Today’s Reading: Jer 10:1–11:23, Philem 1–7, Prov 14:1–14
Today’s Theme: The One, Unique God
Today we read about the greatness of our God. He is one in unity as the Trinity and in essence and is unique in His being because no other being can be compared to Him. The king of all creation who alone knows and tests the heart and mind.
We also learn valuable lessons including that we should refresh the saints as we share in our walk of faith with each other.
Jeremiah 10:1–11:23
The One, Unique God is King
There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you. (Jeremiah 10:6–7, ESV)
God is completely unique, He is the only being in His class. There are no other gods that share the attributes of the Trinity. No one else has the Aseity (self sufficient existence) of eternal being, all other beings are creatures meaning they were created.
This one and only God is the great and mighty king of the nations. We worship His truly awesome majesty today.
The Eternal King
But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation. (Jeremiah 10:10, ESV)
Our claim is completely exclusive, our God is the only true God. God is the everlasting king, other kings come and go but God is king forever. He is the ultimate sovereign and always will be. No one can replace Him, challenge Him or compete with Him.
The Scientific Creation
It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. (Jeremiah 10:12, ESV)
Amazing that God used power, wisdom and understanding in creation that shows us that it was not magical but beautifully scientific, mathematical and technical by God’s supernatural power.
Worthless idols
They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish. (Jeremiah 10:15, ESV)
This is true of ALL idols. The ones who perish is the very idea of the idols and the demonic spirits behind the idol.
Stupid shepherd
For the shepherds are stupid and do not inquire of the Lord; therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered. (Jeremiah 10:21, ESV)
Lord thank you we don’t have stupid pastors. A stupid shepherd is one that does not seek the Lord.
Say Amen to God
For I solemnly warned your fathers when I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, warning them persistently, even to this day, saying, Obey my voice. (Jeremiah 11:7, ESV)
We are not called to think about it or mull it over, we are simply called to obey, to say amen to God’s word.
Don’t refuse to hear
They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words. They have gone after other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant that I made with their fathers. (Jeremiah 11:10, ESV)
Those who do not hear, it is because of their stubborn disobedience which is conscious rebellion against God. Humanity’s biggest problem with God’s commands is that we hate Him and so will not listen to Him. We need a heart transplant.
Discipline for the beloved
What right has my beloved in my house, when she has done many vile deeds? Can even sacrificial flesh avert your doom? Can you then exult? (Jeremiah 11:15, ESV)
Even though they are beloved, they must be punished and disciplined. We know we are God’s children when He disciplines us.
Commit your cause to God
But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously, who tests the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause. (Jeremiah 11:20, ESV)
Thank you Lord that you are just and we can leave all our causes with You because You are the God who tests hearts and minds.
Philemon 1–7
Famous love
because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, (Philemon 5, ESV)
The love and faith we have for the Lord should be heard of by others, it should be evident.
Effective faith
and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. (Philemon 6, ESV)
As we share our faith with our brethren in Christ we pray like Paul prayed for Philemon that it would be effective in making those we share with aware of every good thing that is inside them for the sake of Christ.
As Pastor has been encouraging us, the glory that is within for the sake of Christ.
Refresh the saints
For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. (Philemon 7, ESV)
Do you refresh the hearts of the saints? How do you do this? Lord please help us to do this.
This is the reason for the thanks that Paul has been giving, because this is a man who refreshes the saints. Tomorrow we will hear Paul make his appeal.
Proverbs 14:1–14
Wise Women
The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. (Proverbs 14:1, ESV)
Praise God today for all the wise women building their house and keeping the home to the glory of God and the joy of the whole family.
People of understanding
A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. (Proverbs 14:6, ESV)
Lord help us to be a people of understanding where knowledge is no hard thing, it should be natural for us.
We are alone
The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy. (Proverbs 14:10, ESV)
In a sense we are all alone, no one else knows our hearts, only we do (and God).
What is right?
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Proverbs 14:12, ESV)
There are so many things inside and outside of the church that feel or seem right but actually lead to death, this is why we need to ask the Lord to guide us everyday.
Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.
Additional resources
The Gospel Coalition on Philemon 1