Today’s Reading: Jer 21:1–22:30, Rom 3:1–20, Prov 17:1–28

Today’s Theme: God’s Good Law

Today’s reading is rich with practical and theological truth. It is hard to do justice to the richness of the writing of Paul in Romans in such a short format as these notes.

One of the most important themes we see today is the purpose of God’s good law which makes it clear to us that we are not good and therefore need the good news found in the Gospel of God who is faithful to His word and people.

Jeremiah 21:1–22:30

Fighting a losing battle

I myself will fight against you with outstretched hand and strong arm, in anger and in fury and in great wrath. (Jeremiah 21:5, ESV)

If God fights against you then you are finished, it is like an ant fighting a man, there is no contest. We need to learn to humble ourselves before God not just because of His great power but because of His person.

Surrender and live

He who stays in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence, but he who goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who are besieging you shall live and shall have his life as a prize of war. (Jeremiah 21:9, ESV)

To stubbornly take our stand has no virtue, sometimes we need to surrender and live. That was literally the case for the people of Judah. God gave them good advice through the prophet to preserve the lives of those who would humble themselves and listen.

There may be a situation in your life today where God wants you to surrender. Maybe you need to surrender your right to retaliate in a disagreement with someone for example.

Justice in the city

Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place. (Jeremiah 22:3, ESV)

God wants to see justice in the city. The church has a big role to play in establishing God’s kingdom in the earth and seeing justice, mercy and truth reign in every place.

We should pray for and practically seek to establish justice in the city we live in and the world in the name of Jesus, to the glory of God for the joy and flourishing of all peoples.

A worker should be paid fairly

“Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages, (Jeremiah 22:13, ESV)

It is evil to have a man work for you with no remuneration (payment).

It is also wicked that the third world is exploited in the production of goods for the first world.

We should seek to raise awareness and shop in a way that reflects our beliefs that the trading practices which see a worker on only pennies a day is wrong and not in keeping with Christian values.

What are your eyes for?

But you have eyes and heart only for your dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for practicing oppression and violence.” (Jeremiah 22:17, ESV)

Lord help us to have eyes and hearts for You, in this context eyes means desire or longing for.

Romans 3:1–20

Replacement theology debunked

Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. (Romans 3:2, ESV)

Replacement theology (the idea that God is finished with the national / physical people Israel, having replaced them with the church) is shown to be an unbiblical teaching here.

Paul has spent the last two chapters consigning all mankind under sin and has shown that both those under the law as Jews and not under the law as Gentiles have the same problem which is the bondage of sin.

If Paul’s theology were over simplified at this point then there would no longer be any distinction and the Jews as an entity would cease to exist, however this is not the case.

Paul asks the question what advantage is there in being a Jew and in having the Jewish people and he answers that there are indeed advantages and distinctions?

Paul’s outline which he will expound upon further in Chapters 9-11 explain that for God to prove Himself faithful to the Jews as a people matters a great deal.

We are given two simple examples to that end here. On the one hand, without the Jews there would be no Old Testament to be fulfilled and on the other they were the ones entrusted with the scriptures upon which we now stand and depend.

So God has not discarded His people Israel. There are promises He has made which are yet to come to pass including Jesus ruling from David’s throne in Jerusalem (not in Rome, London or Washington).

God is faithful

What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” (Romans 3:3–4, ESV)

Just because many Jews are unfaithful to God, this does not change God’s faithfulness. God will uphold the covenant and will fulfil every promise and decree.

Many are fulfilled in Jesus but there are some which Jesus is yet to fulfil in context to the actual (not inward or spiritual) Jewish people.

We take comfort from this as disciples of Jesus Christ, if God’s promises, favour and relationship to us was based on our faithfulness we would be without hope, but even when we are unfaithful like many Jews, God remains faithful to us as His people of the New Covenant. Just as He is still faithful to the Jews as His people of the Old and New Covenant.

Us not believing God does not change God but we will suffer for our lack of faith. The proper response to God’s promises and person is to place our trust in Him and remain faithful (theologically and relationally) to Him.

With this in mind let’s pray for the Jews today, because God has not changed, let’s pray that their eyes are opened to be faithful to their own scriptures and will see Yeshua (Jesus) as their promised Messiah and evidence of God’s faithfulness and commitment to fulfil His word.

We all need Jesus

What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, (Romans 3:9, ESV)

The lie of the enemy to make either Gentiles or Jews feel or seem superior is dismantled here. We are all sinners in need of a saviour.

This is something Paul was dealing with in Rome, where Jews had been expelled from Rome the Gentiles began to dominate and disconnect themselves from their Jewish roots and even see themselves as replacing the Jews. On the other hand there had always been Jews who saw themselves as superior and would seek to force others to be circumcised and keep the laws of Moses.

Both of these extremes are of course wrong. Paul holds to the same truth he has been expounding on which is that both Jew and Gentile are bound under sin and so are in need of the Gospel of God which is the power of God to bring salvation through Jesus by the Holy Spirit.

Total depravity

as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; (Romans 3:10, ESV)

This and the following statements make clear that all have sinned.

The Reformers were right in affirming from this letter to the Romans that all mankind is totally depraved in our nature.

We denounce the ancient Pelagian heresy which says man can be righteous or without sin. We also denounce modern day heresy which says there is no sin. We affirm with Paul and the scriptures that every man that has ever lived is not righteous in themselves and have all committed sin except Jesus the Christ.

We also affirm that man’s righteousness is like filthy rags in comparison to the righteousness that God demands.

We finally affirm that true right standing with God is only available through Jesus Christ which is in agreement with the sound teaching of the Bible and the Gospel of God.

It is important to remember that this canvas of the universality, totality and helplessness of man’s condition in sin must be well stated for the Gospel to be needed, make sense and retain its context and power to save.

We are not good

All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:12, ESV)

No one is good!

Our human centered way of thinking has us believing the lie that man is essentially good when the reality is that man is essentially bad.

This is again why the Way of the Master really have grasped this truth of scripture so well. In their method of evangelism they encourage us to ask a person if they think they are a good person and when they answer yes we help them to see that they are not by reviewing a short number of basic commands.

You can do this as you share the truth today, help people to break the lie of the enemy and see that they are not good and need to be transformed by the power of God found in the good news of the victorious and glorious Gospel of God.

God is good and He seeks to save us bad people, remaking us in His good image, making us conform to the perfect and good example, Jesus Christ.

The purpose of the law

Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. (Romans 3:19, ESV)

God’s law shuts the proud mouth helping them realise they are not good and need God’s grace.

God’s law holds the whole world accountable before God.

Some say talking about God’s law makes us legalist but that is not true because then Paul would be a legalist as well.

We speak about the law to bring context to our need for not only salvation but supernatural transformation by the regenerative power of the Holy Spirit who makes us alive in Christ as new creatures.

As new creatures with new natures and motivations we live by faith in the Son of God and through our love for God and for His glory keep the moral law. It literally becomes our nature as new creations and is the natural outworking of a genuine and loving relationship with God.

So the point is the law has a purpose in defining the need for the Gospel and must not be absent from our Gospel presentations.

The law CANNOT justify us

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20, ESV)

The law was not designed for justification before God but to highlight and give knowledge of what sin is before God so we would see our need for God.

We can’t be justified by it because it was not designed or purposed to that end. It serves as a large signpost on the road to our destination. Our destination is God.

The end of the Gospel is to have God as our greatest treasure and to enjoy Him forever. God is the Gospel because it is He who has come to save us, transform us, forgive us and keep us forever.

Use the signpost of the law to point others to the Gospel of God and ultimately to God Himself.

Proverbs 17:1–28

The crucible purifies

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. (Proverbs 17:3, ESV)

The analogy with the crucible and furnace shows that when the Lord tests our hearts it is a purifying process.

Cover offence

Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9, ESV)

Lord help us to be those who cover offence to seek love and so we do not separate close friends.

Take rebuke deeply

A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. (Proverbs 17:10, ESV)

Learn to take rebuke deeply, to the roots to grow and learn by it.

Quit the argument early

The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out. (Proverbs 17:14, ESV)

Lord help us to quit early before the quarrel breaks out and causes a mess.

True friends

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17, ESV)

Lord help us to be true friends and brothers.

The medicine of joy

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22, ESV)

Lord help us to have the medicine of joy in our heart.

Be cool

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. (Proverbs 17:27, ESV)

Lord help us to have a cool spirit, not to be hot tempered people who fly off the handle.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on Romans 3

Today’s Reading: Jer 18:1–20:18, Rom 2:12–29, Prov 16:12–33

Today’s Theme: The Conscience

Today we read about the natural law of the conscience which God has given to all men, which means we are without excuse and so are in need of the Gospel.

We also see God as the great potter who reworks us into a vessel for His use, the one who transforms our hearts making us His true people by faith.

Jeremiah 18:1–20:18

Reworked vessels

And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. (Jeremiah 18:4, ESV)

Let’s be clear, this refers to the nation of Israel at a specific time in history, however we can find application for our own lives because like Israel each of us is a vessel in God’s hands and are even a corporate vessel as the church in His hands for His use.

We are clay in God’s hands, He moulds us as He wills. We should not become hard and brittle but supple in the Master’s hands so He can rework us into the vessel He wills us to be (not the one we will us to be).

Hope for our nation

and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. (Jeremiah 18:8, ESV)

So there is still hope for our nation too, please go to the prayer fuel area today and pray today’s prayer over our nation posted by Pastor Dennis at this time in 2014 http://www.wwmf.org/2014/12/09/prayer-fuel/daily-prayer-for-our-nation/

God desires your repentance

Now, therefore, say to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: ‘Thus says the Lord, Behold, I am shaping disaster against you and devising a plan against you. Return, every one from his evil way, and amend your ways and your deeds.’ (Jeremiah 18:11, ESV)

God in His love and tender care is calling the men of Judah to repentance. At the same time He openly lets them know that He is planning disaster for them in judgment upon their sin if they do not repent.

God’s desire has not changed, He desires that all men everywhere would repent.

The blood of the innocents

Because the people have forsaken me and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have known; and because they have filled this place with the blood of innocents, (Jeremiah 19:4, ESV)

The wickedness of Israel had become so great that slaying their own children had become common place. We look at this in horror but then must remember the genocide our western society is guilty of today through the abortion of unborn children. We realise that we too have the blood of the innocents on our own hands.

Don’t be stiff necked

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, behold, I am bringing upon this city and upon all its towns all the disaster that I have pronounced against it, because they have stiffened their neck, refusing to hear my words.” (Jeremiah 19:15, ESV)

Today if we hear His voice we should repent. The worst thing we can do is to become stubborn in our sin and against God. Don’t become rigid or stubborn, be humble and pliable in God’s hand.

Fire in my bones

If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. (Jeremiah 20:9, ESV)

When the Lord gives His servants an urgent word they just have to get it out. The fire speaks of passion, zeal and urgency. This is the spirit we should hold the word in so when it is released it is done with power in the Spirit.

Lord let that fire be shut up in our bones as it were like Jeremiah for your word today.

Romans 2:12–29

Hearing alone is useless

For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. (Romans 2:13, ESV)

Paul makes the point that man is rightly judged on performance not hearing. Therefore those who seek justification by the law must keep the whole law which has been impossible for all human beings except Jesus.

So Paul takes away the false security in religion and moralism to leave the canvas blank for the presentation to both Jew and Gentile of the Gospel of God which is the only means of salvation.

The Conscience

They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them (Romans 2:15, ESV)

God has given all men a conscience to know right from wrong so all men are without excuse.

Here are a few definitions from Greek dictionaries (BDAG and Mounce) on the word used for conscience which is syneidēsis.

• Awareness of information about something, consciousness
• The inward faculty of distinguishing right and wrong, moral consciousness, conscience
• Attentiveness to obligation, conscientiousness
• Conscience, as an inward moral impression of one’s actions and principles
• The inward faculty of moral judgment
• The inward moral and spiritual frame

Even those who have never heard the law, Bible or Gospel are without excuse because the conscience gives all men moral judgement against the law written on their own hearts.

The moral structure inside the human being is universal, all men know murder, lying and stealing are wrong because we have a moral creator who made us as moral creatures having an innate sense of right and wrong.

This is why appealing to the conscience can be useful in evangelism as demonstrated by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron in the Way of the Master.

Live your talk

For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (Romans 2:24, ESV)

We can cause people to speak evil of the Lord when we do not live right. This is why we must teach, judge and preach to ourselves before we open our mouths to share with others.

Inward Jews

But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. (Romans 2:29, ESV)

Paul’s point here is that circumcision is not the way to salvation. Outward works are worthless if they are not a reflection of an inward reality.

This is not new, God has always called His people in Israel to have circumcised hearts pointing to the true meaning of circumcision.

A Jew is identified as one of God’s covenant people. We are truly God’s covenant people by our hearts and relationship to God not by birth.

God praises the true Jews, the inward Jews who like all the faithful of Israel believe in God and have a relationship with Him and not with dead religion.

Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus form a new humanity. A true Israel of God made of only those who are inwardly Jews in the sense that their hearts are circumcised.

God is the one who brings transformation to our hearts and makes us truly Jewish (this is one reason Christianity should not be severed from its Jewish roots) and in that sense God’s own people here in the earth.

Proverbs 16:12–33

Get wisdom and understanding

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. (Proverbs 16:16, ESV)

Wisdom and understanding are the most precious things in the world. Lord we ask you afresh this day that You would help us attain both, that You would graciously bestow these on us in Jesus’ name.

Guard against pride

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18, ESV)

Lord please help us to guard against this in all areas.

Give thought to the word

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. (Proverbs 16:20, ESV)

We should meditate on and study the word.

What are you hungry for

A worker’s appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on. (Proverbs 16:26, ESV)

Hunger will drive us to work hard. What are we hungry for, if we hunger for righteousness we will be filled?

Rule your spirit

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. (Proverbs 16:32, ESV)

This is the true test of a great man.

God controls dice

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. (Proverbs 16:33, ESV)

There is no such thing as chance, God even controls apparently random acts like dice throwing.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on Romans 2

Today’s Reading: Jer 16:1–17:27, Rom 1:18–2:11, Prov 16:1–11

Today’s Theme: The Wrath of God

Today’s theme is the wrath of God toward every sinner regardless of their nationality or background. Here Paul lays the canvas on which the beautiful picture of redemption is skilfully painted.

Without the reality of God’s personal and active wrath and judgement then the cross and Gospel lose their context.

Sub themes include man’s depravity in sin and the rewards earned through fruitfulness or judgement through unfaithfulness.

Jeremiah 16:1–17:27

Don’t follow your evil will

and because you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, every one of you follows his stubborn, evil will, refusing to listen to me. (Jeremiah 16:12, ESV)

The modern and western exaltation of the will is a very dangerous thing… it seems we all have rights to choice and will except God.

Don’t follow your own stubborn, evil will, instead listen to God.

Who will you follow?

Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. (Jeremiah 17:5, ESV)

The first two (trusting in man and human strength) result in the third (heart turns from the Lord). Who will you trust today, whoever you trust, your heart will follow.

Well placed and watered

He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8, ESV)

Yes Lord we want to be like this well watered, well placed tree, always bearing fruit without anxiety.

This is the state of those who really do have a healthy, biblical relationship with The Lord. The evidence is in the fruit.

Total depravity

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV)

This is every mans problem, total depravity. This is not just true of some men or those who commit a particular sin, it is true of all Adam’s children who have inherited sin and are evil by nature (the teaching of Original Sin).

We will read more about man’s depraved state in sin in our New Testament reading today.

Paid according to fruit

“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10, ESV)

With this being true, Lord we need Your help, mercy and grace.

God will pay every man that has ever lived, if the payment has not been made for an individual in Christ then God will pay with his wrath.

Again we are called to be fruitful as this will determine our reward.

God actually saves

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise. (Jeremiah 17:14, ESV)

God actually saves, not potentially saves. If God saves you then you are saved and can rest in that calm assurance that those He saves, He keeps.

Romans 1:18–2:11

God is angry

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. (Romans 1:18, ESV)

The truth of God’s active, personal, revealed wrath (anger) and judgement against all mankind’s sin is a teaching that has fallen on hard times.

Many attempt to teach today that God is not angry. This is not true. Paul begins his argument by consigning all men under the present and future wrath and resulting judgement of God.

This is connected to verse 17 from yesterday’s reading where we read the righteousness of God is revealed. It stands in contrast to the anger of God revealed against those who stand opposed to his righteousness which can only be received by faith through the power of the Gospel message.

God’s wrath is against all sin not just select ones and it is not against sin as some abstraction from the sinner He is angry with the sinners themselves who by their sin supress the truth.

Preaching about the reality of God’s wrath is essential to the presentation of the Gospel. It is the canvas on which the beautiful picture of grace and reconciliation is painted.

God’s anger is an important part of who God is, we do not need to sanitize God, He is who He is and He is righteously angry with the self destructive treason of man.

No excuse

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20, ESV)

Paul now makes the case that man in his sin is suppressing the very basic truth all men know, that God is God, Creator and King worthy of worship and honour.

Creation is a testimony to all men even atheists who are all liars, lying to themselves that there is no God when the creation is clear evidence of the creator.

This is often called general revelation, the truth that creation testifies to the reality of God to every creature and even the fact that we are moral creatures points to God.

All mankind are without excuse. Our sin is the wilful suppression of the truth about God.

Foolish, dark hearts

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21, ESV)

Paul continues to build his argument to show just how depraved man is in sin. He asserts that although all mankind knows who God is through creation, all (not just some men or sinners but all men) do not honour or thank God.

This wilful rebellion and thanklessness leads to God giving all men over to a futile, foolish dark heart.

Mankind is totally depraved in his thinking because he does not honour the Creator and so have become fools even asserting that there is no God.

God gave all men up

Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, (Romans 1:24, ESV)

We all need to recognise what a desperate condition we were in as children of wrath, we were all given up to a reprobate, lust driven mind.

We may try to sanctify our own past in sin as being respectable “natural” sins as opposed to the spectacular, gross “unnatural” sins but this is a false economy.

All sin at it’s core is the same, it is open rebellion against the King of Heaven, it is an honouring of the creation instead of the Creator.

God in His wrath gives men over to their sin which is in a sense the present judgement for their sins because sin by its corrosive nature will rot and destroy the life it holds.

Don’t worship creation

because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. (Romans 1:25, ESV)

Naturalism, Evolution, New Age even some Environmentalism is all guilty of this as well as the core nature of sin which is self and creation worship.

Homosexuality defined

For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. (Romans 1:26-27, ESV)

The Bible is bold in talking about homosexuality, it is called unnatural so it can never be redeemed as a way of life or being.

Homosexuality is described as a shameless act which receives a due penalty because of the wrath of God and the breaking of natural law. We see this today in sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS which used to be called GRIDS (Gay Related Immune Deficiency).

There is no confusion in the Bible, homosexuality in men and women is a sin that must be repented of if someone claims to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

One of the problems with sin worshiping the creation is that creation was not made to handle worship and so the undue honour distorts the creation resulting in the most deplorable and unnatural deviations from God’s plan and created order.

A debased mind

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. (Romans 1:28, ESV)

Not an unredeemable but a worthless mind in sin. If we are willing to be honest all our minds were debased and reprobate in sin when we consider what we should be before God.

The death penalty

Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. (Romans 1:32, ESV)

The wages of sin is death as decreed in Eden, the reason men die is the penalty of sin not old age, sickness or happenstance. All sinners (not just the worst) actually deserve to die for their sin.

Don’t be a hypocritical judge

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. (Romans 2:1, ESV)

All mankind have no excuse! When we start to judge one sin over against others and in light of our own sin we are being hypocrites hiding our sin behind the condemnation of others.

The proper response is to judge our own sin first and seek God’s grace and from that place judge all sin against the word of God…now without hypocrisy.

Kindness should lead to repentance

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4, ESV)

What do we do with God’s grace, goodness, kindness and mercy to us. Is it a licence to live in any way we like… Of course not… The goodness and grace of God should lead us to initial repentance from sin and perpetual repentance in our daily walk with Him.

Do not be presumptuous, God will not be fooled or used.

Stored up wrath

But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:5, ESV)

This is a word to all those who knowing the truth harden their hearts and refuse to repent.

It is also a word to those who seek to abuse God’s grace and will not repent.

In both cases God’s very real wrath is being stored up and not general but personal and specific judgement will be meet out on the day of judgement.

Jesus took the judgment and wrath due to us on Himself on the cross.

Judged by works

He will render to each one according to his works: (Romans 2:6, ESV)

We may not be saved by works but we are judged by them so be fruitful.

The reward of Eternal Life

to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; (Romans 2:7, ESV)

We must endure in doing well, the reward/gift is eternal life.

A level playing field

For God shows no partiality. (Romans 2:11, ESV)

We are one in Christ, now we are all judged on our works this is why we need Jesus to be saved and then to be fruitful.

Proverbs 16:1–11

Avoid self deception

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. (Proverbs 16:2, ESV)

Dear Lord, please keep us from thinking our ways are pure or right, help us to know our own spirit and be genuine so when You weigh each of our spirits we are not found wanting.

Commit your ways to the Lord

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)

As I read through my notes on this today I read a prayer I wrote this time last year committing every area and plan of my life to the Lord, the prayer included family, ministry and my career. I would encourage you to do the same today.

Sovereign over the wicked

The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. (Proverbs 16:4, ESV)

God is sovereign even over the wicked.

Punishment will come

Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 16:5, ESV)

Arrogance will be punished by the wrath of God so humble yourself today.

Fear God and repent

By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil. (Proverbs 16:6, ESV)

There can be no repentance without the fear of the Lord.

Seek to make peace

When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7, ESV)

He makes his enemies be at peace with him, they are not at peace with him by default of his ways pleasing the Lord but a man whose ways please the Lord will seek to make his enemies at peace with him.

Make a plan

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)

At least make a plan and the Lord will lead.

Glorify God in business

A just balance and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work. (Proverbs 16:11, ESV)

Good and fair business brings glory to God.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Romans 1

Today’s Reading: Jer 14:1–15:21, Rom 1:1–17, Prov 15:1–33

Today’s Theme: The Gospel of God

Today we embark on one of the most fascinating journey’s as we enter the book of Romans. Some would consider this book the greatest and most important letter in the New Testament.

Today we only get to read Paul’s introduction to the letter in which he makes clear his theme which is the Gospel. He calls this the Gospel of God and we conclude that God Himself is the Gospel which has the power to save us.

Jeremiah 14:1–15:21

The intercessor

“Though our iniquities testify against us, act, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you. (Jeremiah 14:7, ESV)

Jeremiah intercedes well by first recognising the sin of the people and their backsliding hearts. We can learn from his pattern of prayer as we intercede today.

The Hope of Israel

O you hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night? (Jeremiah 14:8, ESV)

Jesus is the great hope of Israel and its only saviour in troubled times. Pray today for the opening of their eyes to see that Jesus is their true and long awaited great hope.

Use restraint

Thus says the Lord concerning this people: “They have loved to wander thus; they have not restrained their feet; therefore the Lord does not accept them; now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins.” (Jeremiah 14:10, ESV)

Lord keep us from wandering off and being unrestrained. We are called to follow and to have self control.

Don’t pray for them

The Lord said to me: “Do not pray for the welfare of this people. (Jeremiah 14:11, ESV)

This does away with unirversalist tendencies of God not judging anyone. There are those who He does not want us to pray for so He can work out His justice and anger, this is sometimes what someone needs to genuinely draw them close to God.

Lying prophets

And the Lord said to me: “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds. (Jeremiah 14:14, ESV)

This is indicative of so much happening in the church today, Lord expose them and save your people from false prophets.

We are not professionals

If I go out into the field, behold, those pierced by the sword! And if I enter the city, behold, the diseases of famine! For both prophet and priest ply their trade through the land and have no knowledge.’ ” (Jeremiah 14:18, ESV)

It is horrible to see this sort of professionalism in the church today, the ministry is a calling not a profession or trade.

Hope in God

Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are you not he, O Lord our God? We set our hope on you, for you do all these things. (Jeremiah 14:22, ESV)

All we can do is set our hope on the Lord, the One who brings rain when it is needed.

God is holy

And I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, did in Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 15:4, ESV)

God is holy and just, just praying please forgive me doesn’t just work, God’s active grace and mercy are needed.

Don’t weary God with treason

You have rejected me, declares the Lord; you keep going backward, so I have stretched out my hand against you and destroyed you— I am weary of relenting. (Jeremiah 15:6, ESV)

Mankind’s primary treason is directly against the Lord.

God is a person not a force, God can be wearied from constantly turning from judgement to mercy. Lord keep us from wearying You

The joy of God’s word

Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16, ESV)

Yes Lord we found Your words and they are a great joy and treasure to us.

They will turn, you will stand

Therefore thus says the Lord: “If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them. (Jeremiah 15:19, ESV)

We should not capitulate, our hearers should.

We must speak what is right before God and not rubbish and emotionalism. Also we should not change our standards, the world should change theirs.

Romans 1:1–17

The gospel of God

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, (Romans 1:1-2, ESV)

The Gospel was promised beforehand, this is the epic opening to possibly the greatest book the world has ever seen, Paul’s letter to the Romans.

Paul’s main concern and theme throughout the book is this Gospel of God. Romans is one of the single most important books in the world, it defines the Gospel more clearly than any other.

The Gospel being promised before hand gives us an idea of the scope and importance of the Gospel. It has its roots in Genesis, is realised in the Gospels, defined in the Epistles and consummated in the Revelation.

The Gospel or good news was promised by God to humanity in the Garden of Eden and that promise has been defined and reaffirmed throughout redemptive history finding its fulfilment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

All Nations

through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, (Romans 1:5, ESV)

One of the first arguments Paul will make is that this Gospel is not for one nation, class or type of people. It is a message for the entire world, for all humanity.

The promise was made to Adam and Eve and is now fulfilled for all the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve.

The gospel is universal in its appeal and does not require cultural, ethnic or religious rites. It is a message for all mankind because all men share the same origin (created in God’s image), problem (sin and it’s penalties) and destiny (eternity in heaven or hell).

The power for salvation

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16, ESV)

The message of the Gospel is God’s power for salvation. The power is not in religion, rites, buildings, prayers, miracles, books, knowledge, fasting, being good, the law or anything else.

The power to save is only found in the Gospel.

This is why Paul says he is not ashamed of the Gospel which is a message concerning what God has done to save those who believe through Christ, it is good news of God’s victory and our salvation.

We live by faith

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17, ESV)

Not by order or ritual but faith in God. This was the great cry of the reformation, we break the bonds of man’s own forms of religion today, we shall live by faith.

The Gospel is just a message if we do not receive it with faith.

We must believe God and live our lives in light of this. We must believe the Gospel and in so doing believe God because at it’s core God is the gospel, the good news is that we can come into relationship with Him.

Proverbs 15:1–33

God knows everything

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3, ESV)

God sees and knows everything, good and bad…not Santa.

Spread knowledge of God

The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. (Proverbs 15:7, ESV)

Lord help us to use our lives to spread knowledge of You. This is not just useless head knowledge, but should be rooted in experience, the word of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

So let everyone know about God, especially now it’s the Christmas season.

Have a glad heart

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. (Proverbs 15:13, ESV)

Forgive us Lord where we have grown weary and tired, help us to always have a glad heart.

Seek knowledge

The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. (Proverbs 15:14, ESV)

The fact you are reading this now is a good indicator that God has put a hunger for understanding and knowledge of Him in your heart.

Be slow to anger

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. (Proverbs 15:18, ESV)

This is the man we need to be, one who is slow to anger.

Get advice

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22, ESV)

Lord please help us to live this principle out in our lives.

Answer well

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! (Proverbs 15:23, ESV)

Answering questions well should bring us joy as we give a reason for the hope we have.

Think about your words

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. (Proverbs 15:28, ESV)

Stop and think about how you answer, we need to do this more. Our tone and words do matter.

Listen to instruction

Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. (Proverbs 15:32, ESV)

Listening to correction will make us more intelligent, so humble yourself to listen today.

Instruction in Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. (Proverbs 15:33, ESV)

Fearing the Lord is us instructing ourselves in His wisdom.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on Romans 1

Today’s Reading: Jer 12:1–13:27, Philem 8–25, Prov 14:15–35

Today’s Theme: Profit well

There are lots of good lessons today, one that we find in all three readings is that of profiting well through hard work and toil. When we work hard and in the right spirit we will profit, God wants us to be fruitful.

Paul could make his appeal to Philemon because of the investment he had made in his life.

Jeremiah 12:1–13:27

Don’t grow weary

If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?(Jeremiah 12:5, ESV)

We should remember that all we have to do or contend with could be more difficult so we should not complain. Don’t grow weary with whatever you are going through because it may be preparation for larger battles ahead.

Profit well

They have sown wheat and have reaped thorns; they have tired themselves out but profit nothing. They shall be ashamed of their harvests because of the fierce anger of the Lord.” (Jeremiah 12:13, ESV)

Lord please keep us from this horrible fate, we want to sow well and profit well in Your name. Jesus taught us about this all the time letting us know that fruitfulness and abundance is crucial to our lives and the kingdom of God.

God’s electing love

And after I have plucked them up, I will again have compassion on them, and I will bring them again each to his heritage and each to his land. (Jeremiah 12:15, ESV)

God loves His elect people Israel and shows them compassion. We can take confidence from this because we too are elect, subject to His electing love and compassion.

A national warning

But if any nation will not listen, then I will utterly pluck it up and destroy it, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 12:17, ESV)

Many nations have gone this way, Lord keep our nation in Your grace and mercy.

Don’t be a useless loincloth

This evil people, who refuse to hear my words, who stubbornly follow their own heart and have gone after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be like this loincloth, which is good for nothing. (Jeremiah 13:10, ESV)

Dear Lord, keep us from stubbornly following our own heart. We don’t want to be like useless loincloths (shorts).

Listen to God

For as the loincloth clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, declares the Lord, that they might be for me a people, a name, a praise, and a glory, but they would not listen. (Jeremiah 13:11, ESV)

Man is in control of his own mind and is guilty before God for not listening or wanting to listen.

More than hearing

Hear and give ear; be not proud, for the Lord has spoken. (Jeremiah 13:15, ESV)

It’s more than just hearing, we also need to listen when God speaks.

God seeks glory

Give glory to the Lord your God before he brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the twilight mountains, and while you look for light he turns it into gloom and makes it deep darkness. (Jeremiah 13:16, ESV)

We must give God what He seeks, which is His own glory. God deserves all the glory.

Man’s finite ability

Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil. (Jeremiah 13:23, ESV)

This is not said in a negative sense, just to point at man’s finite ability, he can’t just do whatever he wants.

It is possible that God saw ahead and knew the black god’s teaching (the heresy that says “black” people are gods) of our day could be spoken to directly from this verse. These black gods are not free to do just anything therefore they are not gods.

Philemon 8–25

The following is the introduction to this letter from the ESV bible and is helpful in understanding the characters involved

Philemon is about reconciliation and relationships between Christians. Onesimus (which means “useful”) was a slave of a believer named Philemon in Colossae. Apparently Onesimus had stolen from Philemon and fled. At some time while Paul was under arrest, Onesimus met him and became a Christian. Paul apparently wrote this letter at the same time as Colossians and gave it to Onesimus to carry back to Philemon (see Col. 4:9). Paul appealed to Philemon to accept Onesimus back into his household, but as a brother in the Lord rather than a slave. In Paul’s estimation, Onesimus was far more “useful” (v. 11) now that he was a Christian. Paul even promised to pay whatever debt Onesimus might owe Philemon.

For loves sake

yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus— (Philemon 9, ESV)

Love should be our motivation as brothers and sisters in the Lord.
We should be able to appeal to each other for loves sake.

Refresh someone’s heart

Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. (Philemon 20, ESV)

Ask the Holy Spirit how you can refresh someone’s heart in the Lord today.

Proverbs 14:15–35

Don’t be gullible

The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. (Proverbs 14:15, ESV)

We must not be simple, we need to look into things ourselves. For example we can’t just take someone else’s word for it because we all have a responsibility to read and study the bible ourselves.

Don’t be reckless

One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. (Proverbs 14:16, ESV)

Being either reckless or careless is foolish. It is wise for us to be careful, measured and consider what we say, where we go and what we do.

Don’t have a short temper

A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated. (Proverbs 14:17, ESV)

A quick temper is bad because it causes you to act foolishly.

Be generous

Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. (Proverbs 14:21, ESV)

We are called to generosity, we were saved by God’s generosity.

There is profit in toil

In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23, ESV)

Rolling up our sleeves and working hard will always profit us.

Don’t envy

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. (Proverbs 14:30, ESV)

Envy will make you ill and even age quickly through poor health.

Righteousness exalts a nation

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34, ESV)

We need righteousness in our nation. Lets pray for righteousness in our nation today.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on Philemon 1

Today’s Reading: Jer 10:1–11:23, Philem 1–7, Prov 14:1–14

Today’s Theme: The One, Unique God

Today we read about the greatness of our God. He is one in unity as the Trinity and in essence and is unique in His being because no other being can be compared to Him. The king of all creation who alone knows and tests the heart and mind.

We also learn valuable lessons including that we should refresh the saints as we share in our walk of faith with each other.

Jeremiah 10:1–11:23

The One, Unique God is King

There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you. (Jeremiah 10:6–7, ESV)

God is completely unique, He is the only being in His class. There are no other gods that share the attributes of the Trinity. No one else has the Aseity (self sufficient existence) of eternal being, all other beings are creatures meaning they were created.

This one and only God is the great and mighty king of the nations. We worship His truly awesome majesty today.

The Eternal King

But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation. (Jeremiah 10:10, ESV)

Our claim is completely exclusive, our God is the only true God. God is the everlasting king, other kings come and go but God is king forever. He is the ultimate sovereign and always will be. No one can replace Him, challenge Him or compete with Him.

The Scientific Creation

It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. (Jeremiah 10:12, ESV)

Amazing that God used power, wisdom and understanding in creation that shows us that it was not magical but beautifully scientific, mathematical and technical by God’s supernatural power.

Worthless idols

They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish. (Jeremiah 10:15, ESV)

This is true of ALL idols. The ones who perish is the very idea of the idols and the demonic spirits behind the idol.

Stupid shepherd

For the shepherds are stupid and do not inquire of the Lord; therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered. (Jeremiah 10:21, ESV)

Lord thank you we don’t have stupid pastors. A stupid shepherd is one that does not seek the Lord.

Say Amen to God

For I solemnly warned your fathers when I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, warning them persistently, even to this day, saying, Obey my voice. (Jeremiah 11:7, ESV)

We are not called to think about it or mull it over, we are simply called to obey, to say amen to God’s word.

Don’t refuse to hear

They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words. They have gone after other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant that I made with their fathers. (Jeremiah 11:10, ESV)

Those who do not hear, it is because of their stubborn disobedience which is conscious rebellion against God. Humanity’s biggest problem with God’s commands is that we hate Him and so will not listen to Him. We need a heart transplant.

Discipline for the beloved

What right has my beloved in my house, when she has done many vile deeds? Can even sacrificial flesh avert your doom? Can you then exult? (Jeremiah 11:15, ESV)

Even though they are beloved, they must be punished and disciplined. We know we are God’s children when He disciplines us.

Commit your cause to God

But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously, who tests the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause. (Jeremiah 11:20, ESV)

Thank you Lord that you are just and we can leave all our causes with You because You are the God who tests hearts and minds.

Philemon 1–7

Famous love

because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, (Philemon 5, ESV)

The love and faith we have for the Lord should be heard of by others, it should be evident.

Effective faith

and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. (Philemon 6, ESV)

As we share our faith with our brethren in Christ we pray like Paul prayed for Philemon that it would be effective in making those we share with aware of every good thing that is inside them for the sake of Christ.

As Pastor has been encouraging us, the glory that is within for the sake of Christ.

Refresh the saints

For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. (Philemon 7, ESV)

Do you refresh the hearts of the saints? How do you do this? Lord please help us to do this.

This is the reason for the thanks that Paul has been giving, because this is a man who refreshes the saints. Tomorrow we will hear Paul make his appeal.

Proverbs 14:1–14

Wise Women

The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. (Proverbs 14:1, ESV)

Praise God today for all the wise women building their house and keeping the home to the glory of God and the joy of the whole family.

People of understanding

A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. (Proverbs 14:6, ESV)

Lord help us to be a people of understanding where knowledge is no hard thing, it should be natural for us.

We are alone

The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy. (Proverbs 14:10, ESV)

In a sense we are all alone, no one else knows our hearts, only we do (and God).

What is right?

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Proverbs 14:12, ESV)

There are so many things inside and outside of the church that feel or seem right but actually lead to death, this is why we need to ask the Lord to guide us everyday.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Philemon 1

Today’s Reading: Jer 7:30–9:26, Col 3:18–4:18, Prov 13:1–25

Today’s Theme: Seasoned with Salt

One of the main themes today is the depraved nature of man in his sin and backsliding. We also look at the importance of our words and conduct. In the NT reading, we are told to season our words with salt.

We are called to be able to give a reason for our hope, and to walk and talk in a way that is compatible with the Gospel. By being deliberate in seasoning our words and lives in this way, we will naturally guard against deliberate sin and backsliding.

In a sense, the effort we make in seasoning / preparing ourselves, acts as a preservative to us just like salt.

Jeremiah 7:30–9:26

Progressive Backsliding

Why then has this people turned away in perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit; they refuse to return.(Jeremiah 8:5, ESV)

Perpetual backsliding seems to indicate a complete falling away and that it is something that happens over a period of time, rather than in one faithless act.

Backsliding is often a slow burn, so stem the tide now, plug the holes and let us humble ourselves before we get swept away in progressively sliding back from God.

Stubborn ignorance

I have paid attention and listened, but they have not spoken rightly; no man relents of his evil, saying, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone turns to his own course, like a horse plunging headlong into battle.(Jeremiah 8:6, ESV)

Lord, keep us from this folly. We need to be humble enough to accept correction and instruction. If we always think “but what did I do”, then it is possible that we are walking in pride.

Like the passage says; those who do not accept that they have done wrong and cannot be instructed, are like horses running headlong to their own death.

Without wisdom

The wise men shall be put to shame; they shall be dismayed and taken; behold, they have rejected the word of the Lord, so what wisdom is in them?(Jeremiah 8:9, ESV)

This is true of all those who reject God’s word, they are without wisdom. True wisdom comes from God and is revealed best in His word.

False peace

They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.(Jeremiah 8:11, ESV)

An epidemic of the health, wealth and prosperity Gospel. One of the major problems with this and other perversions of the Gospel, like universalism, is that they give the people a false sense of peace with God.

The only one who gives true peach with God is His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said I leave my peace with you and it is not like the world’s peace.

The call of the Gospel is not just to a one time decision for salvation, but to a life of repentance, and to live at peace with God and man. We are not saved to be spoilt brats with bad behaviour and high demands.

Brazen sin

Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they shall be overthrown, says the Lord.(Jeremiah 8:12, ESV)

Lord, keep us from the callous brazenness of rebellion and debauchery.

Mourn for the lost

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” For the wound of the daughter of my people is my heart wounded; I mourn, and dismay has taken hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?(Jeremiah 8:20–22, ESV)

Like Jeremiah, we should mourn for the lost and for the wayward church. Thank God that Jesus is the balm in Gilead.

May truth and justice reign

They bend their tongue like a bow; falsehood and not truth has grown strong in the land; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know me, declares the Lord.(Jeremiah 9:3, ESV)

In some ways this sounds like our country too, so we need God’s mercy over every nation where falsehood has taken hold in the government. Pray that truth and justice will reign.

Conscious depravity

Everyone deceives his neighbour, and no one speaks the truth; they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves committing iniquity.(Jeremiah 9:5, ESV)

The consciousness of our depravity is apparent in this verse, we are not just victims of sin, we are the perpetrators of sin. Without Christ we are all assigned under God’s wrath, because of our conscious, deliberate, wilful, rebellious sin.

Our culture would have people believe they are guilty of nothing and that everything is either another person’s, or something else’s fault (e.g. society, demons, curses etc.).. We need to accept the guilt that is rightfully ours for our sin, and in light of that, seek God for mercy, forgiveness and transformation.

Don’t refuse to know the Lord

Heaping oppression upon oppression, and deceit upon deceit, they refuse to know me, declares the Lord.(Jeremiah 9:6, ESV)

The conscious choice of man in refusing The Lord, is made clear here. We need to realise that our sin is not some momentary slip from conventional standards, it is open rebellion against the King of Heaven.

Called to obedience

And the Lord says: “Because they have forsaken my law that I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice or walked in accord with it, but have stubbornly followed their own hearts and have gone after the Baals, as their fathers taught them.(Jeremiah 9:13–14, ESV)

This is why judgement came, because of disobedience. We are called to obedience to God’s ways and word, this is not legalism as some would assert, this is just new life in Christ. Why would we not want to obey God, if we are in a loving relationship with Him and our nature has been transformed by the Holy Spirit?

The privilege of knowing the Lord

but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”(Jeremiah 9:24, ESV)

How privileged I am to know You Lord. Let us boast and rejoice in that today.

Be circumcised in your heart

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will punish all those who are circumcised merely in the flesh—(Jeremiah 9:25, ESV)

Even from the OT the Jews were taught that circumcision was really a matter of the heart. This is why the bible says a true son of Abraham is one who believes God’s promises and is circumcised in their heart.

Colossians 3:18–4:18

Don’t be harsh

Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.(Colossians 3:19, ESV)

Lord, help us as husbands to not be harsh to our wives, but to love them.

Don’t provoke your children

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.(Colossians 3:21, ESV)

Lord, help us to encourage our children and not challenge and set them up against other children, for example, but instruct and nurture them in the truth.

Provoking our children can come in so many forms, including; neglecting them, ignoring them, being too harsh with them, leaving them to their own ways, being too soft on them etc.

Work heartily

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,(Colossians 3:23, ESV)

This is really important when doing any task at work or church, we should do it sincerely and heartily unto the Lord.

You are serving Christ

knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.(Colossians 3:24, ESV)

Lord, help us to remember and not lose sight of this. We should be encouraged by the truth that all our serving WILL be rewarded.

Be watchful and thankful

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.(Colossians 4:2, ESV)

This is the attitude we should have when we pray, we should be watchful by being alert to the prompting of the Spirit, and thankful in faith that God has already answered.

Use time wisely

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.(Colossians 4:5, ESV)

Time is a precious and fleeting thing, we should make the best use of it.

The way we talk matters

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.(Colossians 4:6, ESV)

We are all called to watch the way we talk. We should ensure that the very words we use and the tone that we talk with, is in keeping with the Holy Spirit.

As Christians we can’t just blurt out whatever comes to mind, we need to season our words, think about and prepare in our hearts what we will say, as we are led by the Holy Spirit.

We should not use derogatory language, crass jesting or thoughtless words, instead we are called to apologetics which is the measured, mature and reasonable response to those who have questions about the hope we have in Christ.

Taking time to meditate and study will help us all, in this call to “know how to answer each person”.

Struggle for the saints

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.(Colossians 4:12, ESV)

As well as having a heartfelt desire to see God’s people grow through teaching, fellowship etc., this should be accompanied with this type of struggling / fighting in prayer for them, to that end.

Proverbs 13:1–25

Guard your mouth

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.(Proverbs 13:3, ESV)

Lord, help us to guard our mouth and to be less talkative.

Choose diligence

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.(Proverbs 13:4, ESV)

The choice is diligence or sluggishness, I chose diligence.

Gather little by little

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.(Proverbs 13:11, ESV)

Lord, help us to apply this principle to our finances.

Hope in God

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.(Proverbs 13:12, ESV)

God will fulfil the desires which are in line with His word and Spirit, so place your hope in God because He NEVER fails.

Accomplish tasks

A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.(Proverbs 13:19, ESV)

This is why accomplishing a task feels so good, it is sweet to the soul.

Walk with the wise

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.(Proverbs 13:20, ESV)

Wisdom rubs off, so stick around wise people.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Colossians 4

Today’s Reading: Jer 6:1–7:29, Col 3:1–17, Prov 12:1–28

Today’s Theme: Desire God’s Word

Today we see a strong theme about us desiring the word of God. We also see a very important theme about us putting off the old man and putting on the new man in Christ. This goes hand in hand with the first theme because we need to desire the word and then apply and live it.

Today’s reading is rich and full of lessons about applying the word, looking to the ancient paths, watching our words, working hard, being diligent and so much more.

Jeremiah 6:1–7:29

Take pleasure in the word

To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ears are uncircumcised, they cannot listen; behold, the word of the Lord is to them an object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it.(Jeremiah 6:10, ESV)

This is an indicator if we are off, do we take pleasure in God’s word? Ask yourself that question today.

This is why the Lord tells us to be careful how we hear, how are you hearing God’s word, do you always hear it as a negative thing? Is reading the bible like a chore? If this is true then something is wrong with your heart, you should be hungry for and delight in the word of God.

Are there other things that have taken the place of the bible? Are you full up with other things and so have no appetite.?

Receive the word with joy today.

False healing

They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.(Jeremiah 6:14, ESV)

Lord, we don’t want to be people who heal wounds lightly by coming with soft, lying words to comfort the sinner.

In this we understand the fire of God’s ministers as they bring the truth to God’s people, teaching, rebuking and prophesying with all authority, according to the truth of the bible and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Know shame

Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,” says the Lord.(Jeremiah 6:15, ESV)

This is a horrible condition. Lord help us to always have the ability to experience reasonable shame, it keeps us safe and sane.

None of us should be so bullish that we are never ashamed, we really must be sensitive enough to know shame, for our own good and the good of those around us.

The ancient paths

Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’(Jeremiah 6:16, ESV)

Lord, this is a key principle, we must not neglect those who have gone on before or weary ourselves reinventing the wheel. We can stand on the work of the Apostles, Church Fathers, Reformers, Puritans and all the saints of the past, who have won many battles for the sake of the kingdom.

For example, the old councils of the church did all of the legwork for us, around crucial doctrines like the divinity of Christ, the hypostatic union (The God-Man), the definition of the Trinity, the elements of salvation and so much more.

Finding and walking in the ancient paths will bring rest to our souls. We reaffirm the truth established in the battles won in the church’s 2000 year history. Even reading the work of those who have gone on before like Charles Spurgeon, is so refreshing to the soul.

Listen to the watchmen

I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not pay attention.’(Jeremiah 6:17, ESV)

Help us to pay attention to the watchmen in our day and heed his warning. Pay attention to the words of our Pastors.

Amend your ways

Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place.(Jeremiah 7:3, ESV)

God is always calling us to repentance, we must amend our conduct and actions.

Personal responsibility

Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.’(Jeremiah 7:4, ESV)

We must not have false confidence in institutions like the church, but each of us must repent and amend our ways before God personally.

Conditional promises

then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your fathers forever.(Jeremiah 7:7, ESV)

The dwelling in the land is conditional in this passage, on the repentance of the people, and we know that after the Babylonian captivity the people did repent and God did restore them to the land as promised.

We need to realise that nearly all the promises of God’s word are conditional, we need to meet God’s conditions to qualify for the promise. The condition could be something as simple as humbling ourselves in repentance.

Deceptive words

“Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail.(Jeremiah 7:8, ESV)

No matter how much we believe in deceptive words from either the church or the secular world, they will not benefit us in anyway because they are false and have no power.

The Temple, just a shadow

therefore I will do to the house that is called by my name, and in which you trust, and to the place that I gave to you and to your fathers, as I did to Shiloh.(Jeremiah 7:14, ESV)

God did not tie Himself perpetually to the temple, which is why there is not one today, it was a shadow of the real temple fulfilled in Jesus.

Stop praying

“As for you, do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with me, for I will not hear you.(Jeremiah 7:16, ESV)

We need to know when we should stop praying for a person or situation. This is why we must be led by the Holy Spirit.

Queen of Heaven

The children gather wood, the fathers kindle fire, and the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven. And they pour out drink offerings to other gods, to provoke me to anger.(Jeremiah 7:18, ESV)

The spirit behind the Marian worship of Roman Catholicism. This is heresy, there is nowhere in the bible teaching us to worship Mary. Mary herself was a believer and worshiped God alone.

Obedience born of love

But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’(Jeremiah 7:23, ESV)

God’s call is to obedience, not sacrifice and sacrament, but heartfelt obedience born out of love and relationship.

Listen to God

But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.(Jeremiah 7:24, ESV)

Lord, we don’t want to be like that and be stubborn, going backward instead of forward, please help us to listen to Your voice.

When we stubbornly disobey God, we are going backwards. We can only progress by listening to and obeying God.

Colossians 3:1–17

The prosperity gospel destroyed

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.(Colossians 3:2, ESV)

Surely this blows away the prosperity gospel. We are called to set our minds on the things of the spirit and eternity, not on the temporary things of this world.

Kill sin

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.(Colossians 3:5–6, ESV)

We must consciously put these passions to death today. Be killing sin or sin be killing you!

Active sanctification

Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices(Colossians 3:9, ESV)

We are called to active sanctification which means it is always turned on, we are always walking in it. One way we work this out is by being honest with each other.

The new self

and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.(Colossians 3:10, ESV)

In Christ, we can be what God intended us to be. When we put off the old self with its practices, we put on the new self in two senses.

We embrace the virtues of life as Christians, as disciples of Jesus Christ, making our behaviour conform to godliness.

Jesus as the new Adam is the leader of the new humanity, which we are corporately a part of. We have been recreated in Christ with a new nature, new desires and are governed by new laws. We put on Christ.

A good way to think of this is, taking off an old dirty jacket and then putting on a new one.

The new humanity

Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.(Colossians 3:11, ESV)

The new humanity in Christ, we are one new man.

The tone of our lives

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,(Colossians 3:12, ESV)

This is the tone our lives should have as Christians with compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

Forgive

bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.(Colossians 3:13, ESV)

We must forgive each other as we too have been forgiven, taking slights (insults) or offence as an opportunity to be like the Lord.

Love

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.(Colossians 3:14, ESV)

The love of God binds our new nature, behaviour and tone together, in perfect harmony.

Let the word dwell richly in you

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.(Colossians 3:16, ESV)

This is a case for loving God’s word, studying it and teaching or sharing it in everyday Christian fellowship together. The word cannot dwell in you richly if you do not love it and take it in.

Be thankful

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.(Colossians 3:17, ESV)

Everything we do we must do unto the Lord, with thankful, joyful hearts.

Proverbs 12:1–28

Don’t be stupid

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.(Proverbs 12:1, ESV)

Sometimes we can be stupid… Lord, help us to love discipline and knowledge given by elders (even elders who are dead, through the books they have left etc.).

Excellent wife

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.(Proverbs 12:4, ESV)

There are two calls here, one is to wives, that they should desire to be an excellent wife to their husbands. The second is that husbands should give God thanks for their excellent wife.

Good sense

A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised.(Proverbs 12:8, ESV)

We ought to have good sense, sometimes simply called common sense.

Don’t play the man

Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread.(Proverbs 12:9, ESV)

I see so many men doing this and the wife and children suffer for their delusions of grandeur, help men to avoid this immature pitfall. We are called to be good stewards and to live within our means.

Care for animals

Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.(Proverbs 12:10, ESV)

We should care for our pets and wildlife too. We should be good stewards of God’s creation.

Work is good

From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him.(Proverbs 12:14, ESV)

We must have a healthy theology of work. You will reap what you have planted.

Ignore insults

The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.(Proverbs 12:16, ESV)

More insults will come in life, Lord help us to ignore them.

Don’t be rash

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(Proverbs 12:18, ESV)

Lord, forgive us when our words have been rash, may our tongue bring healing.

Be diligent

The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labour.(Proverbs 12:24, ESV)

We are called to diligence.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Colossians 3

Today’s Reading: Jer 4:19–5:31, Col 2:6–23, Prov 11:13–31

Today’s Theme: Alive in Christ

Today’s theme is that we are alive in Christ and so should live in light of that and bear fruit like trees planted by a stream of water. The principles of godly living are found throughout today’s readings.

Jeremiah 4:19–5:31

Don’t be stupid

“For my people are foolish; they know me not; they are stupid children; they have no understanding. They are ‘wise’—in doing evil! But how to do good they know not.”(Jeremiah 4:22, ESV)

God has not called us to simplicity or stupidity, rather God has called us to faith, holiness, wisdom and knowledge.

God’s word is fulfilled

“For this the earth shall mourn, and the heavens above be dark; for I have spoken; I have purposed; I have not relented, nor will I turn back.”(Jeremiah 4:28, ESV)

When God purposes something, it will come to pass because He is free, powerful and Sovereign.

Justice and truth

Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, look and take note! Search her squares to see if you can find a man, one who does justice and seeks truth, that I may pardon her.(Jeremiah 5:1, ESV)

We should seek truth and mobilise in action to seek justice for our community, city, nation and world.

Don’t be stubborn

O Lord, do not your eyes look for truth? You have struck them down, but they felt no anguish; you have consumed them, but they refused to take correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to repent.(Jeremiah 5:3, ESV)

Lord, please keep us and forgive us from making our face like rock in stubbornness and rebellion.

Flee spiritual adultery

“How can I pardon you? Your children have forsaken me and have sworn by those who are no gods. When I fed them to the full, they committed adultery and trooped to the houses of whores. They were well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing for his neighbor’s wife.(Jeremiah 5:7–8, ESV)

What a terribly sad situation. Lord, You feed us so well both physically and spiritually, please keep us from this kind of adultery, it is a horrible picture but all too common.

Powerful words

Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of hosts: “Because you have spoken this word, behold, I am making my words in your mouth a fire, and this people wood, and the fire shall consume them.(Jeremiah 5:14, ESV)

Lord, our words can be so detrimental, help us to watch and use words with wisdom and power. Help us to respect the words spoken by Your servants.

Listen intently

“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see not, who have ears, but hear not.(Jeremiah 5:21, ESV)

This condition persists, since Jesus’ day until today,  some who have ears but do not hear. Determine for your part, to listen intently to the Lord today.

God is worthy of our fear

Do you not fear me? declares the Lord. Do you not tremble before me? I placed the sand as the boundary for the sea, a perpetual barrier that it cannot pass; though the waves toss, they cannot prevail; though they roar, they cannot pass over it.(Jeremiah 5:22, ESV)

We should fear God for His mighty acts in creation, let alone redemption and our lives.

Don’t be kept from good

Your iniquities have turned these away, and your sins have kept good from you.(Jeremiah 5:25, ESV)

Lord, we want to enjoy the good life You have provided, please keep us from sinful ways which will bring robbery and disqualification from the good You intend for us.

Sin keeps us from God and ultimate good.

Social justice

Shall I not punish them for these things? declares the Lord, and shall I not avenge myself on a nation such as this?”(Jeremiah 5:29, ESV)

We are called to pursue social justice. We must always remember to do it in context to the gospel and in the name of Jesus.

Beware false prophets

the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?(Jeremiah 5:31, ESV)

This is happening today through prosperity preachers in the Word of Faith movement. Lord, help Your people that they will not be deceived by these false prophets.

Colossians 2:6–23

Be rooted and established in Jesus

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.(Colossians 2:6–7, ESV)

We are called to behave in a new way, to reflect our new belief. Our roots, progression and growth in the faith is all in Jesus.

Be rooted in Jesus today, you are alive in Him, bear the fruit of praise, thanks and good works to the glory of God.

The incarnate God

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,(Colossians 2:9, ESV)

Jesus is the incarnation of God, the fullness of God in bodily form. Jesus is God, in His incarnation, He is the one unique God-Man. We are made alive in Him.

Jesus is sovereign

and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.(Colossians 2:10, ESV)

Jesus is Sovereign over all rulers, this should give us boldness as we pray today.

Faith in God’s great power

having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.(Colossians 2:12, ESV)

We put our faith in God’s great power, the same great power that rose Christ from the dead.

The devils claim, wiped out

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.(Colossians 2:13–14, ESV)

Contrary to contemporary theology, the devil has no legal claim on us, it was wiped out by the cross. Hallelujah, those in Christ are free from the devil’s claims on us. The legal demands have been met in the cross of Christ.

The devil is defeated

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.(Colossians 2:15, ESV)

God’s great victory over the demonic through Jesus. Sing praise to His glorious name today, because our great enemy Satan was defeated at the cross and resurrection of Christ, to God’s glory and our salvation.

Fulfilled in Jesus

These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.(Colossians 2:17, ESV)

The feasts of Israel, the mosaic diet and even the Sabbaths, were all pointing to Christ and find their fulfilment in Him.

False visions

Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind,(Colossians 2:18, ESV)

This can happen in the church today, when someone gets a vision etc and it is not checked against the bible, or is seen on the same level as the bible.

Growth from God

and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.(Colossians 2:19, ESV)

God brings church and personal growth.

Self made religions have no value

These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.(Colossians 2:23, ESV)

A blast against legalism, and false religion in all its forms.

Proverbs 11:13–31

Be trustworthy

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.(Proverbs 11:13, ESV)

Lord, we have seen this so often in the church and may have been seduced by it ourselves, help us to be trustworthy.

Don’t fly solo

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.(Proverbs 11:14, ESV)

This is why fellowship, relationship and discipleship under godly leadership is so important. It also makes a case for looking to the work of others, when studying. For example, seeing what a trusted commentator says about a difficult verse etc.

Good violence

A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.(Proverbs 11:16, ESV)

There must be a type of violence or aggression in our spirit as men. Don’t be passive, we should have violent faith in the spirit.

Be kind

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.(Proverbs 11:17, ESV)

This is a great reminder to always show kindness.

Delight the Lord

Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord, but those of blameless ways are his delight.(Proverbs 11:20, ESV)

We should bring delight to The Lord in our conduct.

Have discretion

Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.(Proverbs 11:22, ESV)

The idea of discretion has been so horribly eroded today that many women do not even know what it looks like. May the biblical picture of manhood and womanhood be restored.

Good desires

The desire of the righteous ends only in good; the expectation of the wicked in wrath.(Proverbs 11:23, ESV)

When we are walking in righteousness, we can trust our desires to help guide us.

Be a blessing

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.(Proverbs 11:24, ESV)

This is hugely important, this is why we should give freely, generously, lovingly and honestly to The Lord and needs which arise in the church community… To both be a blessing and be blessed ourselves.

Trust the Lord

Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.(Proverbs 11:28, ESV)

We should not put our trust in wages, banks, property, we trust in The Lord.

Be wise

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.(Proverbs 11:30, ESV)

It follows that we must use wisdom to capture souls.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Colossians 2

Today’s Reading: Jer 3:1–4:18, Col 1:15–2:5, Prov 11:1–12

Today’s Theme: The Christ Hymn

Today we enter one of the richest passages in the entire New Testament known as the Christ Hymn, where we learn some fascinating things about the person, power, work and position of Christ.

Jeremiah 3:1–4:18

Be genuine

Yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah did not return to me with her whole heart, but in pretense, declares the Lord.”(Jeremiah 3:10, ESV)

Is this why Josiah’s reforms had no effect, was it done in pretence? Anything done in pretence will have no lasting impact and has no impact with God at all, because He knows our hearts and mind, so we should be genuine and heartfelt in everything we do.

The teaching Pastor

“ ‘And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.(Jeremiah 3:15, ESV)

A Pastor’s job is to teach and to teach well, not to abuse or neglect the sheep. Give God thanks today for our own Pastors and all good Pastors who seek to feed and teach God’s people.

Sexual sin and worship

Truly the hills are a delusion, the orgies on the mountains. Truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel.(Jeremiah 3:23, ESV)

It seems false worship is always connected to sexual sin. This explains the enemy’s tactic of flooding our culture with sexual deviancy and perversion.

Circumcise your heart

Circumcise yourselves to the Lord; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds.”(Jeremiah 4:4, ESV)

Even in the OT circumcision was about the heart. Through the OT we see clear connection to the revelation of the NT.

To circumcise our hearts is to cut away anything that is unclean and seeks only the selfish and destructive pleasures of sin.

Wicked thoughts

O Jerusalem, wash your heart from evil, that you may be saved. How long shall your wicked thoughts lodge within you?(Jeremiah 4:14, ESV)

God calls us to this washing today too. Lord, keep us from having wicked thoughts stuck in our heads.

Colossians 1:15–2:5

Jesus, the perfect image of God

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.(Colossians 1:15, ESV)

Verse 15-20 is known as the Christ Hymn and was part of a creed or confession sung by the first church. It is one of the most important passages in scripture because it quite clearly states the divinity of Christ as distinct, yet connected to the Father.

The word used for ‘image’ is the Greek word ‘eikon’, which is also used in Genesis (1:26-27) when God says He will make Man as His image bearers. This connection alone teaches us a number of important truths.

Jesus is the perfect revelation of God’s nature and being, reflected to us as humans in His earthly mission from incarnation to resurrection.

Jesus brings God into our human understanding by making the invisible God visible, He is God’s ultimate self revelation.

We only see what the unspoiled image of God looks like in Christ, the image we should have been but fell short of in sin. He fulfils humanity’s creation role to be the vehicle for God’s own self expression in the earth.

Jesus the Creator

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.(Colossians 1:16, ESV)

Jesus created all things and therefore cannot be Himself created, He has always exited for all eterrnity.

Jesus holds it all

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.(Colossians 1:17, ESV)

Jesus is the force holding all reality and every atom together, without Him reality and creation itself would not be here and could not be sustained.

Jesus the preeminent

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.(Colossians 1:18, ESV)

The word ‘firstborn’ and ‘preeminent’ are linked. Christ is unique and preeminent.

The term firstborn means preeminent and has nothing to do with the order of creation, the image here is of the son who is entitled to the inheritance. Jesus is eternal because He is God.

Jesus comes before all creation, is above all creation and is distinguished or set apart from creation.

The watchtower Society and others have perverted the interpretation of this hymn, claiming that Jesus was the first creature created. By this very assertion, Jesus cannot be divine as they blasphemously hold that he is just the greatest creation or the mightiest of all the Angels. This is heresy.

Jesus the incarnate

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,(Colossians 1:19, ESV)

We celebrate this every Christmas, it is in the incarnation that Jesus brings us the fullness of God in bodily form, as the one and only God-Man.

Called to persevere

he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.(Colossians 1:22–23, ESV)

Jesus has reconciled us in order to present us as blameless and above reproach before the Father, however this is not disconnected from our responsibility to persevere in sanctification and holiness. We must continue in the faith.

Suffering for the name of Jesus

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,(Colossians 1:24, ESV)

The suffering of Christ on the cross was complete and sufficient, this verse simply means Paul suffered for the church on Christ’s behalf and so should we all.

Warn and teach

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.(Colossians 1:28, ESV)

Thank God our Pastors do a lot of warning and teach too, just like Paul and the Apostles.

Use the energy God supplies

For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.(Colossians 1:29, ESV)

We should work hard with the energy God has given.

The lukewarm church

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,(Colossians 2:1, ESV)

Laodicea is the church that became lukewarm, this is despite the struggles and work of Paul for them. We must be alive to the danger of lukewarmness despite the efforts of our leaders, it is each of our responsibility as believers, to stay on fire for God.

Full assurance

that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ,(Colossians 2:2, ESV)

Understanding and knowledge of God’s mystery should lead the believer to full assurance in Christ. We should not doubt our salvation or Christ because doubt itself is sin.

Go treasure hunting

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.(Colossians 2:3, ESV)

We should go treasure hunting in the very person of Christ.

Eroding arguments

I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.(Colossians 2:4, ESV)

The plausible arguments of errant theology can subtly erode our assurance and confidence in the Lord… Paul is writing to combat this.

Proverbs 11:1–12

Guided by integrity

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.(Proverbs 11:3, ESV)

Thank you Lord that Your integrity guides us this morning.

The bondage of lust

The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.(Proverbs 11:6, ESV)

This is true, lust will take you captive at its own will.

Learn to be silent

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.(Proverbs 11:12, ESV)

This verse talks about the virtue of staying silent. The previous verse is not saying that speaking bad of the city mystically pulls it down, it is alluding to the result of the bad words politically and socially.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on Colossians 1