the Church in Jerusalem. It lays very near to his heart, and had great importance in his eyes, as a demonstration of the oneness of all believers as members of one body in Christ.

1.    In what condition were the churches of Macedonia at this time in regard to their circumstances?  Yet, what was their spiritual attitude, and in what four ways did it show itself?  To what does Paul ascribe it?

2.    What is the chief point in the appeal which Paul makes in verses 7-15? Gather out the other points which he makes, and consider them in their application to our own giving.

Notes

1.    Verse 5.  ‘Gave themselves’: i.e, for any personal service the Lord might require of them.

2.    Verse 15.  The story of the manna indicates God’s purpose that in material things His people should have neither surplus not want.  They should, therefore, mutually help one another.  Cf. Ex. 16:18.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 7— 2 Corinthians 6:11 – 7:16

Study 7 From The Book of 2 Corinthians Is: 2 Corinthians 6:11 – 7:16

1.    In what ways does Paul show in 6:14-16 that Christians must be a separate people? What arguments does he use in 6:16-7:1 to lead us to separate ourselves completely from all that defiles, and to endeavour whole-heartedly to make our holiness perfect? Are you willing to test your friendships and your inmost purposes by this passage? Cf. Ps. 139:23, 24.

2.    In what ways does Paul convey the strength of his feelings about the Corinthian Christian and their behaviour? What two kinds of sorrow for sin are here distinguished (a) in their nature, and (b) in their result? By what signs did the Corinthians show that they were genuinely penitent?  

Notes:

1.    6:11-13. Paul’s loving heart overflows towards the Corinthians, and he yearns for a corresponding large-hearted affection from them towards him. Verse 12 means that any sense of constraint they might feel towards Paul arose not from any lack of love in him, but from the narrowness of their own affections.

2.    6:14-7:1. This is a parenthesis, introduced to make clear that when Paul bids his readers to be broadened in their affections, he does not mean increased tolerance of evil. ‘Belial’ is here a name for Satan.

3.    7:10. ‘Godly grief’: i.e, sorrow towards God, regarding the sin as an offence against Him. Cf. Ps. 51:4. ‘Worldly grief’ on the other hand, is such sorrow as the man of the world feels, concerned only with the painful consequences of the sin, and not leading to repentance.   

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Search The Scriptures —Study 6— 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:10

Study 6 From The Book of 2 Corinthians Is: 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:10

1.    What great motive dominated Paul’s life, and to what conclusion did it lead him? See verses 14-17. How far are we like Paul in this matter?

2.    5:18-6:2. What does Paul say God (a) has done in Christ and (b) now purposes to do through us? What ought we to tell men, and to beseech them to do, in order to fulfill our God-given task?

3.    Examine the list of twenty–eight particulars in which Paul describes the kind of life and experience into which the acceptance   of Christ and of Christ’s commission led him. To what extend do you find that this describes your life as a Christian?

Notes

1.    5:12. An allusion to the intruders who were undermining Paul’s influence in Corinth. Paul’s purpose in these verses (11-13) is to assure his readers that however he may appear to them, whether mad or sane, in heart he is true to God and to them.

2.    Verse 21. ‘The sin is laid by God upon the sinless One… His death is the execution of the divine sentence upon it…and there is henceforth no condemnation to them that are in Christ.

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