Today’s Reading: Neh 10:28–11:36, 1 John 5:17–21, Ps 113:1–114:8

Today’s Themes:  Obligations of the Covenant

All covenants contain obligations for those included in the terms of the covenant. We need to realise we have obligations to fulfil and seek God’s mercy for the times we fail to meet our obligations. God’s grace does not mean we are free from responsibility, on the contrary we are obliged by the covenant to obey God’s commands.

Nehemiah 10:28–11:36

We have obligations to fulfil

join with their brothers, their nobles, and enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord and his rules and his statutes. Nehemiah 10:29 (ESV)

Every covenant comes with obligations that both parties need to hold to or the covenant is broken. We already know that God cannot lie or fail so He remains faithful and upholds His end of any covenant He has made with us.

We like the people need to pledge our allegiance to God. We are obligated to obey God’s word and live as He has guided. We should not live only for ourselves, we should live for God and others.

Jesus said in John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Paul told us in Romans 1:14 “I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. (to preach the gospel)” and then encourages us in Romans 15:1 “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

Let’s swear our allegiance to God today and determine to fulfil the obligations of the new covenant as revealed in God’s word.

Our obligation to God’s house

For the people of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of grain, wine, and oil to the chambers, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, as well as the priests who minister, and the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not neglect the house of our God.” Nehemiah 10:39 (ESV)

We as God’s people have an obligation to maintain the house of God. We should all be giving freely to the Lord’s work and the upkeep of the Lord’s house with our money, time and energy.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Give to the work of the ministry at church and give generously to the glory of God.

1 John 5:17–21

We are protected

We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 1 John 5:18 (ESV)

A Christian cannot live in deliberate and habitual sin. We do not keep on sinning and feel uncomfortable if we sin because we have been born of God and have a new nature.

Also we are protected by Jesus from the devil. The devil has no legal claim on us because Jesus paid the price of our redemption. (Also see John 17:12–15).

If we are preserved and protected from Satan and have been born again by God the Holy Spirit, then we have a joy filled obligation to no longer walk in sin.

Jesus is the true God

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20 (ESV)

This verse is packed with truth. Jesus came to give us understanding. He does not want us to be ignorant, this is why God gave us the Bible. The purpose for Jesus giving us understanding is so that we might know Him.

John affirms that Jesus is the true God and eternal life. This is more clear evidence that the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is God.

Psalm 113:1–114:8

God above all

The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, Psalm 113:4–5 (ESV)

Our God is above all, none can be compared to Him. He is above every nation and above His own creation. Let’s worship our God the most high and only God today.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 John 5

Today’s Reading: Neh 9:1–10:27, 1 John 5:13–16, Ps 111:1–10

Today’s Themes: Confess

Today we learn about at least six things that we should boldly confess to the glory of God.

Nehemiah 9:1–10:27

Confess that God is the Creator

“You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you. Nehemiah 9:6 (ESV)

The Levites led the people in praise of God the Creator of the universe. God deserves honour, praise, worship and adoration.

The UK government recently updated it’s funding guidelines for free schools and academies stating that they cannot teach creationism and instead “must” teach the theory of evolution.

In this time God as the creator and sustainer of the Universe is under severe attack. Even though the evidence clearly points to God, man in his rebellion and ignorance ignores the evidence of intelligent design in creation, instead embracing the entirely illogical theory of evolution.

Confess that God is creator today, that He made the entire world as the Bible records in just 6 days, that He sustains creation and that He alone is God. If you struggle making this confession, then cast down the idols of conventional wisdom and the approval of man and bow at the throne of the King, the Creator, God! Romans 1:25.

It is our delightful duty as creatures to worship our Creator as the hosts of heaven do. Colossians 3:10 and 1 Peter 4:19.

Confess that God is Sovereign

You are the LORD, the God who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and gave him the name Abraham. Nehemiah 9:7 (ESV)

God is free! God chooses! God does whatever He wants to do! God chooses whoever He wants to!

The above statements fly in the face of our “enlightened” western society, which exalts the choice of man above all things and our own warped ideas of fairness and equality.

Confess today that God is sovereign, that God chose Abraham, Israel and even chose to send His Son and chose to save you. James 2:5, 1 Thessalonians 1:4, Colossians 3:12 and 1 Corinthians 1:27.

If you have a problem confessing this in praise to God then cast down the idols of “mans choice and sovereignty” and fallen ideas of fairness and equality. Turn and bow at the throne of the Sovereign King.

God alone is God, God alone is Sovereign, He is the King and we worship him today. The God who chose Abraham. Hebrews 11:8

Confess our sin and God’s mercy

They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. Nehemiah 9:17 (ESV)

The Levites led the people in the confession of their sins and the sins of their forefathers. At the same time they focused on God’s character as a merciful and gracious God.

We must confess our sins to God. At the same time we should also confess the truth of God’s word that God is merciful, forgiving and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love.

With a God like this we can freely confess our sins and receive his mercy. 1 Peter 2:10.

John encourages us in 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. “

Hebrews also encourages us in Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Confess your shortcoming and affirm God’s mercy today.

Confess that God keeps covenant

“Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us, upon our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day. Nehemiah 9:32 (ESV)

Our God is a covenant keeping God, we can take Him at His word and trust His promises. If doubt or fear is surrounding you today, remember that God has cut covenant with you today through the cross and keeps that covenant.

Our God is mighty, He has the power and strength to keep the covenant so let our faith arise and trust in the one who has spoken and will not back down.

Confess God’s own word before him today. 2 Corinthians 1:20.

1 John 5:13–16

Confess that you have eternal life

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13 (ESV)

This whole letter was written to assure true believers that we have eternal life in Jesus Christ. This should fill us with joy and encourage us today. We are not called to doubt and fear over our eternal destiny.

In Islam it is taught that Mohammed said he is not sure what Allah would do with him and that all Muslims have no guarantee that Allah will treat them favourably in the time to come, there is no security, they just do not know if all the good has outweighed the bad.

We are grateful that Yahweh the true God gives us assurance. We can trust Him and take Him at His word.

Walk in the confidence of one who has eternal life today.

Confess your needs to God

And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:15 (ESV)

We can open our mouths and ask God about the things we need and want and have the confident faith that He hears us and grants our requests.

As Pastor says, let’s rejoice in the God who answers our prayers, not the power of our prayers.

Psalm 111:1–10

God’s works are great

Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Psalm 111:2 (ESV)

As we saw in today’s first note, our God is the great creator. God is also our great redeemer. If we delight in the works of the Lord we will study His great works and proclaim His glory to the ends of the earth.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 1 John 5

Today’s Reading: Neh 7:66–8:18, 1 John 5:6–12, Ps 110:1–7

Today’s Themes: Hear, Study, Do the Bible

We are called to hear God’s word as we read it, listen to it and submit to biblical teaching. We are called to study and think about God’s word. Most importantly we are called to do what the Bible calls us to do.

Nehemiah 7:66–8:18

God desires your attention

And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. Nehemiah 8:3 (ESV)

The people were attentive to the word of God being read to them.

Very often Jesus would say, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” in places like Matthew 11:15, 13:9, Mark 4:9 and Luke 8:8.

God desires that we listen to His word (either by reading or hearing it). The Bible is God’s clearest self revelation and He desires that we come to know Him and His ways through His written word (The Bible). 2 Timothy 3:16.

God does not want us to read the bible without turning our hearts towards Him to listen carefully and pay attention. In our media rich age, there are so many distractions. We must make up our minds to focus, listen and give attention to God’s word. Mark 4:19.

God speaks today through His Son, Jesus Christ. What Jesus has said is recorded in the Bible, which contains the message of the gospel. We must listen to Him and act on what we hear. Matthew 17:5 and Hebrews 1:1-2.

Pay attention to God’s word today!

We are called to be students

Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. Nehemiah 8:7 (ESV)

Jeshua and the other Levites helped the people understand the word.

God does not only desire that we pay attention, God desires that we understand what we hear.

We are all called to be students of the Bible. This means we must have a teachable attitude and submit to sound biblical teaching. 1 Timothy 6:3-4.

Sound teaching is a necessary part of our lives as Christians. Although our relationship with the Lord is personal it is also corporate, involving the wider church community. Titus 2:1 and 1 Timothy 4:6.

God placed it on Pastor Dennis’ heart that as we read through the Bible reading plan as a church, we get understanding of what we read every day and so commissioned the Bible notes you are reading right now. Colossians 3:16.

Let’s be students of the word today, utilising the resources God has made available to study His word and get clear understanding. 2 Timothy 2:15.

Give thanks for teachers in the body of Christ but give greater thanks for the Spirit of Truth who guides and leads us. John 16:13.

The necessity of expository preaching

They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. Nehemiah 8:8 (ESV)

“They gave the sense so that the people understood it”. The Levites were expositors of the word.

Bible exposition is to expound on what the Bible is teaching in any particular passage. Explaining the word of God with passion, at length, in depth and in context.

Jesus explained parables making them easy to understand and apply, in Matthew 13:36–43 and Matthew 24:32–34.

Apollos in the book of acts was a powerful expository preacher. Acts 18:28 reads “for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.”

Paul also expounded on the scriptures in Acts 17:2-3 and encourages Timothy and Titus to do the same in the pastoral letters. 2 Timothy 4:2.

We give God thanks for our Pastors who faithfully give us clear understanding from God’s word, through their weekly expository preaching of the scriptures. 1 Timothy 5:17-18.

The application of the word brings joy

And all the assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in the booths, for from the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day the people of Israel had not done so. And there was very great rejoicing. Nehemiah 8:17 (ESV)

While Ezra and the others were studying the word of God as leaders of the people, they realised they had not practised the feast of booths since the days of Joshua. They set about obeying the word and applying it to their lives, which resulted in great rejoicing.

God does not want us to just listen to and understand His word, God wants us to apply it, to live it every day. Matthew 7:24.

When we apply the word of God to our lives and live it out, it brings us great joy and brings God great joy too. John 15:11.

Make up your mind to live out what you read and understand today. James 1:22.

As we apply God’s word, the joy of the Lord will be our strength. 1 John 1:4.

1 John 5:6–12

The Spirit is the truth

This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 1 John 5:6 (ESV)

The main role of the Holy Spirit is to testify to the truth. The Holy Spirit did this in the inspiration of the scriptures and continues to do this in our lives as He leads us according to the scriptures.

John was refuting some who said Jesus had not died an atoning death. John confirms that the Spirit of God affirms this truth and all scripture because the Spirit is the truth itself just like Jesus.

As we read the Bible we need the Spirit of Truth to guide and lead us.

We know when we hear the truth because the Holy Spirit bears witness. This coupled with an understanding of God’s word is how we exercise discernment.

God’s testimony is God’s word

Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 1 John 5:10 (ESV)

The Bible is God’s great testimony recorded for all the world to hear.

If we do not believe God’s word recorded in the Bible we are calling God a liar. God declared that eternal life is only available through His son Jesus Christ.

We must believe God’s word to partake of it’s promises and blessings. Jesus is the only way to eternal life. This is the word of God!

The Gospel is God’s testimony to the world. God’s great news that we boldly and publicly proclaim.

Psalm 110:1–7

The Divinity of Christ

The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” Psalm 110:1 (ESV)

This is the very proof text Jesus used when His divine nature as the Son of God was challenged. Jesus used the word of God, so should we. Luke 20:44.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 John 5

Today’s Reading: Neh 6:1–7:65, 1 John 5:1–5, Ps 109:16–31

Today’s Themes: Overcoming, Faith that overcomes, overcome the world

Today we look at the biblical principle for overcoming by faith in God.

Nehemiah 6:1–7:65

Don’t be distracted

And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” Nehemiah 6:3 (ESV)

Nehemiah’s resolve was firm, he would not allow himself to be distracted from the Lord’s work.

We should have the same mentality. When the enemy comes to distract us through mockery, intimidation or even in a subtle way by pretending to lend support, we should not stop working.

Like Nehemiah, the work we are doing for the Lord is great. We must ensure we have the right perspective on the work we do for God. It is not secondary or less important than other work, it deserves our best efforts and full attention.

Let’s all agree today that the work will not stop, we will not lower our standard or come down to fall into the enemies trap or gratify the flesh. Like Paul said in Hebrews 12:1–2 “… let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”

We overcome by not being distracted.

Strength from God

For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands. Nehemiah 6:9 (ESV)

Nehemiah recognised the plan of the enemy was to fill them with fear. The enemy is the same in our lives, using fear as a weapon against our faith.

We overcome by remembering and affirming that God is our strength. God strengthens us in many ways which include the truth of His word in the bible, guidance and impartation from our leaders and encouragement from one another.

Here is a small list of just some of the New Testament verses talking about us being strengthened:

• Paul strengthens the disciples | Acts 14:22, 18:23
• Judas and Silas strengthen with many words | Acts 15:32
• The churches are strengthened | Acts 15:41
• The churches faith was strengthened | Acts 16:5
• Paul wanted to impart a spiritual gift to strengthen the believers | Romans 1:11
• God is able to strengthen us and keep us | Romans 16:25
• God strengthens us with power through His Spirit | Ephesians 3:16 and Colossians 1:11
• We can do all things through Christ | Philippians 4:13
• God’s grace gives us strength | 2 Timothy 2:1
• The Lord stands with us | 2 Timothy 4:17

Finish the work

So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. Nehemiah 6:15–16 (ESV)

These few words are so powerful “so all the wall was finished”. The mission was accomplished. This is overcoming.

We need to be finishers, we should finish the work God has called us to do. Finishing the assignment will deal a massive blow to the enemy and His kingdom. The devil knows that God has helped us finish.

Getting a project over the finishing line advances the kingdom of God. We should not give ground to the enemy by wasting our lives on dreams and plans that are never fulfilled. Instead let’s focus on the important work, (which may not seem important, but is) that God has given us to do and let’s finish it well.

We are called to finish the mission, to the glory of God and the defeat of the enemy. See John 4:34, John 17:4, Acts 14:26 and James 2:22.

Jesus taught us a lesson about finishing while teaching us about counting the cost of discipleship in Luke 14:28-33 “…Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’…”

1 John 5:1–5

Theology matters

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 1 John 5:1 (ESV)

The word theology has fallen on hard times. When some think of the word it conjures up images of dry old men who have no passion for God but instead for their books and theories. For some of us in the West it brings up images of liberals who distort God’s word to fit their sinful ideas and lifestyles.

However the fact is that theology matters and is inescapable. In some ways we are all theologians in the sense that we are called to have correct thoughts about God. Thankfully God has made it clear for us in His word the bible.

Here a core part of our theology is made clear and it is something that sets us apart from other faiths, namely the living confession that Jesus is the Christ and has been born of God.

Knowing in whom and what we believe helps us to overcome.

Obedience comes from love

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3 (ESV)

God’s love in us is defined and expressed through our obedience to God. We must get this formula the right way around. We do not obey God to prove we love Him, we love Him and so naturally obey His commands.

Our obedience is proof positive that we belong to God and love God. It is not contrived or difficult because God’s Holy Spirit lives in us and has changed our desires so the commands of God are not a burden. We obey from a heart of love, in joy.

We love because we are born of God. We love and obey God because we are actually born again and have been given a new nature by God the Holy Spirit.

Victorious faith

Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5 (ESV)

It is our victorious faith that overcomes the world. The faith is clearly defined, it is our faith in the core of our theology as believers, that Jesus is the Son of God. Holding onto this core belief will keep our faith strong and cause us to overcome the world.

Psalm 109:16–31

Help Lord

Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to your steadfast love! Psalm 109:26 (ESV)

Whatever you have to face today, cry out to the Lord to help you.

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 John 5

Today’s Reading: Neh 4:1–5:19, 1 John 4:16–21, Ps 109:1–15

Today’s Themes: Dealing with Opposition

Today we look at the tools God has given us to help us deal with those who oppose God’s purpose in general and specifically in our lives as individuals or as a community. These include having a mind to work, pray, act, fight and love.

Nehemiah 4:1–5:19

A Mind to Work

So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6 (ESV)

The people had set their minds to work so the insults and taunts from the opposition had no effect.

To deal with the opposition of the enemy in our lives we must set our minds to the work that God has called us to do.

In Paul’s teaching on the new life we have in Christ (found in Ephesians 4:17-32) we read that that we should put off our old self with its bad way of thinking. We should instead be renewed in our minds and put on the new self.

We also read 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.”

We are called to have the same humble/serving mind that Christ had and we are encouraged that we actually do have the mind of Christ by God the Holy Spirit who brings the words of Christ to our remembrance. 1 Corinthians 2:16 and Philippians 2:5.

Having our minds set on God is a great weapon of defence while under attack.

Pray and Act

And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night. Nehemiah 4:9 (ESV)

Nehemiah and the people prayed to God and set a guard.

We need to pray and act. There is no point in praying about something that we are not willing to do anything about. Our prayers should not be said in isolation from our actions.

One of the greatest ways of dealing with the enemy (flesh, world or devil) is to pray to the Lord concerning the area of attack and act in faith according to the prayer we just made.

When we pray, God answers by his word and the Holy Spirit, we need to respond in faith and obedience. 2 Thessalonians 1:11.

If we pray for God to deliver us we should not continue to walk in sin.

If we ask God to help us with our finances we should not still spend frivolously.

If we pray that God helps us forgive someone we need to go and actually forgive them.

If we are praying for souls to be saved we actually need to go and share the gospel.

Fight!

And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14 (ESV)

The best defence is a good offense!

We should not be afraid of the enemy because we have a great and awe inspiring God. If God is for us, who can stand a chance against us? Romans 8:31.

One of the motivations for us to fight is for our own families and our family in Christ. Fight for the man standing next to you in the Lord’s army, fight for your children, fight for your spouse, fight for your parents, siblings, uncles, aunts and cousins.

How do we fight?

We fight by tearing down the bad thinking, philosophies, world views and teaching that keep people in bondage.

We read in 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ”.

The war is spiritual and our fight is in the spirit realm. We read in Ephesians 6:11–12 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Work!

who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. Nehemiah 4:17 (ESV)

We deal with opposition by working. We need to be like the rebuilders of the wall. Building with one hand and holding a weapon in the other.

The opposition of the enemy is ultimately to halt the work of God in our lives and the wider church community. We need to keep the work going to the glory of God.

Jesus said in John 9:4 “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. “

God is the one who began the good work in us and will perfect it. Philippians 1:6.

Be Generous

Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people. Nehemiah 5:19 (ESV)

Nehemiah was a just leader who feared the Lord and showed remarkable generosity.

We are also called to be generous. Generosity is contrary to the desires of the flesh, the ways of the world and the plans of the enemy. Just giving and serving generously serves as a blow against the enemy and a victory for the kingdom of God.

How can you be generous?

We read in 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

God will reward our generosity.

1 John 4:16–21

Abide

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John 4:16 (ESV)

We deal with opposition by abiding (staying, living, taking up residence) in God. We abide by walking in love towards God and our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Again love is shown as the evidence of our relationship with God.

The Confidence of Love

By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 1 John 4:17 (ESV)

Faith in God’s love for us and God’s loving nature (God is love) gives us confidence and dispels all fear concerning the day of judgement. As we read in the next verse perfect love casts out all fear.

We do not need to fear the judgment to come because we are securely held in the love of God. It is through God’s love that we have eternal security and assurance.

A Weapon Against Fear

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18 (ESV)

Love is an offensive weapon in our war. We use it to cast out the fears of the enemy. God’s love is perfected in us as we walk in love and just doing this will cast out all the seeds of fear and doubt planted by the enemy.

Perfect love is perfected or worked out love. We don’t just believe in God’s love, we live it out.

The Command

And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:21 (ESV)

We are commanded to love one another. The fact that it is a command shows us that this is not God’s decreed will but His desired will so we need to actively obey this command.

We need to get to work, the work of loving one another. This is the greatest weapon we have as we resist the enemy together.

Psalm 109:1–15

Give Yourself to Prayer

In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. Psalm 109:4 (ESV)

We should follow the example of the Lord Jesus when facing opposition. We must give ourselves over to prayer and put our trust in the Lord.

This psalm is like a prayer of spiritual warfare also known as the Psalms of vengeance or Imprecatory (curses called upon the enemy) psalms.

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 John 4

Today’s reading: Neh 1:1–3:32, 1 John 4:13–15, Ps 108:1–13

Today’s Themes: Build The Walls

Today’s lesson is that we are called to build the broken down walls in our lives and God’s kingdom. Build the walls today.

Nehemiah 1:1–3:32

Great and Awesome God

And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, Nehemiah 1:5 (ESV)

Nehemiah’s prayer starts with worship and adoration of God. He declares and so shows his faith in God’s greatness.

Word Study: The word “awesome” in Hebrew is yare. The word means to fear, be afraid, to fear God, to be feared, be honoured, to be feared, terrible, dreaded, awesome and terrible.

So at it’s root this word awesome means to fear. We fear God and stand in awe of Him. God inspires fear of himself or is awe inspiring.

Before we can begin to rebuild we need to recognise and honour God for who He is. This is the first step to building lasting walls of defence in our lives.

We can take confidence in our great and awe inspiring God, because He keeps covenant with His people, so we can build with assurance in our hearts that God will enable and help us.

The Welfare of God’s People

But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel. Nehemiah 2:10 (ESV)

The enemy will always resist those who seek the welfare of God’s covenant people Israel and God’s covenant people the church.

If we decide that we will advocate for Israel, seeking the welfare of it’s people and evangelise seeking their salvation, we will meet with resistance.

Equally if we seek the restoration of the church in a particular region we will also be met with resistance because the enemy is against God and his people. In particular he does not want to see God’s people grow and flourish.

We must be prepared for resistance and set our hearts to stay the course. Ephesians 6:13.

The walls we build are for the welfare of God’s people (I’ll elaborate in the next point).

Rise Up And Build

And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. Nehemiah 2:18 (ESV)

The people inspired by Nehemiah, respond in faith and declare that they will rise up and build.

We must have the same response as the people today. We must turn to God and say we are ready to rise up and build.

What are our walls?

The walls for us can be the structures God has ordained for our lives which will bring growth and flourishing. These structures include the family, the church, ministries, organisations and businesses.

God wants us to build all these things as He leads us in faith, to the glory of His name, establishment of His kingdom and for the growth and prosperity of God’s people.

How do we build?

This is my own list and so is not exhaustive but is a start:

1. We can strengthen our arms to build by taking heed to God’s word (The Bible), Acts 20:32;
2. Praying with the leading of God the Holy Spirit, Jude 20;
3. Walking in love, 1 Corinthians 8:1;
4. Do everything to bring God glory, 1 Corinthians 10:23, 31;
5. Proclaim God’s word, 1 Corinthians 14:4,12;
6. Orderly worship, 1 Corinthians 14:26;
7. Through submission to our leaders, 2 Corinthians 13:10 and Ephesians 4:12;
8. Watching how we talk, Ephesians 4:29;
9. Encouraging others; 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

God The Designer

Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 2:20 (ESV)

God is the great architect and designer, we are the builders. We can’t just build what we want or do it the way we think is best, we need to build in line with God’s design.

Nehemiah knew the building was not the work of a man but God and had the boldness to resist the intimidation of the enemy.

We need to avoid the enemy’s attempts to intimidate and infiltrate God’s building work in our lives and church.

We need to guard the building of God’s kingdom. It is a holy commission for God’s people alone. We do not rely on man, we trust God to prosper us in our building.

We must be careful how we build, 1 Corinthians 3:10.

The Nobles!

And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord. Nehemiah 3:5 (ESV)

The nobles were too proud to work, we need to avoid this horrible attitude!

Jesus said we are all brothers, we should all pitch in and work together. Matthew 23:8.

God’s men and women (see verse 12) are all fellow labourers and we should spur each other on in the work of the Lord. We should support the work of the Lord by humbling ourselves to work together for God’s Glory.

Are you just a church consumer? If you are then repent and get involved. Ephesians 4:16.

1 John 4:13–15

Assurance

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 1 John 4:13 (ESV)

We have a great wall of assurance, God the Holy Spirit. This is our ultimate assurance in God. We can be confident that we abide in Him if we have the Holy Spirit living in our hearts.

God’s gift of Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit is a gift only given to those who belong to God.

Our Confession

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 1 John 4:15 (ESV)

Our faith is in no way random, our confession as Christians is clearly defined which is the confession on which Jesus said the church would be built.

We confess that Jesus is the Son of God just like Peter said.

Matthew 16:16–18 reads “Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

All cults and other religions alter this confession in some way. This is core to our faith, it is so core that without this confession there is no Christianity.

Psalm 108:1–13

God’s Help

Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes. Psalm 108:12–13 (ESV)

We humbly ask God to grant us help against the enemy. Through our God we will tear down the strongholds of the enemy and build the walls of God’s holy city in our lives.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 John 4

Today’s reading: Ezra 9:1–10:44, 1 John 4:7–12, Ps 107:23–43

Today’s Themes: Zealous Purity, Covenant of Love

The foundation of all of God’s covenants is love. This is why someone who is not in a loving covenant relationship with God cannot truly enjoy the benefits of the covenant, because they are all founded on love and relationship, not just rules as with cold business transactions. Recognise the covenant of love and rejoice in it today. The temptations which seek to draw us away will only rob us and will leave us without love because the devil uses bondage and trickery, never love.

Ezra 9:1–10:44

Divorcing from Compromise

Therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God, and let it be done according to the Law. Ezra 10:3 (ESV)

The people had fallen into compromise by marrying the people of the land which God had commanded against. This would lead them into sin and result in them being judged and disciplined for falling away.

Ezra cries out to God as he intercedes for the people. In response, Shecaniah has a plan of action. He proposes that the people renew their covenant with God by divorcing these foreign women. It should be noted that these marriages were not truly legal in accordance with Jewish law.

We learn from this that we must not compromise with the world. Any compromises that we have established, should be put away and broken off. We must reject compromise otherwise it will  break our covenant relationship with God. James 4:4

Decide today to divorce compromise and the children of compromise, which include sin and indifference. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

We should be married to the Lord in our hearts. Ephesians 5:27

We will only have this resolve if we “tremble at the commandments of our God”. We must have a high view of God’s word and seek to live in accordance with it. 2 Timothy 3:16

Covenant Renewal

And Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have broken faith and married foreign women, and so increased the guilt of Israel. Now then make confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives.” Ezra 10:10–11 (ESV)

Ezra calls for covenant renewal between God and the people, by them confessing their sin, turning in repentance and separating themselves as holy to the Lord.

God calls us to the same renewal of covenant today. If we have broken faith with God, there is still hope, God can restore if we humble ourselves in repentance. 1 Peter 5:5

Before there can be any renewal of our broken covenant relationship with God, confession of our shortcomings, compromise and sin must be made. Like “The Way of The Master” we need to confront ourselves with the law of God that we have transgressed, acknowledge it and then consciously turn in repentance back to God. 1 John 1:9

James encourages us to look into God’s perfect law (the Bible), as a mirror and act on what we see, in James 1:25 “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

1 John 4:7–12

Love as Fruit

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 (ESV)

Love is the fruit and evidence that we have truly been born again. True love for one another as a church community, is not something that can be counterfeited by the flesh, which is naturally selfish.

Love for one another is evidence that we come from God and know God. Knowledge is not evidence that we know God, love is. This shuts the door to the cold position of just knowing about God without having a relationship with Him on His terms.

We should be grateful that the indicator of our relationship with God is based on love.

Our lives should show the evidence of love, as defined by God, not the world.

Love Defined

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 1 John 4:8–9 (ESV)

Where John says God is love, he is not saying that love is God. Love is not the essence of who God is but one of God’s many attributes and in context, John is saying God is loving and shows His love.

God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus into the world, to make the payment for our sin and open the door to eternal life for us.

This is love defined, God sent his son. The gospel contains the very definition of love. The best and highest working definition of love is the gospel. God gave His son.

Many take the statement “God is love” to justify all types of sin, this is because it is read out of context. When a person takes this out of context to excuse sins, read them the full context and point them to the gospel, the very definition of love.

Loves Response

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11 (ESV)

We are called to show love like God did and in response to the love that God showed us, when we did not love Him.

Love is not a feeling, it is very much an act of the will, we choose to love and are commanded to love, so we need to make a firm decision to love today.

God’s love is perfected in us as we walk in love, practically showing love in response to God’s love for us.

Love without action is not love.

Psalm 107:23–43

Storms Stilled

He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29 (ESV)

This is said of God and as we know, Jesus stilled the storms on the lake of Galilee, Jesus is God.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition 1 John 4

Today’s reading: Ezra 7:1–8:36, 1 John 4:1–6, Ps 107:1–22

Today’s Theme: Skilled for God

Today we explore our call to be both students and teachers in God’s kingdom. We should apply ourselves to the study of God’s word and allow God to fill our mind. Determine to dedicate your skills to God’s service today and know that He created your mind to bring Him glory, not to be a stumbling block to your spiritual development, but a tool in His hand.

Ezra 7:1–8:36

Be A Scribe for God

this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the LORD, the God of Israel, had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him. Ezra 7:6 (ESV)

Ezra is described as a scribe skilled in the law. He was a man who applied himself to the study, teaching and application (as a judge) of the law.

God has gifted us with skills which we should use for Him. Matthew 25:15-30

Some of you reading this may still be in school, college or university. You can use your education and desire for studying, to be a scribe for God, like Ezra, by applying yourself to the study and application of God’s word. 2 Timothy 2:15

God wants us to use our skills, professions and education in the service of the kingdom. Don’t just think of being used on the platform in church, think about the skills, expertise and education you have and seek God for how that can be used. Romans 12:4–8 and1 Corinthians 12:14–20.

Our minds were created by God, not the devil. God desires that we use our minds to serve Him. Intelligence can be a powerful tool, if our lives are surrendered in humble submission to God’s word. 2 Peter 1:5

Study, Do, Teach

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. Ezra 7:10 (ESV)

We should set our hearts like Ezra, to study, do and teach God’s word. This three tiered approach to the bible is essential for our own lives today.

Study: We have all been called to study the word of God. Paul commended the Bereans because they were eager and took the time to study his teaching for themselves, against the bible. Acts 17:11

Jesus rebuked the Sadducees for not knowing the scriptures in Matthew 22:29.

Do: James tells us in James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Read James 1:22-26 for fuller context.

Paul also reminds us in Romans 2:13 “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.”

Teach: We are not all teachers by profession or in ministry, but in our everyday lives we are meant to be teachers, sharing the truth of God’s word with one another.

Paul tells us in Colossians 3:16 “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.”

Not Just Natural, Supernatural

For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty. Ezra 8:22–23 (ESV)

Ezra and those with him knew that their skill and intelligence were not enough to keep them, they knew they needed supernatural help.

Ezra shows clearly that his faith is not in his own ability, but in God. He demonstrates this by fasting and praying.

He had made a bold declaration of faith to the king, that God would keep them and now needed to see God come through for him. He does not sit passively and wait for God’s help, he seeks God.

We must learn from this that although God has given us natural gifts that He wants us to use for Him, we still need supernatural (superior to natural) help from God the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:17

God enhances our gifts, gives us wisdom that cannot be learnt and does all that we cannot do, to see His purposes fulfilled. Today, let us determine to trust Him Like Ezra did, and rely on God the Holy Spirit and not our own skill. Romans 8:6–11

With God, our gifts and skills become supernatural. Acts 1:8

1 John 4:1–6

The Validation Test

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 (ESV)

When John tells us to test the spirit, he is saying that if a spirit speaks to our hearts or through a “teacher”, we need to take what we hear through a validation test.

John does not tell us to test the spirit using intuition or some mystical, spiritual method, he asks us to engage our minds with a simple test.

First, is Jesus proclaimed as the Jesus of the bible, the Son of the Living God who became incarnate in flesh to save sinners? (Verse 2-3)

Second, is the word or teaching in opposition to the teaching of the Apostles, because John boldly declares that all who are against them are against God (verse 6).

This is how we sniff out error, not with our feelings, but by engaging our God given minds to measure what we hear against the word of God.

The Spirit of God will NEVER lead us in contradiction to the word of God, or the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Just because someone says “God says…”, do not immediately accept it as true without first taking it through the validation test.

We Overcome

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (ESV)

We thank God that we overcome, not by our own strength but by God’s strength, because it is God in us who is greater than the enemy. This should encourage us today.

Psalm 107:1–22

The Healing Word

He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Psalm 107:20 (ESV)

We give thanks to God today because He is good. God’s word has the power to heal and deliver us. We submit to and give thanks to God for loving us and giving us His word today.

When God sends His word, we need to hear it, believe it and apply it.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 John 4

Today’s reading: Ezra 5:1–6:22, 1 John 3:19–24, Ps 106:30–48

Today’s Theme: God’s Decree

Today we look at the sureness of God’s decrees and the call on us to finish well. God has provided all the support that we need in order to finish well, so let us run the race set before us, with faith.

Ezra 5:1–6:22

Prophetic Support

Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them. Ezra 5:2 (ESV)

We give God thanks for the way He has chosen to build the church.

We are told by Paul that God has decreed that some members of the church have special gifts to lead the church. This is sometimes called the fivefold ministry. We read this in Ephesians 4:11–12 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds (pastors) and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ”.

Our Pastors stand in that prophetic office for us today, as powerful preachers of God’s word. They spur us on in the work of the Lord (as they are empowered and led by God the Holy Spirit), which is the building up of the body of Christ and the expansion of God’s kingdom on the earth.

We should recognise the importance of submitting under the prophetic leadership of the Pastors that God has given to us. They bring great support to our lives as we seek to be built up individually and corporately in Christ.

Give God thanks for Pastor Dennis and Rev Taylor today, and ask God to help you to see the importance of them in your life. They are God’s instruments and are being used for God’s work.

Finish!

At the same time Tattenai the governor of the province Beyond the River and Shethar-bozenai and their associates came to them and spoke to them thus: “Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?” Ezra 5:3 (ESV)

The devil and his demons do not want us to be finishers or to finish well. 1 Peter 5:8

The enemy does not want us to finish that which God has called us to do. The old nature is selfish and lazy, seeking its own glory. We need to be aware of the pull of the flesh, the influence of the world and the schemes of the enemy that cause us to leave the work unfinished. Romans 8:7

Today set your heart to be resolute to see the work finished. Jesus is our great example, He set His face like flint and then victoriously declared from the cross, “it is finished.” John 19:30

In the ultimate sense, the enemy does not want us to finish the race set before us, but we must recognise the stumbling blocks that the enemy will put in the way and we must overcome them. We need to determine in our hearts, to run the race of faith and  not to give up until we reach our desired goal, which is heaven. Philippians 3:12

See the following new testament scriptures on running the race of faith: Hebrews 12:1, 1 Corinthians 9:24, Galatians 5:7, Philippians 2:16 and 2 Timothy 4:7.

God has decreed that you will finish, therefore, determine to finish well.

The Great God

Be it known to the king that we went to the province of Judah, to the house of the great God. It is being built with huge stones, and timber is laid in the walls. This work goes on diligently and prospers in their hands. Ezra 5:8 (ESV)

Our God is sovereign, even the enemy has to recognise Him for who He is.

Our modern culture has done everything it can to erase God from our thoughts, with its philosophy of naturalism and the resulting theories of evolution, including the idea  of nothing exploding then creating everything. This is simply illogical and has never been observed in the scientific sense. This is known as the big bang theory.

Despite these attempts, God remains in the thoughts of people as a great God, even amongst those who do not serve Him and to the frustration of the “New Atheists” who are pushing the evolution theories.

We do not believe in the big bang, we believe in the big “Great” God, the one who decreed that the universe be created and it was. Genesis 1:1

Build On Other Finishers

And this was their reply to us: ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. Ezra 5:11 (ESV)

We build on the work of others today, those in the church who have gone on before.

We build on our ultimate foundation, Jesus Christ, who finished the work He came to do, like the great king of Israel, Solomon. 1 Corinthians 3:11

We also build on the foundation laid by the prophets (old testament) and Apostles (new testament). This foundation is the bible. Ephesians 2:20

We also build on the work of the church councils, the early church fathers, the reformers, the puritans, the missionaries and Christian leaders of the past. Hebrews 6:12

We do not need to spend large amounts of time reinventing the wheel. For example, the council of Nicaea in 325 AD, defined the nature of the Trinity, this is now settled in the church and does not need to be revisited, the foundation is laid. Titus 2:1

Paul warns us to be careful how we build because our work will be tried. 1 Corinthians 3:12–15

God’s Government

Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River. Ezra 6:8 (ESV)

God is sovereign over the rulers of this world and like a master chess player, He moves and positions them to fulfil His purpose. God moved on the heart of the great king Darius to support the rebuilding of the temple.

The King makes a decree which is a reflection of and is ultimately backed up by the decree of the true king, God.

This should encourage our faith today that God’s government sits over the governments of the world. As in this account, God can move the government to support the work of the church without restrictive stipulations.

In verse 10 we can see that one of the king’s motivations was that he wanted prayers to be said for him and his family, see 1 Timothy 2:2.

The Decree of God

And the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia; Ezra 6:14 (ESV)

When God decrees something, it will come to pass and we can be 100% assured of that. God’s decreed will can never be derailed, it is that which He predestined and actively brings to pass, this includes both prophecy and our own salvation as God’s chosen people.

In the comments on 1 Chronicles 11:3 (here), we looked at  the difference between God’s decreed will and His commanded (desired) will.

1 John 3:19–24

God Is Over Our Hearts

for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 1 John 3:20 (ESV)

Whatever God decrees, supersedes what we feel or even think. We can have assurance in God because God has said so in His word. God knows everything and whatever He decrees trumps everything else.

We should take assurance from this truth today, even if our hearts condemn us, we know that we belong to God.

Ask!

and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 1 John 3:22 (ESV)

We can boldly ask God and receive from Him, if we know we are keeping His commands and pleasing Him with our faith. Ask today and receive in faith.

The Command

And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 1 John 3:23 (ESV)

This is not a decree, but a command that we have the responsibility to fulfil. This is the summary of Christian belief and practise.

We cannot fulfil this without the Holy Spirit, which John mentions in the next verse. The Holy Spirit living in us, is evidence that we belong to God.

Psalm 106:30–48

The Covenant of Love

For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love. Psalm 106:45 (ESV)

God keeps covenant not just because of obligation, but because of His love.

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 John 3

Today’s reading: Ezra 3:1–4:24, 1 John 3:11–18, Ps 106:16–29

Today’s Theme: Initiative (step out)

Today’s lesson is the clarion call to step out in faith and take the initiative to work in God’s kingdom, for His glory, our joy and the flourishing of others. Therefore determine today to get started, to lay the foundations of obedience and brace yourself for opposition.

Ezra 3:1–4:24

Put The Altar In Place

Then arose Jeshua the son of Jozadak, with his fellow priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel with his kinsmen, and they built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. Ezra 3:2 (ESV)

The first order of business for the returned exiles in Jerusalem, is to establish proper worship of the one and only true God, Yahweh.

Jesua and Zerubbabel arose and took the initiative to lead the people in rebuilding the Altar, in accordance with God’s word. They provide us a good example.

We must be willing to take the initiative in building a spiritual altar to the Lord, in our own lives and family. One type of altar that we need to build is a devotional altar, we should have a set time for worship, prayer, reading, studying and thinking about God’s word, this is commonly called devotional time or quiet time. Mark 1:35

Other altars may include times of corporate worship with the wider church community. Our weekly services are each an altar. An altar is often a definitive place and time where we come and make offerings to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 2:5 “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

The altars in our lives should change us to the glory of God. Set your heart to rebuild broken down altars in your life today.

Just Get Started

Now in the second year after their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak made a beginning, together with the rest of their kinsmen, the priests and the Levites and all who had come to Jerusalem from the captivity. They appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to supervise the work of the house of the LORD. Ezra 3:8 (ESV)

It is so important that we take initiative as we are led by God the Holy Spirit. Jeshua and Zerubbabel give us another good example, they “made a beginning”.

We need to take a step in the right direction. Is there a project God has put on your heart to do? If so, put pen to paper and start to write out a plan, send an email or set up a meeting. Hebrews 11:6

Maybe God is speaking to you about your devotional life and wants the quality of the time that you spend in prayer and the word, to improve. Don’t think of this or any other thing the Lord has put on your heart, as insurmountable and too hard to do, just “make a beginning”, take a step in the right direction in faith. Matthew 14:29

Maybe it involves the restoration of a relationship or even embarking on a new career, whatever it is, do not be crippled by fear, move forward in faith to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Step out in faith today, do not put it off any longer, just get started!

Lay the Foundations

But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy, Ezra 3:12 (ESV)

Jesus told us that the laying of foundations in our lives is the hearing and obeying of His word.

Matthew 7:24–25 reads “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”

In the passage, the older generation were disappointed with the loss of the original, glorious foundation, in believing that the new one was not as good. This shows us that we can look back to those who have gone on before, to find inspiration and possibly better ways of laying the foundations of obedience to Christ, in our own lives (the Puritans for example).

Opposition Will Come

Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build. Ezra 4:4 (ESV)

If we repair the altars in our lives, launch out in faith and lay the foundations of obedience to Christ, we can be sure that opposition will come. The enemy does not mind when you are inactive and ineffective, but when you start to step out in faith, you are actively taking part in the war and fire will be drawn in your direction.

Despite discouragement coming from those around us, our own fears and spiritual opponents (evil spirits), we must take courage in the Lord and not allow ourselves to be discouraged in the work of the Lord.

Paul encourages us in Ephesians 6:16 “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one”

1 John 3:11–18

The Evidence of Love

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 1 John 3:14 (ESV)

Love is an indicator that we have truly passed from death to life. We can use this to examine ourselves. Do we love our brothers and sisters in Christ if the answer is ‘no’? Then we need to seek the Lord for restoration.

This does not mean that we are not saved, it is more of an indicator that we are not walking as we should. John’s point is that if we are in Jesus who is life itself, then that life will be expressed through love for one another.

The love we have for one another is not just human affection, it is a supernatural love born of God the Holy Spirit.

Lay Our Lives Down

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 1 John 3:16 (ESV)

We need to take the initiative in laying our lives down for our brothers, otherwise love in the church community will never work. If we all wait for someone else to lay their lives down then no one will, it starts with us, we must take the initiative.

Jesus was our perfect example, His love for us was demonstrated in the action He took, He laid His life down for us.

Let us follow the example of Jesus, by laying down our own agenda and sacrificially loving and serving one another in the Lord. If we all do it, we will all grow together.

In the next verse an example is given which is to give to those in need. The final verse from this reading says that we should not just love with words and talk, but in deeds and truth.

Psalm 106:16–29

Obey God’s Voice

Then they despised the pleasant land, having no faith in his promise. They murmured in their tents, and did not obey the voice of the LORD. Psalm 106:24–25 (ESV)

We have been called to obedience and as we read earlier, this is the foundation of our lives. Let us respond to God in practical faith today, let us step out and take the land in faith.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 John 3