Today’s Reading: Mal 2:10–4:6, Acts 28:1–31, Job 31:23–40

Today’s Theme: God, Treasurer and Treasure

Today’s theme is that God both treasures His people and is the greatest treasure to His people. The theme of giving to the Lord of earthly riches and not trusting in riches is looked at as well as our call to live to store treasure in heaven through holy living.

Malachi 2:10–4:6

God, The One Father

Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?(Malachi 2:10, ESV)

God is our Father and the one who created us all. As mentioned in Acts He created us all from one blood, He deserves our alliance.

Honour the church building

Judah has been faithless, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the Lord, which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god. (Malachi 2:11, ESV)

Some people play down the importance of the church building but the Lord loves His sanctuary, we should honour it too.

God is holy

But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.(Malachi 2:14, ESV)

Our sins are open before God, we simply cannot live in open sin and expect God to hear our prayers and receive our service, God is holy.

Guard your spirit

Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. (Malachi 2:15, ESV)

Men need to guard against being unfaithful to their wives which leads to divorce. The Lord tells us we need to guard our hearts regarding this, as Jesus reveals unfaithfulness always begins in the heart.

Don’t weary the Lord

You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, “How have we wearied him?” By saying, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.” Or by asking, “Where is the God of justice?”(Malachi 2:17, ESV)

Hearing and believing false teaching wearies the Lord it causes us to live in a false reality made of apparent facts and assumptions.

The messenger

“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.(Malachi 3:1, ESV)

This is John the Baptist.

The forerunner

But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap.(Malachi 3:2, ESV)

John was like this, he purified hearts in preparation for Jesus.

Pray for the oppressed workers

“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.(Malachi 3:5, ESV)

Pray for those who are oppressed in their place of employment. Think beyond your own work place, consider those suffering in the third world where they are paid pennies each day. We should advocate and actively help them through fair-trade etc.

Repent, give to the Lord

From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?’(Malachi 3:7, ESV)

God is calling His people to repentance, in particular it is repentance over their giving. Tithes in these days for Israel was wrapped up in their taxes as they were a theocratic (ruled by God) kingdom.

The application for us today is not that we must give just 10% but that we must give consistently, generously and with a joy filled heart.

Trust God

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.(Malachi 3:10, ESV)

This was not a tithe of money, it was a tithe of food. Notice the blessing is an agricultural one, this was God’s way of running this nation but it required the trust of His people.

Great profit

You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts?(Malachi 3:14, ESV)

There is so much profit in this life and eternity if we live for God.

God’s treasures

Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name.(Malachi 3:16, ESV)

God has a book of remembrance for those who genuinely fear Him. We should live so as to be in that book. By this we are treasures to God and He will keep us.

No grey lines

Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.(Malachi 3:18, ESV)

With God it is black and white, either we serve Him or we do not.

Elijah has come

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. (Malachi 4:5, ESV)

Jesus told us this was John the Baptist.

Restoration

And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”(Malachi 4:6, ESV)

This is where restoration and revival begins, with restored relationships in the home.

Acts 28:1–31

Demonic exposure

When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.(Acts 28:3, ESV)

This actually happened, however we can see a lesson here too, when the fire of God’s truth comes we need to be prepared for the fact that demonic spirits will not be able to take the heat and will be exposed.

A false god

When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”(Acts 28:4, ESV)

Not as we know justice, this is a false god literally called Justice.

Demons consumed

He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.(Acts 28:5, ESV)

Those demonic powers are consumed by God’s word.

Healing on the Mission

It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him.(Acts 28:8, ESV)

Although it is not mentioned here I’m sure this was accompanied with sharing the good news.

Kindred spirits

And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.(Acts 28:15, ESV)

True believers take great encouragement when we see other believers, especially when we are in a new place.

The Hope of Israel

For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.”(Acts 28:20, ESV)

Jesus is the Hope of Israel.

Convince through the scriptures

When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. (Acts 28:23, ESV)

We should try to convince the lost and Jews in particular through the scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

Be convinced

And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.(Acts 28:24, ESV)

Convinced seems synonymous with belief.

Convinced = Belief

Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”(Acts 28:28, ESV)

Praise God for His mercy, we are gentiles.

The Kingdom of God

proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. (Acts 28:31, ESV)

Praise God, what an end to Acts, it ends with God in victory again (without hindrance). Paul proclaimed two things, one was that the kingdom has come in the church, second, everything else is to be seen in the light of Jesus. With boldness he preached the Gospel and so should we.

Acts ends with Paul teaching, we should not shun teaching we should embrace it as God’s way of conveying His truth, to His people and the world.

Job 31:23–40

Don’t trust in riches of this world

this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges, for I would have been false to God above.(Job 31:28, ESV)

Trusting in earthly riches and honouring ourselves is us robbing God of the honour He deserves. We have turned ourselves into false gods.

Internal rot

if I have concealed my transgressions as others do by hiding my iniquity in my heart,(Job 31:33, ESV)

When we harbour evil in our hearts it is like we are rotting from the inside. We need to have a clean heart before God and man.

We have an advocate

Oh, that I had one to hear me! (Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me!) Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adversary!(Job 31:35, ESV)

Thanks be to God that we can come boldly before the throne of grace and that Jesus is our advocate.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 28

Today’s Reading: Mal 1:1–2:9, Acts 27:1–44, Job 31:9–22

Today’s Theme: Sloppy Leftovers

Today’s theme is that we should not give God the sloppy left overs but give Him our best. This attitude will filter throughout every area of our lives so that we also love and honor each other more.

Malachi 1:1–2:9

Gods purpose in election

“I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” (Malachi 1:2-3 ESV)

This was said that God’s purpose in election might stand as an example to us all, note the motivating factor of God’s election is a special love that He does not have for everyone.

Honour God

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ (Malachi 1:6 ESV)

This is the Lord’s question to us today, we should honour God as our father, instead, so many completely dishonour Him by seeing how far they can go.

Polluted food

By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord’s table may be despised. (Malachi 1:7 ESV)

The Word of God corrupted, badly interpreted and taught.

Sloppy Leftovers

When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 1:8 ESV)

We should not be giving God the sloppy left overs of our time, energy or resource. He should get the prime cut of these things which is why it is important to spend time listening to Him in His word and in prayer at the very start of the day and to serve Him throughout the day with joy and vigour.

Give good pleasure

Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. (Malachi 1:10 ESV)

God does not have pleasure in religious people, those involved in external observance and ordinance or those who simply attend church. God only gets pleasure from those who put their faith and trust in Him.

Don’t cheat

Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations. (Malachi 1:14 ESV)

Cheating will bring a curse to our lives, it is impossible to cheat God, He is the great king on the throne.

Turn others from iniquity

True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. (Malachi 2:6 ESV)

One of the purposes of being a priest, we are a royal priesthood.

Study Gods Word

For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 2:7 ESV)

A leader in the church should study the word of God so that they can give a biblical answer when asked questions. The same applies to all Christians as God’s priesthood.

Pray for neglected sheep

But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts, (Malachi 2:8 ESV)

A pastor’s call is serious, their lives and teaching affect so many, this is why their judgement is more severe. We should pray for those who have leaders causing them to stumble.

Thank God that we have good pastors.

Acts 27:1–44

Gods quiet work

We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. (Acts 27:7 ESV)

God is quietly at work here directing Paul’s steps.

God’s plans will succeed

and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ (Acts 27:24 ESV)

God’s plan would not be thwarted, God intended to save the empire. Those around us can benefit because of God’s purpose in our lives.

Receive the word in faith

So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. (Acts 27:25 ESV)

God’s word to Paul via the angel was received in faith, we should also receive the word of God in faith.

Let’s stick together

Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” (Acts 27:31 ESV)

Mother Greenidge used this scripture to encourage us to stick it out together.

The whole man

Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” (Acts 27:34 ESV)

God is concerned with the whole man.

Don’t give up

and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land. (Acts 27:44 ESV)

This is often referred to as the saying ‘even if you make it by the skin of your teeth… don’t give up’.

Job 31:9–22

What if someone did it to you?

then let my wife grind for another, and let others bow down on her. (Job 31:10 ESV)

This is the right way to measure lust. If a man allows his heart to be enticed it is as Jesus said adultery in the heart. A great deterrent as a married man is to consider your wife sleeping with another man as a result of your thoughts and actions.

The fire of lust

for that would be a fire that consumes as far as Abaddon, and it would burn to the root all my increase. (Job 31:12 ESV)

Lust is a fire that brings ultimate destruction.

Abortion is murder

Did not he who made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb? (Job 31:15 ESV)

God makes babies in the womb, abortion is murder.

Social Justice

“If I have withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, (Job 31:16 ESV)

From here to verse 22 Job speaks about social justice and responsibility and that not pursuing this would be a terrible sin.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 27

Today’s Reading: Zech 12:1–14:21, Acts 26:1–32, Job 31:1–8

Today’s Theme: The Spirit of Grace

Today there is no clear theme but we do speak about the spirit of grace which God pours out, granting repentance to His people. We see God’s grace in the very creation of man and then in His plan to redeem and restore man to His own Glory.

Zechariah 12:1–14:21

Man’s spirit

The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him: (Zechariah 12:1, ESV)

We are not extensions of God, nor are our spirits a part of or akin to the Holy Spirit. God created man’s spirit when He breathed into man the breath of life.

The heavy stone

On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it. (Zechariah 12:3, ESV)

This is a good lens to see today’s news through and explains the troubles in the Middle East. It also gives us direction on future events. We should pray that our nation will not hurt itself meddling in Israel as we have done in the past.

Jesus son of David, Son of God.

On that day the LORD will protect the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them on that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the angel of the LORD, going before them. (Zechariah 12:8, ESV)

A nod to the Messiah who is of the Davidic line and is God.

Armageddon

And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (Zechariah 12:9, ESV)

This points to Armageddon

The spirit of grace

“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10, ESV)

This will be a sovereign move of God at the return of Christ to the Glory of God, The Jews will see Jesus who was nailed to the cross and because God gave them a spirit to repent they will.

There is a fountain

“On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness. (Zechariah 13:1, ESV)

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins, Jesus is the fountain of life.

Demons judged

“And on that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, so that they shall be remembered no more. And also I will remove from the land the prophets and the spirit of uncleanness. (Zechariah 13:2, ESV)

Be encouraged, false teachers and demons days are numbered.

False prophecy is evil

And if anyone again prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not live, for you speak lies in the name of the LORD.’ And his father and mother who bore him shall pierce him through when he prophesies. (Zechariah 13:3, ESV)

God takes false prophecy really seriously.

Jesus, the struck shepherd

“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me,” declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones. (Zechariah 13:7, ESV)

This can be seen in both a good and bad light, it was used to describe the essential truth of what happens to followers when a leader is struck and in particular context to Jesus when He was arrested. However in this context it is God’s judgement on a bad leader in Israel and the wicked followers.

The fire of refinement

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’ ” (Zechariah 13:9, ESV)

God’s fire which is often hard times will refine our character in God.

Protect the women

For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zechariah 14:2, ESV)

This is terrible, we put our household and wives / daughters in danger when we rebel.

Jesus’ 2nd Coming

On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. (Zechariah 14:4, ESV)

The great prophecy of Jesus at his second coming.

The Lord’s army

And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. (Zechariah 14:5, ESV)

Jesus comes with saints and angels.

Yet future

And it shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction. Jerusalem shall dwell in security. (Zechariah 14:11, ESV)

This must be a future event yet to come as since this prophecy Jerusalem was destroyed in 70AD.

Acts 26:1–32

Listen patiently

especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. (Acts 26:3, ESV)

This is a bold and good request when someone is being shared the Gospel, it’s worth asking them to listen patiently.

The miracle of salvation

And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities. (Acts 26:11, ESV)

Paul was a zealous persecutor of the church before he met with Jesus. It is a glorious miracle that he is now a disciple.

Divine appointment

But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, (Acts 26:16, ESV)

Paul’s calling to ministry was a divine appointment of the sovereign Lord. God call us all to service and being Your witnesses.

The mission, outlined

to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (Acts 26:18, ESV)

The purpose of Paul’s mission to the gentiles is outlined by Jesus. To open their eyes, turn them from Satan to God. This is the core purpose of all ministry.

The end and goal of the Gospel is that we might have an inheritance to the glory of God.

Repentance is necessary

but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. (Acts 26:20, ESV)

Repentance is turning to God. True repentance will result in changed behaviour.

The gospel, summarised

that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:23, ESV)

A great summary of the validity and end of the Gospel with particular focus on the hope the resurrection gives us.

Be rational

But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. (Acts 26:25, ESV)

Paul did not accept the abuse from Felix and maintained that the words he spoke were true and rational. Paul was a rationalist in a sense and we should also be. Our gospel is rational.

Seek to persuade

And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:28, ESV)

Oh yes Paul sought to persuade and so should we.

Job 31:1–8

A covenant with our eyes

“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin? (Job 31:1, ESV)

This is a covenant all godly men should have, as Jesus warned us when we look with lust we are guilty of adultery.

A gross caricature

Is not calamity for the unrighteous, and disaster for the workers of iniquity? (Job 31:3, ESV)

This is simply not true, we do go through hard times as well.

The lust of the eyes

if my step has turned aside from the way and my heart has gone after my eyes, and if any spot has stuck to my hands, (Job 31:7, ESV)

We must be careful of the lust of the eyes and coveting, materialism and short sighted lust in general, our hearts must not follow our eyes, we should walk by faith and not by sight, Lord help 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 Acts 26

Today’s Reading: Zech 10:1–11:17, Acts 25:1–27, Job 30:16–31

Today’s Theme: Good Shepherds

Today’s theme is about the good shepherds God has given to the church. We thank God for our own pastors who guide, feed and protect us and pray for those under bad shepherds.

Zechariah 10:1–11:17

Thank God for our shepherds

For the household gods utter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; they tell false dreams and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd. (Zechariah 10:2, ESV)

We need pastors, we need leadership or we will be afflicted with false teaching and practice.

Bad shepherds beware

“My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic steed in battle. (Zechariah 10:3, ESV)

God loves His sheep and will deal with bad shepherds who lead them astray or neglect them. We can take comfort that those attempting to lead God’s people astray will be judged.

God’s compassionate restoration of Israel

“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them. (Zechariah 10:6, ESV)

God restores Israel and His people not out of obligation but in His compassion and simply because He is God.

God whistles

“I will whistle for them and gather them in, for I have redeemed them, and they shall be as many as they were before. (Zechariah 10:8, ESV)

Lord whistle (call, draw) for those who are wayward or under judgement

Judas, a bad shepherd

Then I said to them, “If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” And they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver. Then the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the lordly price at which I was priced by them. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD, to the potter. (Zechariah 11:12–13, ESV)

There are echoes here to what the bad shepherd Judas did to the Lord.

Bad shepherds

For behold, I am raising up in the land a shepherd who does not care for those being destroyed, or seek the young or heal the maimed or nourish the healthy, but devours the flesh of the fat ones, tearing off even their hoofs. (Zechariah 11:16, ESV)

This is the antithesis of what a good shepherd is. Pray for every church with bad shepherds to be restored.

Acts 25:1–27

Clear argument

Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” (Acts 25:8, ESV)

Paul knew his case and made it clear. We should make our points clearly.

Don’t try to impress men

So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. (Acts 25:17, ESV)

Liar, he delayed for 8 days, he was just trying to impress the man, Lord keep us from trying to impress people with lies.

Job 30:16–31

Have a firm view of God

You have turned cruel to me; with the might of your hand you persecute me. (Job 30:21, ESV)

We must not let circumstances cause us to change the way we see God.

Job’s sickness

My skin turns black and falls from me, and my bones burn with heat. (Job 30:30, ESV)

The physical affliction must have been very difficult to handle.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 25

Today’s Reading: Zech 8:1–9:17, Acts 23:23–24:27, Job 30:1–15

Today’s Theme: God’s Passion

Today’s theme is about our passionate God. God is not some cold force, He is full of passion, desire and delights in good things. We as His children, inherit His passion for His glory and rejoice in the things that He delights in and bring Him pleasure.

We should share the truth with the passion of God in our hearts. God will actively see His will come to pass in the fire and energy of His own passion, for His glory.

Zechariah 8:1–9:17

God is passionate

“Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath. (Zechariah 8:2, ESV)

Our God is full of deep passions and affections, He is not untouched and impersonal, instead He is intensely passionate, full of holy jealousy.

The jealousy of God is vitally connected to the expression of that zeal, for His glory, in the wrath of God.

Shared delights

Thus says the LORD of hosts: If it is marvelous in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my sight, declares the LORD of hosts? (Zechariah 8:6, ESV)

God and His people have shared joys and delights. Ask yourself the question; are the things you take joy in, the things that God delights in?

God desires relationship

and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.” (Zechariah 8:8, ESV)

God desires appropriate relationship with His people, in faithfulness and righteousness.

Enjoy the fruit of peace

For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. (Zechariah 8:12, ESV)

We should sow peace in our families, ministries and communities, and enjoy the reaped fruit.

Called to honesty

These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the LORD.” (Zechariah 8:16–17, ESV)

God hates lies and dishonesty and calls His people to honesty and peace, knowing that this will invoke a blessing from Him.

Live in peace with God

“Thus says the LORD of hosts: The fast of the fourth month and the fast of the fifth and the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace. (Zechariah 8:19, ESV)

Same point as the last; we should love the truth of God’s word and living in peace with Him.

Jesus the Jew

Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’ ” (Zechariah 8:23, ESV)

This in some ways, was happening at the time of Jesus, but I think it is ultimately pointing to the future.

In a very real sense, there is a Jew that men from all nations have taken hold of and followed, His name is Yeshua (Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God).

The Fragility of Nations

But behold, the Lord will strip her of her possessions and strike down her power on the sea, and she shall be devoured by fire. (Zechariah 9:4, ESV)

No nation should have confidence in its resources because God can take it all away.

Jesus the King

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9, ESV)

The prophecy is fulfilled by King Jesus.

The kingdom of Jesus

I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. (Zechariah 9:10, ESV)

The future kingdom of Jesus.

God restores double

Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double. (Zechariah 9:12, ESV)

We are kept by hope and our hope shall not make us ashamed. Our God is a good Father, thank you for giving us double and rescuing us.

Acts 23:23–24:27

God’s purpose will be facilitated

Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. (Acts 23:23, ESV)

Look at the amount of men and resources that have been mobilised to facilitate God’s purpose through Paul’s life. God is able to give us favour and in His providence, make a way for us to fulfil His agenda, through the resources of the world.

Nicknames and Slander

For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. (Acts 24:5, ESV)

The new perspectives on Paul are not new, he has always been seen as an enemy of the Jews. Also note one of our early nicknames, like Christian, was Nazarenes.

Legal argument

Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. (Acts 24:13, ESV)

Paul did not completely abandon his legal argument, he had one and he made it. Know when to use logical reasoning like this.

The same God

But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, (Acts 24:14, ESV)

Jews and Christians share the same God. Notice we believe the OT, we do not practise it.

The hope of resurrection

having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. (Acts 24:15, ESV)

Resurrection is central to our Gospel hope and is shared with the Pharisees and Judaism of the day.

Resurrection belief leads to godliness

So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. (Acts 24:16, ESV)

In light of the coming resurrections (plural), we must strive to have a clear conscience before God and man, we must not walk in compromise.

The Explicit Gospel, Unashamed

After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. (Acts 24:24, ESV)

Paul was not ashamed of the explicit Gospel.

Wrestle and Reason

And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” (Acts 24:25, ESV)

We must wrestle and reason with men concerning things of the kingdom and gospel, knowing that this will alarm many, we must still make every effort to reason with them.

Job 30:1–15

Job is mocked

“And now I have become their song; I am a byword to them. (Job 30:9, ESV)

The lowest of men were now making up songs about Job, this shows the extent of his fall and suffering. When someone is going through hard times we should not mock them.

Financial trials

Terrors are turned upon me; my honour is pursued as by the wind, and my prosperity has passed away like a cloud. (Job 30:15, ESV)

Difficulty with finances may be a test of faith rather than the result of sin, discipline or poor stewardship. Trust in God through the trial.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 24

Today’s Reading: Zech 6:1–7:14, Acts 22:22–23:22, Job 29:13–25

Today’s Theme: Use Practical Wisdom and Justice

Today’s theme looks at the pursuit of social justice and the use of practical wisdom. We begin with Jesus the Messiah who branches out and builds God’s true house, the Church. As the body of Christ we should be kind to each other.

In the NT reading we see Paul using the practical everyday wisdom that God has given him, in very difficult circumstances. Finally in Job, we see that Job was like an MP, using his life and influence to pursue justice.

Zechariah 6:1–7:14

Jesus branches out and builds the church

And say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: for he shall branch out from his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD. (Zechariah 6:12, ESV)

The Branch is a reference to the coming Messiah. Jesus fulfils this prophecy not by rebuilding the temple like Zerubabel did, but by building His church, as He mentions in Matthew 16:18.

Don’t waste your time

“Say to all the people of the land and the priests, When you fasted and mourned in the fifth month and in the seventh, for these seventy years, was it for me that you fasted? (Zechariah 7:5, ESV)

If our religious activity is not truly for God, it is a waste of time.

Be kind to each other

“Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.” (Zechariah 7:9–10, ESV)

God wants us to pursue mercy and justice and wants us to be kind to each other.

Acts 22:22–23:22

Know and use the law

But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” (Acts 22:25, ESV)

God led Paul by His Spirit, to use the law of the land to his advantage. Lord, help us to use the law of the land to further the cause of the Gospel.

God will strike

Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” (Acts 23:3, ESV)

Those who oppose the Gospel put themselves in danger of being struck by God.

Be alert and perceptive

Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” (Acts 23:6, ESV)

We need to be alert and perceptive like Paul, this was a great strategic move.

Take courage

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” (Acts 23:11, ESV)

Jesus himself came to comfort Paul, the Lord wants us to take courage in our stand for Him too.

Practical wisdom

Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” (Acts 23:17, ESV)

Paul used the practical wisdom and common sense that God had given him, he did not go into prayer about this, his actions were quite straightforward.

Job 29:13–25

Job the MP

I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy, and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know. I broke the fangs of the unrighteous and made him drop his prey from his teeth. (Job 29:15–17, ESV)

Job was no slouch, he lived out his faith in the pursuit of social justice and it seems he had the position and influence to do something about it. We could think of him as a godly MP or Lord today.

Be a councillor

“Men listened to me and waited and kept silence for my counsel. (Job 29:21, ESV)

Not shy, very wise and respected, Job was the chief of the men of his city. Lord, help us to be people that others can turn to for advice.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 23

Today’s Reading: Zech 3:1–5:11, Acts 21:27–22:21, Job 29:1–12

Today’s Theme: God, Sovereign over the enemy

Today’s theme is about God’s sovereignty over the enemy and His sovereignty over our call to serve Him.

Zechariah 3:1–5:11

The Lord rebukes Satan

And the LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, O Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” (Zechariah 3:2, ESV)

This is key in spiritual warfare, it is not about us rebuking the devil, but about declaring that the Lord rebukes the devil. This is picked up in the book of Jude.

Notice the Lord declares Himself as the one who choose Jerusalem. God has chosen His people too and in that context of ownership, He rebukes the enemy over our lives.

Iniquity taken away

And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” (Zechariah 3:4, ESV)

This happens to us in Christ, God deals with our accuser the devil, removes the dirty clothes of sin from us and takes away our iniquity. But that is not it, we are then clothed in robes of righteousness… Hallelujah

Jesus the Branch

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. (Zechariah 3:8, ESV)

The Branch is a reference to Jesus.

Fight by the Spirit

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6, ESV)

We walk and fight not by our own might or power, but by God’s Spirit. That is why in the next verse, the prophet is told to shout grace, grace to the mountain. It is by the grace of God that the mountain-like obstacles in our lives, will come down.

Complete the task

“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. (Zechariah 4:9, ESV)

The Lord helps us to complete the tasks He has given us to do.

Our plumb line

For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range through the whole earth.” (Zechariah 4:10, ESV)

Our plumb line is the Bible.

Serve in honesty

I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.” (Zechariah 5:4, ESV)

We must give and serve with honest hearts, this reminds me of what happened to Ananias and Sapphira.

Lady Wickedness

And he said, “This is Wickedness.” And he thrust her back into the basket, and thrust down the leaden weight on its opening. (Zechariah 5:8, ESV)

Wickedness is depicted as a woman, I think this is because of the cunning deception and allurement of wickedness.

Acts 21:27–22:21

Beaten for the Lord

He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. (Acts 21:32, ESV)

This should not be read lightly, it is likely that this was a severe beating, they were beating him to death. Remember those who are violently persecuted for their faith in Jesus today.

Use your education to God’s glory

As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? (Acts 21:37, ESV)

Yes Paul knew Greek, he was a well educated man. God can use your education to His glory.

Relate to those you speak to

And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: (Acts 22:2, ESV)

Paul was really gifted in relating to people, he knew speaking in Hebrew would grab their attention.

Appointed tasks

And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ (Acts 22:10, ESV)

God appoints, pre-plans and elects in our lives, as His chosen vessels. What have you been appointed to do?

Chosen for service

And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. (Acts 22:14–15, ESV)

Again, sovereign choice is at work even in our election for service.

Personal testimony and the Gospel

And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ” (Acts 22:21, ESV)

Paul’s commission to the Gentiles was the purpose and plan of God. Also note that Paul is using personal testimony and experience to share the truth of the Gospel here.

Job 29:1–12

Pray for those who have lost children

when the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were all around me, (Job 29:5, ESV)

It must have been so hard for Job, just saying this would have been heart wrenching, all of his children were killed. Pray for those who have endured the pain of losing a child.

Job the judge and counsellor

because I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to help him. (Job 29:12, ESV)

Job was not just rich, he used those riches to help others, he was like a judge in the gate of the city, like a city counsellor.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 22

Today’s Reading: Zech 1:1–2:13, Acts 21:1–26, Job 28:12–28

Today’s Theme: God’s Grace and Wisdom

Today’s theme looks at God’s grace and wisdom. God is gracious in calling those who have fallen away to restoration, in sending His patrol angels throughout the earth, being a wall of fire to His people and redeeming a people from all nations, tribes and tongues.

God in His wisdom and grace, warns Paul through prophetic symbolism. In Job, we hear of the preciousness of God’s wisdom.

Zechariah 1:1–2:13

A call to backsliders

Therefore say to them, Thus declares the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 1:3, ESV)

This is not a call to sinners, but to God’s own people who have rebelled. Let us pray for backsliders to return to the Lord.

The patrol angels

So the man who was standing among the myrtle trees answered, ‘These are they whom the LORD has sent to patrol the earth.’ (Zechariah 1:10, ESV)

God has patrol angels, I’m sure these keep demons in check, like God’s police force.

God, gracious and comforting

And the LORD answered gracious and comforting words to the angel who talked with me. (Zechariah 1:13, ESV)

This sounds like God, He speaks gracious and comforting words to His people. God could have spoken in power and authority, but He chose to speak in a way that considers the fact that we are dust.

Jerusalem is special to God

So the angel who talked with me said to me, ‘Cry out, Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion. (Zechariah 1:14, ESV)

Jerusalem is a special place for God, unlike any other.

A wall of fire

And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst.’ ” (Zechariah 2:5, ESV)

Lord, be a wall of fire around our lives.

The apple of God’s eye

For thus said the LORD of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye: (Zechariah 2:8, ESV)

The children of Israel are the apple of God’s eye, to be against them is to poke a finger in God’s eye.

God’s people, more than national Israel

And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. (Zechariah 2:11, ESV)

The people of God go beyond national Israel, this is true as the church is Jew and Gentile.

Acts 21:1–26

The Holy Spirit warns

And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. (Acts 21:4, ESV)

The Holy Spirit used the believers to warn Paul about the danger in Jerusalem and that he should not go there.

Prophetic symbolism

And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” (Acts 21:11, ESV)

This was a genuine prophecy and we also see prophetic symbolism used. The distinction is that this is not used for a wish, but an actual prophecy.

Ready to lay it all on the line

Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13, ESV)

Paul was ready to lay it all on the line for the Gospel, we should be the same.

James not Peter

On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. (Acts 21:18, ESV)

James, not Peter, was the leader of the church in Jerusalem. The Roman Catholic papacy has always been built on the misunderstanding that Peter was the leader of the church.

True Christianity is not anti Jewish

And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, (Acts 21:20, ESV)

How can Christianity be anti Jewish when so many thousands came to faith?

Job 28:12–28

Precious wisdom

No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal; the price of wisdom is above pearls. (Job 28:18, ESV)

This and all the other comparisons made are so true, wisdom is more precious than any financial thing.

God’s wisdom

“God understands the way to it, and he knows its place. (Job 28:23, ESV)

Yes, true wisdom belongs to God, this is why in James, we are encouraged to ask for wisdom.

Wisdom defined

And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’ ” (Job 28:28, ESV)

This is a simple working definition of wisdom.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 21

Today’s Reading: Haggai 1:1–2:23, Acts 20:1–38, Job 28:1–11

Today’s Theme: Work in God’s House

Today’s theme is about us working in and on God’s house. We explore the problem of selfishness and the relative poverty it brings.

We will spend time in both Haggai and Acts, looking at the ways we should work and the methods we should use to serve in the church and build up fellow believers, as the body of Christ.

We will see that we need to work in the Spirit, by the Word, and really make an effort. There is hard work to do, so we should use our money, time and resources to bring God pleasure and glory through the church.

Haggai 1:1–2:23

Serve in the church

“Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your panelled houses, while this house lies in ruins? (Haggai 1:4, ESV)

Offering and service in the church are really important, we should ensure that our lives are not just about us and our own household, but God’s wider purpose in and through the church.

The futility of selfishness

You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink,   but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. (Haggai 1:6, ESV)

This barrenness is in context to not giving to God’s purpose. Lord, keep us from this type of futility, help us to be prosperous in You.

Bring God pleasure and glory

Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the LORD. (Haggai 1:8, ESV)

The purpose of the church is that God would be pleased and glorified through it.

Don’t be self centred

You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the LORD of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. (Haggai 1:9, ESV)

The source to financial difficulty can be selfishness and a failure to comply with the mandate to build and maintain the church, through both finance and service.

Be moved by the Spirit to work

And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, (Haggai 1:14, ESV)

Lord, stir up Your people by Your Holy Spirit, to work on and in Your house.

Work

Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts, (Haggai 2:4, ESV)

We have work to do and it is not about the glory of the thing we are working on, it is the fact that God is with us and gives us the mandate to work. The value is in the work rather than the product of it.

The money all belongs to God

The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. (Haggai 2:8, ESV)

A true perspective on money; 10% doesn’t belong to God, 100% belongs to God. Lord, help us to be good stewards of Your money.

Work by the Spirit

Then Haggai answered and said, “So is it with this people, and with this nation before me, declares the LORD, and so with every work of their hands. And what they offer there is unclean. (Haggai 2:14, ESV)

We must not just work in the flesh, but in the Spirit, as we serve in the house of the Lord.

Work because you have been elected

On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.” (Haggai 2:23, ESV)

God’s own specific sovereign election of Israel should fill us with confidence in God’s election of us, as His people. We know He has chosen us so we can boldly and generously serve in His house.

Acts 20:1–38

Encourage the saints

After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. (Acts 20:1, ESV)

Paul had a real heart for the disciples and waited before leaving, to encourage them. We should always be sensitive to encouraging those around us.

Building through encouragement

When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. (Acts 20:2, ESV)

Again, Paul is revisiting disciples and encouraging them in the faith.

Word Study: Encouragement

The sense of the Greek word is to urge the saints on in their walk.

Other senses of the word from BDAG (This is the short title for the world’s leading Greek New Testament Bible Dictionary also known as the Bauer-Danker Lexicon):

1. To ask to come and be present where the speaker is, call to one’s side
2. To urge strongly, appeal to, urge, exhort, encourage
3. To make a strong request for something, request, implore, entreat
4. To instil someone with courage or cheer, comfort, encourage, cheer up

Building through fellowship

On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. (Acts 20:7, ESV)

A reference to the church meeting for worship on Sunday rather than Saturday which is the actual Sabbath day.

Building through teaching

And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. (Acts 20:11, ESV)

This was a prolonged time of teaching, the church needs good teaching to grow.

Serve in humility and through trials

serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; (Acts 20:19, ESV)

This was Paul’s main base in Asia and he served there through all his trials.

Teach the Gospel

how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:20-21, ESV)

Paul’s main purpose in ministry was to teach. The subject of his teaching was the Gospel.

The importance of the Gospel

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24, ESV)

Testifying to the truth of the Gospel was more important to Paul than his life, we should have the same perspective and priority.

God’s whole word

for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. (Acts 20:27, ESV)

We need to have boldness to declare and teach the whole council of God, not just our favourite parts.

The definite atonement

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts 20:28, ESV)

We were brought with the blood of Jesus, this is a definite atonement, the price has been paid in full.

Beware of wolves

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; (Acts 20:29, ESV)

Jesus and Paul warn against wolves, these are false teachers and the church must be on our guard against them today.

Grace builds

And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32, ESV)

The teaching or word of God’s grace, will build up the saints and give us an inheritance as we realise our spiritual riches.

Work hard

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35, ESV)

Ministry is hard work.

Job 28:1–11

The earth’s core

As for the earth, out of it comes bread, but underneath it is turned up as by fire. (Job 28:5, ESV)

This is a correct scientific understanding of the earth, as the core and mantle are fiery.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 20

Today’s Reading: Zephaniah 1:1–3:20, Acts 19:1–41, Job 27:1–23

Today’s Theme: Conflict for God

Today’s theme is about the conflict we go through for God. Sometimes the conflict is internal with our own faith, we shouldn’t turn back, be complacent or prideful. We also need to fight the good fight by sharing the gospel, reasoning, and making disciples.

We must boldly enter into conflict, internally, spiritually and socially for God, to the glory of His name.

Warning; conflicting for God without God, is dangerous.

Zephaniah 1:1–3:20

Don’t turn back

those who have turned back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him.” (Zephaniah 1:6, ESV)

Those who turn away from the Lord and backslide in compromise, spiritual adultery and faithlessness, open themselves to the judgement of God.

Don’t be complacent

At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts, ‘The LORD will not do good, nor will he do ill.’ (Zephaniah 1:12, ESV)

Lord, keep me and my brothers from complacency. We must guard against this lazy attitude, we must violently press forward into the kingdom of God.

This is the error of both “Deism” and “Hyper Calvinism”. God is a very real person and is very actively involved in our lives, not in a distant way, but in a very real way. Like Paul said, He is closer to us than we think.

The nature of sin

I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. (Zephaniah 1:17, ESV)

God takes our sins as a personal offence against Him.

God’s passion for His Glory

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them on the day of the wrath of the LORD. In the fire of his jealousy, all the earth shall be consumed; for a full and sudden end he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth. (Zephaniah 1:18, ESV)

God’s righteous jealousy and zeal for His glory means that evil, sin and sinners must be destroyed. God’s passion drives His judgement.

Seek God

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD. (Zephaniah 2:3, ESV)

No matter how dire the day, we must walk in humility and seek the Lord, that we might find mercy in the day of God’s judgement.

Why are so many against Israel having the territory they have?

“I have heard the taunts of Moab and the revilings of the Ammonites, how they have taunted my people and made boasts against their territory. (Zephaniah 2:8, ESV)

Look at the news… this is happening today, although it is relevant to the past too, by the context of the next few verses.

Don’t boast

This shall be their lot in return for their pride, because they taunted and boasted against the people of the LORD of hosts. (Zephaniah 2:10, ESV)

Christians are warned against this in the NT, by Paul in Romans. We are not to boast against Israel.

Be teachable

She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she does not draw near to her God. (Zephaniah 3:2, ESV)

We must not be like this proud, unteachable city, we must be able to listen to correction in humility and like a child, put our trust in the Lord.

Defend the word of God

Her prophets are fickle, treacherous men; her priests profane what is holy; they do violence to the law. (Zephaniah 3:4, ESV)

So many do violence to the word of God today, we must defend the true interpretation of God’s word in the midst of the many false and lazy teachers.

Accept correction

I said, ‘Surely you will fear me; you will accept correction. Then your dwelling would not be cut off according to all that I have appointed against you.’ But all the more they were eager to make all their deeds corrupt. (Zephaniah 3:7, ESV)

If we accept God’s correction, we can avoid punishment and judgement.

Be humble

But I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the LORD, (Zephaniah 3:12, ESV)

How do we survive in the light of who God is? Humility is our only refuge.

God rejoices over you

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV)

Jesus is our great King and the promised King of Israel. God is mighty to save His chosen people. God rejoices over His people, they bring Him pleasure and He quiets our fears with His love.

Acts 19:1–41

John’s Baptism?

And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” (Acts 19:3, ESV)

They were under John’s ministry so were not yet Christians.

Tongues and proclamation of the truth (prophecy)

And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. (Acts 19:6, ESV)

Notice that with the tongues came prophesying, in fact, tongues in the first instance were prophesying in different languages. This is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God and the growth and confirmation of the church.

Keep reasoning

And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. (Acts 19:8, ESV)

Again, Paul reasoning and persuading, this was his strategy and notice it was not one visit, but a continued interaction for three months.

Discipleship vs debate

But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. (Acts 19:9, ESV)

Paul was more concerned with discipleship than debate, so he moved away from those speaking evil of “the Way” (Christians), and continued the program of disciple making for a prolonged period of two years.

We need to know when to move away from opposition so the work of God can continue.

God’s victory

This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. (Acts 19:10, ESV)

Despite the opposition, God is victorious, the word spread through all Asia.

You need to know Jesus yourself

Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” (Acts 19:13, ESV)

We need to know Jesus ourselves, quoting others who know Jesus just will not do.

True authority

But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15, ESV)

Demons recognise true authority, in this realm it cannot be faked.

God turns it around

And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. (Acts 19:17, ESV)

The folly of these men who attempted to use Jesus’ name like a magic weapon, aside from knowing Him and so without His power, was turned around to bring glory to God.

Jesus vs Magic

Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. (Acts 19:18, ESV)

These events exposed the superior power of Jesus over magic and witchcraft, leading to its exposure and ultimate defeat.

The mission continues

So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. (Acts 19:20, ESV)

The victory of the mission and word of God.

Follow your regenerated heart

Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” (Acts 19:21, ESV)

We must be decided and fully resolved in the Holy Spirit, to do what God has put in our hearts to do.

The queen of heaven

And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.” (Acts 19:27, ESV)

This is the queen of heaven, now worshipped in Roman Catholicism as Mary.

Demonic atmosphere

Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. (Acts 19:32, ESV)

A crowd draws a crowd and when they started to declare praise to the demon god artemis, a demonic atmosphere of frenzied confusion filled the air.

Demons have the power to affect the atmosphere.

East vs West

But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:34, ESV)

This shows early divisions between the East and West, Jew and Greek. This was common when rival gods and religions created great divisions, the East has not changed much today.

Use wisdom

For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. (Acts 19:37, ESV)

Paul and his fellows used wisdom when evangelising in a hostile environment.

The devil’s plans will not succeed

And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. (Acts 19:41, ESV)

The devil’s plan is thwarted.

Job 27:1–23

Have a soft heart

I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go; my heart does not reproach me for any of my days. (Job 27:6, ESV)

Job is holding onto his integrity here and this is good, although at the same time, the statement that his heart does not reproach him for any of his days, shows there is some pride here too.

Teach with balance

I will teach you concerning the hand of God; what is with the Almighty I will not conceal. (Job 27:11, ESV)

Although the things Job is about to say to his friends is sometimes true of God’s hand of Judgement to the wicked, very often God extends mercy, seeking the repentance of the wicked.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 19