Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 361

Dec27

Day 361 – Reading – 2 John and 3 John.
Read and believe in Jesus!

2 John 

These two letters are “short and to the point.”  The apostle wrote 2nd John to a specific church that he knew and loved.  Perhaps for protection in a Christian-persecuted world, he disguised their identity.  He calls this beloved church, “the elect lady and her children.”   

This church faced some of the same challenges that the churches John wrote to in his circulating sermon/letter of 1 John. Mainly, the false teachers, whom he calls deceivers and antichrists.

But first, he tells this church how much joy it brings him to know that “some” of the members (her children) are walking in the truth.  He reminds them to continue loving one another, as the basic command “from the beginning.”

Then, as in 1 John, the old Pastor warns this church about those “who do not confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh.”  This is a basic tenet of true Christianity, for if Jesus was not wholly “man” as well as wholly “God,” He could not have died in the place of sinners like you and me, and “paid” the sin-debt we owed. 

Then a stern command: If some of these deceivers come to you, DO NOT RECEIVE THEM INTO YOUR HOUSE (church), or even give them a greeting!  “For whoever greets these people takes part in their wicked work.”

(WHOA!  Does this apply to those from “other” cults and beliefs coming to our doors today?)

John signs off on this brief letter by saying he wants to visit in person. It would fill him with joy. Okay, a letter of ink on paper is good, but a personal vision and touch is the best! 

(I’m thankful John wrote these letters, or else we wouldn’t have had them, too.)

John then tells them the members of their sister church (Ephesus) greet them, too.

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3 John

Here’s another very short letter from John. It is actually less than 300 Greek words, so it could have fit on a single sheet of papyrus.  This letter is the most personal of the three, sent to a sole recipient – his “beloved Gaius.”  He was a member of one of the churches overseen by the aged ‘Pastor John’.  Sadly, nothing else is known about this faithful man.

John gives a personal prayer to this man, “I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”  

(What a wonderful prayer and example for us to pray!)

John was also so grateful that his man was “walking in the TRUTH,” and not the prevailing false teaching. John exclaims, “I have no greater joy to know my children (converts) are walking in the truth.”  

Then he commends Gaius for his hospitality towards the men he sent to the church, and encourages him to “send them on their way” when the time comes. (In other words, to help them financially and materially as much as he can.) 

THESE MEN are different from the false teachers John tells the other church NOT to greet or help.  THESE MEN are missionaries. They are going out “for the sake of “the Name.” (For God’s glory and not their own.) John tells Gaius that when he helps men of God, he is actually sharing in that ministry.

Then John candidly tells Gaius that he’s written to the church and to the leader, Diotrephes (who likes to put himself first), but the man has ignored John’s instructions. He could have been supporting the false teachers!  “I’ll deal with him when I come!” was John’s assurance.

Then he testifies about Demetrius (possibly the one delivering this letter to Gaius), and tells Gaius he is worthy of support and hospitality as well.

John ends with his desire to visit him “face to face.”  How much better than a missive of pen & ink!

Greet all my friends there!

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NOTE: It makes you wonder if the aging John ever got to visit these churches. He is probably in his 90’s by then, and his last years have been hard. (Imprisonment, torture by Nero)  Some time after he wrote these letters, the Roman authorities arrested him and exiled him to the island of Patmos, where he received the inspiration for The REVELATION.  That book was also sent to be read in these churches in Asia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 360

Dec26

Day 360 – Reading – 1 John  1 – 5
Read and believe in Jesus!

1 John

(An aside: I just noticed that this is Day 360. 360 degrees is a perfect circle. That’s interesting because John writes this letter/sermon in a very circular manner, returning to and repeating things he’s already said, but in different ways. See if you notice it as you read.)

The author is John, the “beloved disciple” of Jesus.  He’s already written the Gospel of John.  He will write this letter/sermon, two more very short letters, and the massive book, The Revelation.   The Gospel and these letters were probably written while he was at Ephesus.  The Revelation was written while he was in exile on the island of Patmos.  John was an old man when he became an author. He was the last remaining “eyewitness” disciple of Jesus.

After the threat of “legalism” in Paul’s day, it is “Gnosticism” that now threatens to destroy the churches. It’s the belief that matter is evil and spirit is good. This means they taught that Jesus was God but not human (to preserve Him from that evil).  However, if Jesus were not human, He couldn’t have died as the redeemer of humanity. John emphasized that Jesus WAS human.  John was an eyewitness. He saw Him, heard Him, and TOUCHED Him. A test of a true believer was someone who would affirm that “Jesus has come in the flesh.” (1 John 4:2-3)

Also, since “the body” was evil, it didn’t matter what sins it committed. Indulgence and immorality were permissible. They could deny that sin even existed.  John boldly confronted this idea. (1 John 1:8-9. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us…..But if we confess our sin… )

1 John is a call “back to the basics of Christianity.”  God had preserved John for such a time as this, and he wrote with true apostolic authority. 

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1 John 1.

Credentials:   “That which was from the beginning (Jesus), which we have HEARD, which we have SEEN WITH OUR EYES, which we looked upon and have TOUCHED WITH OUR HANDS….” The word of life — that which we have seen and heard, we PROCLAIM to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us.“

And what did John (and true believers) PROCLAIM?  

  • “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
  • If we SAY we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie…
  • If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all SIN.
  • If we SAY we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
  • If we CONFESS our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us… and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
  • If we say we have NOT sinned, we make Him a liar, and the truth is not in us.”

John’s first “chapter” refutes Gnostic beliefs.

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1 John 2.

John speaks more about sin.  It’s a real thing. It is against God’s laws.  His readers (and we) DO IT. And it’s wrong.

“Little children, I’m writing these things to you so that you may NOT sin. But IF anyone does sin, we have an ADVOCATE with the Father: Jesus Christ the Righteous.  He is the PROPITIATION (appeasement) for our sins.”

John offers some proofs that they really “know” Christ (and are saved).

  • “If we keep His commandments, we know “we know” Him.
  • Whoever says he knows Him, but does NOT keep His commandments, is a liar.
  • Whoever KEEPS His Word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.
  • Whoever SAYS he abides in Him ought to WALK in the same way in which He walked.”

John does a little wordplay with “old” and “new” commandments from Jesus.

  • The “old” commandment is still the same:  LOVE.
  • Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
  • Love “others’ as (you love) yourself.

Jesus raised the standard of love for others to a new level for His followers.

  • Love “others” as “I have loved you.”  (Sacrificially, to the death if need be.)

Again, SAYING and DOING make all the difference.

  • “Whoever SAYS he is in the light (saved) and yet hates his brother, is still in darkness (unsaved).
  • Whoever loves his brother, abides in the LIGHT, and there is no cause for stumbling.”
  • But… whoever HATES his brother is in the darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.  (Speaking about false teaching.)

And more on what NOT to LOVE.

  • “DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD, or the things of the world. 
  • If you do, the love of the Father is not in you.”
  • Everything in the world (lust, greed, and pride) is NOT from the Father and is passing away.
  • Whoever does the will of God abides forever.

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Next, John warns them about the false teachers, liars, antichrists, and deceivers.

Many antichrists have come already!  They are already here, in the form of those who would lead them astray.

“Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?

If you confess the Son, you have the Father too, and eternal life.  You also have the anointing of the Holy Spirit, who teaches you what is true.  Abide in Jesus, so when He appears, you may have confidence.

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1 John 3.

“What love the Father has for us – that He calls us His children.  We are His children now, and when Jesus appears. we shall be like Him, because we shall SEE Him as he is.  WE have this HOPE, and it makes us want to live pure lives, as He is pure.

In Him, there is no sin. No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either SEEN Him or KNOWN Him.   Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil!  And the reason the Son of God appeared was TO DESTROY the works of the devil. NO ONE BORN OF GOD practices sinning.

Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God….. nor is anyone who does not love his brother. (Anyone who hates his brother – like Cain – is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal LIFE dwelling in him.)

Instead of killing, we should be “laying down our own lives” for the brothers.  And we should be loving, not in “talk” only, but in DEEDS and truth.

This is His commandment, that we BELIEVE in the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Faith, love, and obedience.

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1 John 4.

Warning: Do NOT believe EVERY spirit, but TEST the spirits to see whether they are from God.  By THIS you will know the Spirit of God – that he confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.  By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

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“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

(Yes, I sang the song as I typed that!)

“And this is how the love of God is made manifest (evident) to us, that God sent His only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation (appeasement) for our sins.”

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1 John 5.

  • “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God.
  • Everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of Him.
  • By this, we KNOW that we love the children of God, when we LOVE God and OBEY His commands.
  • Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the World.
  • He who overcomes the world is the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 

John says three things testify that Jesus is the Son of God.  It’s the SPIRIT and the WATER and the BLOOD. The witness of God via the Spirit at Jesus’ baptism, and His blood shed on the cross for the redemption of sinners. 

HE IS GOD. HE DID COME IN THE FLESH. IN THE FLESH HE DIED AS THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TOOK AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD. HE AROSE, ASCENDED, AND NOW INTERCEEDS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TRUSTED IN HIM BY FAITH.

  • We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning.
  • We know that we are from God, and the world lies in the power of the evil one.
  • We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding to know Him who is true.

Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 359

Dec25

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  For unto you a Son is given!

…He (God) gave his ONLY begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not die but have eternal life!

Day 359 – Reading – 2 Peter  1 – 3,  and  Jude  1.
Read and believe in Jesus!

2 Peter 

Simon Peter’s second letter to the exiled believers in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) was written shortly before his death.  As in Paul’s second letter to Timothy, where Paul describes his impending martyrdom, Peter also knows he is facing execution.  (“… since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.” 1 Peter 1:14)  

As in the letters of Paul, James, John, and Jude, the primary purpose of Peter’s letter was to expose, thwart, and defeat the waves of false teachers invading the churches.  It seems that wherever God is working salvation by grace through faith, the devil comes in to disrupt and cast doubt on His “so great a salvation.”  Wicked, immoral men were somehow turning the heads and hearts of the suffering believers.

  • They denied Christ.
  • They twisted the scriptures.
  • They scoffed at faith.
  • They mocked the second coming of Christ. 

And Peter, knowing this was his last chance, came down hard on these heretics, while at the same time motivating the believers toward godly Christian character.

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2 Peter 1.

Peter’s readers are mostly Gentile believers who “obtained a faith of equal standing with ours” by the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Peter tells them that the Lord’s divine power has assured them of “all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him,” “the privilege of partaking in His divine nature,” and “an escape from the corruption that is in the world.” (Praise Him!)  

He then lists the godly qualities that should be increasing in their lives: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.  He keeps reminding them of these qualities, so that “after his death,” they will be able to recall them. 

Peter tells them HIS teaching was NOT “cleverly devised myths.”  He taught them about Jesus Christ from personal knowledge and experience. He (along with James and John) was on the holy mountain when Jesus was transfigured, and when God spoke from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” He SAW Jesus’ glory!

And there is even a more SURE way, the words of the prophets in the Scriptures.  Why?  Because “No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.” None was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke (or wrote) from GOD as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Eyewitness and Holy Spirit spoken Scriptures.  THIS is what they should believe, and NOT the sensual heresies and blasphemies of the false prophets!

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2 Peter 2.

Peter reminds the believers that the condemnation of those false prophets who are exploiting them is sure.  After all…

  • God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them into hell.
  • He did not spare the ancient world, but preserved only righteous Noah.
  • He turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes as an example, rescuing only righteous Lot.

God KNOWS HOW to rescue the godly from trials (Peter’s readers), and how to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment… especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and who despise authority. 

(Peter goes on to describe their willfulness and blasphemies, their deceptions, adulteries, and greed. Even the false prophet Balaam was restrained by a “speechless donkey who spoke with a human voice and restrained his madness.” Not so, these “accursed children” who troubled the “exiles.”

Peter gets very descriptive of these evil false teachers. (Read 2:10-22), and calls them dogs returning to eat their own vomit!

(How frustrating to be stuck incarcerated in Rome, when this was happening to his beloved believers so far away!)

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2 Peter 3.

Then he reminds them of something else he wrote about in his first letter:  the sure Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  “Remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through the apostles.”   

Remember how they predicted that FIRST scoffers would come in the last days, saying, “Oh, where is the promise of His coming? Ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.  Ho-hum!”

Peter tells them that they have deliberately forgotten how the world WAS judged once already – by the FLOOD.  The next time, it will be judged by FIRE!   He tells them not to overlook the fact that ONE day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day, with God.  He doesn’t count “slowness” as mankind does.  He is BEING PATIENT with mankind, not willing that any perish but that all come to repentance. 

  • But the Day of the Lord WILL COME. 
  • The heavens WILL PASS AWAY with a roar. 
  • The heavenly bodies WILL BE burned up and dissolved. 
  • And the works done on the earth WILL BE exposed. 
  • What sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness!!

And… since you are waiting for the promise of the new heavens and the new earth….

  • Be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace.  
  • And count the patience of the Lord as SALVATION!
  • Take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people.
  • Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

“To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.  Amen.”

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Tradition says that Peter had to watch his wife be crucified.  And then, under the command of Nero, he was also crucified, only upside down, for he said he was “not worthy” to die as his Lord had died. 

Shortly afterward, seeing that Rome had turned against him, Nero committed suicide.

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Jude 

Jude (or Judah) was one of the four half-brothers of Jesus. (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3)  He and the Jerusalem church leader, James, did not believe in Jesus before his death, but were converted after His resurrection. 

Jude does not quote the O.T. directly but alludes to it nine times, illustrating his points with the exodus, Satan’s rebellion, Sodom and Gomorrah, Moses’ death, Cain, Balaam, Korah, Enoch, and Adam.  WOW!

Jude quotes from two non-canonical, but familiar to locals, books: 1 Enoch (verse 14) and the Assumption of Moses (verse 9).  But Paul also quoted from local poets and writers (Acts 17:28b, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Titus 1:12), so Jude’s cool.

Jude’s message is very similar to that of 2 Peter – morally evil false teachers invading and threatening the church.  He even quotes from 2 Peter 3:3, about scoffers and the second coming of Jesus. The Church was very vulnerable at this point.  Rome was fierce in its persecution, and only John among the apostles was still alive.

Jude’s readers were probably believing Jews, and he writes from Jerusalem (which hadn’t yet been destroyed. (70 A.D.)

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Jude 1.

Jude identifies himself as a servant (or slave) of Jesus, the Messiah, and brother to James.  He really wanted to write a letter about salvation, but he felt compelled to write about the growing problem of Apostasy, which is “defection from true, biblical faith.” 

“Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints!”

Why? 

Because “certain people have crept in unnoticed.”  They are ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our ONLY Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Jude then gives illustrations of people who did not believe, even though they were around believers, and were destroyed.

  • People of the exodus who did not believe.
  • Angels who did not stay in their positions.
  • Cities like Sodom and Gomorrah, which indulged in sexual immorality.
  • Cain’s greed.
  • Balaam error.
  • Korah’s rebellion.

And he gives six examples from nature that describe aspects of the false teachers.

He quotes from the book, 1 Enoch, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the UNGODLY of all their deeds of UNGODLINESS that they have committed in such an UNGODLY way, and of all the harsh things that UNGODLY sinners have spoken against him.”

Then he lists some of their sins.

Jude then warns his readers as Peter did, that “In the last time there will be scoffers…. It is these who cause divisions…”

But YOU, beloved…

  • Build yourselves up in the most holy faith,
  • Pray in the Holy Spirit,
  • Keep yourselves in the love of God,
  • Wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life,
  • Have mercy on those who doubt,
  • Save others by snatching them out of the fire,
  • Show mercy with fear to others, hating even the garments stained by the flesh.

And then encouragement in the form of his doxology.

“Now to Him, who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever.  Amen.”

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 358

Dec24

Day 358 – Reading – 2 Timothy  1 – 4
Read and believe in Jesus!

2 Timothy

This is Paul’s LAST letter that we have recorded.  It’s to his beloved “son in the faith,” Timothy, who is currently ministering in Ephesus.  Paul is once again in prison in Rome, this time in the dungeon and not in a house under simple arrest.  It’s cold, lonely, and his old, achy body is yearning to “go home.” He will soon be martyred.  But he’s concerned with Timothy and the church in Ephesus…. and a few bodily comforts, if possible.

(I wonder what “my” or “your” last letter to a beloved convert would sound like.  Sadly, mine would probably be full of complaints. 

O LORD, help me! Make me a willing servant! Fill me with the Holy Spirit’s love. Help me to deny myself, take up my cross … and follow You to the death.)

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2 Timothy 1.

See Paul’s love for Timothy in the first verses.  “My beloved child.” “I remember you constantly in my prayers.” “I long to see you that I may be filled with joy.”

Paul is very grateful for the early work of Timothy’s Grandmother and mother, godly Jewish women, who established faith in the young ‘Timmy.’

You can also see Paul’s concern for Timothy, whom he’s leaving in charge of the considerable work in Ephesus.  There are 25 imperatives he gives to the young man in this book.  ALL would be suitable for us too!  Here are some:

  • Fan into flame the (ministry) gift of God, which is in you. 1:6
  • Do not be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord (or Paul). 1:8  (Paul says, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.”)
  • Share in suffering for the Gospel. 1:8
  • Follow the pattern of sound words that you have heard from me. 1:13
  • Guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 1:14

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2 Timothy 2.

Continuing in Paul’s admonitions to Timothy.

  • Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2:1
  • Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2:3
  • Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, as preached in my gospel. 2:8
  • Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of truth. 2:15
  • Avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead to more ungodliness. That talk will spread like gangrene. 2:16-17
  • Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. 2:22.
  • Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies. They breed quarrels, and the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but kind, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with GENTLENESS. 2:22-25

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2 Timothy 3.

Then Paul tells Timothy that in “the last days” (which he and we are in right now!), there will be difficulty because of evil, unbelieving people.

Paul names some: lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the “appearance” of godliness, but denying it’s power. Always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

(WOW. does this ever sound like today!!  And, oh, no!, I see some of my own sins in this list!!!)

  • Avoid such people. 3:5

Paul tells Timothy that HE did not learn such. HE followed the teaching, conduct, aim, faith, love, steadfastness and persecutions of Paul.   (Indeed, ALL who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.)

  • Continue in what you have learned and have believed. 3:14

Paul is so grateful that Timothy was acquainted with the scriptures from a child (Thanks to his Mom and Grandma).  It’s why he became “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Then Paul tells of the supreme value of Scripture.  “All scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

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2 Timothy 4.

You can hear the earnestness in Paul’s admonition to Timothy here.

  • Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season. 
  • Reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and teaching. 4:2
  • Always be sober-minded.
  • Endure suffering. 
  • Do the work of an evangelist.
  • Fulfill your ministry. 4:5

Paul longs that Timothy be as he is, and to be able to say at the time of his own death…. 

“I am ready to be ‘poured out’ as a drink offering.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord… will award to me on that day.  AND NOT ONLY TO ME, but to all who have loved His appearing.”

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And then we see some final personal words to Timothy.

  • Do your best to come to me soon. (For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me. Crescens and Titus are also working elsewhere.  Only Luke is with me.) 4:9
  • Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 4:11
  • When you come, bring the cloak that I left at Troas…. also the books, and above all, the parchments. 4:13
  • Beware of Alexander the coppersmith, for he strongly opposed our message. 4:15

Paul affirms to Timothy, “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me.  The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.”

  • Timothy, do your best to come before winter. 4:21

And the LORD be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

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And that’s all Paul wrote that has been recorded for us.  This was written in A.D. 67, shortly before he was executed.

Tradition says that he was beheaded (suitable for a Roman citizen) at the command of Emperor Nero, and that Christians took his body and buried it in a believer’s family tomb along the Ostia Way.

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 357

Dec23

Day 357 – Reading – Hebrews 11 – 13
Read and believe in Jesus!

Hebrews 11.

This chapter is what is well-known as “The Faith Chapter.”  The author defines what faith IS to a believer, and just what has to be BELIEVED.

  1. Faith is the ASSURANCE of things hoped for, the CONVICTION of things not seen. (1:1)
  2. Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God, MUST BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS, and that He REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM.

The author then names 18 specific people from the Old Testament who had faith in the promises of God and acted upon them … plus many others, not named, known by their actions of faith.

Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses’ parents, Moses, the people of Israel when they crossed the Red Sea on dry land and when the walls of Jericho came down, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets of God. 

These all conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong when weak, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 

And by faith WOMEN received back their dead by resurrection. 

Some of these O.T. Faith people were tortured.  Some suffered mocking and flogging, chains and imprisonment.  They were stoned, sawn in two, and killed with the sword.  They were destitute, afflicted, and mistreated.

All these were commended for their FAITH, and the world was not worthy of them, but they did not receive what was promised.   They LOOKED FORWARD to the salvation WE HAVE received in the finished work of Jesus the Messiah, on the cross.

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Hebrews 12.

  • Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (all those men of FAITH listed above), let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who, for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right had of the throne of God. 
  • And consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.  In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.  

Then the writer relates some of the suffering that believers endure as “Discipline of the Lord.”   We are not to regard it lightly or grow weary of it, knowing that God disciplines the one He loves.  When God disciplines you, He is treating you as a son.  It’s for our own good, so we can share in His holiness. 

Okay, yes, discipline is painful at the moment when we are “spanked,” sent to our room, or have a privilege removed.  But later, this yields “the peaceful fruit of righteousness,” if we learn from it.  So, “buck up,” lift your drooping hands, strengthen your weak knees, and make straight the paths for your feet.  Don’t allow circumstances to get the best of you!  Endure.  Get a second wind.  RUN THE RACE!

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Hebrews 13.

The writer of Hebrews concludes with practical ethics of Christian living. 

  • First and foremost is LOVE for one another. 
  • And showing hospitality, which is a visible form of love.
  • Generosity to those in need (prisoners and mistreated) is another outward way to show love. 
  • Faithfulness to one’s marriage partner is another way of showing love. 
  • Contentment with what you have been given shows that you love God more than money.

Remember to honor, obey, and imitate the faith of your leaders. Don’t be led astray by strange teachings.

Continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of your lips, that acknowledge his Name.

And PRAY FOR US. Do it urgently so that I may be restored to you the sooner.

And his benediction:  “Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good, that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

And a final hope that his readers will “bear with his brief (???) “word of exhortation.” (This letter to the Hebrews).  

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 355 & 356

Dec22

SUNDAY and MONDAY studies are posted together on MONDAYS

Day 355 – Reading – Hebrews  1 – 6

Day 356 – Hebrews 7 – 10
Read and believe in Jesus!

SUNDAY, Hebrews.

“To The Hebrews (Jews)” is the original and official title to this book, since it is filled with references to Jewish history and religion and doesn’t address any Gentile or pagan practices.  It was probably written while the temple and the priesthood were still intact in Jerusalem. (67-69 A.D.)

And as we’ve all heard, the author is unknown. Some have speculated on Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Apollos, Luke, Philip, Priscilla (?!!), Aquila, and Clement.  But the letter’s style fits none of those exclusively. The author says he received Christ’s message from “others” (i. e. the disciples/apostles).  He also quotes from the Greek Old Testament rather than the Hebrew text.  A conundrum.

But. praise God, we know for sure that

  • “no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21) 
  • And, “All scripture is breathed out by God, and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness…” (I Timothy 3:15-16)

If you are so inclined… read and refresh you memory on the book of Leviticus before reading Hebrews.  It will explain a lot. The Jews (and all people) needed a PERFECT priest and a PERFECT sacrifice, all of which Jesus is.  Other O.T. texts which would be valuable to read with these first six chapters in Hebrews are: 2 Samuel 7, Deuteronomy 32, Psalms 8:4-6, 95:7-11, 110:4. (More later for the following chapters.)

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Hebrews 1.

THE SUPREMECY OF JESUS CHRIST OVER ANGELS.  Through the ages, God spoke to the Jews (and others) through the Holy Scriptures.  But NOW, God has spoken to all men through His Son, through whom He CREATED the world, and whom now UPHOLDS the universe by the power of His word.

This JESUS is “the radiance of the GLORY of God,” and “the exact imprint of God’s nature.”  You see Jesus, you see GOD. (John 14:9)   And He now sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high, His enemies, like a footstool under His feet.

He, Jesus, is much superior to angels.  God called Him, “my Son,” and said, “I will be a Father to Him.”  This is never said of angels!  In fact God told His angels to “worship” Jesus.  Angels are God’s ministers and messengers, sent to serve those who will inherit salvation. 

No, God the Father has given to Jesus a throne and a scepter forever, calling Him, “God.”  To which of the angels did God ever say to sit at His right hand?

Hebrews 2

NOTE: The readers of this book fall into 3 categories.

  • 1) Hebrew Christians who are suffering rejection and persecution by fellow Jews. 
  • 2) Jewish unbelievers who are convinced of the basic truths of the gospel, but who have not placed their faith in Jesus as the Savior ad Lord. 
  • 3) Jewish unbelievers who are not convinced of the gospel’s truth, but have had some exposure to it.

The warning in verses 1-4 seems to be to the second and third group, who have heard the gospel, perhaps given mental assent to the truth of it, but have not actually been saved by it.

  • …”we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
  • …how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”

The quotation from Psalm 8 refers to mankind. “What is mankind that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? You have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything under his feet.”  (Earth was originally under the administration of mankind.)  The incarnation of Jesus Christ proves God’s LOVE and REGARD for mankind. Christ was sent in the form of a man.

And of Jesus, “It was fitting that He, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory …. should make the “founder” of their salvation “perfect” through suffering. 

Since the “saved” share in flesh and blood, HE himself likewise partook of the same things (flesh and blood) that through death He might destroy the one who has power over death – the devil – and deliver those (through fear of death) were in lifelong slavery! 

HE had to be “made like His brothers” in every respect, so He could become a merciful and faithful high priest and make propitiation for the sins of the people.

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Hebrews 3.

THE SUPREMECY OF JESUS CHRIST OVER MOSES.  Consider Jesus – the apostle and high priest of our confessing – who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, just as Moses was also faithful in all God’s house.  But Jesus has been counted worthy of MUCH MORE GLORY THAN MOSES.

Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house “as a servant” to testify to the things that were to be spoken later. But Christ is faithful over God’s house “as a son.”  (WE are His house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence.”)

The warnings in verses 7-11 and 12 – 15, also seem to be addressed to the second and third kinds of believers. (Those who have heard, but not committed themselves wholeheartedly to Jesus for salvation.)

  1. Today, if you hear His voice, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS as in the day of rebellion in the testing in the wilderness. (“They shall not enter My rest.”)
  2. Take care, lest there be in any of you and evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the Living God.  DON”T be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin!  TODAY, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS as in the rebellion!  (They did not enter God’s “rest” because of … UNBELIEF.)

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Hebrews 4.

Now, for more information about the “rest” he’s been writing about, that was forfeited by unbelief. It’s still available!

  • “Therefore, while the promise of entering His “rest” still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem t have failed to reach it. 
  • For Good News came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by FAITH.  But WE who have BELIEVED enter that rest.”
  • Since therefore it remains for SOME to enter it, and those who formerly received the Good News failed to enter because of disobedience, again He appoints a certain day.  
  • “TODAY, IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,  DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”

Not only in Moses’ day, and Joshua’s day, and in David’s day (Psalm 95:7-11), those who disbelieve will not enter God’s “REST.”  If you hear the Word, respond!  It is the Word of God that must be believed and obeyed.

And perhaps you have memorized this passage, but consider it again in light of God’s “VOICEING it to YOU… TODAY.  (Hebrews 4:12-13)

  • “For the Word of god is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”   
  • “And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

And then for encouragement to the actual believing readers,

  • “SINCE then we have a great high priest, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 
  • For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, YET WITHOUT SIN. 
  • Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

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Hebrews 5.

THE SUPREMECY OF JESUS CHRIST OVER AARON’S HIGH PRIESTHOOD.  The writer then explains how Jesus, our great high priest, is so different from the priests of old.  They…

  1. acted on behalf of men in relationship to God,
  2. offered gifts and sacrifices for sins,
  3. dealt gently with the ignorant and wayward,
  4. were themselves “beset with weakness,”
  5. had to offer sacrifices for their own sins,
  6. and only served when God called them. 

Jesus, our GREAT high priest,

  1. was appointed by God the Father, who called Him Son,
  2. was made a priest forever – not like Aaron – but like Melchizedek,
  3. became the source of ETERNAL salvation to all who obey Him (in faith).

The writer then chastens his readers for still being children in the things of doctrine.  Instead of being teachers now, they still needed the “milk” of the basic principles spoon-fed to them.  He says they should be eating the “solid food” of maturity.  They should have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil!!”

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Hebrews 5.

And so… (he continues into this chapter), “leave the elementary doctrines of Christ (repentance and faith, etc.), and go on to maturity.

And then, another warning. (These warnings can be a bit frightening, I agree. But again, were probably directed to those second and third groups.)

Here are five advantages possessed by the Jews, but are insufficient for their salvation.

  1. Having been enlightened, 
  2. having tasted the heavenly gift,
  3. having shared in (the convicting power of) the Holy Spirit,
  4. having tasted the goodness of the word of God,
  5. and having the powers of the age to come (like those people in the wilderness).

“For it is impossible, in these cases, after having fallen away, to be restored again to repentance, since they would be crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm, and holding Him up to contempt.”

YIKES!

Then he gives a down-to-earth illustration for what he’s saying. 

“For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. BUT, if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.”

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Then (thankfully) he turns to his believing readers with encouragement.

“Though we speak in this way, yet in YOUR case, beloved, we feel sure of better things – things that belong to salvation.  For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His Name in serving the saints, as you still do.   Have the full assurance of hope until the end to inherit the promises.”

And finally the writer turns to ABRAHAM as an example.

  • God made a promise to Abraham to bless and multiply him.
  • Abraham patiently waited, and obtained the promise.
  • When God wanted to show “the heirs of promise” the UNCHANGABLE CHARACTER OF HIS PURPOSE AND WORD, He swore by himself, and GOD CANNOT LIE!
  • And so, true believers have this sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. And our forever high priest, Jesus, guarantees it.

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MONDAY, Hebrews 7.

JESUS CHRIST AND MELCHIZEDEK.

If you have studied Genesis and Abraham, you will have met Melchizedek. His name means “King of Righteousness,” and he was the king of a city named Salem (peace), which was later renamed Jeru-Salem (Jerusalem). Melchizedek was also called “priest of the most high God.”  For so important a person, he seems to appear and disappear out of nowhere. 

When Abraham and his men pursued the four eastern kings who had captured his nephew Lot, God gave them success. Abe brought back ALL the captured people of the wicked city of Sodom, plus a lot of loot. (This was before their wickedness reached the tipping point and God destroyed them.)

Abraham had determined to keep none of the “tainted” booty for himself, although it was due him, because the king might boast HE made Abraham rich.  (Abraham did allow his men to take their fair share.) As the smarmy king of Sodom strode out to magnanimously offer the loot to Abraham, this mysterious Melchizedek stepped between them and took God’s man aside.

He’d brought bread and wine and “blessed” Abraham.  He also blessed God for helping Abraham defeat the enemy. Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth (tithe) of everything. (Communion, blessing, and offering, this was a holy meeting between the man of God and the priest of God.)  And that’s all we know.

And now, in Hebrews 7, we also learn that Melchizedek was “without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, resembling the Son of God as He continues a priest forever.”

So, why do we need to know about Melchizedek now, when talking of Jesus as our forever High Priest?

Think now of the priesthood that came through Levi to Aaron and his descendants.  Levi was a great-grandson of Abraham – still in his “loins” if you will.  Aaron’s priesthood wasn’t established until the people had been freed from Egypt, and God set up the sacrificial system in Leviticus.  Melchizedek – and Jesus, who was born in the tribe of Judah – were separate from the system that would eventually fail. 

All those former priests died. But Jesus, after dying, rose again to life.  He can hold the priesthood permanently!  He “ever lives to make intercession for us!”

  • “It was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
  • He has NO NEED to offer sacrifices daily, first for His own sin, and then for the people, since He did this once for all when he offered Himself.

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Hebrews 8.

Jesus Christ is just such a high priest, one who is “seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in Heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the “true tent” that the Lord set up. (It is “the pattern” for the one Moses set up at Sinai.)  

Jesus’ ministry was “much more excellent” than the old system (He is priest AND atoning sacrifice), and so He can perfectly mediate between God and man.  This NEW covenant is also better, because God’s laws are no longer on stone tablets, but written in the people’s minds and on their hearts.  God will be “merciful toward their sins, and remember them no more!”

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Hebrews 9.

The writer of Hebrews now goes into some detail describing the earthly Tabernacle and its furnishings.  The Holy Place is where the priests ministered, but the “inner sanctum,” where the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of God dwelled, could only be accessed ONCE per year, by the HIGH PRIEST, and only if he carried the BLOOD of the sacrificial Lamb.

“The WAY into the holy places was not opened as long as the first section was standing.  

  • In other words, access to God’s presence was NOT OPENED to the people.
  • There was NO WAY TO GOD in the ceremonial system. 
  • ONLY CHRIST could open the way. 
  • God is NOT accessible apart from the death of Jesus Christ.
  • (Remember, when He died, the veil was ripped open from TOP to bottom?)

 

“He entered once for all into the holy place, not by means of the blood of goats and calves, but by means of HIS OWN BLOOD, thus securing an ETERNAL redemption.

How much more will the blood of Christ, offered without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the Living God!

“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”

“And just as it is appointed for man to die ONCE and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered ONCE to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, NOT to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
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(Halleluia! Praise God. Thank You, Jesus!)

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Hebrews 10.

The writer emphasizes again that the old sacrificial system COULD NOT make perfect those who would “draw near” to God.  “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin.”  They are but a reminder of the cost of sin every year.

But Jesus came as the perfect, sinless sacrifice.  He came “to do God’s will.”  And by that WILL, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

“But when Christ had offered for all time a SINGLE SACRIFICE for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God, waiting until his enemies became His footstool. 

“For by a SINGLE OFFERING, He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”

And … “Where there is forgiveness of sins, there is no longer any offering for sin.”

Because of what Jesus did (the will of the Father),  we can have confidence to enter the presence of God, through that “new and living way He opened for us… through the curtain, that is, through His flesh..

So….

  • “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 
  • Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, FOR HE WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL. 
  • And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

AND THEN ANOTHER WARNING….

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment and a fury of fire.

“How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has 1) spurned the Son of God, and 2) profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has 3) outraged the Spirit of Grace?

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!”

YIKES!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 354

Dec20

Day 354 – Reading – 1 Peter 1 -5
Read and believe in Jesus!

1 Peter.

We haven’t heard from Peter in a while, but he’s in what he calls “Babylon,” which is the “code word” for Rome. Since the City burned under Nero’s watch, the Emperor is dodging blame by saying “the Christians did it.”  More persecution resulted, and a mass fleeing from the Empire’s capital. 

Many went to Asia, Galatia, Cappadocia, and Bithynia, places where Paul established churches during his first and second missionary journeys.  Peter calls the recipients of his letter “elect exiles.” And they needed strengthening to endure the more intense suffering and persecution that was coming. 

Peter’s wife is probably with him (1 Corinthians 9:5), and also Mark who abandoned Paul earlier but who has since become useful in the ministry to both Peter and Paul.  Tradition says that Peter helped Mark write his Gospel. (Many things in that short, fast account of Jesus DO sound like Peter!)  Silas helped write this letter and will deliver it for Peter, having gone (and suffered in Asia) with Paul.

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1 Peter 1.

In his opening, Peter calls his readers elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, who caused them to be born again by His mercy through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. (Peter was there. He saw it!)

He tells them to rejoice through their various trials, which are testing the genuineness of their faith, and which will ultimately bring glory, honor, and praise to Jesus Christ.  He encourages them to prepare their minds for action, and to set their hope on the grace that will come to them when Jesus is revealed.

He tells them not to be conformed to their former passions, but to be holy in their conduct, as He is holy. They are to remember that they were ransomed with the precious blood of Christ. And they are to love one another earnestly with a pure heart, since they’ve been born of imperishable seed through the Living Word of God.

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1 Peter 2

He encourages them to long for the pure spiritual milk, like infants, that they may grow up into salvation.  He tells them they are like precious stones, being built up as a spiritual house, Jesus Christ being the chosen and precious cornerstone.  He tells them they are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession whom He called out of darkness into His marvelous light. 

(THIS he’s saying to Gentile believers! WOW.)  

Once they were NOT a people, but now they are God’s people. Once they had NOT received mercy, but now they do receive mercy.   “Just keep your conduct honorable among unbelievers. They may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of salvation!” 

(Doesn’t this sound like Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount?” Here’s some more.)

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor or governors. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor.” 

They are to be like Christ. He also suffered as their example to follow.  When He suffered, he did not threaten, but entrusted Himself to God who judges justly.

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

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1 Peter 3.

Peter, as Paul did, admonishes his readers who are wives and husbands to be God-pleasing in their relationship.

  • Wives, be subject to your own husbands.
  • Don’t let your adorning be only external. 
  • Be adorned with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. 

And for husbands;

  • They are to live with their wives in an understanding way,
  • Show honor to them as weaker vessels.
  • This, so their prayers won’t be hindered.

Then Peter segues into  the topic of suffering.

“If you suffer for righteousness, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy.” 

“Always be prepared to made a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…. but do it with gentleness and respect.” 

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit.”  

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1 Peter 4.

Peter continues..

  • “Since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking.”   
  • “The END of all things is at hand, therefore be self-controlled and sober minded, for the sake of your prayers.” 
  • “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 
  • “Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice, insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.”   
  • “If your are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 
  • “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” 
  • “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

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1 Peter 5,

And then some words to the elders (or shepherds) of the churches, and to the people themselves.

  • “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, NOT under compulsion, but willingly as God would have you, NOT for shameful gain, but eagerly, NOT domineering, but being examples.” 
  • “Be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves – all of you –  with humility toward one another (for God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble).” 
  • “Humble yourselves under the hand of God so that at the proper time, He may exalt you.” 
  • “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” 
  • “Be sober-minded and be watchful for your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  RESIST him firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experience by your brethren throughout the world.” 
  • ” And, after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you,”

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And then final greetings and a prayer for peace to all of them who are in Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 353

Dec19

Day 353 – Reading –  Titus  1 – 3
Read and believe in Jesus!

Titus.

Titus was another of Paul’s younger helpers, called “sons in the faith.” He probably was with Paul on his 2nd and 3rd missionary journeys. He was a Gentile believer. They had visited Crete after Paul’s stay of house arrest in Rome and established a few churches. (Paul had actually been there briefly, at the harbor of Fair Havens, just before that huge storm and shipwreck.) 

Now, Paul was leaving Titus there (much like he left Timothy in Ephesus), to straighten out and steady up the new churches, who were behaving in a very naughty way (like Cretans!).  Paul later planned to send either Tychicus or Artemas to Crete, and when he arrived, Titus was then to come to Paul in Greece at Nicopolis.

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Titus 1.

Paul practically preaches a sermon on the gospel in his greetings to Titus in verses 1-3!  (Check it out and see how many doctrinal truths you can discover!!)

He states the reason why he left Titus in Crete: “so that he might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in very town, as he directed.”

As in the letter to Timothy, Paul lists the qualifications of elders, VERY important here in Crete, for they were known for their debauchery and insubordination!

  • Above reproach,
  • husband of one wife (at a time)
  • children who believe,
  • not open to charges of that debauchery or insubordination,
  • not arrogant or quick tempered,
  • not a drunk or violent, or greedy for gain,
  • hospitable, a lover of good,
  • self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
  • He must HOLD FIRM to the trustworthy Word, as taught,
  • able to give instruction in sound doctrine, 
  • and able to rebuke those who contradicted it.

Paul seems not to have a high opinion of the unsaved Cretans. He quotes one of their own prophets, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”  YIKES!  Infiltrating the church, these men were empty talkers, deceivers, teaching a “works” religion. 

“They must be silenced,” Paul tells Titus, then adds, “Rebuke them sharply!” He further says, “they profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work!”

(Yikes, Paul, let it all out!!)

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Titus 2.

“TEACH SOUND DOCTRINE” Paul instructs Titus. Then singles out members of a household.

  1. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love and steadfastness.
  2. Older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and train the….
  3. Young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands.
  4. Younger men are to be self-controlled. (Here Paul tells the “young man,” Titus, to be an example of good works to them. He is to model integrity, dignity, and sound speech, so that their opponents will have nothing evil to say about them.)
  5. Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters. They are to be well pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, showing good faith, so in everything glorify the doctrine of God.

Then Paul breaks into another paragraph of what the glorious gospel means in faith, duty, actions and words. He praises “Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for his own possession…”

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Titus 3.

Paul continues to tell Titus to “remind them” to be good!  He acknowledges that “we all” were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to passions and pleasures, and we passed our days in malice, envy, and hatred.

But!   “…when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he SAVED us, not because of works done by US in righteousness, but according to his own MERCY, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our savior…. so that being justified by His GRACE we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life!”

And a final exhortation before closing, “And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works (charity), so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.”

Grace be with you all.

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 352

Dec18

Day 352 – Reading –1 Timothy 1 -6
Read and believe in Jesus!

1 Timothy.

It was on Paul’s first missionary journey that he met Timothy and led him to Christ. The boy was from a family of godly women (mom and grandma) and a non-Jewish father. On Paul’s second journey back through the area to strengthen the churches, he found Timothy in Lystra growing in the Lord. Paul chose him to accompany him on the trip. Because Paul always went to the Jews first in new towns, he circumcised Timothy – NOT as a point of salvation, but to make work in the synagogue easier.

Timothy accompanied Paul through many villages and trials after that, sometimes staying on in places to finish a work, and sometimes delivering and returning letters to Paul. Timothy was with Paul when he went to Jerusalem, presumably through the shipwreck, and in his imprisonment in Rome, at least for a time.  (At the end of Paul’s life, in a Roman dungeon, facing death, Timothy ministered to his old teacher.) 

After Paul was released from his first confinement in Rome, he and Timothy went to Ephesus and discovered some problems there. Paul left his “son in the faith,” as pastor, to help resolve them, while he went on to Macedonia.  From Macedonia, Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, documenting what they had found and discussed during their visit to Ephesus.

Some of the pervasive problems were the intrusion of false doctrine, disorder in worship, the need for qualified leaders, and materialism.  Paul also briefly covers the proper use of the Law, salvation, election, and the second coming of Jesus. 

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1 Timothy 1.

“My true child in the faith,” Paul lovingly calls Timothy.  Then he jumps right into the first, and perhaps most serious of the problems at Ephesus (as in many of the other churches) – people who came in teaching false doctrine, mainly legalism.  You have to keep the Law AND believe in Christ, as well as some pagan myths and genealogies.  Paul tells Timothy to address this problem first.

Yes, the law is good.  But it was not given as a way to righteousness, but to lawbreakers, to reveal their sin. The Gospel of Jesus is the only path to salvation.

Paul confesses to being the chief of sinners until Jesus showed him grace and mercy and gave him faith.  He became “an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life” that even this chief sinner could be saved.

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1 Timothy 2.

Paul urges Timothy to pray, with intercession and thanksgiving, for all in authority, so that the church may be left in peace to teach and preach. 

Paul wants men to pray in every place, lifting holy hands, without anger or quarreling, godly and dignified in every way.  And that women are to dress modestly. They should learn quietly with all submissiveness. Paul doesn’t want women teaching or exercising authority over men in the church.  They are to continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control… and good works.

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1 Timothy 3.

Paul then sends Timothy a list of qualifications for the overseers (pastors) in the church. They must be….

  • above reproach
  • the husband of one wife (at a time),
  • sober-minded,
  • self-controlled,
  • respectable,
  • hospitable,
  • able to teach,
  • not a drunkard, 
  • not violent, but gentle,
  • not quarrelsome,
  • not a lover of money.
  • manage his own household well,
  • keep his children submissive.
  • not be a new convert,
  • be well thought of by outsiders.

(Wow!!)

As for deacons, or helpers, they must…

  • qualified,
  • not double-tongued,
  • not addicted to much wine,
  • not greedy for dishonest gain.
  • hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
  • tested first, then let them serve if they prove themselves blameless.
  • the husband of one wife
  • managing their children and households well
  • in good standing wit the community
  • have great confidence in the faith of Christ Jesus.

The wives of these men must be…

  • dignified,
  • not slanderers,
  • sober-minded,
  • faithful in all things.

Wow. Well, at least Timothy knew now how to judge the qualifications of leaders.  I wonder if he (I would) look at himself as well to see if he kept these.

Paul lists these qualifications so that he “might know how one ought to behave in the household of God, the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

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1 Timothy 4

Paul warns Timothy of other deviations he must watch for. Some will depart from the faith by…

  • devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons
  • being influenced by the insincerity of liars with seared consciences.
  • like those who forbid marriage,
  • and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving.

Paul urges and exhorts Timothy personally to…

  • “Have nothing to do with these irreverent, silly myths,
  • but rather to train yourself for godliness.
  • Command and teach these things!
  • Let no one despise you for your youth,
  • but set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
  • Do not neglect the gift you have. 
  • Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.”

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1 Timothy 5.

Paul gives more instructions to his young associate on various relationships.

  • Do not rebuke an older man, but encourage him as you would a father,
  • younger men as brothers,
  • older women as mothers,
  • and younger women as sisters, in all purity.
  • Honor widows (true widows with no children or grandchildren)

And on that subject, he gives Timothy further instructions on widows, their provision, and their reputations, behavior, and good works.

Then Paul tells Timothy to encourage the elders to be paid for their service. “You should not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and “The laborer deserves his wages.”

But if an elder persists in sin, after being approached privately for it, well then, rebuke them in the presence of everyone… so that the rest of them may stand in fear.

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1 Timothy 6.

Paul mentions a little bit about the relationship between believing slaves and masters.

He then lists things false teachers have and don’t have (true contentment).  False teachers….

  • teach a different doctrine, not the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ,
  • they become puffed up with conceit,
  • have an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words,
  • are depraved in mind and of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

Paul exhorts them.  There IS significant gain from godliness with contentment, but not what they want.  If we have food and clothing, be content with these. 

Those who desire to be RICH fall into temptation. “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils, and it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

And again, words to those who are earnestly trying to serve God well. “As for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.  Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.”

With this, Paul bursts into praise and doxology.

“He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see, to Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen”

Then back to the faults of mere man.

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, not to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on GOD, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.  They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so they may take hold of that which is TRULY LIFE.

And O Timothy… “Guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it, some have swerved from the faith!

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(Can’t you just feel the love and concern Paul has for Timothy? A godly father to a godly son.)

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 351

Dec17

Day 351 – Reading – Philippians  1 – 4
Read and believe in Jesus!

Philippians.

This is another letter that Paul wrote while on house arrest in Rome, while awaiting an audience with Caesar. This was written toward the end of those two years, as he tells the Philippians, that the court date is approaching, and that he hopes to visit them when he’s freed.

It is written to the church at Philippi, the first in Europe (Macedonia), during Paul’s second missionary journey.  Remember how he first met with Lydia, the seller of purple, at a prayer meeting on the beach? She invited him to use her house as a base, and it went from there.  Persecution forced him to move to Thessalonica and Berea, and then to Greece.

When Paul cast out a demon from a young fortune-telling girl in Philippi, he got into trouble and was put in prison. That resulted in the prison guard and his whole house (and possibly some other prisoners) becoming believers.  He and Silas were nicely escorted out of this “proudly Roman town” after the officials learned he was a Roman Citizen.

The Philippian church was a “giving” church, generously supporting the needy in Jerusalem, Paul in prison at the beginning of his stay, and now again towards the end of his stay, sending a beloved member to help him in any way. Paul says they gave even beyond their means.

Paul truly loved the Philippian church.  There is not one bit of correction or scolding in this letter.  He thanks them, praises them, teaches and warns them, and tells them of his love. Pursuing Christlikeness was his theme.

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Philippians 1.

Paul says in Greetings, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy — because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Then he encourages them, “I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

“…I hold you in my heart…”

“…I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

Then he assures them by telling how his imprisonment has worked “for good.”  “…it served to advance the Gospel.” “…the whole imperial guard and all the rest,” have heard the gospel.”  And “…most of the believers here have become confident in the Lord, and much more bold to speak the Word without fear.”

“Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ THIS will turn out for my deliverance.”   Then he adds that it doesn’t really matter to HIM how it goes. To die and see Jesus is gain, but to live is more helpful for them, for their progress and joy in the faith.

He wants THEM to also stand firm in one spirit and with one mind, striving for the faith of the gospel, and NOT FRIGHTENED in anything by your opponents.  “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only BELIEVE IN HIM, but also SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE.”

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Philippians 2.

Paul encourages the Philippians to be like Christ: to do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but with humility, counting others more significant than themselves, looking not to their own interests, but the interests of others.  “Have this same mind among you, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

Then he tells how Jesus did just that, leaving all the glory of heaven and suffering for them.  (A great passage to memorize, if you will.) (Philippians 2:6-11)

“Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God as a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of man. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even the death on the cross. 

THEREFORE God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the NAME (LORD) that is above every name, so that at THE NAME of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is LORD to the glory of God the Father.”

And so he continues, telling them to do all things without grumbling or questioning (like Jesus, who is their example), that you may be blameless and innocent children of God.  In the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, shine as lights of the world!

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He tells them he hopes to send Timothy to them soon, so he can get some “first-hand” cheerful news from them.  As soon as he knows the outcome of his trial, he’ll send “his son in the Lord,” and then come to them personally, as soon as he can.

He is also sending back Epaphroditus.  This man brought the last generous gift to Paul, but on the way had become deathly ill.  God brought him back to health, and in case they were unduly worrying about him, they would see him soon and well.

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Philippians 3.

Here, Paul warns them about “evildoers who insist that believers be circumcised.” He tells them, that Jews (like him) put NO CONFIDENCE in circumcision, in the flesh.  He reminds them, of course, of his own background, in case ANYONE should have confidence in the works of the Law.

He was circumcised on the 8th day, as all faithful Jewish parents did for their sons.  He knows his heritage, though he has no confidence in it for salvation. He is a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee, and as for his zeal… he persecuted the church.  In the righteousness of the law, he considered himself blameless.

BUT, “whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord.”  He counted all that prestige as garbage so that he might gain Christ, and be found in Him, having His righteousness by faith.

Oh, he’s not perfect by any means, but “…forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ.”

Brothers, he urges, “…join in imitating me.”  “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body.”

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Philippians 4.

Then, on to some practical things.

Two ladies, Euodia and Syntyche, who have been laboring side by side with Paul in the gospel, now have some disagreement.  He asks them to “agree in the LORD.”  And he asks one of the church elders to help them in this.  “Rejoice in the Lord always.” “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” 

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Then Paul gives some excellent exhortation for them and all of us too.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let yur requests be known to God.  And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your Minds in Christ Jesus.

And finally…

  • “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.   
  • And what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things.  And the God of peace will be with you.

Paul tells these beloved Philippian believers that he so appreciates their concern for him.  “But in any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do ALL things through Him who strengthens me.”

Yet, he tells them it was kind of them to share with him. No such church entered into a partnership with him in giving, except them. They sent a gift once when he was first imprisoned, then again now with Epaphroditus. “They were a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”  He promises them, “My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

He sends final greetings to them all in Christ.  Then, I’m sure with a smile, he adds, “All the saints greet YOU, especially those of Caesar’s household.”   (These are the fruit of his ministry in prison, which they had helped to win by their generous gifts.)