Today’s Reading: 2 Sam 16:1–17:29, 2 Pet 2:1–11, Ps 143:1–12

Today’s Theme: Characters in trying times or the different characters you may meet in trying times.

God has shown me today’s theme a little differently. We will be looking at the different characters and types of people you may face or interact with in trying times. Some of these characters are enemies, while others are friends.

This reminds us of the characters which Pilgrim met on his way to heaven, in John Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress.

2 Samuel 16:1–17:29

Ziba – the Opportunist

Then the king said to Ziba, “Behold, all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.” And Ziba said, “I pay homage; let me ever find favor in your sight, my lord the king.” 2 Samuel 16:4 (ESV)

In 2 Samuel 9, David showed kindness to Saul’s house, he asked Ziba if any of the children of Saul’s house were still alive. It is notable that Ziba knew about Mephibosheth but kept the riches of the house of Saul for himself.

David told Ziba in verse 9-10 that the house of Saul would belong to Mephibosheth and that Ziba would serve him. It is likely that this did not sit well with Ziba who had enjoyed the estate of Saul, before David called Mephibosheth back to the kingdom.

Now we see Ziba taking the opportunity to be manipulative, he lies to David that Mephibosheth was being an opportunist when in fact, it was his own scheme to regain the estate of Saul. We read later in 2 Samuel 19:24-30, Mephibosheth’s side of the story which is quite different and his response to David shows that his heart was right.

David judged too quickly in this situation because he was going through a difficult trial, which meant his powers of discernment had dulled.

We need to be aware of the opportunist around us when we are going through a difficult time, they will smell blood and make a plan like Ziba, to benefit themselves through our impaired judgement. See 2 Corinthians 11:13 and 1 Timothy 6:5

Ask God to guide you and give you supernatural discernment in trying times so that you can spot and not be fooled by the opportunists.

Shimei – the Accuser

It may be that the LORD will look on the wrong done to me, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing today.” 2 Samuel 16:12 (ESV)

When we go through trying times, there will be those who come to accuse and mock us, these can be either people or demonic spirits. Revelation 12:10

David recognises the sovereignty of God, even over his accuser and enemy. We must realise too that there is not a single enemy that has free rein to do whatever they want to us, they can only do what God allows and God will never let us go through more than we can bear.

Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

We are called to stay faithful under trial. If we do stay faithful, God will reward us. David knew this and so he willingly endured the accusation and mockery of the enemy. See James 1:3 and 2 Corinthians 13:5

Know who you are in Christ, do not take the accusations, conjecture, lies and gossip of people or the enemy, to heart. Encourage yourself in the Lord today. See Colossians 3:3 and Ephesians 2:6

Ahithophel – the Traitor

Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom. 2 Samuel 16:23 (ESV)

Ahithophel was a man driven by the vain worship of his own gift, a man concerned with position, prestige and performance.

He has a touch of the opportunist in him, but is worse. This man is a traitor, playing both sides of the fence to suit his needs, like Judas Iscariot. He betrays those who trust in him.

Notice the similarity between Ahithophel and Judas, they both betray their king and go on to commit suicide. Don’t be a Judas, it will end with your destruction.

At the height of his treachery, he advises Absalom to take David’s concubines and then gives him the advice that would have seen him defeat David.

Traitors are the most dangerous characters we encounter in the difficult times of our lives, they can be people who are close to us or who we trust in, they know us intimately and so can cause more damage than the average adversary.

If you are betrayed in a trying time, remember that Jesus was betrayed too but got the victory in the end.

One way to prepare for betrayal is to put all our trust in God. David and Absalom probably put too much faith in the counsel of this man, making him like an idol. We must remember that even the most gifted people are only human.

Hushai – the Advocate

And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring harm upon Absalom. 2 Samuel 17:14 (ESV)

In our trying times, God will send advocates who will speak up for us, defend us and defeat the enemy’s schemes. Our ultimate Advocate (legal counsel) in difficult times is Jesus.

John encourages us in 1 John 2:1, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

God gave Hushai great wisdom as an advocate for David, by countering the wise counsel of Ahithophel. If we are seeking to be advocates for others when they are going through hard times, we need to ask God to give us wisdom and favour like He did for Hushai.

We can advocate for our brothers and sister in the persecuted church around the world, through agencies like Open Doors and CSW.

Advocacy takes us beyond prayer to taking action, God can use His people powerfully if we boldly stand up against injustice.

If you are going through a difficult time, keep your eyes open for the advocates that God will send to defend you and even if you don’t see them, know that God is working it all out. Romans 8:28

Jonathan and Ahimaaz – the Counsellors

 After they had gone, the men came up out of the well, and went and told King David. They said to David, “Arise, and go quickly over the water, for thus and so has Ahithophel counseled against you.” 2 Samuel 17:21 (ESV)

In trying times God will send counsellors to give you guidance and advice. The ultimate counsellor is God the Holy Spirit, John 14:26.

Jonathan and Ahimaaz, the sons of the priests, put their lives at risk to bring news to David from Hushai.

If we are going to be counsellors to those going through difficult times, it will cost us personally, it will cost time, money and energy. We need to be willing to take the risk to help others, knowing that God has equipped us to be ministers.

God has called us to encourage one another, spur one another on and warn one another of danger. See 2 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11, Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25.

Even if we see a brother going off and seek to restore him, James tells us in James 5:20, “let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

Ask God to help you identify the counsellors who come to help guide you in difficult times.

Sobi, Machir and Barzillai – the Carers

brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils, honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.” 2 Samuel 17:28–29 (ESV)

God will send carers in difficult times, to meet spiritual and physical needs.

One of the things that might happen in a difficult time is that we do not feed on the word as we should, so become hungry and do not rest in the Lord because of fear, anxiety and oppression and so become weary.

God has given us Pastors who feed us the word of God, in good and bad seasons. We should give God thanks for our Pastors who like Sobi, Machir and Barzillai, bring food to God’s people in the wilderness.

Jesus is our ultimate source of satisfying food and rest. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus also encourages us in John 6:35 “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

Share the word of God with those going through difficult times and pray that they will come to Jesus, to drink from Him.

We are called to physically help those in actual need of food too, you can do this through Child Sponsorship with Compassion. When we feed the needy, we are feeding the Lord. Matthew 25:35

2 Peter 2:1–11

False Teachers (Heretics) – the Exploiters

And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 2 Peter 2:2–3 (ESV)

Heresy is a BIG problem in the church today and because of the relative thinking in our culture, the only heresy today seems to be to call something heresy.

Peter is warning us that the church will be plagued by heretics bringing in destructive false teachings, driven by sensuality, greed and a callous desire to exploit God’s people. This has been true throughout church history.

Today’s heretics include those who form cults like Mormonism and Jehovah Witness.

The Heretics which are most dangerous, are those posing as Christians, like the health and wealth gospel proponents on TV.

These new heresies call men gods and say that our goal should be riches in this life. In reality, these false ministers are building their own kingdoms and becoming millionaires, while those who are naive and going through hard times are exploited.

Keep your eyes open to the false prophets that will come to exploit you in your hard times, your defence is the word of God and submission to your own loving Pastors.

God – the Rescuer

then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 2 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

God is the greatest and most important person we meet in our trials, God is the one who has the ability and wisdom to rescue us from our trials.

God knows how to use everyone else we meet on the journey, to bring about our deliverance.

God’s past and present ability to rescue the righteous, while bringing judgment on the unrighteous, is the key theme in verses 5–7 and is now summarised in this verse.

Notice God doesn’t just deliver anyone, He delivers the righteous, those who devoutly live rightly before Him, even under trial. If you know you belong to the Lord then call out to Him in the trials, to help you, because He will.

Be sure to come face to face with God in the middle of your trial, He will deliver you from the schemes of the opportunist, the accusers, the traitors and the false teaching of the exploiters.

God may use you to help rescue one of His people, have your heart in a place to be used by God as an advocate, counsellor, carer or in some other way.

Psalm 143:1–12

The Holy Spirit – the Teacher

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! Psalm 143:10 (ESV)

God will lead us back to level ground by His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the most important person in our lives, we need Him in the midst of life’s trials to help keep us on track, to guide us and to lead us back out to the steady ground, from the rocky road that our trials will have us travelling on.

God the Holy Spirit is our teacher, He will be teaching us in our trials, through our trials and in light of our trials.

Jesus said in John 16:13–15 “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that He will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

Praise God for our teacher, the Holy Spirit. As you go through trials, continue to be led by the teacher, the Holy Spirit.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Peter 2

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 14:1–15:37, 2 Pet 1:16–21, Ps 141:1–142:7

Today’s Theme: The allure and danger of sedition

Today’s theme is about sedition which is undermining and usurping authority. This is a dangerous thing, mostly for the offender but it disrupts the work of God, His kingdom and people. We have been called to be humble, to submit to the authority of God’s word and our leaders. Satan was the first one to express sedition.

A definition to help us think this through is “Sedition – conduct or language inciting rebellion against the authority of a state or other lawful government” – Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary.

2 Samuel 14:1–15:37

Manipulation and discernment

In order to change the course of things your servant Joab did this. But my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God to know all things that are on the earth.” 2 Samuel 14:20 (ESV)

Joab’s subtle sedition seems to be filled with good intent, but that is the allure of sedition. Often the one undermining authority thinks they are doing something worthwhile.

One of the elements of sedition is manipulation. The one usurping or undermining authority has no real authority of their own and so uses manipulative methods to put forward their case and achieve their goal.

Jesus warned us against being manipulative in Matthew 5:37 “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”

God has given us Himself in the person of God the Holy Spirit. By Him and the clear revelation of God’s word in the Bible we can exercise discernment to see through manipulative and seditious schemes.

Here are a number of verses to help us think about discernment:
Romans 12:2
1 Corinthians 2:14
Ephesians 5:10
Philippians 1:9
Hebrews 4:12
Hebrews 5:14

Let’s ask God to help us sharpen our discernment today.

The battle for hearts and minds

Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 2 Samuel 15:6 (ESV)

We are in a battle for hearts and minds. There are so many false stories being told to allure our people into bad ways of thinking and trying to distort the revelation of truth in the Bible.

We need to guard our minds and hearts, we do not want to be won over by the sedition of the devil or one of his proxies.

Paul encourages us that our hearts and minds can be guarded by God’s peace which Jesus left with us in Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Paul also warns us in Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Loyalty vs Sedition

But Ittai answered the king, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.” 2 Samuel 15:21 (ESV)

The attitude of this man and the priest in later verses shows their loyalty to and love for their king.

Rather than showing sedition to those God has put in positions of authority in our lives we should instead show them our loyalty in Christ. More importantly we should show allegiance and loyalty to God.

The author of Hebrews tells us in Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

2 Peter 1:16–21

The true story vs myths

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2 Peter 1:16 (ESV)

At our 2014 youth conference we dealt with the false story of our origins called evolution pointing our youth to the truth of the Bible’s account of creation. You can see the video on our website here

The Gospel is not a fable, fantasy or fiction it is the one, ultimate true narrative, God’s great story of creation, the fall, redemption and consummation through Jesus the Christ.

We have eyewitness accounts in the New Testament which stand up under the scrutiny of any courtroom.

Have confidence in the record of the scriptures today.

The Bible was inspired

knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20–21 (ESV)

We should submit to the word of God as the ultimate authority. Our private interpretations are worthless, we need to submit to the churches’ agreed interpretation of the scriptures and the teaching and guidance of our own pastors.

The Bible is the inspired, inerrant word of God. It is not just the words of men or just a good book. The Bible was written by God the Holy Spirit through the prophets and apostles.

Do not allow your own ideas and the opinions, ideals and philosophies of this world to usurp the authority of the Bible in your life. Do not be seditious to God, submit to His revealed word with joy today.

Psalm 141:1–142:7

Watch your mouth

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Psalm 141:3 (ESV)

Like David says in this Psalm we need to ask God to help us to guard the things we say. Our mouth can get us into a world of trouble and it is often with our mouths that we are insubordinate and express sedition and rebellion.

James warns us about the tongue in James 3:6 “And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.”

Let’s be slow to speak today and watch what we say. James 1:19.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Peter 1

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 13:1–39, 2 Pet 1:9–15, Ps 140:1–13

Today’s Theme: The Assurance of Salvation

Today’s theme is only taken from the New Testament and is regarding the assurance of salvation we can have in Christ. In the Old Testament we look at the issues of rape and sins of omission.

2 Samuel 13:1–39

The evil of rape

Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Get up! Go!” 2 Samuel 13:15 (ESV)

Amnon raped his own sister driven by the madness of lust. Lust blinds the eyes of reason and sense leading it’s captive into unthinkable depravity if given free reign.

This precious girl who was obedient to her dad and only wanted to help her deceitful half brother was abused and violently raped.

In ancient Israel if a man was found to have raped a virgin he was to marry her without the possibility of divorce. However the overwhelming and self centred lust that drove Amnon to rape his half sister is demonic and now takes the violence of rape and channels it into contempt for the victim.

This is the cycle of sexual lust for those bound by it. Once the sexual act of violence occurs they feel disgusting and blame the victim or object of lust.

We need to pray for the victims of rape in our day, that God would bring healing and destroy the lies that it is their fault. Let’s also pray for those in bondage to the slave master of sexual lust. Ephesians 5:3.

Sins of omission

But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar. 2 Samuel 13:22 (ESV)

Amnon’s sin is similar to David’s sin against Bathsheba which was also essentially rape. This sin opens the door to a time of pain and suffering for David’s family which was itself judgment for the murder of Uzziah.

David failed to discipline Amnon or comfort his daughter or Absalom. In this sense David was not a good father.

The sins we commit can have an impact on our families. Sins of omission also have a bad affect on those around us. A sin of omission is something we should do but have neglected to do like discipline our own children.

Let’s thank God today for the provision Jesus has made to deal with our sins and let’s also ask God to open our eyes to sins of omission.

2 Peter 1:9–15

The assurance of salvation

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 2 Peter 1:10 (ESV)

This is the conclusion to the list of virtues we need to make an effort to pursue which were outlined in yesterday’s reading.

God knows who His elect are and has secured us eternally (Romans 8:31-39). However as believers we don’t have any indicator to confirm to us that we are truly God’s elect other than the fruit of a transformed life and the assurance of the Holy Spirit.

The fact that we want to pursue the 8 virtues is evidence that our nature has been changed. The fact that we persevere is evidence that we have been secured and chosen by God.

So we should be diligent about living godly lives and godly lives that grow, which is proof of eternal life and eternal security.

If we confirm our calling and election in this way then we will never fall into the despair of doubt regarding our eternal destiny and security.

Psalm 140:1–13

God, our shield

Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet. Psalm 140:4 (ESV)

We can ask God to shield us from the schemes of wicked and violent men today. Let’s remember this point as we pray for the suffering church today.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Peter 1

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 11:1–12:31, 2 Pet 1:1–8, Ps 139:1–24

Today’s Theme: The Deceitfulness of Sin

Today’s theme is about the deceitful and deadly allure of sin and how God has made provision for us to live godly lives.

2 Samuel 11:1–12:31

Small Compromises

In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 11:1 (ESV)

The scripture makes a point of telling us that it was the time of year when kings go out to battle and that David decided to send the army without him.

It is the areas of seemingly insignificant compromise where we open an opportunity for temptation and give a foothold to the enemy.

Ephesians 4:27 reminds us “and give no opportunity to the devil.”

Our flesh with its evil desires and sin by its nature are both very deceptive in leading us astray. The devil will encourage us to make small compromises and concessions in a larger scheme to entice our souls through desire, temptation, sin and finally leading to death. James 1:14–15.

Ask God to show you any subtle areas of compromise that could be leaving holes in your defence against the enemy today, so they can be addressed.

Sin destroys relationships

Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.” 2 Samuel 11:11 (ESV)

Later in 2 Samuel 23:39 Uriah the Hittie is named as one of David’s crack team of commandos known as the thirty. These were the most skilful, brave and loyal of all the warriors in David’s Army.

Uriah was a man who risked his life for David and was with him from the Cave of Adullam all the way to victory in Jerusalem. He was a loyal servant and friend and here acts with great nobility.*

All of this makes the betrayal of David and the current conspiracy to cover up his sin so much worse. The deceitful slave master of sin has caused David to betray one of his loyalist friends and has blinded him to the man’s faithful heart.

Sin will destroy relationships because at its core is selfishness and deceit, seeking only the satisfaction and justification of the offender. Don’t allow relationships to be maligned, cheapened, betrayed and destroyed through the deceitfulness of sin.

*It is probable that as one of the 30 he had an esteemed place in society as his home would have been close to the king for the king to see his wife on the roof.

Sin damages your brain

David said to the messenger, “Thus shall you say to Joab, ‘Do not let this matter displease you, for the sword devours now one and now another. Strengthen your attack against the city and overthrow it.’ And encourage him.” 2 Samuel 11:25 (ESV)

I have a note in my Bible from a couple of years ago from Pastor Dennis it simply says “Sin damages your brain, then it hardens your heart”

This is so true, the deceitfulness of sin will infect our thinking, we will be so drunk on lust and consumed with our own interest that we will not think clearly.

This self gratifying way of thinking will inevitably harden our hearts, making us cold and indifferent to sin and those around us.

Guard against hardness of heart today with Ephesians 4:32 which says “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Sin brings death

When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she lamented over her husband. 2 Samuel 11:26 (ESV)

This verse vindicates the character of Uriah’s wife and gives context to the events.

Contrary to common misconceptions, Bathsheba was not bathing on the roof to try and entice the king and so implicit in the betrayal of her husband, rather the king abused his power and in a sense raped Bathsheba because she had no power to reject the king’s advances when she was summoned.

Bathsheba wept for her husband who had been killed as a result of David’s failed cover up of his sin.

Sin brings mourning, regret, shame and death to all those it touches.

The root of Sin

Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 2 Samuel 12:9 (ESV)

The root of our sin is a hatred for God, His word and ways in favour of our own lust.

David is so driven by his sinful desires that he takes another man’s wife by force to satisfy his lust when he had a large number of wives and concubines himself. This proves the point that lust is never satisfied.

We find true satisfaction and contentment in Jesus. John 6:35.

So sin at it’s heart turns us or worst still our lust into a false idol god that must be served and is never satisfied. We need to trade the idol of self for the true and living God who has spoken, today.

The consequences of sin

Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child who is born to you shall die.” 2 Samuel 12:14 (ESV)

Sin leaves scars and consequences follow sin. God was merciful to David by forgiving him but at the same time the sin needed to be judged and it was by the fruit of the sin (the baby) dying by God’s decree.

Sin always leads to death and is a very serious thing before God. We should not take sin and repentance lightly. We need to realise that God will still allow judgement, discipline and even remedial punishment in our lives because of sin.

Consider this today, sin always has consequences. Thank God for the mercy He has shown to us and for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross which makes atonement for us 1 Peter 3:18.

2 Peter 1:1–8

Equipped by God

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 2 Peter 1:3 (ESV)

We have been given everything we need from God to live a godly life. We have been given His word in the Bible, the help of God the Holy Spirit and have been drawn into an intimate relationship with God Himself.

We escape the deceptive allure and destruction of sin by living the godly life God has empowered us to live by His Spirit. We have been equipped to live for the glory of God.

Notice the verse mentions us living a godly life though our knowledge of God. In this context hearing and understanding the Bible is key.

The virtues of God

by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 2 Peter 1:4 (ESV)

Through the promises of God’s word we gain two benefits, the first is that we participate in the divine nature and the second is that we escape the corruption in the world caused by desires.

When Peter is talking about us being partakers in the divine nature he is not saying we become little gods, that is absurd. He is talking about moral transformation and acquiring moral character which is from God and based on God’s own virtues of love etc.

This moral transformation into godlike or godly character is the only real escape from moral corruption, which comes from our drive or desire to please ourselves.

By the promises of God’s word and His Holy Spirit, as believers our desires are changed and our very nature is changed when we are born again. This is the only way that we can escape the constant pull of sin.

Verses 5 to 7 go on to give us a practical map for cultivating a godly character and growing in Christ, in light of God’s promises.

Make an effort

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 2 Peter 1:5–7 (ESV)

We need to make an effort to live a godly life. I don’t have time to go through each of the 8 virtues listed but each one is crucial to the life of the Christian.

Here is a plain list which you can think on (meditate) and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about:

1. Faith
2. Virtue
3. Knowledge
4. Self Control
5. Steadfastness
6. Godliness
7. Brotherly Affection
8. Love

Make an effort or you will be carried away by the deceitfulness of sin.

Psalm 139:1–24

The all knowing God is everywhere

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7 (ESV)

This is such a beautiful psalm. It exalts two of God’s unique attributes which should fill us with awe and encouragement if we love Him but fear if we are living in sin and rebellion. These attributes are God’s Omni-Presence (God is everywhere) and Omni-Science (God knows everything).

We cannot sin and win. So whether this encourages or frightens you today, learn the lesson that God sees all our sin, none are done in secret so do not be deceived.

Search me, O God

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV)

We end today’s study by asking God to search us, to try our thoughts, motives and intentions to see if there is any sin in us and that God would lead us to truth and freedom.

Verse 17 reminds us that God’s thoughts for us are many and good. We should seek to please Him by making our thoughts compatible with His by His word and Holy Spirit and not be deceived by the false promise of sin.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Peter 1

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 9:1–10:19, 1 Pet 5:1–14, Ps 138:1–8

Today’s Theme: The Way of Kindness and Humility

Today’s themes are the kindness of God which is expressed in His grace and love towards us, and humility which God shows in both revelation and the incarnation and that we must clothe ourselves with and have towards God to receive His kindness.

The following definitions may be useful as you meditate on these two concepts which are dependant on each other for the revelation and reception of grace:

Kindness*

Generosity, humaneness and tenderness. The word can also refer to a particular instance of kind behaviour like a token of friendliness, good will or affection. In the OT (Old Testament) it is associated with words like mercy, loyalty, grace and love. In the NT (New Testament) it is associated with love or concern for humanity, benevolence, goodness, uprightness and generosity.

The Greek word for kindness is where we get our modern English term philanthropy from. Kindness is also an attribute of God and a characteristic of true love.

Humility**

The proper attitude of human beings towards their Creator. Humility is a grateful and spontaneous awareness that life is a gift It is manifested as an ungrudging and unhypocritical acknowledgment of absolute dependence upon God.

2 Samuel 9:1–10:19

The Kindness of God

And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” 2 Samuel 9:3 (ESV)

We should be able to identify with both sides of this narrative.

Firstly, we are Mephibosheth, we are the ones crippled and discarded by the consequences and curse of sin. We are the ones from man’s fallen royal line, Adam. Jesus is like David, in this sense showing us great kindness and grace.

The grace God shows us is so earth shatteringly amazing that He calls cursed, crippled, forsaken, fallen and hopeless people like us (well like me anyway) to sit at his table and fellowship with Him, the King, daily. How marvellous is the love, mercy, grace and kindness of God to underserving sinners like us. See 1 John 3:1, 1 John 4:10, Romans 5:10 and Hebrews 7:25.

Secondly, we are David; we have been called to be like our God, to follow in the glorious footsteps of Christ. We must look for the Mephibosheth’s in life and show them the kindness of God.

We can do this through hospitality, acts of service, showing mercy and love, Christian social action, child sponsorship and any other way the Holy Spirit leads us to show the world, the unreached, the lost, forgotten and ostracised the amazing kindness of God! see 1 John 3:17, Hebrews 13:2 and Matthew 25:40.

Trust in the Kindness of God

Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.” 2 Samuel 10:12 (ESV)

David had shown great humility in seeking to establish a good relationship with the king of the Ammonites, but fear caused the new king of Ammon to act foolishly.

Joab as the commander of the Army is now outnumbered and surrounded by the Ammonites and the Syrians and it is now, under pressure that we see one of Joab’s better moments where he responds with faith in God, courage and wisdom.

Joab in his statement makes himself reliant on the kindness and mercy of God. We must think, pray and act in this way. We can act with courage and faith because we know our God is benevolent, He is good and does good and seeks to shower us with His kindness and favour.

Like brave Joab set your mind in a place to be ready to battle for the Lord’s cause today. Have courageous faith as you entrust yourself to the God who delights to show you kindness. 2 Corinthians 3:12.

1 Peter 5:1–14

Thank God for our Shepherds

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:2–3 (ESV)

We give God thanks for our Pastors and Elders who serve as a reflection of the Father’s heart to His people.

God has called them to shepherd the church, guiding our straying feet back to the path and in a spirit of kindness and humility, showing us the example of discipleship to Jesus through their own lives.

Give God thanks for our Pastors today, ask that God would encourage and strengthen them and that they would look forward to that wonderful day when the chief shepherd Jesus will appear to reward them with an eternal crown of glory.

Be clothed in humility

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6–7 (ESV)

The image Peter uses is of humility as an item of clothing that we need to put on. That means it will take effort to be humble, we need the help of the Holy Spirit but we also need to actively “humble ourselves”.

Humility is our responsibility before God, it is not easy to be humble we need to work at it everyday. We need to literally put it on everyday like a coat because it is not natural.

The young are encouraged to be subject to elders for obvious reasons, but we must all clothe ourselves with humility because God resists the proud. If we embrace humility in Christ, God will exalt us at the right time.

We should not become distracted or consumed with our own fears and anxieties. God cares for us with loving kindness so we can give all our concerns, worries and anxiety to Him.

Trust God the one who cares for you today, don’t try to solve it all on your own in pride, humble yourself before God.

The God of all grace

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

Our God from whom the kindness of grace comes to us will personally restore and replenish us, confirm His word and promises to us, strengthen us and cause our roots to go down deep.

This will lead to us having a full bodied, confirmed character. We will have firm, settled faith. We will be strong in the spirit and so secure in God that nothing will move us.

God does this for us for our everyday suffering but also will do this ultimately in the new heaven and new earth.

We have eternal glory waiting for us which puts the sufferings and just everyday life in this flesh into it’s true perspective.

Focus again today on the God who is the source of all grace in your life and be encouraged to press on because He has supplied the kindness of grace to see you through the trials.

We have a glorious eternal inheritance in Christ, take a moment to think about it and look forward to it.

Psalm 138:1–8

The Humility of God

I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. Psalm 138:2 (ESV)

God in His own way humbles Himself to the words He has spoken because God does not lie like men do. God has revealed Himself and His will to us in His word and declares here that His word is the final authority above all things.

This is why God’s word is a sure foundation to build our lives upon. We can take God at His word (some corrupt this verse and say we can boss God around according to His word, this is foolishness and blasphemy).

God’s greatest act of humility was when The Word became flesh in John 1:14.

In God’s kindness to man He has has revealed Himself and even in humility constrained Himself to the promises of His word. Man can approach God, comprehend God and enter into relationship with God all according to His word.

If God did not show such kindness and humility to us through revealing His written word and guaranteeing that word, we would be without hope.

Today, thank God for the humility of His revelation of the word and incarnation as the Word.

High God, humble people

For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. Psalm 138:6 (ESV)

God is high, there is none higher. God is so great and awesome that it is baffling that some people think they can bark commands at God when they pray… truly baffling!!

God will come down to help the humble, God comes close to the humble, we must be humble before God in thought, word and deed and God who is the most high and exalted there is will come down, see us and help us.

This is a clear view of glory which finds its ultimate expression in Christ, where the glory of God is not just power but God’s magnanimity. It is God’s kindness, as well as His sovereign power that is His glory.

As Pastor always says the way up is the way down. It is through humility that grace and exaltation come. If man is responsible to do anything before God it is to humble ourselves.

Cast pride aside today and be humble before God and receive the kindness of His grace.

God, who fulfils

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8 (ESV)

Our God is good and kind, He makes promises and keeps them and as we read here, is actively working to fulfil His purposes for us His people. Hallelujah!

Fulfilling our purpose is not founded on planners, calendars, and hard work although all these things are good and have their place, we can only fulfil our purpose through God’s loving kindness to us.

*Adapted from the Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible

**Taken from the Tyndale Bible dictionary

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 Peter 5

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 7:1–8:18, 1 Pet 4:12–19, Ps 137:1–9

Today’s Theme: God of Covenants

Today’s theme is about the covenants God makes with His people. This is one of the most important covenants alongside the Abrahamic one, it is called the Davidic covenant which finds it’s fulfilment in Jesus Christ. We also explore important themes like the theology of place and the activity of God.

2 Samuel 7:1–8:18

A place to dwell

And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 2 Samuel 7:10 (ESV)

We pick up another theme here which is the importance of a dwelling place. It is part of God’s plan that people have a place to live, a safe place, a place called home (including his covenant people Israel).*

This is evident throughout God’s word. In creation God made a habitation for man called the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8). Jesus told his disciples that He would go and prepare a place for them (John 14:2-3) and in the final revelation we see the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1-2).

There is a difference between spaces which are empty of meaning or definition and places which are endowed with meaning and value. We live in a day where the theology and importance of place has been forgotten. Many people are displaced physically and spiritually. It is important that we recognise the importance of place in fulfilling the great commission and reaching all peoples.

The places God plants us are not random, God has a great purpose in places. He has set the boundaries (Acts 17:26). Ask God to give you a clear understanding of the importance of place and dwelling in your own life and mission today.

*While giving Nathan the prophetic decree of covenant for David, God reminds him of the existing covenant He made with Abraham. Part of the covenant with Abraham was that God would secure a land for the people of Israel.

The land that God assigned for Israel includes modern day Israel and more of the land in modern day Jordan. God’s promise to keep a land that the children of Israel can call their own is still true today. God has not cast off the children of Israel.

We must consider the irrational behaviour and beliefs of the nations surrounding modern day Israel, who in a racist rage demand that Israel not live in the land or exist as a nation. This is driven by a demonic agenda to fight against God’s covenants, promises and purposes.

The House of David

from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. 2 Samuel 7:11 (ESV)

David had a heart to worship and honour God and it was not contrived he genuinely loved the Lord. In his desire to build a house for God, God turns and commits to build David a house.

This is the foundation to the Davidic covenant which saw David’s family rule from Jerusalem for almost 400 years and finds it’s ultimate fulfilment in David’s greatest son, Jesus the Christ (Mark 10:47).

As we commit or ways to the Lord and seek to build a house for him, we are actually building a house and legacy for ourselves, so we must as Paul said be careful how we build (1 Corinthians 3:10).

The Active God

Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 2 Samuel 7:21–22 (ESV)

David recognised God as the great active God, God is not passive. Many false philosophies have crept into our thinking in the West, disarming God of the power to act.

For example; those who reject the Biblical revelation of God as creator and embrace the false story of evolution have in recent years acknowledged the shaky ground of their proposition that nothing gave rise to everything and so have embraced or at least entertained the idea of Deism. The idea that God like a great watchmaker got the universe started and now leaves it to run itself without the need or ability to intervene.

We reject this view of God for two major reasons, 1) this is not the Biblical revelation of God, the Bible tells us God is active and intervenes in the affairs of man and has plans which He actively engages with and brings to pass. 2) Our own experience with God is in accord with the God of the Bible.

God actively brings His purpose to pass today, He actively keeps His covenants. This should fill us with awe, praise and faith.

Be active

These also King David dedicated to the LORD, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued, 2 Samuel 8:11 (ESV)

We have established that God is active in fulfilling the covenants He has made. We too have a part to play, we need to have faith and invest in God’s purpose, plans and kingdom.

David played his part by giving all the treasure to God to be used for God’s purposes.

We can be active in bringing God’s word to pass by giving our money, time, abilities and energy to God’s mission.

How can you be active today?

1 Peter 4:12–19

Conflict and Glory

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:14 (ESV)

There is no glory without conflict and suffering. This is true for the glory of winning a battle or winning a race, to reach the desired end the fighter or runner needs to go through suffering to achieve the glorious result.

It is the same for us as Christians we must not be shocked when we go through difficulty and suffering for being a Christian. This is almost guaranteed, because we live lives contrary to the world around us which will inevitably lead to conflict.

We should encourage ourselves by looking forward to the glory we will one day receive, knowing that our covenant keeping God will not fail us.

We entrust our souls to our faithful Creator, just like Jesus did on the cross.

Thank God that the Holy Spirit rests upon you as you endure trials and suffering for the name of Christ. It is through suffering and trials that the promises of the covenant will be ours in Christ.

Psalm 137:1–9

Sing, even when you don’t feel like it

How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land? Psalm 137:4 (ESV)

We should continue to sing to the Lord even in the middle of difficulty and trials, because God will bring His word to pass we should continue to praise Him in faith.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 1 Peter 4

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 5:1–6:23, 1 Pet 4:1–11, Ps 136:1–26

Today’s Theme: The King in His Kingdom

Today’s theme is about our great King Jesus and His kingdom. We see a shadow of King Jesus in king David. We are called to live as good stewards in God’s kingdom.

2 Samuel 5:1–6:23

Jesus, The Anointed King

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. 2 Samuel 5:3 (ESV)

David is anointed as king for the third time. The first time was by Samuel when he was still a boy, the second by the Elders of Judah and now all of Israel has anointed him as king.

David is an Old Testament picture of Jesus. Jesus is King, He came and was proclaimed as the king yet He has not fully consummated His kingdom which is why many Jews say He is not the Messiah. Isaiah 9:7.

The truth is that even though Jesus is king now, He will be enthroned as king fully at the second coming, much like David’s staggered assent to rule over all Israel. John 1:49, John 6:15, John 18:37 and Acts 17:7.

Jesus is a descendant of David and is therefore a king physically and spiritually as the promised Messiah. Jeremiah 23:5.

Like David, Jesus is not only king He is the shepherd over us guiding and protecting us as well as ruling over us. 1 Peter 2:25

Tear down the walls

And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. 2 Samuel 5:20 (ESV).

God gave David the victory over his enemies. David recognises this and proclaims praise to God as the Lord of Breakthrough.

Like David we must realise we are in a spiritual war and that it is God who comes in like a mighty flood to defeat the enemy.

God’s kingdom is not a stagnant, passive kingdom, it is an advancing and growing kingdom. We need to rely on God in the daily spiritual battles to give us the breakthrough.

Consider what Paul calls strongholds. He describes them as thoughts, opinions, philosophies and teachings that build arguments up like a wall of defence against the truth of the Gospel in 2 Corinthians 10:5.

We can ask for God to breakthrough these stronghold walls, which are themselves little kingdoms rising up in rebellion to His kingdom and rule.

Let’s stand up and fight the King’s battles in the spirit knowing God will be with us like a flood tearing down the enemies walls and overthrowing every foe.

The commands of the king

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. 2 Samuel 6:7 (ESV)

We must follow Gods ways. He has made both decrees (things which will happen regardless of us) and commands (commands He desires that we obey) as the King of all creation.

David and the people were trying to do what would seem a good thing but not following the instructions God had laid out. This resulted in the death of Uzzah for steadying the ark in his own way.

God, our king is to be feared. He did not give commands just for the sake of it, we should seek to please Him by obeying Him in joy.

In a way we do want God to breakthrough on us, by the Holy Spirit so that the ways of our flesh would die

The presence of the king

And the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household. 2 Samuel 6:11 (ESV)

God’s presence in our lives through the Holy Spirit brings with it blessings of righteousness, peace and joy as we read in Romans 14:17.

We should seek the presence of the king today and see the blessings of his presence fill our lives as we see God’s presence through the ark blessed the house of Obed-Edom.

Seek God’s presence as you pray, read, mediate and worship today.

Celebrate the king

And David danced before the LORD with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. 2 Samuel 6:14 (ESV)

We should praise God with all our might just like David. God is our king so we should praise Him with everything.

Our allegiance is first to Him, not our own self image or the sensibilities of those around us.

The heart of the king

And David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the LORD—and I will celebrate before the LORD. I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honor.” And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death. 2 Samuel 6:21–23 (ESV)

We need to celebrate the king with the heart of the king which is kind and understanding.

David showed no understanding with Michal. Her problem was the young women watching David, she begun her life with David as his only wife and after years of being used as a political pawn by her father and David, is now in a place of real hurt (now sharing David with many wives and concubines, abused by her dad, abandoned by David, taken by force from her husband) and so speaks out of turn from her broken and bitter heart.

We give no excuse to Michal but David made no attempt to show her understanding, love or mercy. Instead he responds with harsh pride and his own contempt as it seems clear all intimacy between them came to an end as the scripture ends by saying she bore no children.

As we celebrate and praise the Lord, we must be careful that our hearts are not filled with pride, arrogance or indifference. We must remain sensitive to the needs of those around us.

1 Peter 4:1–11

Think like the king

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 1 Peter 4:1 (ESV)

Peter tells us to arm ourselves with a way of thinking, an insight, a perspective, in a sense a good stronghold. The thought we should arm ourselves with in our fight against sin is to be willing to suffer in the flesh.

If we wanted to lose weight in our fight against fat we would be willing to suffer the strain of exercise and abstaining from the tasty fatty foods we love.

Peter tells us to think like Jesus who suffered in the flesh to ultimately destroy sin on the cross.

Suffering in the flesh through discipline and sanctification will help to keep us from sin and will ultimately lead to sins’ complete removal in the new age.

Arm your mind today with the thought that “I will willingly suffer to put sin to death”. Think like the king today.

Live for the king

so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:2 (ESV)

We should not live for ourselves, our lives should not be all about us and our own pleasures. We should live to see God’s will done.

As believers we should have a new agenda, that of our kings kingdom. We proclaim the message of the king and establish His kingdom on the earth. We should live to see the king glorified and ensure our lives bring Him pleasure.

We must not just take the path of least resistance and so go along with our natural desires. We should instead focus on fulfilling God’s will even if it means we will go though suffering.

Our lives should come full circle, our pleasure should be to do God’s will. In this sense we should be Christian Hedonists, finding pleasure in bringing pleasure to God.

The king will judge

but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:5 (ESV)

Every person that has ever lived will be judged, this should encourage us to suffer being maligned for not indulging in the debauchery of the world around us.

God judges in this life and on the day of judgement. He judges both the living and the dead, we must appeal to His grace and mercy and obey His commanded will.

Remind unbelievers that a day of judgement is coming.

Think clearly

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7 (ESV)

We need to have clarity of thought as believers, we should be self controlled and sober. A clear understanding of God’s word will give us clarity of thought which will help us pray.

The way of the king

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 (ESV)

Our king showed us and continues to show us His great love. We should love one another in the church community. We are God’s kingdom on the earth and so should walk in the way of the king which is to walk in self sacrificing love.

Love covers all sorts of offence and if we all walk in love, most of the problems we face in church community are dealt with immediately because forgiveness and understanding will flow freely.

We are encouraged to keep loving. That means we don’t just try love on and when we don’t get the result we want to try something else on. No, we should keep on persevering with love.

Cover one anothers’ shortcomings today by walking in love.

Serve the kingdom

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

Use the gifts God has given you to serve in God’s kingdom. None of your gifts were given to you to just build yourself up. You have been blessed to be a blessing to others.

God wants us to be good stewards of the particular grace He has given to us. Be a good steward by investing in others with the gifts God has given you.

If we all give, we will all have.

Psalm 136:1–26

Praise our faithful King

to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; Psalm 136:5 (ESV)

This song is filled with praise to God whose love remains faithful to His people forever. Our God is faithful and loyal to His covenants and deserves our praise.

In this particular verse we see that God intelligently designed the entire universe. Hallelujah.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 Peter 4

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 3:1–4:12, 1 Pet 3:8–22, Ps 135:1–21

Today’s Theme: Broken Families

Today’s theme is about broken families and communities and how God has a plan to protect and restore our families in Christ.

2 Samuel 3:1–4:12

Seeds of discord

and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron. 2 Samuel 3:5 (ESV)

Israel was in the middle of a civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David. In the middle of this distressing time which saw the families of Israel torn, we observe David blatantly breaking the law God had set out in Deuteronomy 17:17 to warn against kings taking multiple wives (polygamy) and having children with each one.

God’s design is that one man marries one woman for life and that they have children who they raise in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

David had six sons by six wives at Hebron. Six is a number that always reminds us of the flesh because man was created on the sixth day of creation. David sowed seeds of discord by breaking God’s pattern for the family.

We must not allow our lives to be governed by the flesh as in the end it always leads to distress and death (Absalom killed Amnon). Galatians 5:16.

On a practical level as a church, we need to support broken families where there are many step children, families like David’s family. We must teach our young men and wider society God’s principles for human flourishing through healthy marriages and godly parenting.

Used, discarded and bitter

But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” And he returned. 2 Samuel 3:16 (ESV)

Michal is a character I feel sorry for in the biblical narrative. She represents so many women that are used, discarded and left feeling bitter and empty.

When we first meet Michal (her name means who is like God) Saul her father sees an opportunity to use David’s love for Michal to get David killed. He did not expect David to survive the retrieval of 100 Philistine foreskins.

So her own father Saul, used her as a political instrument with no regard for her well being. If David had died she would have been devastated. Her uncaring father then gives her in marriage to another man possibly with the intention of spiting David. She is married to Palti for at least 10 years.

David also treated Michal with contempt. She had proven her love to him by siding with him against her father Saul and helping David escape. However David never attempted to get her back and now does so out of political expediency without regard for her.

We later see that Michal becomes bitter after being used and discarded by the most important men in her life and now having to share David with many other wives.

We must pray for women who can identify with the abuse Michal suffered that they will not allow bitterness to consume them but will turn in their hurt to the Lord. 1 Peter 5:7 and Hebrews 12:15.

Vengeance and severity

And I was gentle today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are more severe than I. The LORD repay the evildoer according to his wickedness!” 2 Samuel 3:39 (ESV)

Joab was driven by vengeance and unforgiveness which led him to commit murder and throw away an opportunity for peace in Israel. This is one of the darkest moments in Joab’s life and it would come back to haunt him in Solomon’s reign.

David is sure to distinguish himself against Joab and his brother who have acted so wickedly with their severe act of violence.

Severity, unforgiveness, bitterness and vengefulness destroy families and communities. Let us seek peace and pursue it 1 Peter 3:11.

Jesus taught us to love our enemies and do good for them in Matthew 5:43–44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

Jesus also taught us against personal retaliation and vengefulness in Matthew 5:39 “But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

1 Peter 3:8–22

Restoring families and community

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8–9 (ESV)

The unity in our Bible reading plan is remarkable. We have just read our Old Testament reading which is full of examples of broken families and communities and now our new testament reading opens with the remedy.

If we all, in a desire to be unified, are sympathetic to each other, show brotherly love in the way we behave with each other and keep our hearts sensitive to the needs of those around us and the call of the Spirit with a humble mind; we will both guard against the breakdown of the family and the wider community and see it restored.

We are encouraged again to abandon desires for vengeance and to be proved right but to bless one another and repay evil with good. These two verses are the remedy for our families, church and society.

Humble orthodoxy

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

We should all be able to give an answer for the hope we have. It is important that we do not share or defend the faith in pride as this too can drive people away and have a bad affect on families. Peter warns us to share, reason and defend the faith with gentleness, humility and respect.

We are called to study and to be theologically correct but to be so in humility, in a spirit of worship as we honour Christ in our heart.

Subject to him

who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. 1 Peter 3:22 (ESV)

All angels, fallen and elect, are subject to Jesus. They are subject to him right now TODAY! We can have confidence as we pray that the devil cannot do anything that God will not allow and the devil and all his demons are subject to the sovereign rule of Christ.

We need this assurance because to see families restored we need to wage war against the agenda of the fallen angels. Jesus is over all these powers and gives us the victory as we pray.

Psalm 135:1–21

The freedom of God

Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. Psalm 135:6 (ESV)

God has the sovereign freedom to do whatever pleases Him. He is good, all He does is good. We should praise our wonderful Father in heaven who is king over all.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 1 Peter 3

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 1:1–2:32, 1 Pet 3:1–7, Ps 133:1–134:3

Today’s Theme: True Friendship

Today’s theme is all about true friendship and right relationships before God. Human flourishing is one of God’s great purposes in creation and redemptive history; having healthy, good and biblical relationships serve that end and bring God glory.

2 Samuel 1:1–2:32

True brothers

I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women. 2 Samuel 1:26 (ESV)

David and Jonathan were true friends, they had a deep love and respect for one another and showed fruits of genuine friendship. For example, Jonathan proved himself to be David’s most loyal supporter, recognising God’s calling on David’s life and risking his life to save him.

We are called to this kind of friendship, to be loyal and selfless. This kind of friendship leads to human flourishing which is one of God’s great purposes in the world.

Liberals and activists who are trying to push the homosexual agenda onto the church, have attempted to reinterpret this verse to imply a sexual relationship existed between these friends, but the evidence and the text do not suggest that. These people do violence to the text by forcing their warped perspective onto it.

God intends husbands and wives to be the best of friends, as we will read later. However in ancient Israel, marriage was quite a formal affair, focused more on family expansion and status, than true companionship. This is why David is able to make the comparison between his best friend and his wives, and say that his friendship was dearer to him.

Our friendship with Jesus should surpass all relationships in this world. He should be dearer to us and bring us the greatest pleasure. John 15:15

Be a loyal friend

David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. 2 Samuel 2:5 (ESV)

The men of Jabesh-gilead were commended, rewarded and blessed by David, for the loyalty they showed to Saul and his sons.

We are called to be loyal friends too, sticking by those we call friends, through thick and thin.

‘Loyalty’ is known by other words in scripture such as; love, devotion, kindness, steadfast love, good deeds, faithfulness and loving kindness.

God is loyal to His covenant and His people and He calls us to be like Him. We should be loyal friends to God before anything else.

We are called to loyalty throughout the new testament, here are just a few examples:

1. We should question our loyalty, as did Peter, John 21:15–17
2. Jesus encourages the church to be loyal, Revelation 2:10
3. We are to love God above everyone else, including family, Matthew 10:37–39
4. We cannot be loyal to God and money, or some other idol, at the same time, Luke 16:13
5. We are to be loyal to Christ’s commands, John 14:21–24
6. True loyalty brings daily death of the flesh, 1 Corinthians 15:30–31

Pride destroys relationships

And Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?” But he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died where he was. And all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still. 2 Samuel 2:22–23 (ESV)

If Asahel had listened to the Nobel Abner, he would not have been struck down. Abner wanted to preserve relationship between himself and Joab, as commanders of Israel’s armies.

Asahel’s pride led to his own pointless death and to the breaking of covenant, relationship, friendship and potential, among the elite families of Judah.

Do not let pride destroy your life or your relationships or those of people connected to you.

Jesus warns us of the destructive power of pride, in Mark 7:22–23, “coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

And John reminds us that pride is not from God, in 1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”

1 Peter 3:1–7

Clothed in gentleness

but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 1 Peter 3:4 (ESV)

God, speaking through Peter makes it clear in His word, that women are to submit to their own husbands. Notice this is not just to the loving Christian husband, but unsaved husbands too.

The argument made here is that the respectful and pure conduct of the Christian wife can have a part to play in the unsaved husband coming to know the Lord.

God does not intend women to be bullish, argumentative, confrontational or superficial; that is not the biblical model of womanhood. God wants women to be clothed with a gentle and quiet spirit.

Notice the metaphor of clothing is used because a woman’s nature may not be gentle or quiet, so this behaviour needs to be put on like a jacket.

The wife’s call to gentleness, submission and purity, all serve to help the relationship between the husband and wife to flourish. The opposite to all these virtues will lead to the natural breaking of the friendship, which should be cultivated in marriage.

Best friends

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)

Husbands and wives should be best friends.

Husbands are called to be understanding and loving with their wives. Peter speaks very plainly by saying that men are physically stronger than women and so the man needs to treat his wife with due care in light of this.

The Bible is making a very clear case against all forms of physical and verbal abuse. Men have authority in the home according to God’s plan, that power must not be abused, it must be used to serve and protect.

Husbands are called to respect their wives as fellow heirs of God’s abundant grace (this went against the Roman world where women were considered as less than men, this is still the case in many religions and cultures today).

So let all husbands and wives commit to be best friends again today, honouring one another in line with the guidelines of God’s word.

The relationship to our spouse must be carefully cherished if we want our relationship with God to be good and unhindered.

Psalm 133:1–134:3

The blessing of unity

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 133:1 (ESV)

God blesses His people when they unify around His truth. We are not called to unity just for the sake of unity, as a group could be unified to do evil.

Let us seek unity with those we work and live with, in the body of Christ, our families and friends, as much as that unity is not against God’s word.

Unity is a blessing, seek it today.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 1 Peter 3

Today’s Reading:  1 Sam 30:1–31:13, 1 Pet 2:18–25, Ps 132:1–18

Today’s Theme: Be Courageous

Today’s theme is about us taking courage in God and His word. Be courageous because we can trust God to back up His word.

1 Samuel 30:1–31:13

Take courage in the Lord

And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV)

The people were so greatly distressed that they were talking about stoning David. We can learn so much from David’s response in this trying time, David strengthened himself in the Lord.

When we are going through distressing times we should turn our eyes to God, not the people around us who may be a part of the same trial we are going through, we can’t help each other, so we should turn our eyes to the Lord and encourage ourselves in Him.

Paul encourages us in Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”

Ask God about it

And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.” 1 Samuel 30:8 (ESV)

David does not display foolhardy courage, his response is measured. He does not just run into battle, he takes time to seek God and boldly acts on God’s word.

We must not have confidence in the flesh, we are totally dependent on God and should ask God about the things we do. It is important that we press forward in courage, but only with God’s guidance and covering.

Paul goes on to encourage us in Ephesians 6:18, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints”.

Exhaustion

But David pursued, he and four hundred men. Two hundred stayed behind, who were too exhausted to cross the brook Besor. 1 Samuel 30:10 (ESV)

The trials of life can leave us feeling exhausted, worn out and burnt out. However, if the Lord is our source of strength then we will always have strength, because the Lord gives an endless supply.

Jesus encourages us that in Him, we will never thirst, in John 6:35 “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

Jesus encourages us in Matthew 11:28–29 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Do not allow exhaustion to engulf you today, trust the Lord to strengthen and sustain you.

Recover all

Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all. 1 Samuel 30:19 (ESV)

God had answered David’s prayer in verse 8, David acts in faith on this word and recovers all that the enemy stole.

God intends for us to recover all that the enemy has taken from us, but to do this we need to act in faith on His word.

This was the theme of the year, 8 years ago (2007).

Take courage for all of us

Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.” 1 Samuel 30:24 (ESV)

We are called to take courage by taking the Lord at His word and acting in faith according to that word. This will bring success, but we must guard against taking the glory for ourselves, leading to pride, arrogance, selfishness, unkindness and will ultimately lead to bondage and death.

As we press forward in the confidence and courage the Lord provides, we do not do so in our own strength or pride, we must do so in the Spirit and so maintain a humble and kind spirit.

Your breakthrough is not just for you. As the body of Christ we are gifted for each other, not for ourselves, we are blessed to be a blessing.

If God has given you victory in an area share the spoils with your brothers and sisters, in the body of Christ. For example, Paul teaches in Galatians 6:6 “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.”

Fight and win the battle for the whole team.

Risk it all for the Lord

all the valiant men arose and went all night and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. 1 Samuel 31:12 (ESV)

The men of Jabesh-gilead were valiant men, they laid their lives on the line and rode all night to see the royal family honoured.

We should have a zeal for God too, a fire that burns in our belly to go all night for the Lord if we need to. Be prepared to stay up late or get up early, be prepared to risk it all for the honour of the King.

Paul commends those who risked their own lives for the sake of the mission, in Romans 16:4, “who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.”

1 Peter 2:18–25

Take courage at work

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 1 Peter 2:18 (ESV)

Both our places of employment and the work that we do in ministry, should be done with submission to those over us, which will sometimes take courage, especially if those over us are unjust.

Ask God for the courage to be a good, submissive worker today. We should do all our work as unto God.

Our courageous King

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:22–23 (ESV)

Jesus courageously suffered for us, when He was reviled He did not retaliate and that takes a lot of courage. Jesus bore our sin in His body, on the cross, which was a horrific way to die and again took a lot of courage.

Jesus’ courage was in His Father, the just Judge. We must follow in the footsteps of our courageous King, knowing that our suffering is not in vain. We entrust ourselves to Him, this will give us the courage we need to endure.

Courageously die

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 (ESV)

Jesus did not die for our sins so that we would live like spineless cowards, capitulating to the ways of the world and bowing to the slave master of sin’s lying promises.

We are called to come and courageously die to sin and live a righteous life. Read the verse again, that is what it says. Jesus bore our sin so that we could actually die to sin and live in righteousness.

Do not be a coward today, be courageous by not giving in to sin.

Psalm 132:1–18

God’s land

“This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. Psalm 132:14 (ESV)

The Land of Israel is very special to God, we must take courage as we support Israel in advocacy and pray for and challenge them to embrace Jesus as the Messiah.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 Peter 2