Today’s reading: Deut 29:1–29, 2 Cor 7:8–16, Ps 42:1–43:5

Today’s theme: Revealed for relationship

Today we see the theme of God’s self revelation. God is sovereign over the revealing of Himself for His glory that we might come into relationship with Him. God’s revelation is not for us to take pride in knowledge but to come into the right relationship with God who is our greatest joy and treasure.

Deuteronomy 29:1–29

God, sovereign over revelation

But to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear. Deuteronomy 29:4 (ESV)

Often people can see God’s mighty works and hear His word. Yet they do not trust or obey Him, this is seen most strikingly with the people of Israel who saw the most amazing miracles and heard God’s actual voice, yet remained in unbelief. God is sovereign even over revelation and belief.

Jesus had to deal with this reality in His own ministry as mentioned in Matthew 13:14 which is itself a quote from Isaiah 6:9. Later Paul picks this point up and has this very passage in mind in Romans 11:8.

Knowing God and trusting God’s word are all in fact gifts of grace. At the same time they are a matter of our own choice, desire and response. Without the Holy Spirit no one can truly know the truth. This is core to our understanding of the new “better” covenant which is pointed at here but made very clear by God in Jeremiah 24:6, 31:33 and Ezekiel 11:19, 36:26-28. This covenant is fulfilled in Jesus.

A perpetual covenant

It is not with you alone that I am making this sworn covenant, but with whoever is standing here with us today before the LORD our God, and with whoever is not here with us today. Deuteronomy 29:14–15 (ESV)

God did not limit this covenant to physical descendants of Israel but with all who stood with them that day from other nations who had joined themselves to Israel. It also speaks of the fact that there is no caste system, all are welcome. Here is a great picture of unity and social equality before God.

Future generations are also prophetically called into this covenant. Jesus also does this in His prayer in John 17:20. The repeated use of the word today would mean when future generations recite or read this they would have a sense of urgency and ownership for their own generation. In much the same way, every generation of Christians have read the words soon, regarding the Lords return, and kept the urgency and expectancy alive in every age.

You can’t fool God

one who, when he hears the words of this sworn covenant, blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall be safe, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart.’ This will lead to the sweeping away of moist and dry alike. Deuteronomy 29:19 (ESV)

As Galatians 6:7 states, we should not think that God can be tricked or fooled. Just saying we believe doesn’t mean anything, we need to genuinely repent and live for God.

Revealed for relationship

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 (ESV)

God’s self revelation in the Bible is not God’s total revelation of everything, it is not all that there is to know. God has revealed to man all that he needs to come into relationship with Him in the Bible. Our religion is not one where great knowledge must be sought to know God like we find in other religions such as Buddhism.

What God has revealed in His word is given that we might follow God’s commands. God has told us all we need to know, there are some mystery’s we will only know in heaven, 1 Corinthians 13:12.

2 Corinthians 7:8–16

Godly grief

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV)

Godly grief over sin is very healthy. We should not be so incubated by God’s grace that we never feel guilt, grief or sorrow. These negative emotions are necessary and awaken us to God’s love and grace when we drift off course. We need these emotions to act like an alert system for our hearts bringing to light the need to repent.

Outside of Christ these emotions are destructive and open wider the chasm of selfishness, self pity and ultimately self destruction. Opposite examples in God’s word are Judas and Esau on the negative side and the ‘prodigal son’ and Peter on the other side.

Psalm 42:1–43:5

Thirst for God

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:2 (ESV)

We should have a thirst for God, not the things of this world. We should desire the fountain of living water, the only place were we can find safety and true satisfaction. See Matthew 5:6, John 6:35 and Revelation 22:17.

Preach to yourself

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation Psalm 42:5 (ESV)

We need to talk to ourselves and remind ourselves of who God is if we fall into depression or discouragement. Doing this can build up your faith, don’t stay silent, speak up.

Our ultimate joy

Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. Psalm 43:4 (ESV)

God should be our ultimate and greatest joy.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Corinthians 7

Today’s reading: Deut 28:1–68, 2 Cor 7:2–7, Ps 41:1–13

Today’s theme: Joyful Obedience

Today’s theme is that we should serve the Lord with joyful obedience and enjoy the rewards God so graciously gives for this. Our joy does not ignore difficulties and trials but responds to them with faith.

Deuteronomy 28:1–68

Rewards for obedience

“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 28:1–2 (ESV)

All the blessings we read about in this chapter were made directly to Israel. These are not automatic blessings that are there to be claimed, they are blessings for obedience.

Each of these blessings are conditional, they are rewards for obeying God. We are also called to obey God’s word today. See 1 Peter 1:2, 14 and 22.

Punishments for disobedience

“But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you. Deuteronomy 28:15 (ESV)

All the curses mentioned in this chapter are conditional too. They are punishments for disobedience. We must not walk in disobedience to God (2 Corinthians 10:6 and Romans 2:8) and can be confident that Jesus took the curse on Himself for our disobedience (Romans 5:19).

Don’t be miserable when serving

Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things, Deuteronomy 28:47 (ESV)

Serving the Lord in misery and duty driven drudgery is in essence the same as being disobedient. God must be served with joy. Throughout the Old and New testament we see that joy in God is a major theme and one of God’s core purposes for His creation. He desires our joy to be full and for our joy to be in Him.

Here are just some examples from the New Testament calling believers to lives of joyful obedience. Romans 14:17, Galatians 5:22, 1 Thessalonians 1:6 and 1 Peter 1:8. Let’s enjoy God today!

2 Corinthians 7:2–7

Faith filled joy

I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. 2 Corinthians 7:4 (ESV)

Despite the difficulties being experienced in the church, which included the controversy over Paul’s Apostolic authority and the compromise in some church members, Paul was able to boldly say that he was overflowing with joy. This is a joy that looks beyond the circumstances and is confident in God.

We should live with this sort of firm faith and joy. This is not a ‘stick our head in the sand’ sort of joy, no, Paul mentions the affliction and boldly deals with it in the letter. We must boldly confront the reality of whatever it is we are going through and respond to those facts with faith and joy.

Encourage fellow believers

For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 2 Corinthians 7:5–6 (ESV)

Paul is honest about his difficulties and struggles. He had external opponents both in and outside the church and in his own mind he struggled with fear over the situation in the churches. We should allow God to use us to bring encouragement and comfort to fellow believers who are under pressure as they work for the Lord, especially our leaders.

Psalm 41:1–13

Reach out to the poor

Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him; Psalm 41:1 (ESV)

We should reach out to the poor. God blesses us for this with health and protection.

The Messianic Psalms

Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. Psalm 41:9 (ESV)

Much of this Psalm is messianic, here is a prophecy of the betrayal of Judas. See John 13:18.

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 Corinthians 7

Today’s reading: Deut 26:1–27:26, 2 Cor 6:14–7:1, Ps 40:1–17

Today’s theme: Delight in God’s word

We should find great delight in God’s word and joyfully give to the Lord from our hearts. Our lives should be marked by our delight in God.

Deuteronomy 26:1–27:26

Give sacrificially and joyfully

“And you shall make response before the LORD your God, ‘A wandering Aramean was my father. And he went down into Egypt and sojourned there, few in number, and there he became a nation, great, mighty, and populous. Deuteronomy 26:5 (ESV)

When we give to the Lord out of the harvest, which for many of us would be our wages from employment rather than food from our fields. We should do so in response and recognition of God’s goodness and faithfulness in blessing us to have something to give. We should give sacrificially (not out of what is left) and joyfully (not out of mere duty).

Give with joy

And you shall rejoice in all the good that the LORD your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you. Deuteronomy 26:11 (ESV)

When we give to the Lord it really should be springing up out of a heart of gratitude and joy. We should give to the Lord gladly and get joy from giving to Him. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says: Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Say amen

“ ‘Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ Deuteronomy 27:26 (ESV)

The people showed their agreement, recognition and understanding of the curses proclaimed for sin, rebellion and disobedience. Amen essentially means surely or truly so by saying Amen, the people said yes Lord we agree. We should say amen to the warnings and promises of God’s word today. Jesus is our great Amen, making all God’s promises sure. See 2 Corinthians 1:20 and Revelation 3:14.

2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1

Do not compromise

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14, ESV)

This is an important verse that we need to take heed to. It is not saying that we should have no association with unbelievers at all but it is saying binding relationships, for example in marriage and other areas of life like worship and business, will not work between believers and unbelievers. As a result of this, they should not be pursued. We should not compromise.

M J Harris (2008, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary) makes the following useful paraphrase: “Do not form any relationship, whether temporary or permanent, with unbelievers that would lead to a compromise of Christian standards or would jeopardize consistency of Christian witness. Why such separation? Because the unbeliever does not share the Christian’s standards, sympathies or goals.”

Pursue sanctification

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV)

Each of us has personal responsibility before God in light of all the promises of his word and the fact that our bodies have become God’s temple. We need to actively pursue our own sanctification, we should not drift into compromise.

God makes us holy in Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Thessalonians 2:13) but then we must complete and maintain that holiness as we walk with the Lord each day (1 Corinthians 7:34, 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, Romans 6:19). One day God will bring holiness to full completion for us (1 Thessalonians 3:13).

Psalm 40:1–17

Delight in God’s word

I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8 (ESV)

This speaks of Messiah (in fact the whole Psalm does too), see John 4:34. This also applies to us as believers. We should also say this, that we delight to do God’s will, we should find joy in doing His will. We must even delight in doing His will, it should not be drudgery.

The practical way to do this is to have His law in our hearts. He is the one who writes it on our hearts but we grow, sustain and cultivate it by reading, studying and meditating upon His word.

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 Corinthians 6

Today’s reading: Deut 23:1–25:19, 2 Cor 6:1–13, Ps 39:1–13

Today’s theme: Tools to overcome

Today we learn that we should keep our word, take responsibility for what we do and share the Gospel now with the required urgency. We are also given a list of tools to help us overcome by the Apostle Paul in our reading from the New Testament.

Deuteronomy 23:1–25:19

Keep your word

You shall be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth. Deuteronomy 23:23 (ESV)

We should be people of our word, this is why Jesus said we should just be clear in saying yes and no in Matthew 5:37.

The sin of human trafficking

“If a man is found stealing one of his brothers of the people of Israel, and if he treats him as a slave or sells him, then that thief shall die. So you shall purge the evil from your midst. Deuteronomy 24:7 (ESV)

This was a law to protect Israelite society from tyranny. The principle can be applied to all nations. It is a sin before God to steal people and sell them into slavery as was done in the 19th century slave trade and the modern day sex slave trade.

Take responsibility

“Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. Each one shall be put to death for his own sin. Deuteronomy 24:16 (ESV)

God requires each of us to take personal responsibility for our own sin. We cannot say it’s all my dad’s fault etc. (Our culture encourages us to blame everyone else but ourselves).

2 Corinthians 6:1–13

The urgency of the Gospel

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)

There must be an urgency in sharing the Gospel. We need to let people know that salvation is offered to them today and that tomorrow has no guarantees for any of us. Death could come at any time without us expecting it.

The tools to overcome

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. 2 Corinthians 6:10 (ESV)

This is the end of Paul’s list of great struggles and the mirrored list of how to overcome those struggles. This list includes purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech and the power of God. We can take encouragement as we go through difficulties that God will give us these same tools to overcome them.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Corinthians 6

Today’s reading: Deut 21:1–22:30, 2 Cor 5:11–21, Ps 38:1–22

Today’s theme: Actual Atonement

When Jesus shed His blood on the cross, He made actual atonement for all those who would put their faith and trust in Him, namely God’s elect people from every nation, tribe and tongue. This is a powerful truth when we consider the fact that we are regenerated (made a new creature), by the Holy Spirit.

This big truth synchronises well with the rest of today’s reading; God’s just law, judgement, the price that Christ paid and the call to evangelism.

Deuteronomy  21:1–22:30

Innocent blood

Accept atonement, O LORD, for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and do not set the guilt of innocent blood in the midst of your people Israel, so that their blood guilt be atoned for.’ Deuteronomy 21:8 (ESV)

This is the opposite to what was said when Jesus was being tried and executed in Matthew 27:25 (which shows how far the religious establishment at the time, had fallen away from biblical faith), but ironically the work of Jesus on the cross atones for the shedding of His own innocent blood.

Jesus became cursed for us

his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance. Deuteronomy 21:23 (ESV)

Galatians 3:13 reminds us that Jesus was hung on a tree and became a curse for us. Even in this list of laws to govern the people, we find God’s word pointing forward to Jesus the Messiah.

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”.

God’s laws for society

And you shall do the same with his donkey or with his garment, or with any lost thing of your brother’s, which he loses and you find; you may not ignore it. Deuteronomy 22:3 (ESV)

God wanted an advanced and godly society where a man’s duty of care for his neighbour was clear. Our laws today find their roots in God’s law.

Cross dressing is wrong

“A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 22:5 (ESV)

Distinction and definition in the roles between men and women is holy before God and is crucial to the wellbeing of society. A person that cross dresses is not seen as comical or regarded as having a ‘personal issue’, but one that God considers to be an evil abomination.

Cross dressing is open rebellion against God and His created order.

The Ox and the Donkey

You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together. Deuteronomy 22:10 (ESV)

This is a great illustration regarding being unequally yoked with unbelievers, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:14-16. One will drag the other down or one will wear the other out because they cannot share the same burden or go at the same pace, they are unbalanced and unsuited to work together.

God’s just law

“If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die, the man who lay with the woman, and the woman. So you shall purge the evil from Israel. Deuteronomy 22:22 (ESV)

The laws of God’s society were very advanced for the time they were in, exacting punishment on both man and woman. It shows us that by the time of Jesus, the administration of the law had been corrupted in favour of men. Notice that in the account of John 8:4, only the woman is brought to Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:11–21

Persuade others

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 2 Corinthians 5:11 (ESV)

Knowing that one day we will all stand before God’s Judgement seat, we should look to persuade others to respond to the call of the good news.

Compelled by love

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 2 Corinthians 5:14 (ESV)

God’s love for us in Christ should keep us from living selfish lives, it should compel us to live our lives for God’s glory and to build others up in love.

Actual atonement

…and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. (2 Corinthians 5:14–15, ESV)

The Apostle’s conclusion is a wonderful truth, we were all dead in our sin through our inheritance of Adam’s original sin and our own sin. Jesus came and died for all, not just for a particular type or race of people, but for all the peoples of the earth. All without distinction but not without exception.

The “those” spoken of are those who put their faith in Jesus and live their lives like Paul, in light of His love. Elsewhere in the bible we read that these are God’s own elect people, they have “actually” been atoned by Jesus’ death and resurrection, they are those from every nation, tribe and tongue for whom Christ died.

Universalists try to use these verses to say that everyone is saved because Jesus died for everyone, but this is an abuse of the text and takes it thoroughly out of context with the passage and with the rest of the bible. The benefits of the atonement are limited to those who put their faith in Jesus.

Regeneration

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

When we are saved, we are regenerated or made a new creation in Christ.

God’s Ambassadors

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)

We are God’s Ambassadors in the world and we should make God’s appeal clear to all men, which is; be reconciled to God, or come into relationship with God.

Imputed Righteousness

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

When we are saved, not only are our sins forgiven, but God imputes the righteousness of Christ to us. In other words, not only is our great debt paid but our account is credited with millions of pounds too!

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 Corinthians 5

Today’s reading: Deut 18:1–20:20, 2 Cor 5:1–10, Ps 37:23–40

Today’s theme: Guaranteed salvation

Today there are important lessons around true prophecy, false prophecy and the greatest prophet, Jesus Christ. The most important lesson is that we have guaranteed and authentic salvation through the seal of God Himself, in the person of the Holy Spirit. Our salvation is not fickle, it is sure and true.

Deuteronomy 18:1–20:20

The abominations of Canaan

for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you. Deuteronomy 18:12 (ESV)

The wicked abominations mentioned in the previous two verses are the reasons God is driving the nations from the land of Canaan. These were people steeped in witchcraft and infanticide (killing their own children).

Jesus, the greatest prophet

“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen— Deuteronomy 18:15 (ESV)

In Acts 3:22-26, we see that this prophet was not just pointing to the line of prophets that would come after Moses, to guide the children of Israel (without witchcraft as mentioned in the verses before), but more specifically this was a prophecy concerning the greatest of all prophets, Jesus Christ.

He alone is a prophet like Moses, in that His ministry inaugurated a new covenant as did the ministry of Moses. This points to Jesus and not to Mohammed or any other false teacher.

The Watchtower Society is a false prophet

when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. Deuteronomy 18:22 (ESV)

By this rule we can firmly say that the unfulfilled, false prophecies of the Watchtower Society prove that this is a cult, deceiving and walking in deception. Unfulfilled prophecies include: 1914, 1918, 1925 and 1975 as years when the Kingdom would come, Jesus’ return and all other churches would be destroyed. This is one example of a false prophet!

A warning to false witnesses

Your eye shall not pity. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. Deuteronomy 19:21 (ESV)

God said this in context to the false witness being meted out with the punishment he sought to see inflicted on his victim, rather than a maxim for Old Testament life.

2 Corinthians 5:1–10

A new body from God

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1 (ESV)

We can take great comfort in the fact that we have a new body and a new place to live in heaven. When we die we are immediately with the Lord. When the resurrection comes we will be given the wonderful resurrection body that the Lord has prepared for us. Our present body (and resurrected spiritual body), are tents or houses for our soul and spirit.

This truth should stir our hearts with hope, to press on in our walk with the Lord, knowing that we have this great and gracious gift ahead of us.

Guaranteed salvation

He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 2 Corinthians 5:5 (ESV)

Our salvation is not flaky or a weak wish. No! It is a guarantee, something we can have complete confidence in because the one who gives us this great salvation is God. He has so invested in our future glory and grace that He has given Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee, a down payment on the full glory that we will receive in the fullness of His kingdom.

The Holy Spirit is every true believer’s validation and seal from God, that they are saved and will be saved. We have been purchased by God, He has made a down payment and will redeem us in full at the resurrection. Hallelujah!

Psalm 37:23–40

God’s sovereignty vs chance

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; Psalm 37:23 (ESV)

As Charles Spurgeon said “we are not ruled by fickle chance” God is sovereign and is in complete control over our lives, we can place our trust in Him to guide 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 Corinthians 5

Today’s reading: Deut 15:1–17:20, 2 Cor 4:7–18, Ps 37:1–22

Today’s theme: Treasure in clay jars

We hold the most valuable treasure in the world, even though we are only clay jars, this treasure is God Himself manifested most clearly in the message of His gospel. There are lots of lessons in today’s reading about being a good vessel in God’s hands, to His glory.

Deuteronomy 15:1–17:20

The blessings of obedience

if only you will strictly obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all this commandment that I command you today. Deuteronomy 15:5 (ESV)

Notice that this great promise is conditionally based on obedience. We too are blessed when we obey the Lord.

Help the poor

For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ Deuteronomy 15:11 (ESV)

God does not want us to ignore the poor, but to open our hearts in generosity and love towards them. This call to justice and care in the community is seen throughout God’s word. We must recognise our call as the body of Christ, to serve the poor and needy. See Galatians 2:10, Romans 15:26 and Mark 14:7

Slavery in the Bible

It shall not seem hard to you when you let him go free from you, for at half the cost of a hired worker he has served you six years. So the LORD your God will bless you in all that you do. Deuteronomy 15:18 (ESV)

When we read about slaves in the bible, we often mix it with the more contemporary slave trade of the 19th century, where countless families from Africa were stolen and sold into shameful, brutal shackled slavery throughout Europe, America and the West Indies. This is wrong. The slaves referred to here were paid for their work (or were paying off a debt) and had the opportunity to go free. This was like a cheaper form of labour and was crucial to Israelite society, this was the case for all cultures at that time in the ANE (Ancient Near East).

This is why slavery is not overturned in the New Testament, instead the relationship between workers (slaves) and masters (employers), is reformed. This was particularly radical in the Roman world where masters and servants would never be seen as peers. See Matthew 20:27, Romans 6:18, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:28 and Ephesians 6:5

Give with joyful generosity

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God that he has given you. Deuteronomy 16:17 (ESV)

We should follow this principle in our giving to the Lord and should pursue a lifestyle of generosity and gratitude. The 10% in the tithe is just a basic guide pointing to us giving all. Let us not restrict ourselves to giving in a cold legalistic way, instead we should joyfully and willingly give generously, in genuine gratitude for all that God has blessed us with. Give whatever God has put on your heart to give, in faith and joy.

The law of the king

And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold. Deuteronomy 17:17 (ESV)

God gave direction for the kings of Israel long before the people asked for a king. None of the kings of Israel obeyed this command fully, as many had riches, multiple wives and did not write the book of the law. They were all surpassed by the true king, Jesus. See John 18:37, Revelation 1:5 and Revelation 22:16

2 Corinthians 4:7–18

Treasure in clay jars

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)

The treasure is “the gospel of God’s glory revealed in Christ” as spoken of in the last verse. We carry this glorious and great message in quite unremarkable packaging. When we are saved we do not become superior to other humans, we are still made from dust, we are frail, weak, lowly, expendable, still having to face trials and are vulnerable like the common clay vessels.

These vessels are used as instruments in the Master’s hands, we humbly submit ourselves as vessels for the Masters use. We are like envelopes delivering the vital and important message of the Good News. The gospel is so glorious and life changing that those who receive it will know that it did not originate from us and that all the glory comes from and belongs to God.

The life cycle of the believer

always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. 2 Corinthians 4:10–12 (ESV)

The cycle of death and resurrection is vital in all of our lives as believers, we must walk in self-denial, humility and service, while undergoing persecution (all this represents death). While all of this is happening, the life of God by the Holy Spirit is manifested in us, because when we are weak God is strong.

Our dependence is on Him, our very life depends on Him. We are unified with Christ and He is our life source. In order for more fruit to come, the seasons must have their full cycle and we must abide in the vine in every season, this will bring more fruit and growth… the only way we can thrive in Christ is to die and rise in His power. As each one of us sacrifices our resources, time and energy, we bless others within the body also.

Encouraged by reward

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV)

The great reward God has in store for us should encourage and strengthen us through all struggles and suffering, Paul said the glory so outweighs the suffering, that they cannot even be compared.

Psalm 37:1–22

Delight in God

Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

We should find our pleasure in the Lord, we should enjoy God and find our greatest joy in God because He is our greatest treasure. When we take delight in the Lord, our life will find true fulfilment and the desires of our hearts will align with His and He will give to us abundantly, according to those desires. See John 15:11

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 Corinthians 4

Today’s reading: Deut 12:29–14:29, 2 Cor 4:1–6, Ps 36:1–12

Today’s theme: The light of the Gospel

We seek to preach the Gospel plainly so that the Holy Spirit can use the truth of the Gospel to open the eyes of those who have been blinded from the light of Christ. In His light we see the truth and are made free.

We do not want the pure light of the Gospel to be darkened by any underhanded ways, so we are committed to sharing it faithfully and guarding against anything that would distort or distract from it.

Deuteronomy 12:29–14:29

Murdering children

You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the LORD hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods. Deuteronomy 12:31 (ESV)

This still happens today through the wicked sin of abortion, where children are sacrificed on the alter of convenience, to the gods of comfort and choice.

Be on guard

you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 13:3 (ESV)

We need to be on our guard against any dream, vision, declaration, teaching or movement that goes against God’s word. Even if there are apparent supernatural results, these may simply be the Lord testing the covenant heart of His people to see if we love Him, or signs and wonders. This is picked up in the New Testament in Matthew 12:39, Galatians 1:8-9 and 1 John 4:1-6.

God’s treasured possessions

For you are a people holy to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 14:2 (ESV)

There is no doubt that Israel are God’s special chosen people, elected by God unlike any other nation. This is also true of the church, where those elected and chosen by God are saved. Those chosen by God should find confidence, increased faith and security in knowing that they have become God’s treasured possessions. See 1 Peter 2:9

2 Corinthians 4:1–6

Declare the truth plainly

But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)

As Paul says, we do not need any gimmicks, tricks or cunning to declare the truth of the gospel. Instead we must declare the truth boldly and then leave it to the God given conscience of the hearers and the work of the Holy Spirit, to lead sinners to repentance.

Fight for the minds of men

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV)

Our fight is one for the minds of men. Christianity is not a religion that asks for the mind to be empty or discarded, but to be transformed, renewed, enlightened and fed.

We fight the devil’s schemes which he uses to keep the unbelieving from seeing the light of the Gospel and the glory of Jesus. The devil will fill the minds of unbelievers with lying Philosophies, theories and beliefs, which stand as strongholds against the truth.

The devil is not a real god but is the ultimate example of a false god, who was ultimately defeated at the cross and God will soon crush him under our feet. Romans 16:20

Psalm 36:1–12

The light of Jesus

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. Psalm 36:9 (ESV)

Jesus is both the fountain of life which gives life and the true light that gives light, as mentioned in John 1:9, 4:10-14 and 5:26. In the light given by God’s word, we see the truth.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Corinthians 4

Today’s reading: Deut 11:1–12:28, 2 Cor 3:9–18, Ps 35:12–28

Today’s theme: God’s Permanent Covenant

Today we see a very important lesson regarding the special land that God had chosen for His people, it was a land that would cause the people to have to depend on God for growth and prosperity. We need to trust God for our own growth in the new, glorious and permanent covenant God has made with His people through His Son Jesus Christ.

Deuteronomy 11:1–12:28

Loving obedience

“You shall therefore love the LORD your God and keep his charge, his statutes, his rules, and his commandments always. Deuteronomy 11:1 (ESV)

Loving God has always been connected to obeying the Lord and following His commands. Jesus makes this same point about those who love Him, they will show the evidence of their love for Him by keeping His commands, in John 14:15, 21, 24.

Depend on God for growth

a land that the LORD your God cares for. The eyes of the LORD your God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. Deuteronomy 11:12 (ESV)

God has specially chosen the land of Israel, it is special to the Lord and He watches over it always.

This new land was not like Egypt with its man made irrigation systems, this was a land that received its rain from the heavens and so the people would have to depend on God for prosperity in the land. We too must depend on God for growth. See 1 Corinthians 3:7

Think about God’s word all the time

You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 11:19 (ESV)

It is so important that we are genuinely people of the Bible, we should be talking about God and His word all the time, thinking about it continuously  and naturally teaching it to our children. God and His word should have such a high place in our hearts, that our minds are occupied with Him all the time.

God’s covenantal blessings are conditional

“See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: Deuteronomy 11:26 (ESV)

God’s blessings are conditional and relational, we are called to obey God’s commands for our own good.

God does not ask us to do good just for goodness sake, but that He might bless and reward us. God’s commands are in place to increase human flourishing and for the prosperity of His entire creation.

2 Corinthians 3:9–18

God’s Glorious, Permanent Covenant

For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory. 2 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV)

The old covenant was certainly glorious, it was inaugurated by God in the glory and terror of mount Siani. However, the glory typified in Moses’ shining face would eventually fade as he moved away from the presence of God and we see the fading of the effectiveness of the old covenant in the people of Israel, to the point that Jeremiah mentions that God will make a new covenant because the old has been broken (Jeremiah 31:32). The old covenant was a temporary covenant until the true full covenant came.

We give God thanks that we are beneficiaries of the new covenant, which unlike the old does not fade away, but is permanent and greater in Glory, as it is God’s final revelation for salvation and the ultimate covenant established and maintained by Jesus himself (Revelation 14:6 and Hebrews 13:20).

Pray that the veil is removed

But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 2 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV)

We should pray for the Jews that they will turn to the Lord,  so that the veil is removed and they will see that the entire bible points to Jesus.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Corinthians 3

Today’s reading: Deut 9:1–10:22, 2 Cor 3:1–8, Ps 35:1–11

Today’s theme: The Spirit brings life

Today we see that Israel was given the land of Canaan by God’s grace, much like our salvation. We learn that we should circumcise our hearts and be confident that our sovereign God contends for us and dispatches Angels to aide us. The most important thing that underpins all of these is, the Holy Spirit who brings life to us as believers, through the new covenant.

Deuteronomy  9:1–10:22

Not by our own righteousness

Not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the LORD your God is driving them out from before you, and that he may confirm the word that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Deuteronomy 9:5 (ESV)

God reminds the people that it is not by their own righteousness that they are given the land. It is God who goes before them and He seeks to confirm His own word. It is the same for us, we are saved by God’s grace, not by our own righteousness. Ephesians 2:5, 8.

Circumcise your heart

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. Deuteronomy 10:16 (ESV)

God points to the true meaning of circumcision, it was a sign pointing to cutting unclean and evil things from our lives. We also need to have circumcised hearts, see Romans 2:29.

God, the just Sovereign

For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. Deuteronomy 10:17 (ESV)

God is the great and mighty sovereign. What is comforting is that in all His supreme power, He is not partial and cannot be bribed. As we see in the next verse, God’s love extends to all people.

2 Corinthians 3:1–8

The Holy Spirit brings life

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:5–6 (ESV)

We thank God for the new covenant we have in Jesus. The new covenant is better than the old one because we have the power of the Holy Spirit living inside us, to enable us in our walk with God.

‘The letter kills but the Spirit gives life’ should not be seen as the written Bible vs the Holy Spirit, in context, this is looking at the old covenant vs the new better covenant. God’s perfect law can only be kept through the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 35:1–11

Jesus contends for us

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Psalm 35:1 (ESV)

As 1 John 2:1 states, we have an advocate (Jesus) who can contend for us against the enemy.

Warrior Angels!

Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away! Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them! Psalm 35:5–6 (ESV)

We can pray in the same way, that God’s Angels will go into battle on our behalf.

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 Corinthians 3