Today’s reading: 1 Chron 28:1–29:2, 2 Tim 4:9–22, Ps 90:1–17

Today’s theme: God’s purposes in election

In today’s reading we begin to explore two foundational truths. First and foremost we look at the self existent nature of God (Aesity). It is this self existing, all powerful God who sovereignly elects, this is the other big lesson today. God elects to save us with particular purposes in mind, these include glorifying Him, to use our minds for Him, work for Him and receive eternal rewards from Him, all underpinned by His own sovereign guarantee.

1 Chronicles 28:1–29:2

God’s purpose in sovereign election

Yet the LORD God of Israel chose me from all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For he chose Judah as leader, and in the house of Judah my father’s house, and among my father’s sons he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel. 1 Chronicles 28:4 (ESV)

David recognises a key truth revealed in God’s word, namely God’s purpose in sovereign election. God elected Israel as a people and David as king, not because of any good they had done, but to bring God pleasure and for God’s glory.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:4–6 “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”

In a day when man’s own power and choice is exalted, the teaching of God’s sovereign election seems alien, but it is clearly taught in God’s word and is the way that our God has chosen to work out His purposes and to save us His people, as our King.

Chosen to glorify God

Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:8 (ESV)

Alongside God’s election, we are called to make our calling and election sure by obeying God’s commands. David charges the people to seek out and observe God’s commands, to secure the land for themselves and as a heritage for their Children.

Peter reminds us in 2 Peter 1:10 “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.”

We should not be complacent because God has chosen us, there are rewards in this life and in heaven to be gained, and we need to work towards those rewards. We were not chosen to simply live in ease and to seek our own glory, no, we were chosen to bring glory to God.

We should live with our inheritance in mind. Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:20 “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Chosen to think

“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9 (ESV)

When we follow the Lord, we do not leave our brains at the door! God created our minds and wants us to serve Him with it. We should seek Him in His word as we study and read. Alongside a mind geared towards actively seeking God, we should have hearts which are wholly dedicated to the Lord, passionately and joyfully serving Him with all our heart, soul and mind, as the greatest commandment teaches us.

Jesus tell us in Matthew 22:37 “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

Chosen to work

Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.  1 Chronicles 28:20 (ESV)

As mentioned in verse 10, we should be bold and courageous as we seek to serve the Lord, He has chosen us for this purpose and is living in us and working through us.

We should feel encouraged to be finishers, not to give up but to get the job done because God is with us.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

2 Timothy 4:9–22

Ultimate security

The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18 (ESV)

This is very encouraging, but must be taken in context. Paul is not excluding any evil that might be done to him, rather the power of evil to bring about his final destruction.

This is why Paul mentions the heavenly kingdom because this verse is not about having a life free from difficulty and suffering, but is actually about the ultimate security and assurance that we have in Jesus.

Another contextual clue is all the evil that Paul mentioned enduring in the verses before. Paul is encouraged by God standing with him, that God will bring him through to the heavenly kingdom, despite the schemes of men and the devil.

Psalm 90:1–17

The Aseity of God

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2 (ESV)

This verse declares the Aseity (self existing) of God. Aseity is not a word we use in everyday conversation, but is the best word to describe the attribute of God which speaks of God’s eternal self existence. God’s revealed name Yahweh (I Am That I Am), holds this attribute as central to God’s being.

God is the only one who has Aseity.

The following quotes on God’s Aseity are good to mediate on:

“Aseity is that divine attribute in virtue of which God exists by Himself, in Himself, and through Himself. In English it is generally called “self-existence…Here the enormous difference between Divine Being and created being again becomes manifest. God is being, the creature has being….Both Holy Scripture and Tradition teach that aseity is an attribute proper to God, and to God alone”  – taken from God: His Knowability, Essence, and Attributes, A Dogmatic Treatise.

Man is made from dust

You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” Psalm 90:3 (ESV)

God created man from the dust of the ground, not from monkeys. This should humble us, we are not self existing like God. Evolution is absurd.

Use time wisely

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

God is self existent, man is not. In light of this we need to number our days. This means we need to use our time and energy wisely because our lives are short and finite, even 80 years is not a long period of time so we need to be like Moses (the writer of this Psalm) and ask God to teach us to use our lives well so that we receive a reward and inheritance.

God can establish our work

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:17 (ESV)

Only God who is self existent, can allow our work to be established. We are just dust and finite, God can make our work out last us.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Timothy 4

Today’s reading: 1 Chron 26:1–27:34, 2 Tim 4:1–8, Ps 89:23–52

Today’s theme: Teaching matters

Today we learn that teaching is central to life and matters a great deal. We also learn about the importance of God’s presence and our call to serve the Lord and evangelise.

1 Chronicles 26:1–27:34

Blessing in God’s presence

Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth, for God blessed him. 1 Chronicles 26:5 (ESV)

We remember Obed-edom from a few chapters back. When the Ark was returned it was left at his home and God’s presence, through the Ark, brought great blessing to his life.

The Chronicler wants the people to remember the special significance of this man who had the tangible presence of God in his life. He was blessed and his being blessed by God making him a faithful and eager servant of God.

It is of note that he had 8 sons which is a number associated with new beginnings and would just speak of the abundance of God’s blessing in his life. This would be a great encouragement for those coming out of exile.

We learn from this that God wants to bless us too as we live in His presence and serve like Obed-edom. God’s presence is so important in our lives, as we live in the presence of God and He lives in us, we will be fruitful. It is a promise because He is the very source of life.

Jesus said in John 15:4–5 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself….”

Equipped for service

All these were of the sons of Obed-edom with their sons and brothers, able men qualified for the service; sixty-two of Obed-edom. 1 Chronicles 26:8 (ESV)

Again we see the fruitfulness of Obed-edom’s life. From his children and grandchildren came these men of great ability, able and qualified for service. As we read yesterday it is the precious word of God as found in the words of the bible that equips us for service in God’s kingdom 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

On duty 24 hours a day

The third commander, for the third month, was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the chief priest; in his division were 24,000. This is the Benaiah who was a mighty man of the thirty and in command of the thirty; Ammizabad his son was in charge of his division. 1 Chronicles 27:5–6 (ESV)

Benaiah stands out for special mention again. He was the third of 12 commanders each over 24,000 men. Benaiah is remembered for his courageous and loyal service for the king, he serves as an example for us.

Again it is of note that each of the commanders, one for each month of the year were each over 24,000 men. Every time we see the number 24 we should see God’s order and the 24 hours of the day.

As soldiers in God’s army we are called to be on duty 24 hours a day and to have the order of God in our lives as mentioned yesterday.

2 Timothy 4:1–8

Teaching matters!

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 2 Timothy 4:3–4 (ESV)

Teaching matters! We are all students and in ways we are all also teachers. We need to be careful, in a general sense, with the things we take in and give out. However that is not the type of teaching being spoken about here.

In the passage, Paul is talking about explicit Christian teaching or doctrine. Our faith is not a mystical, make it up as you go along faith, it is one that is established in the truth of God and has teaching at the heart of it’s life.

Jesus came and was a teacher, and Jesus calls us all to teach in the great commission, in particular our leaders teach us God’s word and ways.

Today many do not want to sit under sound teaching, instead they gather around teachers who tell them what they want to hear, preachers who only say things like ‘God has a great plan for you’. Being “seeker friendly” is wrong.

We must be people who love faithful bible teaching and have an appetite for God’s word and truth. We should prize the faithful exposition of God’s word.

Called to evangelise

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5 (ESV)

Although these instructions are for a church leader we are all called to evangelise in line with the great commission

Keep the faith

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8 (ESV)

This is a great encouragement and hope which should spur us on to fight the good fight, finish the race and above all keep the faith like Paul.

We will receive a crown, a reward from our king, the righteous judge for faithful service. God doesn’t have to reward us but He chooses to out of the abundance of His love for us.

God is the very source of life. Abiding in Him and serving Him can only lead to fruitfulness in this life and in eternity. Faith in God’s future grace should fill us with joy and encouragement today. Our labour is not in vain, there is a crown waiting for us. Glory be to God, He didn’t have to do it but He did.

Psalm 89:23–52

God keeps covenant

but I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. Psalm 89:33–34 (ESV)

We can thank God today for His steadfast, firm love for us and the fact that He has bound Himself to us in covenant, the new covenant in Jesus, He will not forsake it. We can trust in His faithfulness to His own words.

This is why teaching is important as we read earlier because God is faithful to His word. We should abide in His love and we will see the fruitfulness He promised.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Timothy 4

Today’s reading: 1 Chron 24:1–25:31, 2 Tim 3:10–17, Ps 89:1–22

Today’s theme: Inspired, inerrant and infallible

Today one of the most important passages regarding the bible itself is in our reading. It is one of the most important scriptures to me personally and I’m sure to many. God’s word is the objective truth of God which He inspired to be written for our benefit and His glory and which He has preserved as  inerrant and infallible until this day. This is why we trust the books found in the Bible as the actual word of God.

1 Chronicles 24:1–25:31

God’s order in our lives

the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. 1 Chronicles 24:18 (ESV)

There are quite specifically 24 divisions of the descendants of Aaron the high priest.

Each division would have their turn to serve in the ministry of the temple each year (with the lunar calendar consisting of only 48 weeks each group would serve twice yearly for a week each time).

This points forward to the 24 elders we see in Revelation 4:4. 24 like 12 speaks of God’s government and order.

We find application in two ways. The first is that we serve a God of order and planning, not mess and spontaneous diversions. We must order our lives according to God’s word and His ways in line with His Spirit.

One way to order our lives is to be faithful in waking each morning at a certain time for prayer and study and even going to bed by a certain time. This sense of order and planning should filter across into every area of our lives.

The other application is that we are not part time servants for the Lord, we serve Him 24 hours a day. See 1 Peter 3:15.

Prophesy through praise

Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah, sons of Asaph, under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. 1 Chronicles 25:2 (ESV)

When we read about prophecy in the new testament and its use in everyday life and the church community, we are not speaking about prophecy to be taken on the level of the Cannon of Scripture which is closed.

Prophecy is now the bold declaration of the word and truth of God often done in praise and worship. Colossians 3:16.

Just like these priests were set up by the King to prophesy with guitars, harps and cymbals in thanksgiving and praise, so we should see our times of praise both private and corporate as a time of prophesying the truth and glory of God as expressed in His revealed word. Ephesians 5:19.

Like Asaph we should prophesy under the direction of our King Jesus. It is worth noting that Paul encourages us all to prophesy, he doesn’t mean we should all tell the future, he means we should all boldly declare the truth of God’s word and in faith proclaim that which God lays on our hearts in accordance with His word by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14:5, 26.

2 Timothy 3:10–17

Inspired, inerrant and infallible

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)

This is one of the most comforting and important scriptures to me personally. It strikes at the very core of our faith. It is this that gives us the firm ground to stand upon when we say the bible is the inspired, inerrant and infallible word of God.

The cannon is closed, this means the time of inspiration and writing of the bible is completed and we have God’s complete revealed word in the bible.

When we say the bible is infallible we mean it is not misleading and so safeguards God’s revealed truth. It is the safe and reliable rule and guide in all matters.

When we say the bible is inerrant we mean it is free from all falsehood or mistakes (translation errors withstanding) so is entirely true and trustworthy in all its assertions.

Some today claim that they have new revelations, new prophecies that are on the level of or above scripture. Infamous claimants include Mohammed (Islam) , Joseph Smith (Mormons), Mary Baker Eddy (Scientology), Charles Taze Russell (Jehovahs Witnesses) and Ellen G White (7th Day Adventists).

Psalm 89:1–22

Ruler of the earth

The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them. Psalm 89:11 (ESV)

There is no one like our God, He is sovereign and rules not just over heaven but also over the earth.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Timothy 3

Today’s reading: 1 Chron 23:1–32, 2 Tim 3:1–9, Ps 88:1–18

Today’s theme: Created to work

We were created to work. Today we are encouraged in this and reminded that all sin leads to death, that God’s kingdom is here now and is not yet here fully and at the same time and most importantly, the simple reality that we actually know the truth.

1 Chronicles 23:1–32

Created to work

These were the sons of Levi by their fathers’ houses, the heads of fathers’ houses as they were listed according to the number of the names of the individuals from twenty years old and upward who were to do the work for the service of the house of the LORD. 1 Chronicles 23:24 (ESV)

We are a royal priesthood and have been saved for a purpose. We are not saved to sit by and watch the body of Christ working while we do nothing. No, we are called to work in God’s kingdom.

Work has sometimes been understood as a curse but God is always working as Jesus mentions in John 5:17 “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”

From the moment man was created, work was part of God’s mandate. Genesis 2:15 states “The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”

Paul admonishes us to keep ourselves clean so God can use us in 2 Timothy 2:21 “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. “

Peter also reminds us In 1 Peter 2:5-9 that we as “… living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

2 Timothy 3:1–9

All sin leads to death

For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their 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, 2 Timothy 3:2–4 (ESV)

Paul’s vice list which he aims at the false teachers and those that follow their errant teaching and evil ways begins with them loving themselves. One of the last sins listed is worldly hedonism (loving pleasure in an evil way), all the other sins mentioned between these two are to do with self exaltation or pulling others down in some way.

Paul was making a point that this sort of hedonistic (pleasure seeking), nihilistic (nothing has worth and self destructiveness) and narcissism (self worship), although competing philosophies of life, each will work destruction in the lives of those who do not believe the truth.

False teaching can bring false confidence to the lives of those who believe that sin has no consequence, or that the flesh means nothing (Gnosticism), or that we have no obligation to live in holiness (Antinomianism which is the opposite extreme of legalism).

If we in lazy surrender give ourselves over to live like this, we deny the power of God to keep us.

Now and Not Yet

having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 2 Timothy 3:5 (ESV)

There are some who claim to be Christians who quite consciously live in selfish and sinful ways because of their agreement with some false teaching. Examples of these are the material driven “prosperity gospel” or “easy believism” which says once someone is saved it does not matter what they do after that they will still go to heaven. These beliefs are simply wrong and Paul tells us not to even engage with but to avoid the advocates of this sort of living and corrupted belief.

A belief that keeps us from this sort of error as seen in Paul’s day where they said the resurrection was in the past and they were already fully living in the kingdom of God so sin meant nothing, is our belief in the “Now and Not Yet” of God’s kingdom.

The kingdom is here now in some ways and it is not yet here in other ways. This is why we still have to struggle with sin until the Lords return, when He will bring the kingdom into full effect in the earth as He takes His place on David’s throne in Jerusalem to judge the nations.

We know the truth

always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:7 (ESV)

This should not be our testimony. Unlike the post modern view in western society, we do believe that truth is knowable and we have the objective guide of God’s word so that our learning is not futile. Our faith is not fluffy and mystical, we have solid, firm beliefs which have been made clear in scripture and throughout church history. Yes we can boldly claim to KNOW the truth.

Psalm 88:1–18

Cry to the Lord

O LORD, God of my salvation; I cry out day and night before you. Psalm 88:1 (ESV)

All the man centred philosophies of this world want us to take our eyes off the Lord, We should turn our hearts to Him and cry out to the God who saved us.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Timothy 3

Today’s reading: 1 Chron 21:1–22:19, 2 Tim 2:14–26, Ps 86:1–87:7

Today’s theme: Please God, not man

There are multiple lessons today all centred around the theme of ‘Pleasing God rather than man’. If we live to please God we will be merciful, excellent, Christlike in leadership, handle God’s word well, correct with gentleness and run from lust which will all serve to make our calling and election sure.

1 Chronicles 21:1–22:19

The opposer and accuser

Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. 1 Chronicles 21:1 (ESV)

Satan (the one who opposes God and accuses His people), is a real being. He is not like God so he is NOT all knowing, all powerful or all present, the Devil is a fallen Angel, he can only be in one place at a time doing one thing at a time. Often we see him involved in high profile cases like Job’s trial, Jesus’ temptation and here he tempts David with the aim of destroying God’s people.

We need to be aware that Satan and his vast network of fellow demons are at work in the world today. Often in this same context, moving leaders to sin which brings destruction to the people.

Paul is aware of this invisible war and reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Please God, not men

But he did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, for the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab. 1 Chronicles 21:6 (ESV)

Joab was so often a good leader and this was one of his better moments where he refused to fulfil the Kings demand by skipping two of the tribes. We can learn from his example that we ought to fear God rather than man. See Mark 8:33 and Galatians 1:10 where Paul states “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Be merciful

Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is very great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” 1 Chronicles 21:13 (ESV)

God’s discipline is not vindictive or cruel but is tempered by His mercy. We must learn from this when we are in authority and need to deal out discipline to our children for example or a subordinate at work. Jesus clearly instructs us in Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Also see Jude 22-23.

Christlike leadership

And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O LORD my God, be against me and against my father’s house. But do not let the plague be on your people.” 1 Chronicles 21:17 (ESV)

David is Christ like in his leadership, offering himself for the people. This is the heart of true intercession. A good leader will sacrifice himself for the people he leads. Jesus taught us that true leadership is servanthood and true greatness requires sacrifice.

Jesus declares in Mark 9:35 “And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 9:19 “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.”

The Apostle John reminds us in 1 John 3:16 “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”

The value of cost

But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 1 Chronicles 21:24 (ESV)

There is a cost in our walk, cost brings value and will cause us to treasure what is bought. Jesus teaches us to count the cost in Luke 14:28-33 “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?…So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”

The benefits of discipleship far outweigh the cost!

Answered by fire

And David built there an altar to the LORD and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings and called on the LORD, and the LORD answered him with fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering. 1 Chronicles 21:26 (ESV)

David was a man of prayer like Elijah who God also answered by fire from heaven. James reminds us in James 5:17 “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.”

Be excellent

For David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death. 1 Chronicles 22:5 (ESV)

We should have the same spirit of excellence with all we do for God, for the rise and spread of His fame throughout the earth

Arise and work

gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Arise and work! The LORD be with you!” 1 Chronicles 22:16 (ESV)

This same call goes out to God’s people today, we should arise and work, because God is with us. As Jesus reminds us in John 9:4 “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.”

2 Timothy 2:14–26

Handle God’s word correctly

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 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)

This is why bible reading, bible study and submission to good bible teaching is so important. The word of God needs to be divided correctly, when taken out of context it is at best not helpful and at worst rank heresy.

We are all called to be God’s approved workers rightly handling God’s precious word. We should not get into endless debates which are a distraction and waste of time.

Make your own election sure

But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19 (ESV)

This scripture helps us deal with the mystery of election. God knows those who are His so we should not waste our time trying to figure that out. Instead, we should focus on departing from evil in our own lives. It is our sanctification that concerns us not the secret will of God in election. We make our calling and election sure (to us) by living as God commands.

Run away from lust

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV)

There must be a conscious running away from lust and sin and a running toward purity, faith and love. We should see God’s commands not as a tightrope to walk between righteousness and sin but a starting line to run from, towards God. We should not teeter on the edge of darkness but rather run away from it lest we slip.

Correct with gentleness

correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 2 Timothy 2:25 (ESV)

We must remember this when we need to correct those opposing the truth.

Psalm 86:1–87:7

God our teacher

Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. Psalm 86:11 (ESV)

God is our great teacher, we agree with this prayer today that our hearts will be single, devoted to Him and not double minded.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Timothy 2

Today’s reading: 1 Chron 18:1–20:8, 2 Tim 2:1–13, Ps 85:1–13

Today’s theme: Called to Generosity

Today we are taught a lot about our calling. One way of summing up our calling is that we are called to be generous with our riches, time, resources, energy and abilities. We all have a part to play so act out the miracle of your new life in Christ today.

1 Chronicles 18:1–20:8

Be generous and faithful

These also King David dedicated to the LORD, together with the silver and gold that he had carried off from all the nations, from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and Amalek. 1 Chronicles 18:11 (ESV)

David shows us a great example of how we should be with all the Lord has given us. David was so generous and faithful to the Lord that he did not just make himself rich with the spoils of war but instead laid them up to be used by his son Solomon in the building of the temple.

Jesus commends this type of attitude in us as believers with both our physical and spiritual resources being dedicated to the Lord’s service. We see this in His parable about the coins (talents) in Matthew 25:14-30.

Play your part in God’s government

So David reigned over all Israel, and he administered justice and equity to all his people. 1 Chronicles 18:14 (ESV)

David was more than just a military commander. This small section shows us that David reorganised the government of Israel at the highest levels with capable administrators helping to establish an efficient kingdom state.

Joab, who by the way is David’s Nephew who we see proves his military ability in the next chapter, was made head of the armed forces.  Meanwhile, courageous and loyal Beniah was made the head of the elite bodyguard detail (like the secret service).

In the body of Christ, Jesus like king David has organised His kingdom giving each member it’s role to perform for the good of the whole. We need to know what our office is and function within that calling.

1 Corinthians 12:18 tells us “But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.”

Romans 12:4-8 teaches us “…so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us….”

Use your strength for God

Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.” 1 Chronicles 19:13 (ESV)

Joab’s military leadership really shines through in this passage. This is the type of strategising we see in military geniuses like Alexander the Great, Napoleon, Julius Caesar or Attila the Hun. Joab shows his heart for the Lord in this call to rally his troops as they enter battle.

Like Joab said, let us use our strength for the body of Christ and the kingdom of God. Paul knew this and so worked harder than all the other Apostles in 1 Corinthians 15:10. Paul also reminds us in 1 Timothy 4:10 that we are called to toil and strive for God’s kingdom.

Beware complacency, laziness or compromise

In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led out the army and ravaged the country of the Ammonites and came and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. And Joab struck down Rabbah and overthrew it. 1 Chronicles 20:1 (ESV)

Here we start to see the slow burn of complacency and compromise with David. It was the time of the year when kings go to battle, but instead David stayed home and sent Joab his military ace. They got the victory but this behaviour set the precedent for the fall David would have with Bathsheba.

We must not be caught out by complacency, laziness or compromise. As in David’s case we may not see the result of the rot straightaway but it will soon become apparent. We must be sober, on our guard and not give the enemy an inch in our lives.

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 reminds us not to sleep but to stay awake and be alert. We must not get drunk on our own pleasure and comfort, we must stay sober.

Peter in his call to holiness proclaims in 1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

At war every hour

And there was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was descended from the giants. 1 Chronicles 20:6 (ESV)

This giant with his 24 digits can be seen symbolically for the giant enemies we face each hour of the day. We should identify the giants that come to torment us and like David and his men, kill every last one of them. Jesus told us to take up our cross daily and follow him in Luke 9:23.

2 Timothy 2:1–13

Called to teach

and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)

This is the first of four analogies (Teacher, Soldier, Athlete and Farmer). Paul uses these to speak of the Christian life and ministry. Each points in some way to the need for whole hearted devotion in spite of difficulty.

As a teacher Paul encourages Timothy to pass on what he has learned from him (Paul) to faithful men who could also teach others. We see 4 generations here, Paul, Timothy, Faithful Men and Others.

Although the context tells us this is in regards to the continuation and spread of the ministry. Each of us is called to pass on what we have learned to the upcoming generations. We must grow and be mature as Christians so we can pass down what was passed down to us. We don’t need to make up something new, our faith is not novel. It is our duty to pass down the historically orthodox Christian faith to each generation.

Called to fight

No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 2 Timothy 2:4 (ESV)

The second analogy for the Christian life is life as a soldier. As soldiers we endure harsh conditions, we are disciplined and willing to lay our lives on the line for our King. We obey commands, we show discipline, we fight, we defend, we protect, we have lives dedicated to duty.

We must not be short sighted, only concerned with life now. We must see the greater vision of the army and our commanding officer and seek to please Christ in faith.

Called to run and work

An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 2 Timothy 2:5–6 (ESV)

The next two analogies are of an Athlete and a Farmer.

Athletes need to be very disciplined, they need to watch what they eat and be disciplined in exercise and training. We need to be careful about what we eat spiritually and we need to constantly exercise our spiritual senses.

Athletes also have a drive to win, to gain the prize, to finish the race well. We can apply all of this to our walk with the Lord, we should run to win.

Farmers need to work hard. They get up earlier than everyone else, they need to show patience and perseverance in all seasons as they work ploughing the fields, planting the seeds and tending the crops. We are called to perseverance for our own lives but also as we work to see fruit in others.

The word of God is not bound

for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 2 Timothy 2:9 (ESV)

Nothing can stop the word of God! Even though Paul was in chains the word of God cannot be put in chains. This is why God allowed His word to be recorded in written form, this ensures the message goes where men cannot go and can be passed from person to person.

Thank God we have the unstoppable word of God. We should seek to see the word spread to every corner of the earth so that God’s elect may obtain the salvation that is in Jesus.

Psalm 85:1–13

The cross

Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Psalm 85:10 (ESV)

This is seen in full on the cross where Jesus was sacrificed in our place, making peace between us and God.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Timothy 2

Today’s reading: 1 Chron 16:1–17:27, 2 Tim 1:3–18, Ps 84:1–12

Today’s theme: Enjoy God

We are encouraged to rejoice in seeking the Lord today. God has given us His Holy Spirit so we do not need to be governed by fear. Today let’s declare God as king and seek to serve Him with joy in His kingdom. Do this in the security of His election and our eternal security as we persevere and guard what He has entrusted to us. Rejoice!

1 Chronicles 16:1–17:27

Rejoice as you seek the Lord

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! 1 Chronicles 16:10 (ESV)

Like king David, we should sing and give praise to God, we should give glory to God. The thanks we see David giving to God here are taken from some of his many psalms. First we see Psalm 105:1-5, followed by Psalm 96 and then parts of Psalm 106.

As we seek the Lord we should do it in joy. We should rejoice from our hearts as we read and study God’s word.

Declare God as sovereign

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place. 1 Chronicles 16:24–27 (ESV)

This great declaration proclaims God as sovereign. He is the only God and all the false gods are worthless nonsense.

We are called to proclaim God’s greatness as the true king to all nations. We do this through the proclamation of the Gospel and upholding the truth that God created the entire universe and deserves our praise and allegiance.

See Matthew 28:18–20 for the account of the great commission.

Seek to build God’s house

And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the LORD will build you a house. 1 Chronicles 17:10 (ESV)

God knew David’s heart was to build Him a house of worship. Because of this God blesses David’s family declaring that they will always be on the throne. This will find it’s ultimate fulfilment at the return of Christ. See Luke 1:32, Romans 15:12 and Revelation 22:16.

We should have a heart like David to build up God’s house, the body of Christ. When we seek to build the body from our hearts through the gifts God has given us, God will reward us as He does here for David. See Ephesians 4:16.

Find courage from God’s word

For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him. Therefore your servant has found courage to pray before you. 1 Chronicles 17:25 (ESV)

When we consider God’s promises to us in His word, it should give us confidence to approach God in prayer. Hebrews 4:16 and Romans 4:20-21.

2 Timothy 1:3–18

The marks of the Holy Spirit

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

As Paul writes this to encourage the young Pastor Timothy to not be timid in the proclamation and defence of his faith, we too can be encouraged that we have been adopted by God. That we have the gift of God Himself in the Holy Spirit.

The first mark of the Holy Spirit is that we have power to be witnesses and to undergo suffering for the Lord.

The second mark is love. Without love we are not authentic disciples of Jesus Christ. It is only this which allows us to serve others in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The third mark is self control. The Holy Spirit enables us to respond rather than react to the sort of opposition and resistance Timothy is experiencing.

God has elected us

who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)

God saved us and gave us our calling in ministry. Not because of any good we did, not even because we choose to trust in Christ. He saved us before the universe began, according to His own purpose and grace.

This is the mystery of election, God choose us and we do not know why. We praise Him for the love and grace He has shown to us. The fact that God chose us before the world began should fill us with confidence as we stand and minister in His name.

Eternally secured

which is why I suffer as I do. But 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. 2 Timothy 1:12 (ESV)

When we give our lives to the Lord we are entrusting Him with our lives and He keeps us. This is why we can have confidence in our salvation. We know who we believe in and He is able to keep us and come good on His promise. It is because of Jesus that our salvation is eternally secured.

Guard what you have

By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 2 Timothy 1:14 (ESV)

This is the other side of eternal security. We don’t just trust God to keep us and then spend the rest of our Christian life in a rocking chair.

We need to guard what has been given to us. We have been given the Gospel, we are taught the bible every week and have the Holy Spirit. It is down to us to guard what we have and to hold on to it with the Spirit’s power.

Our lives are not those of rich brats waiting to come into their inheritance. We are soldiers in a very real fight, in the army of our Commander, The Warrior King, Jesus.

Psalm 84:1–12

Enjoy church

My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Psalm 84:2 (ESV)

We should love coming together at church to serve and worship our God, the Living God.

God is my king

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Psalm 84:3 (ESV)

God is our King, we live by His decree, we live under His protection, serving in His kingdom and rejoicing in His reign.

Love God’s presence

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10 (ESV)

Our preference should be God’s house. Our appetite should be for God’s presence and to fellowship with God’s people.

Enjoy life in God

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 (ESV)

The Devil has lied to people saying God does not want good for them and wants to take the enjoyment out of life. This is a lie, God wants our lives to be full and enjoyable in Him.

As we walk in His ways there is no good thing that God will withhold from His people. God gets to define what is a good thing for us, not man.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Timothy 1

Today’s reading: 1 Chron 14:1–15:29, 2 Tim 1:1–2, Ps 83:1–18

Today’s theme: God breaks through

God breaks through against the enemy when we pray but also breaks through on us overcoming our flesh. We must be in a place to allow ourselves to be overcome by God

1 Chronicles 14:1–15:29

Polygamy is wrong

And David took more wives in Jerusalem, and David fathered more sons and daughters. 1 Chronicles 14:3 (ESV)

As mentioned in the note on 1 Chronicles 3:5, God never intended any man to practice polygamy (having multiple wives) and specifically instructed kings against this abuse of power in Deuteronomy 17:17.

David’s disobedience to this command has a terrible affect on his children as a brother rapes a sister. That brother is then killed by another brother who eventually usurps David.

As Christians we must defend and uphold the biblical model and mandate for marriage for life between one man and one woman.

Pray to God for breakthrough

And he went up to Baal-perazim, and David struck them down there. And David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. 1 Chronicles 14:11 (ESV)

David did not just go up to fight, he asked God first and God answered him. This was not just in a spiritual sense but in the actual battle, God allowed them to defeat their enemies.

God is the God of breakthrough for our lives too. If we seek Him He will show us how to get breakthrough and see our enemies defeated. 2 Corinthians 10:4.

Be humble and repent

Then David said that no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the LORD had chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister to him forever. 1 Chronicles 15:2 (ESV)

One of the things we love about David’s example to us is that we see a real man with a real life full of mistakes who does not sit in the mess of his mistakes in pride forever. Rather, he seeks God in repentance.

Like David we must be quick to repent when we make mistakes and seek to live in accordance with God’s word. As David now seeks to minister in line with God’s law, so must we. Acts 17:30.

God breaks through

Because you did not carry it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.” 1 Chronicles 15:13 (ESV)

God is the Lord of the Breakthrough in two ways. He will empower us to overcome our enemies but He will also Himself breakthrough against our flesh in loving discipline so that we can learn to walk according to His word.

Jesus reminds us in John 15:2 that “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

Loving God’s presence

and with them their brothers of the second order, Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel. 1 Chronicles 15:18 (ESV)

Obed-edom’s name comes up a few times in today’s reading. He is serving all over God’s house because he loves God’s presence.

Loving God’s presence cannot be disassociated with loving God Himself. Serving God should not be done or even considered apart from loving the Lord also.

2 Timothy 1:1–2

Grace, mercy and peace

To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:2 (ESV)

Thank God today for the grace, mercy and peace that comes from God. These are three wonderful graces we should think about and be thankful for today, here are some short definitions.

Grace: In Christian doctrine, this term refers to unmerited divine favour. In summary form, the Christian message is “the gospel of God’s grace”.

Mercy: Compassion or leniency shown to another, especially an offender.

Peace: Safety, prosperity, well-being; intactness, wholeness. Peace can have a focus of security and safety which can bring feelings of satisfaction, well-being and contentment.

Taken from The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible and  Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words

Psalm 83:1–18

Pray for shame

Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O LORD. Psalm 83:16 (ESV)

This is a strategy we can use in prayer.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Timothy 1

Today’s reading: 1 Chron 12:1–13:14, 1 Tim 6:11–21, Ps 81:1–82:8

Today’s theme: The army of the King

We have been called to enlist in God’s great army, as servants of the one true God and King, to see His kingdom established and His name glorified throughout the earth. We also learn other related lessons such as; understanding the times, God being at work in us, fighting to persevere, guarding the truth and honouring the one true God. These are all the expectations of soldiers in God’s army, that we might enjoy God’s blessings and praise His name.

1 Chronicles 12:1–13:14

God’s great army

For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God. 1 Chronicles 12:22 (ESV)

We are called to be in God’s great army. Here are some things we pick up from this chapter about what we should be, as fighters in God’s Army:

In verse 1 – we should love the Lord with all our mind, soul and strength, using our energy to help, for the cause of our king. Mark 12:30

In verse 2 – we should be flexible and adaptable in ministry and  our work for the Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:18 and Ephesians 4:16

In Verse 8 – our experiences in life and our walk with the Lord should help us as we fight the good fight, we should use the shield of faith. Let the Lion of the tribe of Judah shine through and be quick to follow the Lord, repent and do good. Ephesians 6:16

In verse 14 – we must remember that we are more than conquerors, our faith should be in God and we should be encouraged that greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world. Romans 8:37

In verse 18 – we should be clothed in the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

Let us fight in the King’s Army today. 1 Timothy 1:18 and 2 Timothy 4:7

Understanding of the times

Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command. 1 Chronicles 12:32 (ESV)

Jesus taught us to watch and pray, in Mark 14:38, and He rebuked Israel for not seeing the signs and for missing it’s time of visitation, in Luke 19:44.

We should be like the men of Issachar who had understanding of the times. As Christians we need to engage with the world around us and keep ourselves informed on current affairs and the daily news.

We should understand what implications the news, law and cultural movements have, from a Christian worldview and what the potential spiritual impact is.

We have agencies and resources to help with this, these include: Open Doors, CSW and Release International. There is also Christian News/Trend analysis like Christian Concern and “The Briefing” by Albert Mohler, to name just a few.

We must stay watchful, be sober (1 Peter 5:8), keep our eyes open and always pray in response to what we see.

God at work in you

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. 1 Chronicles 13:10 (ESV)

The work and ministry of the Lord cannot be handled in whichever way we want, even our lives are not our own because it is God who is in us, just like He was in the Ark. 1 Corinthians 6:19

When we seek to live before God and to work in the Kingdom, we should do so with fear and trembling because God is God. We must be led by His Spirit and not work or try to live by our own ideas and fleshly efforts, which only leads to death. Romans 8:4-6 and Galatians 5:16

Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:12-13 regarding our walk and work before the Lord, that… “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

The blessing of God’s presence

And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had. 1 Chronicles 13:14 (ESV)

God’s presence in our lives, blesses our lives and households as it did Obed Edom. We should have homes where God’s presence dwells.

1 Timothy 6:11–21

The fight of perseverance

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 (ESV)

The word “Fight” is the Greek word agōnizomai (ἀγωνίζομαι) which means to compete, engage in a contest, to fight, struggle, conquer, defeat, help, agony, anxiety, make effort, contest, to contend, to exert, to be a combatant, to exert oneself and strive earnestly.

This is in line with the theme we observed in today’s OT reading, of being in God’s army and working in God’s way.

We are called to struggle against sin and compromise, to contend for the purity of the faith. We are summoned to take hold of eternal life, as the prize in this athletic contest.

So the encouragement is for us to persevere, to press forward despite resistance and difficulty. Our lives, if we are alive to Christ, will be lives of struggle, exertion, battle and contention. We are called to be good soldiers in the Army of our King Jesus, like David’s mighty men.

Doxology

which he will display at the proper time—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. 1 Timothy 6:15–16 (ESV)

We should read this doxology again and again (short praise to God, like the benediction we recite at the end of a service). We should meditate on the wonderful truth that this early doxology affirms, that Jesus is the true sovereign, the only true sovereign, the King.

This is the bibles overarching story of the king in his kingdom. This is why one of the great themes of the bible is the sovereignty or kingship of God.

This affirmation also makes clear that Jesus is immortal, which means He was not created and is co-equal with God.

Enjoyment and pleasure

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV)

Everything God has provided us with is so that we enjoy them in Him. God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him.

God wants us to enjoy our lives with and in light of Him (not the flesh). This is one of the core reasons God created all things, for enjoyment and pleasure.

We should enjoy living selflessly too, like serving, giving to the poor, bearing one another’s burdens etc.

We should not pin our hopes on money, money is not our salvation or solution. God is the great provider and He provides richly so that we can enjoy our lives, therefore we should focus on and trust in Him.

Guard the true story

O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 1 Timothy 6:20 (ESV)

We should avoid wasting our time and energy in pointless debates, we should guard what we have, the gospel that has been handed down to us.

Today we must guard our hearts and beliefs from all the false alluring stories in the world, knowing that we hold the authentic story and all others are a dim reflection or blatant distortion / repudiation of the true.

Psalm 81:1–82:8

There is only one true God

I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.” Psalm 82:6–7 (ESV)

These verses have caused controversy in the church and have been picked up by modern day TV preachers who say that we are all gods by our very nature and that when God created us, He created us as little gods so that we too can create things with our words, like God. This is rank heresy.

Here, God is addressing the judges and rulers of Israel who have been granted some power of attorney on God’s behalf, to administer justice, but they have not.

God makes very clear that He alone is God in the previous psalm and in this one, He makes clear to these men He is addressing, that although they were clothed for a while in the authority by which God judges men, they too were men, mortal and so would die, unlike the only true King who we read about today, who is immortal.

We may make appeals on God’s behalf and as the body of Christ we stand as representatives of the King and His kingdom, in the world today. We are not kings, we are servants. We are not gods. Only God is God!

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 1 Timothy 6