1 Corinthians 3:2-3 - I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
Hebrews 5:14 - But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
John 16:12 - “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
Application:
· Have I progressed in my spiritual life? Am I a Christian of sound judgment and discernment? Can I distinguish good from evil?
· Does the enabling presence of the Spirit help me to live out Christ’s teachings?
· Am I a man of the world or a man of God? Am I following merely human standards?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Brothers
1 Corinthians 2:14-3:1 - The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:10 - I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
Application:
· Am I subject to the opinions of unbelievers?
· Do I follow mere natural instincts? Am I dominated by the merely physical world? Am I equipped to receive truth that comes from the Spirit?
· Am I united with my fellow believers?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
1 Corinthians 1:10 - I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
Application:
· Am I subject to the opinions of unbelievers?
· Do I follow mere natural instincts? Am I dominated by the merely physical world? Am I equipped to receive truth that comes from the Spirit?
· Am I united with my fellow believers?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Age
1 Corinthians 2:8-10 - None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
1 Corinthians 1:20 - Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
James 2:1 - My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
Application:
· Do I have a wrong concept of God and His revelation?
· Do I show favoritism?
· Do I comprehend what God has prepared for me?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
1 Corinthians 1:20 - Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
James 2:1 - My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
Application:
· Do I have a wrong concept of God and His revelation?
· Do I show favoritism?
· Do I comprehend what God has prepared for me?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Secret
1 Corinthians 2:7,9-10 - But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory…But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
Romans 16:25-27 - Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
1 Timothy 3:16 - Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
Application:
· Do I believe in Him? Do I obey Him?
· Does Jesus Christ produce piety in me?
· Has God revealed His secret wisdom to me by His Spirit?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Romans 16:25-27 - Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
1 Timothy 3:16 - Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
Application:
· Do I believe in Him? Do I obey Him?
· Does Jesus Christ produce piety in me?
· Has God revealed His secret wisdom to me by His Spirit?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Boast In The Lord
1 Corinthians 1:30-2:5 - And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 11:30 - If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Application:
· Ultimately, only God and my knowledge of and love for Him are worthwhile
· Unless the Holy Spirit works in my heart, the wisdom and eloquence of a preacher are ineffective
· Do I boast in what I have done or do I boast in what God has done?
· Human weakness provides the ideal opportunity for the display of divine power
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 11:30 - If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Application:
· Ultimately, only God and my knowledge of and love for Him are worthwhile
· Unless the Holy Spirit works in my heart, the wisdom and eloquence of a preacher are ineffective
· Do I boast in what I have done or do I boast in what God has done?
· Human weakness provides the ideal opportunity for the display of divine power
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Holiness
1 Corinthians 1:2,20,27-31 – To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?...But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Jeremiah 23:5-6 - “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’
2 Corinthians 5:21 - For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Philippians 3:8-11 - Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Romans 3:21-25 - But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
Application:
· Do I have a wrong concept of God? Do I have a wrong concept of His revelation?
· Can I earn my salvation by observing the law? Can I take credit for my salvation?
· Jesus will reign wisely and does what is just and right.
· Jesus will bestow on His people abundant blessings.
· Have I received Christ’s righteousness? Have I been reconciled to God?
· Have I been found in Him?
· Am I sanctified by my conduct or because of my relationship to Christ?
· Christ, in His death, paid my ransom.
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Jeremiah 23:5-6 - “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’
2 Corinthians 5:21 - For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Philippians 3:8-11 - Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Romans 3:21-25 - But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
Application:
· Do I have a wrong concept of God? Do I have a wrong concept of His revelation?
· Can I earn my salvation by observing the law? Can I take credit for my salvation?
· Jesus will reign wisely and does what is just and right.
· Jesus will bestow on His people abundant blessings.
· Have I received Christ’s righteousness? Have I been reconciled to God?
· Have I been found in Him?
· Am I sanctified by my conduct or because of my relationship to Christ?
· Christ, in His death, paid my ransom.
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Baptize
1 Corinthians 1:17-18,22-24 - For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Acts 2:38 - And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:3-5,14 – And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God…The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
Application:
· The promise of the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit has been given to me
· Unless the Holy Spirit works in my heart, the wisdom and eloquence of a preacher are ineffective
· Do I follow mere instincts? Am I dominated by the merely physical, worldly or natural life? Am I equipped to receive truth that comes from the Holy Spirit?
· Has God called me? Do I see Christ as the power that saves and the wisdom that transforms?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Acts 2:38 - And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:3-5,14 – And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God…The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
Application:
· The promise of the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit has been given to me
· Unless the Holy Spirit works in my heart, the wisdom and eloquence of a preacher are ineffective
· Do I follow mere instincts? Am I dominated by the merely physical, worldly or natural life? Am I equipped to receive truth that comes from the Holy Spirit?
· Has God called me? Do I see Christ as the power that saves and the wisdom that transforms?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Is Christ Divided?
1 Corinthians 1:13-16 - Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)
Matthew 28:19-20 - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
1 Corinthians 12:13 – For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
Acts 16:34 - Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
Application:
· Am I in union with Christ? Am I committed to Christ?
· Have I been regenerated by the Holy Spirit? Do I discriminate racially, socially or culturally? Does my life overflow with the fruit of the Spirit?
· Was I filled with joy at my conversion?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Matthew 28:19-20 - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
1 Corinthians 12:13 – For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
Acts 16:34 - Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
Application:
· Am I in union with Christ? Am I committed to Christ?
· Have I been regenerated by the Holy Spirit? Do I discriminate racially, socially or culturally? Does my life overflow with the fruit of the Spirit?
· Was I filled with joy at my conversion?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Cephas
1 Corinthians 1:10-12 - I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”
Romans 15:5-6 - May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
John 1:42 - He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).
Application:
· Do I agree with others? Am I united in mind and thought with others?
· Do I agree to disagree in love with those who come to different conclusions about matters of conscience?
· Am I being transformed, by God’s grace, into what He wants me to become?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Romans 15:5-6 - May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
John 1:42 - He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).
Application:
· Do I agree with others? Am I united in mind and thought with others?
· Do I agree to disagree in love with those who come to different conclusions about matters of conscience?
· Am I being transformed, by God’s grace, into what He wants me to become?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
God Is Faithful
1 Corinthians 1:9 - God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 John 1:1-3 - That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 - He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Application:
· Can I trust God to do what He has promised? Will He keep me strong to the end?
· Do I have spiritual union with Christ? Do I have communion with the Father? Do I have communion with fellow believers?
· God is faithful. He will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear.
· Can I rely on God to complete what He begins?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
1 John 1:1-3 - That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 - He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Application:
· Can I trust God to do what He has promised? Will He keep me strong to the end?
· Do I have spiritual union with Christ? Do I have communion with the Father? Do I have communion with fellow believers?
· God is faithful. He will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear.
· Can I rely on God to complete what He begins?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Monday, July 16, 2012
On The Day Of Our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 1:4-8 – I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you—so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6,9-11 - And 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…And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
1 Thessalonians 5:2 - For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
Application:
· It is God who initiates salvation, who continues it and who will one day bring it to its consummation
· Do I approve what is morally and ethically superior? Am I without any mixture of evil? Have I failed morally or spiritually?
· The day of the Lord will be the consummation of all things
· Is the Holy Spirit enabling me to minister to the needs of the church, Christ’s body?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Philippians 1:6,9-11 - And 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…And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
1 Thessalonians 5:2 - For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
Application:
· It is God who initiates salvation, who continues it and who will one day bring it to its consummation
· Do I approve what is morally and ethically superior? Am I without any mixture of evil? Have I failed morally or spiritually?
· The day of the Lord will be the consummation of all things
· Is the Holy Spirit enabling me to minister to the needs of the church, Christ’s body?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Friday, July 13, 2012
Paul
1 Corinthians 1:1-3 - Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 1:1-2 - Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 1:1-2 - Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:3-6,8-11 – For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless…Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Application:
· Eternal life is available to all who will receive it through faith in Christ
· Have I been set apart as holy to the Lord?
· Do I attempt to merit God’s approval and blessing through legalism?
· Am I being transformed through knowledge of facts, knowledge gained through experience, or both?
· Is my union with Christ an experience in the past or a present, continuing relationship?
· Do I know Christ? Do I know the power of His resurrection? Do I know the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
2 Timothy 1:1-2 - Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 1:1-2 - Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:3-6,8-11 – For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless…Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Application:
· Eternal life is available to all who will receive it through faith in Christ
· Have I been set apart as holy to the Lord?
· Do I attempt to merit God’s approval and blessing through legalism?
· Am I being transformed through knowledge of facts, knowledge gained through experience, or both?
· Is my union with Christ an experience in the past or a present, continuing relationship?
· Do I know Christ? Do I know the power of His resurrection? Do I know the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Desolation
Daniel 12:11-13 - And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days. But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”
Daniel 9:27 - And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”
Psalm 16:5 - The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
Application:
· The Messiah has instituted a new covenant
· Has the Lord offered me a cup of blessings or will He offer me a cup of wrath?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Daniel 9:27 - And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”
Psalm 16:5 - The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
Application:
· The Messiah has instituted a new covenant
· Has the Lord offered me a cup of blessings or will He offer me a cup of wrath?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Refined
Daniel 12:3-10 - And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream. And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.
Proverbs 4:18 – But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
Jeremiah 5:1 - Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, look and take note! Search her squares to see if you can find a man, one who does justice and seeks truth, that I may pardon her.
Daniel 11:34-35 - When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time.
Hosea 14:9 - Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.
Application:
· I have all the guidance and protection I need. I am able to lead others to righteousness.
· Do I deal honestly? Do I seek the truth?
· Do I stumble? Am I being refined? Am I being purified? Am I being made spotless?
· Am I walking or stumbling? Am I obeying or rebelling?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Proverbs 4:18 – But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
Jeremiah 5:1 - Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, look and take note! Search her squares to see if you can find a man, one who does justice and seeks truth, that I may pardon her.
Daniel 11:34-35 - When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time.
Hosea 14:9 - Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.
Application:
· I have all the guidance and protection I need. I am able to lead others to righteousness.
· Do I deal honestly? Do I seek the truth?
· Do I stumble? Am I being refined? Am I being purified? Am I being made spotless?
· Am I walking or stumbling? Am I obeying or rebelling?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Beautiful Holy Mountain
Daniel 11:38-12:2 - He shall honor the god of fortresses instead of these. A god whom his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. He shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall load with honor. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price. “At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through. He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites. He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites shall follow in his train. But news from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go out with great fury to destroy and devote many to destruction. And he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him. “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in )the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Isaiah 2:2-3 - It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Isaiah 26:19 - Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead.
John 5:24-25 – Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
Application:
· The last days began with the first coming of Christ and will be fulfilled at His second coming
· Will I awake to everlasting life or shame and everlasting judgment?
· When I am resurrected will I wake up and shout for joy?
· Do I belong to eternal life or do I belong to death?
· Have I received life from Him?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Isaiah 2:2-3 - It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Isaiah 26:19 - Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead.
John 5:24-25 – Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
Application:
· The last days began with the first coming of Christ and will be fulfilled at His second coming
· Will I awake to everlasting life or shame and everlasting judgment?
· When I am resurrected will I wake up and shout for joy?
· Do I belong to eternal life or do I belong to death?
· Have I received life from Him?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Abomination That Makes Desolate
Daniel 11:26-31 - Even those who eat his food shall break him. His army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. And as for the two kings, their hearts shall be bent on doing evil. They shall speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for the end is yet to be at the time appointed. And he shall return to his land with great wealth, but his heart shall be set against the holy covenant. And he shall work his will and return to his own land. “At the time appointed he shall return and come into the south, but it shall not be this time as it was before. For ships of Kittim shall come against him, and he shall be afraid and withdraw, and shall turn back and be enraged and take action against the holy covenant. He shall turn back and pay attention to those who forsake the holy covenant. Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.
1 Samuel 17:32 - And David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”
Jeremiah 19:4-6 - Because the people have forsaken me and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have known; and because they have filled this place with the blood of innocents, and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or decree, nor did it come into my mind—therefore, behold, days are coming, declares the Lord, when this place shall no more be called Topheth, or the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter.
Daniel 9:27 - And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”
Application:
· Does my confidence rest in my own prowess or in the power of the living God?
· Daniel prophesied that Antiochus Epiphanes would set up pagan gods in the Jewish temple and sacrifice pigs on it
· Have I forsaken God? Have I made His place a place of foreign gods?
· The Messiah has instituted a new covenant
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
1 Samuel 17:32 - And David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”
Jeremiah 19:4-6 - Because the people have forsaken me and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have known; and because they have filled this place with the blood of innocents, and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or decree, nor did it come into my mind—therefore, behold, days are coming, declares the Lord, when this place shall no more be called Topheth, or the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter.
Daniel 9:27 - And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”
Application:
· Does my confidence rest in my own prowess or in the power of the living God?
· Daniel prophesied that Antiochus Epiphanes would set up pagan gods in the Jewish temple and sacrifice pigs on it
· Have I forsaken God? Have I made His place a place of foreign gods?
· The Messiah has instituted a new covenant
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Stand Before Him
Daniel 11:16-25 - But he who comes against him shall do as he wills, and none shall stand before him. And he shall stand in the glorious land, with destruction in his hand. He shall set his face to come with the strength of his whole kingdom, and he shall bring terms of an agreement and perform them. He shall give him the daughter of women to destroy the kingdom, but it shall not stand or be to his advantage. Afterward he shall turn his face to the coastlands and shall capture many of them, but a commander shall put an end to his insolence. Indeed, he shall turn his insolence back upon him. Then he shall turn his face back toward the fortresses of his own land, but he shall stumble and fall, and shall not be found. “Then shall arise in his place one who shall send an exactor of tribute for the glory of the kingdom. But within a few days he shall be broken, neither in anger nor in battle. In his place shall arise a contemptible person to whom royal majesty has not been given. He shall come in without warning and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. Armies shall be utterly swept away before him and broken, even the prince of the covenant. And from the time that an alliance is made with him he shall act deceitfully, and he shall become strong with a small people. Without warning he shall come into the richest parts of the province, and he shall do what neither his fathers nor his fathers' fathers have done, scattering among them plunder, spoil, and goods. He shall devise plans against strongholds, but only for a time. And he shall stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great army. And the king of the south shall wage war with an exceedingly great and mighty army, but he shall not stand, for plots shall be devised against him.
Joshua 1:5 - No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.
Isaiah 60:17 - Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver; instead of wood, bronze, instead of stones, iron. I will make your overseers peace and your taskmasters righteousness.
Application:
· Is the Lord directing me? Is the Lord sustaining me?
· Am I governed by peace? Am I ruled by righteousness?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Joshua 1:5 - No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.
Isaiah 60:17 - Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver; instead of wood, bronze, instead of stones, iron. I will make your overseers peace and your taskmasters righteousness.
Application:
· Is the Lord directing me? Is the Lord sustaining me?
· Am I governed by peace? Am I ruled by righteousness?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Strength
Daniel 10:14-11:3 - The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. How can my lord's servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.” Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince. “And as for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him. “And now I will show you the truth. Behold, three more kings shall arise in Persia, and a fourth shall be far richer than all of them. And when he has become strong through his riches, he shall stir up all against the kingdom of Greece. Then a mighty king shall arise, who shall rule with great dominion and do as he wills.
Isaiah 6:5 - And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”
Application:
· My worship is unpure. I am unfit for God. I need His strength to speak in His presence.
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Isaiah 6:5 - And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”
Application:
· My worship is unpure. I am unfit for God. I need His strength to speak in His presence.
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Monday, July 2, 2012
Left Alone
Daniel 10:4-13 - On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground. And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”
Genesis 32:24 - And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.
Ezekiel 2:1 - And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.”
Application:
· Do I wrestle with God?
· Do I stand and listen to God?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
Genesis 32:24 - And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.
Ezekiel 2:1 - And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.”
Application:
· Do I wrestle with God?
· Do I stand and listen to God?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
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