Living Water Ministries

Confess Your Sins To God

VERSE OF THE DAY

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Admit and confess your wrongs to each other and open up in prayer for each other so that you may find peace and be healed the prayer of the righteous man has great power and produces wonderful results

What is the prayer of a righteous man?

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.

What Does James 5:16 Mean? ►

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

James 5:16(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

As James draws his epistle to a close, we are called to confess our trespasses to one another and to pray for each other, knowing that the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

This call to confession is not a summons to the confessional box where a ‘priest’ becomes a middleman between us and God – for there is one God, and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. and He alone is the one to Whom we confess our sins. Nor is this a call to expose our secret sins to the whole wide world – we are to confess our sins to God – and He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Rather.. when we have wronged another person we are called to go to them quickly and admit our sin and seek their forgiveness – for this is the will of God for us.

We are also called to willingly, graciously and fervently pray for each other, for as we lift up those who may have wronged us.. to the Lord in prayer, the fellowship of His love will stream into our hearts and minds, removing any nagging bitterness or residue of unforgiveness.

We are called to be holy for God is holy, but it is only as we confess our sins to one another and to our Father in heaven, that fellowship is renewed and our prayers become effective.

It is only as we abide in Him and walk godly in Christ Jesus that we are enabled to pray in spirit and truth – and the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/james-5-16

What does James 5:16 mean?

James continues encouraging his readers to express their dependence on God. This is done by participating in prayer. In previous verses, he has asked them to respond to trouble by praying to God, to respond to cheerfulness by singing songs of praise, and to respond to illness or spiritual weakness by calling for elders of the church pray for them.

Here in verse 16, James writes that it should be common practice for Christians to confess our sins to each other and to pray for each other, so that we may be healed. As in the previous verses, some Bible scholars read the word “healed” here as a reference to healing from physical illness. Others understand it to mean healing from discouragement and spiritual weakness. In either case, this healing requires two things from Christians.

We are both to confess our sins to each other, and to pray for each other. James offers no details about what this should look like in practice. Are we to stand before the church congregation and announce all our sins from the prior week? That seems unlikely. More likely, James has in mind the idea of Christians being in close relationship with several other Christians. We need fellow believers with whom we can be vulnerable. In that setting, each could acknowledge to the other what sins are most difficult for them, and all could pray for each other to overcome those sins.

It seems likely, in the modern world, that very few Christians are practicing this in any specific way. We’re just too afraid to be that vulnerable. James’s command is for us, as much as it’s for his original readers. The church would be far healthier if more of us prayed for each other, in family love, to overcome our specific sins. After all, James writes, prayer works. God listens and responds. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective because God hears and takes action.

Context Summary

James 5:13–20 closes out the letter by encouraging those who believe in God to show it. This is most readily shown by praying in response to every circumstance. We should pray for ourselves, praise God, and invite the spiritual leaders of our churches to pray for us when we are sick, or spiritually weak. Healing will follow; sins will be forgiven. We should confess sins to each other so we can pray for strength for each other to overcome sin. Prayer works; God hears and responds. If we really believe this is true, our behavior will reflect it.

Chapter Summary

What was causing fights and quarrels among the Christians to whom James was writing? They were living by the world’s wisdom. This false perspective says human beings should do whatever it takes to get what they want in this life, even if it hurts other people. James says that to live that way is adultery, but God gives grace. Christians should repent and move close to God again. We should trust Him to provide, to be the Judge, and to lift us up in His time. In humility, we must acknowledge that all of our plans are dependent on Him, and He can change them at any moment

QUESTION

What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)?

ANSWER

The term fervent prayer comes from James 5:16 in the King James Version: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” The English word fervent simply means “impassioned, forceful, passionate, heartfelt, powerful, or wholehearted.” The verse, as translated in the King James Version, seems to indicate that a passionate, wholehearted prayer will accomplish much, implying that a half-hearted prayer will not be as effective.

Most modern versions translate James 5:16 differently, so that the fervency or forcefulness applies to the outcome of the prayer, not the earnestness of the prayer: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (ESV); “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (NIV); “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (NASB). These translations simply say that prayer is powerful, without differentiating between “fervent” prayer and some other kind.

This expanded paraphrase may illustrate the difference: “The forceful, earnest, heartfelt prayer of a righteous man will accomplish much” vs. “The prayer of a righteous man will yield forceful, powerful results.”

The difference in translation seems to center on the proper placement of the term translated “fervent” or “powerful” or “effective.” The KJV and NKJV translate the verse so that the term applies to the kind of prayer—a fervent, forceful, or powerful prayer can accomplish much. The other versions apply the modifier not to the prayer but to the outcome of the prayer—it will have a forceful or powerful result. So the KJV and NKJV encourage one to pray fervently so that the prayer will be answered, and the other versions simply encourage one to pray because the results can be powerful.

The context helps to shed light on the intended meaning. The immediate context speaks of praying for healing and says that the “prayer of faith” (prayer offered in faith) will be answered. The first part of James 5:16 says that we should confess our sins to each other and pray for each other to be healed. The second part of the verse seems to summarize the thought. Then verses 17–18 give an example of the kind of prayer that is encouraged. “Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”

James refers to 1 Kings 17:1, where Elijah told Ahab that it would not rain “for the next few years.” This drought was punishment for Israel’s worship of Baal. After three and a half years of drought, Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal in a showdown on Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:16–40), and then Elijah told King Ahab that it was going to rain (verse 41).

“So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.

“‘Go and look toward the sea,’ he told his servant. And he went up and looked.

“‘There is nothing there,’ he said.

“Seven times Elijah said, ‘Go back.’

“The seventh time the servant reported, ‘A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.’

“So Elijah said, ‘Go and tell Ahab, “Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.”’

“Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel” (1 Kings 18:42–45).

On Mt. Carmel, Elijah made a pronouncement that it would rain and then prayed that it would. He prayed for rain seven times. After each prayer, he sent his servant to see if the sky looked like rain. When it did not, he would pray again. Finally, after the seventh time, a small cloud was visible, which Elijah interpreted to be the answer to his prayer—and it was. He had prayed bent down to the ground with his face between his knees. This could be interpreted as an expression of earnest supplication.

Taking all the evidence into consideration, fervency may not be the most important issue in prayer. Certainly, Elijah prayed earnestly. However, the point of James seems to focus more on the efficacy of prayer and the aspect of righteousness in the one praying. The admonition to prayer is prefaced with the command to confess sins. James also makes a point that the prayer comes from a righteous person. Elijah was a righteous man, and the results of his prayer were beyond incredible.

The point of James 5:13–18 is that prayer is important and God answers prayer, so we must make it a priority. We don’t have to be “super Christians.” We might be tempted to think of Elijah as some sort of super saint, but James says he was an ordinary man and that God answered his prayer. However, sin in the life of the one praying can block prayer’s effectiveness. Certainly, earnest prayer is important, and the prayer of faith is important, but this passage does not seem to indicate that the forcefulness with which one prays determines effectiveness. Rather, the prayer of a righteous person is powerful (forceful) and effective.

We should confess our sins and pray, expecting God to answer. Of course, the prayer should not be half-hearted or nonchalant, and other passages encourage us to pray with persistence (Matthew 7:7–8, Luke 11:5–9; 18:1–8).

FOR FURTHER STUDY

James, MacArthur New Testament Commentary by John MacArthur

More insights from your Bible study – Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

What does it mean that the “prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16)?

What are some hindrances to a potent prayer life?

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What is the value of a prayer meeting?

Why is daily prayer important?

Do Not Be Anxious About Anything But In Everything Be In Prayer

VERSE OF THE DAY

Philippians 4:6-7 (New Living Translation)

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Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Don’t worry about anything; instead be in fervent prayer about everything. Tell God what you need, telling him your hearts desires and thank him for all he has done. Thanking him for the experiences he’s given to you. Then you will experience God’s peace, and grace which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. In a godly life style being god fearing and humble.

What does Philippians Chapter 4 6 7 mean?

Once you have prayed and have asked God for His help, let go of it and leave it in God’s hands. The end of the verse explains that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.Feb 13, 2017

What does Do not be anxious about anything but everything present your requests to God?

““Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

What does Jesus mean by do not worry?

In context, we might understand Jesus’ command not to worry as applicable to our pursuit of wealth and possessions rather than our basic needs being met. This would mean that worry would dissipate if we stopped seeking riches and instead put our trust in God.Aug 14, 2013

When Jesus Said Not to Worry, What Did He Mean?

by Drew Smith | Aug 14, 2013 | Opinion

One of the more comforting passages from the teachings of Jesus is found in Luke 12:22-34, where Jesus commands his listeners not to worry about the concerns of life, for God will take care of them.
But is this really Jesus’ meaning?

To interpret correctly, we must keep in mind the literary context in which we find Jesus speaking about worry.

It follows his telling of the “Parable of the Rich Fool” (Luke 12:13-21), who is a fool because he pursued wealth for himself with no thought for what God would demand of him.

Indeed, that very night God demanded his life, and his riches were wasted.

But what are we to make of the three illustrations Jesus offers in this passage?

â— “Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”

â— “And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest?”

â— “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you – you of little faith!”

What is Jesus’ purpose in using the ravens, the life span of human existence and the flowers to make his point?

First, Jesus says all of God’s creation, both nature and humanity, is dependent on God’s goodness for life and sustenance.

As Creator, God not only brings things into being but also sustains those things until their natural end. All life is God dependent.

This is what the rich fool failed to see or recognize. He thought that what he had was all because of what he had done, and he gave no thought for how God had blessed him. He failed to be dependent on God.

Second, Jesus expresses the temporality to our current existence.

Neither us, nor any of creation, is promised a tomorrow in this world. Thus, we are not to spend our short existence striving for wealth and possessions that are here today and gone tomorrow.

Again, the rich fool failed to see this, thinking that just by having abundance he would have a happy future. But none of us is promised even tomorrow.

Third, the choice of birds, plants and humans represents the consistent biblical teaching that all of creation is the concern of God.

God, as Creator, sustains creation by God’s love, and God desires that creation live out its intended design.

It is particularly important that the statement about humans not being able to lengthen their lives is placed between the statements about the birds and the lilies. It seems reasonable that Jesus is intending his hearers to understand two important things.

One, they are a part of creation and not above creation. And, two, we have a God-given purpose of using creation, but with great care and responsibility.

Creation is a gift to humanity. It provides us not only with the needs of food, clothing and shelter, but also with beauty and meaningfulness. For humans to ravage God’s household for selfish purposes is to live recklessly in God’s creation.

Jesus makes clear that God cares for God’s entire creation, and we ought to do the same. We might interpret the actions of the rich landowner as transgressing this care for creation.

He owns a lot of land, and though he is free within the bounds of the human understanding of ownership to use the land for his own purposes, he seems not to care for the creation itself, but only for what it can give him – a comfortable life.

Striving for what is temporal, as the rich man did, moves our focus from God and those around us to our own lives of selfish need and want, which results in our living as the world lives, in a constant struggle with the anxiety of desiring more.

But Jesus offers a different striving.

Instead of striving for the things in this world that bring worry and pass away, Jesus calls us to strive for the kingdom of God, in which we are dependent on God and God’s goodness toward us and all of creation.

Drew Smith, an ordained Baptist minister, is director of international programs at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark. A longer version of this column first appeared on his blog, Wilderness Preacher, and is used with permission. You can follow him on Twitter @wildernespreach.

Drew Smith

Assistant Director of the Honors College at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

wildernesspreacher.blogspot.com/

How do you pray Philippians 4 6 7?

Prayer can eradicate anxiety and bring peace of mind – Philippians 4:6-7. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer can eradicate anxiety and bring peace of mind – Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

– Philippians 4:6-7, NIV

More About This Verse

MEANING

Feeling anxious? God tells us to pray about everything, bringing every concern to Him. As part of our prayer time, He instructs us to be thankful, to have gratitude because He knows how powerful it is to pray with the expectation of God’s goodness and grace. Prayer gives us the opportunity to leave our burdens with God; the God of all creation wants us to lean on Him for help. Prayer helps us learn to rely on and trust in God. When we pray, we build faith and practice knowing that God is willing and able to help us. And Prayer reveals the glory and authority of God when He answers.

God promises that if we turn to Him in difficult times, He will give us a peace beyond belief, beyond understanding. And this peace will be a guard—or protector—of our hearts and minds. The peace spoken of here is supernatural; it’s not the kind of peace that’s fleeting or based on our circumstances.

Satan uses our fears and desires against us in ways that are not always obvious: he might convince us that our current situation is hopeless, or that God is too busy for us, or that God doesn’t care about our problems—none of that is true! Satan will do anything to separate us from God, and sometimes all he must do is convince us of a small lie to get us going in the wrong direction. He wants us to forget God’s promises and truth.

But God’s promises of unconditional love and peace drive away worry and anxiety. When we don’t rely on God, we are trying to carry a burden that wasn’t meant for us. Like a parent who desperately wants to support a child, God comes beside us and says, in effect, “this burden wasn’t meant for you alone.” God rejoices when we trust Him and rely on His grace, willingness, and ability to help us.

So, practice putting your mind to finding comfort, joy, and peace in Christ. This practice strengthens your faith. And it guards your heat and mind against anxiety and fear. It enables you to be present with God, not doubting, but praying and obeying with the knowledge that God works for your good.

EXPLORE THIS PASSAGE MORE

We get the most out of each verse when we understand them in context. So, feel free to dig a little deeper into the meaning of this verse with these resources:

• The Message version says this verse this way:

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4:6-7, MSG).

• Read this chapter on Bible Gateway

• Watch a video summary of this book

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How do you pray?

What follows can help you learn how to pray.

1. Prayer Has Four Simple Steps.

2. Step 1: Address Heavenly Father.

3. Step 2: Thank Heavenly Father.

4. Step 3: Ask Heavenly Father.

5. Step 4: Close in the Name of Jesus Christ.

6. Praying in a Group.

7. Pray Always, With Sincerity and With Faith in Christ.

8. Prayers Will Always Be Answered.

Jun 25, 2019

https://www.learnreligions.com › ho…

Learn How to Pray in These 4 Easy Steps

Why do we pray?

Prayer helps you find direction in your life

God always listens and often provides the specific answers and guidance we seek. Even when He chooses not to answer immediately or in the way we might have hoped, prayer itself is a way to find peace.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org › …

10 Meaningful Benefits of Prayer | ComeUntoChrist – Church of …

What Does Philippians 4:6 Mean? ►

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6(NASB)

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Verse Thoughts

Prayer is the privilege of people who are saved by grace thorough faith in Christ, for by His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, He tore down the dividing wall between God and man and gave us access to His throne of grace, for mercy to find help in time of need. We are exhorted not to worry about anything, but instead to pray confidently about everything. We are to tell the Lord our needs, laying our petitions humbly at His feet and thanking Him for all He has done.

We are not to be anxious about anything, but are to bring everything in life to the Lord in prayer. We are to pray aright and this is only possible as we abide in Christ and He in us. We are to keep our hearts free from fretting and worry and this can only be achieved as we cast all our care and concern on the Lord Jesus – for He cares for us.

Being anxious for nothing is not a suggestion… it is a command and a responsibility for all who are born from above. Anxiety not only demonstrates a lack of confidence in God and a lack of faith in His Word, it is deliberate disobedience to His clear directive. The more we recognise God’s sovereign hand in our daily problems and life’s uncertainties, the more our anxious thoughts will melt away.

We are to tell Him all our needs, lay all our burdens down at His feet and leave them there… for as anxiety is set aside, so our faith will correspondingly increase. We are instructed to cast all our anxiety upon Him because He cares for us, but we are to do this with a heart of thanksgiving and an attitude of worship. Any inward-focused worries are to be replaced with God-honouring, God-focused, God-dependent prayer.

Worry has a detrimental effect on our fellowship with the Father, for as faith increases so worry is eliminated. But if worry is allowed to bubble-up in our heart and ferment in our mind, so faith begins to falter and the enemy is given a foothold.

There is nothing too great and nothing too small that cannot be given to the Lord, and there is no area in our life or the lives of others, about which we cannot come boldly to the throne of grace. There is no anxiety so disturbing that cannot be guarded by the perfect peace of God and no pain so deep that cannot be healed by His tender touch.

In worry, we talk to ourselves. In prayer, we talk to God. When we worry, we focus on the circumstances of life, but in prayer, we focus on our heavenly Father. Worry is self-centred and selfish and is rooted in the sin of unbelief, but prayer is God-centred and pleasing to Him, for prayer is built on a heart that trusts His Word and depends upon Him for all our needs.

True prayer comes from a worshipful heart of thanksgiving and praise that is looking to the Lord by faith to supply everything we need, according to His riches in glory. When the prayer of faith sees the Lord as the sole Supplier of our every need, we should be anxious for nothing but trust Him in everything.

It is by faith that we were saved, and it must be by faith that we live. It is by faith that every anxious thought is banished from our heart, and when faith in our heavenly Father is translated into prayers and supplication, with thanksgiving, our requests may be made in quietness and in confidence that He will hear and answer.

It is to God that our prayers and petitions are made and through our Saviour that our prayers are presented, because we have been saved by grace through faith in Him. May we maintain a heart of grateful thanksgiving and praise for all His goodness and grace to us, and may we be anxious about nothing, but in everything through our grateful prayers and entreaties make our requests known to Him… and we will discover His peace that passes understanding, guarding our heart and mind, as we abide in Christ and He is us.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/philippians-4-6

Do Not Worry About Tomorrow

Matthew 6:34

New Living Translation

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Find yourself peace do not trouble yourself about tomorrow or what hasn’t come for today has already it’s own troubles to even worry for what’s to come still yet tomorrow

Matthew 6:34 is “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” It is the thirty-fourth, and final, verse of the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament and is part of the Sermon on the Mount.

What is the meaning of do not worry about tomorrow?

This is why Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own”. Remember there are two days you should never worry about: yesterday and tomorrow. You can’t live in the past.Apr 4, 2019

How do I stop worrying about tomorrow?

These coping tips can help you take action to break this cycle.

1. Take care of physical needs. The mind-body connection is very real, and your physical wellness can have an impact on emotional wellness. …

2. Check your self-talk. The way you talk to yourself about anxiety matters. …

3. Talk about it. …

4. Ground yourself.

Mar 17, 2020

How do I stop worrying and trusting God?

Table of Contents

1. Stop waiting for the world to help you.

2. Stop trying to impress everyone.

3. Let yourself hope (in God)

4. Identify your life needs, and focus on what really matters.

5. Deal with distress.

6. Question yourself.

7. Get advice when you’re stuck.

8. Be aware of what’s happening around you.

More items…•Jan 25, 2022

How do I overcome fear and anxiety?

Ten ways to fight your fears

1. Take time out. It’s impossible to think clearly when you’re flooded with fear or anxiety. …

2. Breathe through panic. …

3. Face your fears. …

4. Imagine the worst. …

5. Look at the evidence. …

6. Don’t try to be perfect. …

7. Visualise a happy place. …

8. Talk about it.

More items…•Apr 14, 2021

How do I offer my life to God?

This life can be hard, but through trials, the Lord makes us stronger.

…

Following God’s Plan for Your Life:

1. Be in prayer. A way to know that you are following God’s plan for your life is by being in prayer. …

2. Be actively reading in the Word. …

3. Follow the commands He puts on your heart. …

4. Seek a godly community. …

5. Obey the Truth.

Mar 29, 2019

5 Ways to Follow God’s Plan for Your Life

Posted March 29, 2019 in Ministry

Wouldn’t it be perfect if God would send down a blueprint for each of our lives? What if, when we were born, we came with an instruction manual that he wrote out for us? A manual that would outline what we should do to follow His plan for our lives?

Sometimes, life can be so confusing and stressful that it can be difficult to understand what God wants for us over the noise of the world and the sounds of all the obligations pulling at us. And the truth is, God knows what He wants for us is in control of our plans. He has the blueprint for our lives drawn up. He is guiding us and putting seeds in our hearts and, like a gardener, He waters the seeds He plants within our hearts. God sees you, He hears you, and He answers your prayers.

This life can be hard, but through trials, the Lord makes us stronger. During times of tribulation, our faith is able to grow and multiply. Romans 5:3-5 shows us that suffering produces perseverance and character, which leads to hope that allows Gods to pour into our hearts through the Holy Spirt.

While there is pressure from society to succeed and meet a certain standard that the world holds us to, through God and the calling He places on our lives, we are able to achieve what He wants for our lives.

Following God’s Plan for Your Life:

1. Be in prayer

A way to know that you are following God’s plan for your life is by being in prayer. Take time each day to devote yourself to the Lord and the plans He has for your life. If you are giving each area of your life to God, then He will bless it and be able to work through it abundantly.

2. Be actively reading in the Word

It is one thing to go to church on Sunday and hear the pastor’s sermon and another when you take time each day to devote to being in God’s word. Taking just a few minutes each day to read what’s in the Word will give you a better understanding of the calling God has put on your life, and it will allow you to better live out the life He desires for you.

3. Follow the commands He puts on your heart

Allow God to guide your steps and trust the dreams He puts on your heart. Believe that He will qualify you and know that if there is a dream that He has placed upon you heart, He will help you achieve it, and He will be glorified in the process.

4. Seek a godly community

It’s a lot easier to follow God’s plans and act in ways that honor him when you have friends around you that encourage you in your walk with the Lord. Seek out a community at church that will hold you accountable and be able to give you godly council.

5. Obey the Truth

Know what is written in the Bible and follow the way He calls you to live. Live by the commandments and intentionally be an example of what a Christ follower should be.

Being an adult in today’s modern age comes with a set of challenges and pressure, but God qualifies us through our shortcomings just like He qualified Moses when He called upon him to lead the Israelites and stand up to the pharaoh. If God has placed the desire of going back to school on your heart, then He will qualify you to do so. He will be there to walk alongside you and aid you in the areas of your own shortcomings.

At Campbellsville University, you can experience an amazing opportunity with faith-based learning in an environment that will help you to thrive and succeed with God. They offer flexible online degree options in a variety of areas.

This blog was written by guest contributor Gabrielle of Inspiring Honey. Gabrielle is a podcast host, blogger, public speaker, philanthropist, childhood cancer survivor, student and entrepreneur. You can follow her on her blog or on Instagram @inspiringhoney.

Matthew 6:34 Meaning of Do Not Worry about Tomorrow

May 15, 2020 by Editor in Chief

Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Explanation and Commentary of Matthew 6:34

Christ commands us not to worry. That is enough reason to have hope in his plan for tomorrow. James and Proverbs tell us not to boast about tomorrow either (Ja 4:13; Pr 27:1). Whether it is boasting or worrying, God calls us to the present to live our lives in him. God is with us here and now, to find him there can be no dreaming or worrying about tomorrow. He will be there too, and so will we when it becomes today.

Does this mean never to save money, never to plan a schedule, never to delay gratification? By no means, logic and the principle of stewardship show us that as image-bears, we will in part be held accountable tomorrow for the way we handled what we’ve been entrusted with today (Mat 25:14-30). But this can be done without worrying, which betrays a lack of trust in God to be there and care for us in the future, or boasting, which shows a lack of belief that God will have his own ideas and will sovereignly direct us in the future.

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If one lives on biblical principles and trusts God, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness today, then tomorrow is a forgone conclusion. How good it is to live this way, never dwelling on the past, and never worrying about the future. Ours is to trust God in each moment, stewarding each hour of our lives for the glory of God. If we can be doing that when he returns, we will experience both the abundant life he intended for us and the eternal reward of faithfulness.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 6:34

#1 “Therefore…”
Because seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness is what we are called to give our attention and energy to, not what we will eat or drink or wear tomorrow.

#2 “…do not worry…”
Many people think that emotions such as worry are involuntary. But they are involuntary only to the point that we do not take every thought captive (2 Cor 10:5) and stay our minds on Christ (Isa 26:3). It’s true that when one is worrying she cannot just say to herself, “Do not worry.” But she can reason with herself. This is her divine right as a rational, created image-bearer. Jesus has given us all the logical tools to counter lies and fears with truth, and in so doing we can obey his command to command our emotions.

#3 “…about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Thinking about tomorrow is wise when it comes to considering how to apply biblical principles so that tomorrow one will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Worrying doesn’t come from rational thinking. It is a fear that comes from an irrational attack in the thought life. A Christian who does not direct his own thoughts will be subject to satan’s lies and accusations. “Each day” will have trouble. This should be where most of our mental energy and focus should be.

What does Matthew 6:34 mean?

Those struggling with addiction, while in recovery, often cling to a set of guiding statements as they work to stay sober. A common mantra used in those situations is “one day at a time.” There’s no value in that person worrying about whether they will fall to temptation tomorrow. Their addiction must be fought today. Tomorrow’s fight will happen tomorrow. In overcoming addiction effectively, such people are taught to focus on winning today’s battles.

This is compatible with the principles found in this command from Jesus. He tells His followers not to worry about tomorrow. As He has already said, worry doesn’t fix anything. Anxiety over things we cannot control, or out of our reach, makes no sense (Matthew 6:27). God loves us and already knows not only what He wants to accomplish, but what we need to make that happen (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus says, in short, that born-again believers ought to let tomorrow worry about itself. He’s not saying Christians cannot or should not make wise plans. Nor is He saying believers ought to literally ignore anything but the most immediate questions. His context here is about the emotions of fear and anxiety. Those who trust in God shouldn’t allow wallow in useless worry over the future. Tomorrow’s fight will happen tomorrow. The battle to trust God is always happening in the current moment. Today has plenty of trouble with which we need to trust God. Jesus commands His followers to focus on trust for God in a moment-by-moment way. We shouldn’t try to solve all our problems, for all time, all at once. Let God provide what is needed day by day.

Context Summary

Matthew 6:25–34 concludes this part of the Sermon on the Mount with Jesus’ teaching about anxiety. Even to the very poor, Jesus says not to worry about food or clothes. God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies beautifully, and His children are far more valuable than birds. Anxious emotions can’t add even an hour to a person’s life. Instead, Jesus tells His followers to trust God to provide what they truly need. The context of what we ”need,” however, is the will of God—which might look very different from what we would prefer (Matthew 5:3–12).

Chapter Summary

The Sermon on the Mount continues in chapter 6, which is entirely composed of the words of Christ. Jesus teaches that God rewards deeds motivated by sincere devotion to Him, not by approval from other people. He teaches a simple and authentic model prayer. Christ warns against stockpiling money and possessions on earth. Instead, believers should make choices that store up treasure in heaven. A person’s top priority can either be God, or money, but cannot be both. Along with that, Jesus says believers should fight against anxiety about daily needs. The heavenly Father knows what we need. All we need to do is pursue His kingdom and righteousness; He will take care of our needs, one day at a time

Called By My Name Humble Themselves Turning From Their Ungodly Life Styles

VERSE OF THE DAY

2 Chronicles 7:14 (New Living Translation)

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Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

If all mankind who are brought forth by me will humble themselves and be fervent in prayer in search of myself and my ways turning from sinful life styles and live a godly way I will hear them from heaven and will forgive them and heal their land

What does it mean for God to heal our land?

Our land is hurting and in deep need of God’s divine healing. Appropriately, this admonition from God addresses the critical fact that the sin and wickedness in our life as a nation has direct — and disastrous — effects on our health as a nation and as a global community.Dec 16, 2017

Can you humble yourself and pray?

I believe it’s what God told Israel in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”Feb 19, 2021

What does the Bible say about repentance?

Mark 1:15 records the inspired summary of Jesus’ message as He began His ministry: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Repentance and faith go together because if you believe that Jesus is the Lord Who saves (faith), you have a changed mind about your sin and …Sep 24, 2015

What is humility before God?

Now what does it mean to humble yourself before God? To me, it means coming before Jesus in awe and reverence, despite of what people may think of you. It’s being willing to say, “I was wrong”. It’s the positioning of your heart to be open to His Word.

How do you live humbly?

To try to cultivate humility, you may want to try one or more of these activities:

1. Spend time listening to others. …

2. Practice mindfulness, and focus on the present. …

3. Be grateful for what you have. …

4. Ask for help when you need it. …

5. Seek feedback from others on a regular basis. …

6. Review your actions against the language of pride.

QUESTION

What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 7:14?

ANSWER

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, ESV).

The key to understanding any verse of Scripture is context. There is the immediate context—the verses before and after it, as well as the larger context of Scripture—how the verse fits into the overall story. There is also the historical and cultural context—how the verse was understood by its original audience in light of their history and culture. Because context is so important, a verse whose meaning and application seem straightforward when quoted in isolation may mean something significantly different when it is taken in context.

When approaching 2 Chronicles 7:14, one must first consider the immediate context. After Solomon dedicated the temple, the Lord appeared to him and gave him some warnings and reassurances. “The Lord appeared to him at night and said: ‘I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.’ When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:12–14).

The immediate context of 2 Chronicles 7:14 shows that the verse is tied up with Israel and the temple and the fact that from time to time God might send judgment upon the land in the form of drought, locusts, or pestilence.

A few verses later God says this: “But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. This temple will become a heap of rubble. All who pass by will be appalled and say, ‘Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ People will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who brought them out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—that is why he brought all this disaster on them’” (2 Chronicles 7:19–22).

No doubt Solomon would have recognized this warning as a reiteration of Deuteronomy 28. God had entered into a covenant with Israel and promised to take care of them and cause them to prosper as long as they obeyed Him. He also promised to bring curses upon them if they failed to obey. Because of the covenant relationship, there was a direct correspondence between their obedience and their prosperity, and their disobedience and their hardship. Deuteronomy 28 spells out the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. Again, divine blessing and divine punishment on Israel were conditional on their obedience or disobedience.

We see this blessing and cursing under the Law play out in the book of Judges. Judges chapter 2 is often referred to as “The Cycle of the Judges.” Israel would fall into sin. God would send another nation to judge them. Israel would repent and call upon the Lord. The Lord would raise up a judge to deliver them. They would serve the Lord for a while and then fall back into sin again. And the cycle would continue.

In 2 Chronicles 7, the Lord simply reminds Solomon of the previous agreement. If Israel obeys, they will be blessed. If they disobey, they will be judged. The judgment is meant to bring Israel to repentance, and God assures Solomon that, if they will be humble, pray, and repent, then God will deliver them from the judgment.

In context, 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a promise to ancient Israel (and perhaps even modern-day Israel) that, if they will repent and return to the Lord, He will rescue them. However, many Christians in the United States have taken this verse as a rallying cry for America. (Perhaps Christians in other countries have done so as well.) In this interpretation, Christians are the people who are called by God’s name. If Christians will humble themselves, pray, seek God’s face, and repent, then God will heal their land—often a moral and political healing is in view as well as economic healing. The question is whether or not this is a proper interpretation/application.

The first problem that the modern-day, “Westernized” interpretation encounters is that the United States does not have the same covenant relationship with God that ancient Israel enjoyed. The covenant with Israel was unique and exclusive. The terms that applied to Israel simply did not apply to any other nation, and it is improper for these terms to be co-opted and applied to a different nation.

Some might object that Christians are still called by God’s name and in some ways have inherited the covenant with Israel—and this may be true to some extent. Certainly, if a nation is in trouble, a prayerful and repentant response by Christians in that nation is always appropriate. However, there is another issue that is often overlooked.

When ancient Israel repented and sought the Lord, they were doing so en masse. The nation as a whole repented. Obviously, not every single Israelite repented and prayed, but still it was national repentance. There was never any indication that a small minority of the nation (a righteous remnant) could repent and pray and that the fate of the entire nation would change. God promised deliverance when the entire nation repented.

When 2 Chronicles 7:14 is applied to Christians in the U.S. or any other modern nation, it is usually with the understanding that the Christians in that nation—the true believers in Jesus Christ who have been born again by the Spirit of God—will comprise the righteous remnant. God never promised that if a righteous remnant repents and prays for their nation, that the nation will be saved. Perhaps if national repentance occurred, then God would spare a modern nation as He spared Nineveh at the preaching of Jonah (see Jonah 3)—but that is a different issue.

Having said that, it is never wrong to confess our sins and pray—in fact, it is our duty as believers to continuously confess and forsake our sins so that they will not hinder us (Hebrews 12:1) and to pray for our nation and those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2). It may be that God in His grace will bless our nation as a result—but there is no guarantee of national deliverance. Even if God did use our efforts to bring about national repentance and revival, there is no guarantee that the nation would be politically or economically saved. As believers, we are guaranteed personal salvation in Christ (Romans 8:1), and we are also guaranteed that God will use us to accomplish His purposes, whatever they may be. It is our duty as believers to live holy lives, seek God, pray, and share the gospel knowing that all who believe will be saved, but the Bible does not guarantee the political, cultural, or economic salvation of our nation.

FOR FURTHER STUDY

1 & 2 Chronicles, NIV Application Commentary by Andrew Hill

More insights from your Bible study – Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

Is it ever appropriate to take a single verse of Scripture out of its context?

Why was Israel divided into the Southern Kingdom and Northern Kingdom?

When and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians?

Why did God use a lying spirit to deceive Ahab?

What was the significance of the altar King Ahaz built?

Repentance According to the Scriptures: 2 Chronicles 7:14

We cannot scan any random passage of Scripture and automatically assume the words are unconditionally addressed to us. Often, very often, they are not.

he Season of Lent is a time of reflection and repentance. But what is repentance? Each week this Lent, we will take a closer look at the doctrine of repentance as it is presented throughout Scripture in order to gain a better understanding of what it means to admit our sins as well as receive forgiveness as the foot of the cross.

When Donald Trump was elected in 2016, which Bible verse, do you think, was searched for more than any other? It was the same verse often quoted by famous Christian leaders at the time.

Last year, this passage still ranked near the top. It was the third most searched for Bible verse of 2020.

The verse is 2 Chronicles 7:14, “…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

As we dig into this passage, I’d like for us to do three things:

• Ask why this verse resonates with so many people.

• Look at the context and original Hebrew to help us better understand what God is telling us.

• Understand how this passage has nothing to do with the United States of America but everything to do with the people who happen to live in the USA (and, for that matter, everywhere else on the globe).

Why This Passage?

When people turn to the Scriptures during seasons of uncertainty, fear, doubt, or turmoil, we cannot but rejoice. Thank God they do! Better they open the Bible than Facebook or Twitter. In the cultural cacophony of lying voices, the Spirit uses the Scriptures to teach, reprove, correct, and train us as followers of Christ, so we are equipped to do good (2 Tim. 3:17).

But we still must ask: Why this verse?

I think most readers see in 2 Chronicles 7:14 a clear expression of our (seeming) problem and its (seeming) solution. The problem would be that we are proud; going down wicked paths; and that our country is sick and diseased, in dire need of divine healing. The solution, then, would be humility, prayer, seeking God, and repenting.

The words of the Chronicler, then, appear to be the promise of a warm and welcome dawn after a long, cold, hard night, pregnant with chaos and uncertainty.

Well, perhaps. First, we must ask of this verse a fundamental question—a question that all too often goes unasked by readers of the Bible. The question is this: Does this passage apply to us? Our church? Our country? Just like I cannot read my coworker’s email regarding his upcoming raise, and think that promise applies to me, just because my eyes saw the words, so also we cannot scan any random passage of Scripture and automatically assume the words are unconditionally addressed to us. Often, very often, they are not.

The Context and Hebrew of 2 Chronicles 7:14

You will notice that the verse, as I quoted it, begins, with “…if” not “If.” In other words, verse 14 is a continuation of verse 13. Here is the full sentence, “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

God is speaking to Solomon at night, following the long dedication of the temple (2 Chron. 7:12). The Lord tells the king that, should he send drought, locusts, or pestilence (the Hebrew is דֶּבֶר [dever], commonly translated “plague”), then this is how the nation should respond.

When the Lord made a covenant with Israel centuries before, he had warned them that if they broke the covenant, he would hammer them with punishments. Among these are drought, insects, and plagues (Deut. 28:21; 23-24; 38). These are the very same threats God references in his speech to Solomon.

If these bad things befall them, what exactly should the Israelites do? Humble themselves (כנע [kana]), that is, submit, be subdued or humbled. Pray, that is, seek God’s face, ask him to look with mercy. And turn (שׁוב [shuv]), which is the ordinary Hebrew verb for “repent.”

When they do this, the Lord of the covenant will do three things: hear, forgive, and heal. He will shama (“hear”), heed their cry for help. He will salach (“forgive”), a Hebrew verb of which God is the sole subject in the OT; he alone can salach. And he will rafa (“heal”) the land.

How will he heal the land? By sending rain to end the drought. By removing the locusts. And by stopping the plague. Healing the land is a very concrete, earthy response to very concrete, earthy problems.

So, these verses from 2 Chronicles 7 are about the temple (where God hears), the covenant (which Israel will break), the consequences (drought, locust, plague), Israel’s response (humility, prayer, repentance), and God’s actions (hearing, forgiving, healing).

Do These Words Apply to Us? Yes and No.

The entire context of 2 Chronicles 7, while instructive and enlightening, has nothing directly to do with presidential elections, the United States of America, or 2020. To be more specific, the “land” in need of healing would be ancient Canaan, the real estate between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, in the years prior to the new covenant.

To claim this verse is a God-given promise to America would be like me reading the Last Will and Testament of my neighbor’s father, in which his dad bequeathed a section of land to him, and claiming that, since I merely read the words, those 640 acres belong to me.

That being said, can we perhaps still learn something useful and applicable to us from this verse? Yes, of course!

The chief takeaway from this promise to Israel is that their only hope is the God who hears, forgives, and heals. Promises such as this to Israel are echoed, over and over, in the Lord’s promises to individuals of every age and in every place, including our own.

Jesus tells us that he is the new and replacement temple for the people of God (John 2:19-21). To him we pray; we ask, we seek, we knock at the door of our Savior, whose heart is gentle and lowly (Matt. 7:7; 11:29). Rather than thinking too highly of ourselves, we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God (1 Pet. 5:6). And we repent, that is, God’s kindness turns us, leads us, brings us to repentance (Rom. 2:4), so that even our repentance—like all good and perfect things—is a gift from our Father above (James 1:17).

We repent because God repents us, just as we believe because the Spirit gives us the gift of faith (1 Cor. 12:3).

As we enter this season of Lent, 2 Chronicles 7:14, while not directly applicable to us, does underscore the kind of God that we, individually and as members of the body of Christ, worship.

We worship a Priest who not only hears our prayers but is constantly interceding for us at the right hand of God (Rom. 8:34).

We worship a King, much greater than Solomon, who transformed his cross into a pulpit, from which he preached a prayerful absolution to the world, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” (Matthew 12:42; Luke 23:34).

And we worship a Savior, the Lamb of God, by whose wounds we are healed (Isa. 53:5).

All praise, glory, honor, and worship be to him.

• FEB 19, 2021

2 Chronicles 7:14 Meaning of If My People Who Are Called by My Name

Apr 22, 2020 by Editor in Chief

2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Explanation and Commentary of 2 Chronicles 7:14

The occasion was the dedication of the Temple that David had desired to build for God, but that Solomon was the one to build (1 Chron 28:3). Solomon prayed to God for blessing and favor on his people and on this holy dwelling place. God responded to Solomon with these words and others, reiterating his promises of blessings according to the covenant made previously with their fathers.

God had plans to bless them from the very beginning, and he even had contingencies in place for their lapses in obedience. Here God was providing for their eventual return, assuming that the human heart is prone to wander and cannot help but stray. He makes a promise that when they do stray, if they will only repent in truth, God will always hear and forgive them. Especially for this occasion was the promise that though he doesn’t really dwell in a mad made construction, he will condescend to do so for the sake of his people.

God loves to forgive the true-hearted penitent. He will always forgive one who is truly sorry and sincere in their repentance. He knows our weaknesses, and while he calls us to perfection, he has sent his one and only Son, Jesus Christ to save us from our sins and bring us into peace with him.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of 2 Chronicles 7:14

#1 “if my people, who are called by my name,”
The Jews were the offspring of Abraham, who was the first vicarious man since Adam. This means that Abraham represented a nation that represented “all nations.” God had chosen a people to be the object of his love and blessing, but it was for the sake of the blessing of the whole world. At this point in redemptive history, the people of Abraham were the people of Yahweh, his chosen people, the people of the promise, God’s children.

#2 “will humble themselves and pray and seek my face…”
God knows that we will fall sometimes. The test to see if we belong to God or not is whether we will humbly acknowledge this when we’ve sinned, or will arrogantly go on as if God doesn’t see. God loves a humble heart that says, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Lk 18:13). Jesus said that the humble tax collector, rather than the arrogant and self-righteous Pharisee went home justified.

#3 “…and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin…”
Repentance that is true will come paired with turning from sin and “wicked ways.” Some have been taught that they can sin all they want so long as they repent every time. This is false, as an unwillingness to stop sinning is a probable sign of unbelief. Even though it may take multiple tries to change, with the help of the Holy Spirit and Christian community, the true believer has been given what he or she needs to turn and change.

#4 “…and heal their land.”
Especially in the days of David and Solomon, and the kings after them, one of the consequences of turning from God to worship idols was that the land would begin to suffer from famine, as promised by God for disobedience as a way to bring them to repentance. It was often fertility gods that were so enticing to the agrarian Israelites. In God’s mercy, he stunted the production in order to draw his wayward and adulterous people back to himself. Upon repentance, God promised to “heal the land” and lift the famine and infertility of the soil.

In order to understand 2 Chronicles 7:14, its context must be considered. That means one must understand 2 Chronicles 7:13 in order to understand verse 14. Unfortunately, a lot of people quote 2 Chronicles 7:14 without having a clue about the background of the scripture or why Solomon said those words.

Another fallacy about the verse is that some people quote only part of the scripture. The entire verse must be considered before the full meaning is revealed.

The very first thing that should be noticed is that the verse is an “if…then” statement. That simply means that the “then” part is based on the completion of the “if” part. The first part itemizes what should be done if one is to expect the second part to take place.

Second Chronicles 7:14 is just one of many conditional statements in the Bible. Sometimes the “then” is implied instead of being written to introduce the second part. However, the results are stated without the “then.”

The first part of 2 Chronicles 7:14 is what the nation of Israel should do in order for God to carry out His part.

Context of 2 Chronicles 7:14

Solomon dedicated the temple with a prayer. God appeared to him and gave him some reassurances and warnings for His people. The Lord said He had heard Solomon’s prayer and had chosen the temple for His place to dwell and for His place to accept sacrifices.

God also told Solomon what He would do to the land in the previous verse if the Israelites did not change their wicked ways. When the Israelites sinned against the Lord, He would shut up heaven so that no rain would come as well as sending locusts to devour the land and sending plagues on the land (2 Chronicles 7:13). However, if they did the four things in the order He commanded them, then He would hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.

“If”

It is a supposition whenever you see “if” in writing or hear someone say “if.” That doesn’t mean something will happen, and it doesn’t mean something won’t happen. It simply means “suppose it happens.”

The word “If” introduces a clause with conditions for results stated after “then” whether the word is listed or implied.

For examples:

If you clean the house, then I will take you to the mall. (with “then”)

If you clean the house, I will take you to the mall. (implied without “then)

“My People”

The scripture is addressed to the nation of Israel and NOT to an individual. The Israelites are God’s chosen people. He had a covenant relationship with them. Therefore, He directly addressed them as “My people.”

Sometimes individuals are self-proclaimed God’s people. They call themselves God’s people without having a relationship with Him. God clears that up by saying, “My people who are called by my name.” If you want this scripture to apply to you, then you must make sure you belong to God.

The List of Things to Do

The things to do are included in the longest part of the scripture with four things God commanded the nation to do.

1. Humble themselves

2. Pray

3. Seek God’s face

4. Turn from their wicked ways

All four things are action verbs which mean God’s people had to do those things in God’s prescribed order for Him to do what He promised.

“Then”

“Then” is the result of the “If” only after the conditions have been met. Keep in mind that the first part of 2 Chronicles 7:14 has four important things that the nation must do in order for God to do the three things He said He would do.

Unless the entire scripture is quoted or taught, a disservice is given to God’s complete word. If leaders in the church neglect to teach the entire verse, there will be no anointing or power and the intent of the verse becomes null and void. Therefore, teach and preach ALL of the scripture without skipping any part of it.

“Hear From Heaven”

When all the actions have been carried out, then God says He would hear from heaven and heal Israel’s land. In other words, He would deliver national mercy on His people.

After God gave His condition in 2 Chronicles 7:14, He added:

“Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there” (2 Chronicles 7:15-16).

“Forgive Their Sin”

God will forgive their sin before He will give His people what they need. That’s why we should pray for forgiveness for our sins before we make requests to God.

The sin of the nation of Israel was that God’s people turned their backs on Him. They did so by rebelling against His commandments and began to worship other gods.

“Heal Their Land”

It was not unusual for God’s judgment to be on Israel’s land from time to time when the people sinned and rejected Him. God’s judgment upon the land would come in the form of famine, drought, locusts, or pestilence.

Also, the enemies of God’s people were sent by God to destroy the land by burning it or sprinkling it with salt so nothing would grow on it. Destroying the land meant no food for people or animals. Destroying the land was devastating. That’s why God promised to “heal the land” at the end of the verse provided His people did what He commanded.

Life Application

More than likely, it is not your land that needs healing. Whatever does needs healing, that is what God can do for you personally. Feel free to do the four things God commanded. When you get to the part about praying, pray for whatever you need to be healed whether it is a marriage, relationship, finances, career, health, or other personal needs you have. However, know that even though 2 Chronicles 7:14 was for national healing of the land, you can use it as an example of what you need to do for your personal situation..

Be Patient In Trouble And Confident In Hope

VERSE OF THE DAY

Romans 12:12 (New Living Translation)

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Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Rejoice in the hope we confide in in confidence do not fear in trouble but be patient and always pray

What do Romans 12 12 mean?

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12. The above verse shows us how we are to respond in various situations we face in life. Our hearts should be full of joy because we have hope in Christ. When facing troubles, patience will prevent us from giving up before seeing our victory.

What does the Bible say about being patient in affliction?

At a time when persecution intensified toward the newly organized Church, the Lord said to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, “Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.” (D&C 24:8.)

What Does Romans 12:12 Mean? ►

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12(ESV)

Verse Thoughts

Paul composed a lengthy and weighty letter to the Roman Church that addressed every issue that is so vital to living the normal Christian life, in this post-cross era. His extensive epistle is written in such a way as to provide a wonderful understanding of all church-age doctrines and how to apply them in our lives today, so that we are enabled to live a victorious Christian life – the life that God intended for all His children.

Just as the main body of Romans is lengthy and weighty, so his final remarks are by contrast are succinct yet compelling. In a few short, crisp verses Paul sums up all that is necessary to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and in verse 12 we are encouraged to Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

To rejoice in hope is to have that unfaltering assurance in God’s Word as fact – knowing that our hope of glory is secured for us in heavenly places for the eternal ages to come, simply because God’s Word is true and cannot be broken. Our hope is built on nothing less than trusting in the cross of Christ and taking God at His Word.

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To be patient in tribulation is to know and accept that in this world we will have tribulation – but to wait patiently in our suffering, without murmurings – and to be of good cheer, knowing that His strength is sufficient to see us through every difficulty of life, because He has already overcome sin and death – and we are united with Him and His victory.

To be constant in prayer is to recognise that prayer, is one of the chief weapons of the spiritual warfare in which all Christians are engaged. As saints of God we should all be instant in prayer – constantly lifting our hearts and voice to the Lord in prayers of thanks and praise and intercession and requests – and laying them before the throne of God’s Grace, in the name of JESUS – knowing that greater is He that is in us that He that is in the world.

Let us exercise all Paul’s short, crisp instructions for godly living that are found in this final section of His epistle to the Romans as well as taking time to study this lengthy and weighty letter that has been written for our learning – so that we too may live a life that is pleasing to the Lord – so that Christ can be seen in me, and also in you.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/romans-12-12

Romans 12:12: A Simple Scripture That Releases Power!

By: Neil Sanderlin|Published on: May 4, 2020|Categories: Encouragement|

I was listening to David Wagner the other day as he shared a prophetic word around the coronavirus pandemic. As I was reflecting on what he was saying, I was reminded of one of my favorite verses in the entire Bible, Romans 12:12, and something began to stir deep inside me. I like to think of this scripture as a good foundation which we should live when going through times of crisis. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” It’s such a short passage but is packed with action steps by which we should all live. The depth and power identified in these three short action steps will ignite a spark within us that can inspire us during any situation.

“Be Joyful in Hope”–Hope is the confident trust with an expectation of fulfillment. God is our source of hope (Romans 15) and all we have to do is to be joyful in Him. James 1:2 says “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great Joy” We all know who is ultimately victorious, it’s Jesus Christ. So why not trust in Him and change the world through any circumstance we face with thankfulness and joy? There is power in joy. Joy is a key to the Kingdom (Romans 14), joy heals (Proverbs 17) and in the fullness of joy, He is present (Psalms 16). Don’t take for granted a smile and a laugh because those represent the fruit and authority of joy you carry.

“Patient in affliction”–Have you ever prayed for patience? I think that all of us have prayed for this fruit at one time in our lives. Then we like to think, I prayed for it so now I have patience. Thanks God! Instead, God then gives us encounters or situations to develop our character, to learn to react out of love, and then we are able to grow in our patience. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is a powerful passage. Verse 4 starts out saying, “Love is patient and kind,” and then verse 7 ends with, “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.” Notice it said, “Love is patient.” The Bible also tells us that God is love, thus, it is fair to say God is patient. Another way we could read this phrase, “Patient in affliction,” is “God is in affliction.” That is powerful! Seek and choose God when times of affliction are occurring because He is always the right choice!

“Faithful in Prayer”–God is making this so simple for us. Be faithful in relationship and also be faithful in prayer. He wants us to be dependent on Him in every circumstance, whether in the midst of a trial or a time of great breakthrough. But sometimes, we believe in prayer and we pray but it seems like the situation worsens and we start to lose hope. The enemy sweeps in and causes us to wonder, “What do I do now? God, where are you? I thought you loved me?” But at a time like this, we must fully surrender and continue to be faithful in prayer. What does full surrender look like? We continue to trust in the midst of the toughest circumstances of our life.

We give up our desire to take action and control the outcome and we simply trust Him. His love for us is unconditional. He wants a faithful son and daughter to pray and trust in Him. When you don’t know what to pray, pray in tongues, or play worship music. He will speak to you, but continue to fight from that place of relationship.

It is all about Him. Be hopeful. Be joyful. Smile. Laugh. Be patient. Trust Him in the process. Be loving. Be faithful. Be thoughtful. Seek Him consistently. There is power in this verse. May He bless you by opening your eyes to new perspectives and aligning His heart with yours. Love ~ Neil

Neil has been the office administrator since June, 2019. Did you know…when Neil was young, he wanted to be the starting outfielder for the California Angles?

Romans 12:12 Meaning of Be Joyful in Hope, Patient in Affliction

Jan 30, 2020 by Editor in Chief

Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Explanation and Commentary of Romans 12:12

This verse from Paul comes in a section that exhorts his readers to love others well. As we seek to love and bless others, we will have to mind our dispositions. We are admonished to be joyful as we have hope. This life, even in the best of times, is not without a fair amount of affliction. What should set the Christian apart is the joy that she has, even in the face that affliction.

The power for hope, joy, patience, and faithfulness comes from the Holy Spirit and the sure knowledge of the Gospel. If you rearrange the verse you get a good order for approaching it. Pray faithfully to increase the hope that you have in Christ. Prayer will lead to patience and joy, even when being afflicted.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Romans 12:12

#1 “Be joyful…”
Joy is part of our birthright at God’s children. Those who have taken the light burden and easy yoke of Christ (Mat 11:30) will be able to feel joyful even in the most difficult of trials. Consider the child whose family is in great difficulty, but who has a kind and gentle father in the home. She will not remember the hardship of growing up, only the joy she had in the presence of her father. Christians are called to live in such a way as children of God. To cultivate faith is to cultivate joy.

#2 “…in hope,”
Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” It is not good to hope in just anything. In Nazi concentration camps, it was those who hoped who failed to hold up when hopes died. If they said, “Surely we’ll be home by the new year,” they were unable to bear it when the new year came and went and they were still there in bondage. But those who hope in God and his promises will have an unlimited supply of hope and have their strength renewed.

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#3 “patient in affliction,”
“In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). Christians should not be surprised when they are afflicted. The New Testament authors and Jesus himself never shied away from admitting the fact. Times of affliction are the best opportunities to learn the patience that is the fruit of the Spirit and of abiding in Christ. We will be tested in the “furnace of affliction” for our refinement and conformity into the image of Christ (Isa 48:10). We are blessed if we patiently endure it.

#4 “faithful in prayer.”
God is faithful to us. His nature never changes. His promises never fail. His call to us is to walk in faithfulness towards him and to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thes 5:17). Those who seek to be faithful to him who is faithful to us will live out this faithfulness in prayer. Prayer is our great calling and privilege as we are allowed to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb 4:18). If we are faithful in prayer, we will find the patience to endure, and the joy promised in Christ.

Verse of the Day

for Monday, December 12, 2016

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

—Romans 12:12

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Related Topics: Prayer, Hope, Affliction, Joy, Faith, Faithfulness, Patience, All Topics…

Thoughts on Today’s Verse…

How can we keep our circumstances from determining our mood? How can we emancipate ourselves from the limitations that life deals us? The last in the trio of commandments opens the door for the other two to be true — we can rejoice in hope and we can be patient in affliction because we have been faithful in prayer. No matter what our situation is, we can pray with joy because of our hope in Christ no matter what our current situation is. We can remain patient, persevering through affliction, by presenting our requests and intercessions to God with thanksgiving. Prayer is God’s gift to us so that we can be patient and joyful, even when things don’t appear to be going well.

My Prayer…

Father, I thank you, because no matter what struggles I face, you assure me of ultimate victory. I thank you, dear God, because no matter the hardship or burden, I know you will help me through it and bring me to your presence with great joy. Until that day of ultimate victorious joy, please ransom my heart from discouragement by the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today’s Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Today’s Verse Illustrated

What does Romans 12:12 mean?

Paul continues to describe our lives in Christ in a series of related short commands. The three commands in this verse are key to the emotional and spiritual well-being of every Christian.

The first command to Christians is to rejoice in hope. Often, we resist instruction about what we should feel: that we should change our attitudes to be joyful. The idea here, though, is more about declaring ourselves as having reason for joy. It’s not a command to be happy, but to have the right perspective on our situation. We should agree with God that our hope is worth rejoicing over. What hope? Paul is referring to the hope of the redemption of our bodies and being united with our Father forever once our adoption is complete (Romans 8:23–24).

The next command is to be patient in tribulation or affliction. This becomes much easier if we are keeping the other two commands. Those who see their future worth celebrating and who pray to the Father continually will have a much easier time being patient during hardship. Paul is not downplaying the genuine pain of those experiences. Life can be unpleasant, and not all moments are happy moments. Yet Paul has pointed out that the struggles of life on earth are not worth comparing with the glory to come (Romans 8:18). So, we wait with patience (Romans 8:25). The final command of the verse also connects with Paul’s thoughts in Romans chapter 8. We’re commanded to be constant in prayer, or to keep praying continually. During any time of suffering, while waiting for what we’re hoping in, we should pray. Prayer brings a connection with our Father through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26–27). He hears, understands, and helps in response to even our clumsiest attempts to communicate with Him.

Context Summary

Romans 12:9–21 is a list of numerous brief, bullet-pointed commands. Taken together, they paint a picture of what the living-sacrifice Christian life should look like. The unifying theme of the list is setting ourselves aside, to effectively love and serve the Lord, each other, and even our enemies. We must serve with enthusiasm and focus, mastering our emotions to rejoice in our future and be patient in our present. We must refuse to sink to evil’s level in taking revenge and instead overcome evil by doing good to those who harm us.

Chapter Summary

In Romans 12, Paul describes the worship of our God as becoming living sacrifices to our God, giving up seeking what we want from life and learning to know and serve what God wants. That begins with using our spiritual gifts to serve each other in the church. Paul’s list of commands describes a lifestyle of setting ourselves aside. Our goal as Christians is to love and lift each other up. We must focus our expectation on eternity and wait with patience and prayer for our Father to provide. We must refuse to sink to evil’s level, giving good to those who harm us instead of revenge

Contentment In Knowing He Hears Us

VERSE OF THE DAY

1 John 5:14-15 (New Living Translation)

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And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

We are content knowing that he hears us each time we speak in pleasure pleasing to him And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.for he never leaves us empty handed he speaks and says ask in my name and he shall receive

What is the confidence we have that God answers prayers?

1 John 5:14 says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” This is because we are constantly plagued with doubts, wondering if He hears us or listens to our prayers. Even David, a man after God’s own heart, faced the same fears.Jul 28, 2016

How God answers our prayers in 3 ways?

Practicing Faith: God answers prayers in unexpected ways

• By Rev. Cal Lord Special to The Sun Oct 30, 2020 Updated Oct 30, 2020 0

I’ve heard it said that God answers prayers in one of three ways. God says “Yes,” and you receive what you ask for. God says “No,” and you have to accept it and move on. Or God says “Not Yet,” and you learn to be patient and wait. I thought I had all the bases covered until I bumped into a neighbor last week. Let me back up. She was in the church office a few weeks ago. Her husband is not well. He’s been battling a number of ailments, including dementia.

She told me that he was being enrolled in Hospice and that day he was heading to a long-term care facility from the hospital. The facility told her she could not visit him for nearly two weeks because of the COVID-19 restrictions. She was understandably distraught with the thought that she might not get to see him again. After hearing her story, I did what I do. I prayed with her. In doing so I asked God to open a door for her to be able to visit her husband.

Getting back to last week, I saw her in the parking lot and she said, “Wow! You really know how to pray!” I was puzzled. Then she went on to tell me about the door God opened. It seemed that her husband had a medical need that the facility couldn’t fulfill. They invited the family to come in and give the 24-hour special care that was needed. Thus, she got to get in and see her husband every day.

Somewhere along the way we started thinking that prayer was a simple yes-and-no proposition. Situations like this show us something else. I think God always wants to answer our prayers. He wants what is best for us. One author expounded on the earlier proposition of God’s three answers by suggesting that when God says “Yes,” he simply gives you what you want. When God says “No,” he actually wants to give you something better.

Too often we fail to see the answer to our prayers because it doesn’t look the way we expected when it comes to us. I will never forget the time I prayed for a piano player for our Wednesday night services. We had just started meeting regularly. We were singing the hymns a capella. We made that prayer request week after week for months. One week a new man showed up. He heard our prayer and offered to accompany us with his bongo drum. I laughed.

So did God. The man’s offer sparked one of our regulars to say, “Hey, I can play my guitar with him.” That marked the start of our praise band at church. I chuckle every time I think of that. My neighbor brought it home again this week. God always answers prayer. He often does in unpredictable ways that are far better than we can imagine. It only makes sense. God knows what we need. That’s why he doesn’t always give us what we want.

Do you remember Garth Brooks’ song, “Unanswered Prayer?” The chorus reminds us to “Remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs. That just because he doesn’t answer, doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. ’Cause some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.” Brooks suggests that God cares deeply enough to do what is best for us, even if we don’t understand at the time. Does that mean we shouldn’t pray? Just the opposite.

The Apostle Paul says to “Pray without Ceasing.” Prayer is simply a conversation with God. It is opening your heart to him and sharing what matters most. Time spent with God changes us. It helps us see the big picture. It reminds us we aren’t alone. It affirms that we are loved. I almost cried when my neighbor shared her story this week. God had given her what she and the family needed most. It happens all the time.

So don’t give up. Keep praying. God hears you. Don’t be surprised if your answer comes in an unexpected way. It’s God’s way to let you know he’s listening and he cares.

The Rev. Cal Lord is pastor of Central Baptist Church in Westerly.

How do you pray?

What follows can help you learn how to pray.

1. Prayer Has Four Simple Steps.

2. Step 1: Address Heavenly Father.

3. Step 2: Thank Heavenly Father.

4. Step 3: Ask Heavenly Father.

5. Step 4: Close in the Name of Jesus Christ.

6. Praying in a Group.

7. Pray Always, With Sincerity and With Faith in Christ.

8. Prayers Will Always Be Answered.

Jun 25, 2019

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Learn How to Pray in These 4 Easy Steps

11 Ways to Pray for Yourself Every Day

Uncategorized | Dec 7, 2017

One of the key elements in prayer is petitioning, or praying for yourself. Some people shy away from such prayers, thinking that it violates humility and draws attention to themselves rather than God.

Yet, it’s absolutely biblical. In fact, Jesus petitioned the following the night before He was crucified: “Father…glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with you before the world was” (John 17:5).

If Jesus needed to pray for Himself, then I certainly need to pray for myself. That said, ponder these eleven personal requests I’ve started bringing daily to God.

1. Examine me.

I borrowed this one from King David, who asked God to “search him, know him, test him, and see if there was any offensive way” in him (Psalm 139:23, 24). It takes courage to pray in such a way, yet I want the Lord to reveal to me those things that aren’t pleasing to Him.

2. Forgive my sins.

This is the obvious next step after petition #1. I’m wasting my time praying if I’m not willing to make confession a part of the process (Psalm 66:18). Once I‘ve sought and received His forgiveness (1 John 1:9), I’m on praying ground, washed and cleansed, ready to proceed.

3. Fill me with Your Spirit.

When renowned preacher/evangelist D.L. Moody was asked why he constantly sought a filling of the Spirit, he responded, “Because I leak.” I was baptized with the Spirit when saved, a reality that never needs to be repeated. Yet, like Moody, I leak. I need to be continually filled (Ephesians 5:18), especially for times of special service and ministry.

4. Restore and strengthen me.

Ministry can suck the life right out of us, creating a state of despondency and weariness (Isaiah 40:30). Like David, I ask God to “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). Also, I include myself in on God’s promise to His people, through the prophet Ezekiel: “I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh (36:26).

5. Grant me wisdom.

I have plenty of information at my disposal. What I need is wisdom—Godly wisdom—the kind that comes from above. We live in an age in which information abounds and wisdom seems nearly extinct. Thankfully, He’s happy to share it with us, “generously to all without finding fault,” if only we will ask (James 1:5).

6. Protect my mind.

Knowing I am what I think (Proverbs 23:7), I want to think good stuff. And I certainly need God’s help in doing so. Since we have the Holy Spirit living in us, we have access to the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). We dare not remain passive in the process, however. Daily, I pray that my carnal mind would be suppressed and Christ’s mind would reign supreme.

7. Stifle Satan.

Satan hates everything to do with what I’ve just written above. He’s lost the eternal war but will do everything in his power to win the battle for our minds. I pray for the daily strength to resist him so that he will flee (James 4:7). Like Jesus, I sometimes speak to him directly, demanding that he “get thee behind me” (Matthew 16:23).

8. Suppress unbelief and supply faith.

Such battles must never be entered alone. Like the father of the demon possessed boy, I must ask Jesus to “help me overcome my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). Like the fledging disciples, we need to ask the Lord to “increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).

9. Guard my behavior.

The last thing I want to do is to be a stumbling block to those around me (1 Corinthians 10:32), especially the lost. Therefore, I pray that the Lord would “lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from the evil one (Matthew 6:13), protecting me from and guarding me against bad attitudes and choices.

10. Arrange significant divine appointments.

Over the years, this verse has become increasingly significant to me: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). My daily desire is to follow God’s schedule. Since He often gives spontaneous direction, I must allow margin in order for Him rearrange my schedule. I pray especially that He would lead me regularly into opportunities for evangelism and encouragement.

11. Enlarge my sphere of influence.

I’m taking this final petition right out of Jabez’s playbook. Like this Old Testament mystery man, I’m continually asking that “bless me and enlarge my territory” (1 Chronicles 4:10). According to Jack Taylor in PRAYER: Life’s Limitless Reach, this means “extended responsibility, lengthened influence, heightened opportunity.” For the glory of God, that’s the kind of desire for blessing and expansion of ministry and I’m continually seeking.

Petitioning is only one spoke in the prayer wheel. Certainly, it shouldn’t take precedent over praising God and interceding for others. Yet, in my remaining time on this fallen planet, I intend to take full responsibility for and advantage of every opportunity when it comes to praying for myself.

How do I pray to Jesus for help?

‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand… For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you. ‘Feb 18, 2020

Prayers for Help: Desperate Prayers to God from Christians

CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINES / by MADELINE PEÑA

Thankfully for Christians, the Bible never says that we need to be self-reliant or to find strength from within ourselves. It also never says that we are to have perfect lives, filled with only happiness and without enemies. God understands that this life is filled with trials, pain, and hardships and He actually wants us to always be reliant on Him. Scripture makes it clear that hardship will come, but Scripture also shows us that we are okay to be weak and to cry out to help from God. And the best part? God actually listens, and He actually helps.

Here is a List of Christian Prayers for Help:

1. A Prayer for God’s Help in a Time of Trouble

2. The Psalms Prayer of H.E.L.P

3. The Prayer for Help that Comforts

4. Psalm 86

5. A Prayer for Help during Illness

In this post, there is a list of powerful prayers of help. However, this post will not only go over Christian prayers of help, but we will also look to Scripture to see how God’s people prayed for help, and how He answers us.

5 Prayers for Help

Below, we have compiled a list of the best prayers of help that we have found. Our hope is that these prayers encourage you, just as they have encouraged others.

1. A Prayer For God’s Help in a Time of Trouble

“Father,

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You let Your Son die a brutal death on the Cross, paying the penalty for our sins, and through his resurrection, You’ve given us eternal life and access to Your glory. Oh Lord, thank You! In every situation in our lives, may we remember that You are sovereign over all… May every trial we go through in this life bring us closer to You. Our prayer today is for our enemies, our conspirators, and our foes. We are all imperfect, and You love us all equally. Help us to leave justice at Your feet, seeking peace and the Spirit’s sensitivity before lifting the gate on our emotions.

Right our hearts to place You at the helm. Bless our minds to run to You for solutions to problems that put our backs up against walls. Help us to resist gossip and slander, blame and unnecessary attacks on the character of others… When we are in trouble, help us to remember the cross. In the direst situation of all, Christ conquered death… We’re not promised this world will be easy or fair, but You guarantee Your presence and Your love. Grant us the courage to stick to Your standards. You are good, all the time. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

2. The Psalms Prayer of H.E.L.P

H. “Hear me lord and answer me for I am poor and needy.” (Psalm 86:1)
E. “Establish my steps in your word.” (Psalm 119:133)
L. “Let your compassion quickly meet our needs because we are on the brink of despair.” (Psalm 79:8)
P. “Protect me, God, because I take refuge in You. I say to the Lord, You are my Lord, apart from You I have nothing good.” (Psalm 16:1)

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3. The Prayer for the Help that Comforts

“Dear God, some days feel too hard. I’m hurting, struggling, fighting fear and worry at every turn. But in the midst of it all, you haven’t left me to fend for myself. Forgive me for doubting You are there. Forgive me for thinking you’ve forgotten. Forgive me for believing that I somehow know the better way. You are fully trustworthy. You are all-powerful. You are able. You are Lord over every situation no matter how difficult it may seem. You are Healer and will never waste the grief I carry today. Anything is possible with You. I pray not only for my own grief but also for those who grieve today. I ask for Your comfort to surround those who weep. I pray for the peace of Your presence to cover our minds and thoughts, as you remind us, the enemy can never steal us out of Your hands. Amen.”

4. Psalm 86

“Listen to me, Lord, and answer me,
for I am helpless and weak.
Save me from death, because I am loyal to you;
save me, for I am your servant and I trust in you.

You are my God, so be merciful to me;
I pray to you all day long.
Make your servant glad, O Lord,
because my prayers go up to you.
You are good to us and forgiving,
full of constant love for all who pray to you.

Listen, Lord, to my prayer;
hear my cries for help.
I call to you in times of trouble,
because you answer my prayers…”

5. A Prayer for Help During Illness

“Dear Jesus, Divine Physician and Healer of the Sick, I turn to You in this time of illness. Dearest Comforter of the troubled, alleviate our worry and sorrow with Your gentle love and grant us the grace and strength to accept this burden. We place our worries in Your hands. We ask that You restore Your servant to health again. Above all, grant us the grace to acknowledge Your Will, even when we don’t understand it. Amen.”

Scriptures on Praying for Help

There are many examples throughout Scripture pointing to God’s help for humanity. The verses below will inspire you to keep seeking more verses about God’s help, as well as encouraging you to see that God is the ultimate Helper in this life.

Psalm 116:1-2

I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!

— Psalm 116:1-2

In Psalm 116, we find David crying out help from God. Not only do we find a prayer of desperation, but we discover that God is bending down to listen to him. God is hearing the prayer of help. And later in the Psalm, it is revealed that God does save David from death and despair because David cried out and the Lord heard him.

Let this Scripture passage be an encouragement to you; that God is listening to your prayers for help, and that He will show His mercy in the midst of hardship.

Isaiah 41:10,13

— Isaiah 41:10,13

This passage of Scripture encourages God’s people to hold firm in the faith that God is their helper and Savior. There is no fear when we fix our gaze upon the truth that God will help us in times of need and hardship. God promises later in this chapter that He will provide even in the most dire circumstances. A perfect example of this is verse 17, where the Lord says, “When the poor and needy search for water and there is none,
and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I, the LORD, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them.”

Psalm 63:7

“Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.”

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— Psalm 63:7

In this verse, we find a testimony of how God is David’s helper. David lived a very treacherous life, full of hardship and conflict. However, because David writes a testimony of God’s help, we can be encouraged to see that God is faithful in times of trouble.

What Does 1 John 5:14 Mean? ►

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

1 John 5:14(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

The lost sinner is saved by grace through faith in Christ, but once that man or woman has been redeemed from the kingdom of Satan, and transferred into the kingdom of Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, that believer is expected to continue living his or her life by faith.

All Christians are commanded to walk by faith and not by sight. We are instructed to pray in confident faith, by maintaining an unshakable trust in the Word of God, and by standing on His precious promises, which provide all we need according to His riches in mercy, when we choose to walk in spirit and truth, and maintain unhindered access to the throne of God, “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace,” we are exhorted, “so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

We are to remain in fellowship with our heavenly Father, by confessing our sin before His heavenly throne, and we are to abide in Christ in humility of heart and in willing obedience to His Word… for without maintaining a day-by-day trust in the Lord, and a solid faith in His unchanging Word, it is impossible for the saved saint to please our heavenly Father.

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There are dozens of spiritual blessings that are available to every born-again child of God, for we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, through faith in Christ. Indeed, Peter tells us that we have received EVERYTHING we need for holy living, a godly character, and spiritual growth – which means that we have received everything we need to be able to pray in faith, according to His will.

Not only did the apostle John write his epistle, so that believers may know without a shadow of a doubt, that we have eternal life in Christ Jesus, but in this verse, he wants to establish our assured confidence in the privilege of prayer, the power of prayer, and the preciousness of prayer, “THIS is the confidence we have before Him,” John writes, “THIS is our confidence, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

The security of our salvation and the assurance of everlasting life, is founded on the unchangeable Word of God and His unchanging character. And the certainty that God hears and answers the prayers of the righteous, which are offered in accordance with His perfect will, is equally guaranteed, for this is a truth that is founded on God’s personal pledge, His promised Word, and His changeless character.

Knowledge of our sure salvation and our eternal inheritance should give every Christian the confidence to pray in faith and to pray expectantly, knowing that God hears our cries, and having the confident certainty that He will answer anything and everything that is asked, according to His will. However, we should be careful that when praying, we do not ask for something that is outside His sacred will and holy purposes.

Some may wonder how we can know God’s will, and how can we be sure that we are praying in accordance with His plans and purposes? Well, the Word of God is the greatest indicator of the will of God – not only for us individually but also for the wider world.

Christians in this Church dispensation are equipped to discern the Will of God through studying the Word of God. The redemption of humanity is foremost in His will, but He has laid out clear principles and practices for Christian living in Scripture, practices and principles that we would do well to read, know, learn, and apply thoroughly.

All who are born-again are expected to know the Scriptures thoroughly, to rightly divide the Word of truth, and to put into practice the godly principles and instructions, that are specifically written to the body of Christ – which is the Church. And we are to carry out the good work that God has prepared for us to do, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

God is no respecter of persons and all believers have been given the same opportunity to walk in newness of life and allow Christ to be formed in us. The more we live for His praise and glory, align our thoughts to the mind of Christ, and keep our fleshly self nailed to the Cross, the more we find that we pray according to the will of our heavenly Father, and the greater will be our confidence that He will hear and answer our prayers, “for this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/1-john-5-14

Bible Study Questions

1 John 5:14-15

1) What are the three main tests around which the Book of 1 John is designed? How do they differ from each other?

2) Where does the main body of 1 John end? How many postscripts does John include at the end of his epistle (letter)?

3) Why are postscripts important?

4) Look carefully at 1 John 5:14, “And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14, NASB). What word does the verse begin with? (The NIV does not have this word because it does not carefully trace the original Greek text like the NASB). What does the use of this word show?

5) The context of verse 5:13 then becomes important. What does 1 John 5:13 say? How does this thought found here connect to 5:14? Or put in other words, how does our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ affect our ability to pray? Share about non-Christians that you know of that pray. Are their prayers really ineffective?

6) What does Isaiah 59:2 say about the effectiveness of prayer? What about James 4:3?

Ask for anything! (1 John 5:14)

The first key to effective prayer is simply asking. The passage 1 John 5:14-15 has two ‘ifs.’ We have separated the first ‘if’ clause into two parts.

“And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 2:14).

7) How does John’s first key to effective prayer “Ask anything” relate to what Jesus said in the Gospels. Check John 14:13, 15:7, and 16:24.

8) Does Jesus and John really mean anything? Why do you think John stresses this so much? (You might think whether everyone is equally able to talk and bring up their wishes to their natural father when growing up).

9) Application: Do you ask God for things are more like the person Jesus refers to in John 16:24? What are some things you have asked for from God in the last week or so?

Seek according to God’s Will (1 John 5:14)

The second key to effective prayer is asking God of His will.

“And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 2:14).

10) What does ‘according to His will’ mean? (1 John 5:14)

11) How do you seek God’s will? How do you know something is God’s will? Go through the article above and see on the section on buying a house and trying to excel in your field often lead to compromise.

12) What is the process of seeking God’s will. Explain what a ‘burden’ is (this is Christian jargon). Why is it important to get from the ‘burden’ stage to the ‘desire’ stage?

13) What does ‘hear your prayer’ mean? How do you know that the Lord hears your prayer?

Knock until He hears (1 John 5:15)

The confidence that we know God has heard our prayer is the third key to effective prayer.

“And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him” (1 John 5:15).

14) What happens when we are not sure He wants something, and we do not know it is His will or not?

15) What happens when we really think God wants something, but we don’t see an answer to prayer?

16) What happens when what He puts on our hearts seems so much greater than you would ever think of?

17) Why is this confidence or ‘faith’ in God’s answering prayer so important? How important is it if the answers to your prayer request is not seen right away (or ever)? See Daniel 10:13 and 1 Kings 18:41-45).

18) Review the three major steps in having effective prayer.

19) Identify one or two things that you right now need to go through this process with. Make sure they are things that God wants to do.

Reflective questions:

If God has given each of His children the ability to pray for anything, it only follows that He expects us to rightly use this power of prayer to accomplish His great and glorious will. What practical steps can you make to make your life count for Him? How important is prayer to a Christian or to the church overall? What happens if the prayers we could make are not made? Is there a situation so bad that we could not in true humility bring to God in prayer and not find a breakthrough?

Suggestion: Commit yourself to prayer. Ask the Lord to train you to pray and get ready for the adventure of your life!

Three Keys to Effective Prayer (1 John 5:14-15)

Introduction to 1 John 5:14-15

Qualifications for Prayer

1. Ask for Anything (1 John 5:14)

2. Seek according to God’s Will (1 John 5:14)

3. Knock Until He Hears (1 John 5:15)

Study Questions on 1 John 5:14-15

Links to Main 1 John Articles

MEETING OUR GOD

Outline and Overview of 1 John

John’s Method of Detecting Errror (1 John)

A.) The Creation of God’s People (1 John 1:1-2:2) | Study Questions

The Key to Life (1 John 1:5-2:2)

B.) The Confirmation of God’s People (1 John 2:3-17) | Study Questions

Optimized for Growth (1 John 2:3-11)

A Disciple’s Three Stages (1 John 2:12-14)

C.) The Character of God’s People (1 John 2:18-3:24) | Study Questions

Growth in Confidence (1 John 2:28-3:10)

D.) The Charge to God’s People (1 John 4-5) | Study Questions

The Source of Love (1 John 4)

Three Keys to Effective Prayer (1 John 5:14-15)

Understanding Life’s Problems (1 John 5:21)

This is the Bible study questions for the studies entitled ‘Three Keys to Effective Prayer‘ on 1 John 5:14-15.
The answers can be found in the study below.

Three Keys to Effective Prayer (1 John 5:14-15)

Introduction to 1 John 5:14-15

Qualifications for Prayer

1. Ask for Anything (1 John 5:14)

2. Seek according to God’s Will (1 John 5:14)

3. Knock Until He Hears (1 John 5:15)

Study Questions on 1 John 5:14-15

Links to Main 1 John Articles

MEETING OUR GOD

Outline and Overview of 1 John

John’s Method of Detecting Errror (1 John)

A.) The Creation of God’s People (1 John 1:1-2:2) | Study Questions

The Key to Life (1 John 1:5-2:2)

B.) The Confirmation of God’s People (1 John 2:3-17) | Study Questions

Optimized for Growth (1 John 2:3-11)

A Disciple’s Three Stages (1 John 2:12-14)

C.) The Character of God’s People (1 John 2:18-3:24) | Study Questions

Growth in Confidence (1 John 2:28-3:10)

D.) The Charge to God’s People (1 John 4-5) | Study Questions

The Source of Love (1 John 4)

Three Keys to Effective Prayer (1 John 5:14-15)

Understanding Life’s Problems (1 John 5:21)

What does 1 John 5:14 mean?

After emphasizing confidence in eternal life, John comments on confidence in prayer. The believer can know he or she has eternal life and know God hears their prayers. However, this verse specifies that getting a positive answer to prayer is based on asking “according to his will.” This phrase is used only two other times in the New Testament. In Luke 12:47, a parable is told about a servant who did not act “according to his [master’s] will” and received judgment. In Hebrews 2:4, the author mentions gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed “according to his will.”

Verses such as this clear up the common misconception that God promises to give us “absolutely anything” we ask for, no matter what. God is not a vending machine, or a robot. He acts according to His ways, not ours. He hears our prayers, but it should come as no surprise that He responds to those prayers according to His will.

Context Summary

First John 5:13–21 closes out the letter by focusing on assurance of salvation. The goal of John’s letter is to provide believers with a means to know, for sure, that they have eternal life. Those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ can be absolutely sure that they are saved. Despite our failures and sins, God is forgiving. And, through Christ, we have the power to overcome the world’s temptations to sin.

Chapter Context

Chapter 5 concludes the book of 1 John, once again emphasizing the supremacy of love in the Christian experience. Those who put their faith in Christ can know, for sure, that they have eternal life. This assurance comes by trusting what we know of the life of Jesus Christ, as well as the evidence of the Holy Spirit within us. Following God’s commands, particularly love, results in confidence of our salvation, as well as strength against the temptations of the world

We Will Speak The Truth In Love

VERSE OF THE DAY

Ephesians 4:15 (New Living Translation)

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Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

we will speak the truth with love we will grow like christ in every way our body becomes the church as we follow and pray

How must we live to be built up in love?

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

What is Ephesians 4 talking about?

Paul exhorts the church about its “calling”, to live the whole life as a response to God’s summons, while maintaining the unity in the Spirit; this a common calling for every believer, regardless of rank or ability, focusing on one common Lord, Jesus.

What does the Bible say about speaking the truth in love?

Ephesians 4:15 counsels us to speak the truth in love. The context is the truth of the gospel, in the myriad ways that apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers share the truth of who Jesus is, what God has done and what God continues to do through the Holy Spirit.Aug 1, 2018

How do you keep the unity of the Spirit?

Through the hearing of God’s Word, He brings us to faith in Christ Jesus and keeps us trusting in our Savior. The way, then, to keep and preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace is to continue in the faith created in us by the mighty working of the Holy Spirit.Sep 26, 2018

How can I be worthy with God?

First, we walk worthy of the Lord by bearing fruit in every good work (Col. 1:10). Good works are anything done in faith for the good of others and the glory of God. It’s serving our neighbors with the humility and love of Christ.Sep 16, 2020

What is spiritual unity?

First of all, what is the meaning of “spiritual unity?” Some of the definitions for “unity” provided in The Merriam-Webster Dictionary include “the quality or state of being made one (unification),” “a condition of harmony,” and “a combination or ordering of parts … that constitutes a whole.” Meanwhile, “spiritual” is …Jan 14, 2021

What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Church?

The church is the resurrected body of Christ that becomes sacramental reality in history through the invocation of the Holy Spirit which unites all those who believe the gospel and brings them into the new relationship of unity with God.

What happens when walk with God?

Walking With God Makes Things Possible

We are here to spread God’s love and light to others and spread the good news that he is our savior. When we walk with God, it may not make things easy but it makes them possible. Walking with him gives us assurance of his presence and power in our lives.

What does unity mean in the Bible?

Unity is a commandment of God. It is a law of the celestial kingdom (see D&C 105:3–5). As we live the gospel and love and serve others, we feel at one with our brothers and sisters and more in tune with the divine.

What are the benefits of unity?

The key to overcoming divisions or factions is unity, humility, love, and the fear of God. Unity or oneness also activates the power of God to operate in the human family and in the body of Christ (Acts 4:31). As the body of Christ, we can and should accomplish much in the service of winning more souls for Christ.Jun 4, 2020

What is the full meaning of unity?

the state of being one; oneness

the state of being one; oneness. a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one. the state or fact of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification.

12 WAYS TO GET CLOSER TO GOD RIGHT NOW

Whether you are seeking a greater purpose in life, are a new believer, or have walked with Jesus for a long time, these simple tips will remind you that getting closer to God is just one small act away. Spend some time with God today, and you will be blessed and refreshed.

1. Get quiet. Turn off the radio and TV, step away from your computer, put away your phone, and find a quiet spot to simply rest in God’s presence.

2. Read your bible. Underline, highlight, or write out passages, verses, phrases or words that speak to you. These are the gifts that keep on giving when you need encouragement down the road.

3. Write out your prayers in a dedicated notebook; these can be for others or yourself. Then spend time in prayer.

4. Go for a walk and talk with God. Share your heart: what is troubling you, what you are thankful for, and your hopes and dreams. He listens.

5. Meditate on Scripture. Choose a verse or short passage, read it several times, and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you about what you have learned in the context of what’s happening in your life right now.

6. Put on some worship music and immerse yourself in the melody and lyrics. Sing along, dance…or just listen. Let the Holy Spirit minister to you.

7. Marvel at the world God has created. Walk in the forest, sit by a bubbling stream, watch a mother bird feed her young, or drive out in the country for a picnic. Let the experience soak in.

8. Journal what God has been speaking to you about today.

9. Share what God has done for you with a friend or family member. Witnessing is a powerful tool for our own spiritual growth, and pleases the Lord.

10. Do something for someone else without expecting anything in
11. Use the gifts God has given you. If He has called you to create, then create. If He has called you to administer, then administer. If He has called you to shepherd, then shepherd.

12. Fast. Fasting brings clarity of mind and combined with any of the above, gives you the potential for a remarkable encounter with God.

BONUS: Be grateful. Count, and thank God for, your blessings every day.

What does it mean to have a relationship with God?

ETERNAL LIFE is knowing God, intimately, personally. This shows itself through loving relationships. You seek with God’s help to love Him with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself! This especially shows itself in your relationship to other members of His family. He gathers His family into local churches.

How can I hear God’s voice?

How to practice listening prayer

1. Come to God with your request for guidance. …

2. Wait in silence for God to speak for 10-12 minutes. …

3. Jot down any Scripture, songs, impressions, or pictures God gives you. …

4. Share how God spoke to you with your prayer partners and follow God’s will.

Jun 4, 2019

https://www.faithward.org › listenin…

Listening Prayer Guide: Hear God’s Voice More Clearly | Faithward.org

How do I grow spiritually?

Make a commitment to incorporate each one of these into your spiritual growth plan on a daily basis.

…

5 Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship with God

1. Humble Yourself and Pray. …

2. Read and Study Your Bible. …

3. Join a Group of Like-Minded Believers. …

4. Do for Others. …

5. Seek Out Your Spiritual Gifts.

https://tacomachristiancounseling.com › …

5 Ways to Grow Spiritually and Strengthen Your Relationship With God

How can I make my relationship deeper with God?

So, how should you begin to develop a deeper relationship with God?

1. Spend time with him through prayer and by reading his word. …

2. Talk to God everywhere. …

3. Develop a relationship with others. …

4. Listen to God’s voice and practice obedience to his word. …

5. Be Willing to Trust Him with your heart.

More items…

https://dailyshepursues.com › how-t…

How to Develop a Personal Relationship with God

QUESTION

What does it mean to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)?

ANSWER

Christians often talk about the need to “speak the truth in love,” a command found in Ephesians 4:15. Many times what they mean is the need to share difficult truths in a gentle, kind, inoffensive manner. From a practical standpoint, we know that difficult things are best heard when our defenses are not up. In a loving, non-threatening environment, hard truths are more readily received. So it is biblical to share hard truths with others “in love,” in the manner that the phrase is commonly used. Looking at the context of Ephesians 4:15, however, gives us deeper insight on what it means to “speak the truth in love.”

In the verses prior to the command to speak the truth in love, Paul writes about unity in the body of Christ. He urges the Ephesians, and all Christians by extension, to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). He describes this life as one in which we are humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love, and making efforts toward unity. Paul reminds his readers that we all serve the same Lord and are part of the same body. He talks about Christ giving apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12–13). Having reached maturity, we will not be spiritual infants, easily deceived, and tossed to and fro “by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14).

In this context—of church unity and spiritual maturity—Paul writes, “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Rather than be spiritually immature and easily deceived, we are to speak the truth to one another, with love, so that we can all grow in maturity. We are to train one another in truth—the foundational gospel truths, truths about who God is and what He has called us to do, hard truths of correction, etc.—and our motivation to do so is love.

The “love” referred to in this verse is agape love, a self-sacrificial love that works for the benefit of the loved one. We speak truth in order to build up. Several verses later Paul writes, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). Our words should be beneficial to the hearers of those words. We should speak truth in love.

Paul also counsels “to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of you minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (Ephesians 4:22–25). As members of the same body, we should not deceive one another. We cannot defraud each other through lies. Nor should we attempt to hide things about ourselves out of shame or in an effort to manage our images. Rather, as those who are part of the same body intended for the same purpose and united by the same love, we should be characterized by honesty. Those who love must speak the truth: “Love . . . rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). Dishonesty is unloving and abusive.

Speaking the truth in love is not as much about having a gentle demeanor as it is about the way truth and love go hand-in-hand. Because we love one another, we must speak the truth. Because we know the truth, we must be people characterized by love (John 13:34–35; 15:1–17). Jesus “came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). As His followers who are being conformed to His image (Romans 8:29), we should also be characterized by grace and truth.

Importantly, we are also called to love those who do not know Christ. The best way we can show love is to share with them the truth of the gospel. Apart from Christ, people are dead in their sins and destined for an eternity in hell (John 3:16–18; Romans 6:23). But in Christ they can receive new life and eternal salvation (Romans 10:9–15; 2 Corinthians 5:17). This is a message we must share. Peter wrote, “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). We share the gospel because we love the people for whom Christ died. We speak God’s truth because of His love and in a way that clearly and unapologetically communicates both truth and love (1 John 4:10–12).

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Words That Hurt, Words That Heal: Speaking the Truth in Love by Carole Mayhall

More insights from your Bible study – Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

What does it mean that Jesus led captivity captive and gave gifts to men (Ephesians 4:8)?

What does it mean that we should be bearing with one another (Ephesians 4:2)?

What are the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8)?

Is there such a thing as absolute truth / universal truth?

What does it mean to put off the old man (Ephesians 4:22)?

What Does Ephesians 4:15 Mean? ►

but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,

Ephesians 4:15(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

Paul explains that the gifts of the Spirit should not be abused for self-satisfaction, nor should they be used to indulge in ungodly, emotional experiences. The gifts of the Spirit are given to help equip other believers in their spiritual service; to edify the body of Christ and to help to perfect each member of the Church for the particular ministry to which God has called them.

He adds that the ultimate goal is to bring all believers into the unity of the faith and a knowledge of the Son of God, so that the body of Christ becomes spiritually mature as we are daily being conformed into a measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.. until He is all in all. But the maturing believer should never forget that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

Spiritual gifts are given for the specific purpose of conforming us into the image and likeness of Christ.. as is the Word of God, which is given for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.. so that every believer may be perfected in all truth, and thoroughly furnished for every good work.

When spiritual gifts are used correctly and the Word of God become the plumb-line for truth, the dangers of Christian immaturity; instability and gullibility that Paul identified in this passage, are avoided.. and believers are not tossed about by every wind of doctrine – nor led astray into ungodly practices; worldly pursuits; unbiblical teachings; false doctrine or demonic deception.

But when a member of the body of Christ has been hoodwinked by the enemy or strayed into some cunningly devised fable from false teachers; unbiblical teachings or worldly philosophies, we are exhorted to preach the Word in truth and to speak that truth in love – so that together we may grow is grace as we mature in Him – Who is the Head of the body, even Christ Jesus our Lord.

The purpose and plan of God from the beginning is that Christ is all in all. Being a Christian is not about you and it’s not about me!! The Christian life is not about ‘me’, ‘myself’ and ‘I’ but is all about the Lord Jesus Christ and God’s purpose and plan in bringing many sons to glory through HIM – by means of His sacrificial work at Calvary. In respect to the dispensation of the fullness of times, in which we currently live (.ie. the Church age), God’s purpose and plan is to bring all things into one.. in Christ – the things which are in heaven and the things which are on earth – ALL things in Him.. to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory in this day and age.. and also in the ages to come.

Although much of the Church has fallen into gross apostasy let us seek to use our own spiritual gifts as instructed by Paul – to develop unity in the faith; to increase in a knowledge of the Son of God and to bring all believers into spiritual maturity. And may the Word of God become the singular plumb-line for truth; for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness in our own lives. May the Word of God remain the only foundation upon which our faith is built – to His greater praise and glory.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/ephesians-4-15

Ephesians 4:15 Re-Examined: Speaking the Truth in Love

by Wes | May 5, 2021 | Re-Examined

What does it mean to speak the truth in love? This phrase comes from Ephesians 4:15, where the apostle Paul writes, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ…” As with any verse, this phrase is just a small part of a much larger context. If we don’t understand the context, chances are we are not really speaking the truth in love when we use this phrase.

A Fatal Assumption about Truth and Love

When we encourage one another to “speak the truth in love,” we tend to make the assumption that there is a natural tension between truth and love. We assume the truth is a “hard truth,” a word of correction or rebuke, and is juxtaposed with a posture of love. One of the problems with this assumption is that anytime we see two concepts as being in tension with one another, we tend to resolve the tension by emphasizing one over the other.

Some Christians resolve the tension in favor of “truth.” They tell others exactly what they think, unloading their “truth” on them like a cannon blast, but justifying themselves by saying, “I am motivated by love. If I didn’t love them, I wouldn’t tell them how wrong they are.” They see themselves as obeying the “truth in love” principle because they are motivated by love, even if the way they deliver their truth is anything but patient and kind.

On the other hand, there are those who resolve the perceived tension between truth and love by favoring love over truth. They hardly ever offer any sort of correction, because it feels like doing so would not be “in love.” Many Christians are riddled with guilt and anxiety, because they feel they should be correcting others, but don’t know how to do so in a loving way.

Perhaps our biggest problem is not that we are being too “truthful” or too “loving.” The problem is the assumption we have made that there is supposed to be a tension between truth and love at all.

The “Truth” of Ephesians 4

The first three chapters of Ephesians are filled with reminders about what it means to be God’s chosen people in Christ. Paul shares with the church how he prays constantly for their spiritual understanding and comprehension:

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:14-19

In chapter 4, Paul begins to pivot to practical instruction. He explains that the truth of the Gospel, the truth he has been explaining for the last three chapters, the truth taught by “the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11), is the truth that will equip and mature the church.

It is this truth, the truth about God’s grace and our hope in Jesus Christ, that Paul is encouraging the church to be “speaking” (Ephesians 4:15). He is telling the church to always have the message of Jesus on their lips. He is telling them that if they will constantly be speaking this truth to one another, they will be mature, understanding, and impervious to false teaching.

This definition of truth should make perfect sense, because Jesus said he is “the truth” (John 14:6).

The “Love” of Ephesians 4

Once we understand that the “truth” of Ephesians 4 is the truth of the Gospel, it is easy to see that truth and love are not in tension with one another, but are in perfect harmony. Loving one another is exactly how Christians are supposed to live out the truth we proclaim.

It isn’t enough for Christians to simply speak the truth of Jesus’ reign. We must speak this truth while living with, “all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3). If we have been transformed by the truth we speak, we must, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Paul’s point is that if we will continue to speak the truth about Christ and live out the love of Christ, then we will “grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Christians collectively mature to reflect Christ when the word of Christ dwells in us richly and we selflessly serve one another in love. When the church does this, the church “builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16).

Conclusion

“Speaking the truth in love” means we are to be constantly speaking the Good News of Jesus and living in love. But what does that mean about speaking “hard truths”? Does this mean we don’t correct, admonish, and even rebuke one another? Of course not.

But we do have to stop making “truth” synonymous with “rebuke.” Speaking the truth to one another is not primarily about correcting one another. We speak the truth in love when we do things like:

• participate in a Bible study

• sing songs, hymns, and spiritual songs with one another (Ephesians 4:18-21)

• put our arm around a brother or sister and reassure them they are loved by God

There are times when someone’s behavior is “not in step with the truth of the gospel” (Galatians 2:14) and they need to be corrected by “speaking the truth in love.” But your words are only “the truth” if Jesus is at the heart of them. And your words are only “in love” if they are “good for building up” and “give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).

I love you and God loves you,

Wes McAdams

What does Ephesians 4:15 mean? [⇑ See verse text ⇑]

Another sign of maturity in a Christian is the ability to speak the truth in love. Interestingly, the ability to promote what is right with the right attitude is directly contrasted (“rather”) to being immature and deceived. Immature believers can fall prey to the false choice of speaking truth without love, or speaking love without truth. The first problem promotes legalism; the second problem promotes depravity. God’s command is to grow in maturity, a progression which includes both action and information (Ephesians 4:11–12).

To speak the truth in love includes how Christians communicate with believers and unbelievers alike. Believers are called to live in harmony with one another as family. With unbelievers, we are told to be ready at all times 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). There is no reason why a Christian has to be mean-spirited in order to be accurate when sharing our faith with others. Instead, we should speak the truth in love, letting God’s Spirit work boldly in us and through us to help others come to faith in Christ.

Context Summary

Ephesians 4:11–16 discusses both the gift of spiritual leaders and the importance of mature, loving, unified Christianity. Some people are endowed with gifts of teaching, preaching, and so forth. It is crucial to the health of Christian congregations that these members use their God-given talents appropriately. At the same time, different members of a church have different abilities. The community of believers functions best when all of those individual pieces are working together, through their unique roles. A healthy church is far more powerful than a ”big” church.

Chapter Summary

Truly understanding saving grace, as Paul explained in prior chapters, is the Christian’s first motivation for living a godly life. Here, Paul encourages believers to live in way which honors that gift. All saved Christians are part of a single, unified family, part of the ”body” of Christ. At the same time, different believers are given different talents. Some are called to positions of leadership and authority. All Christians should turn away from the ”old self” we were prior to being saved. Paul’s explanation of the ”new self” includes some basic, practical steps

Live As Job Lived

VERSE OF THE DAY

Job 19:25 (New Living Translation)

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“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.

As for myself I know my savior, my redeemer lives, he will stand soon earth finally and lives amongst us

25 For I aknow that my bredeemer liveth, and that che shall dstand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this abody, yet in my bflesh shall I csee God: 27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

What Does Job 19:25 Mean? ►

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.

Job 19:25(ESV)

Verse Thoughts

Job was able to say with authority I know in Whom I have believed – I KNOW that my redeemer lives – I know that all the plans and promises of God will one day be fully realized – Job KNEW. Job had an assurance that what God had said, God would perform.

Job had no understanding of why his life was falling apart. He had no knowledge of the angelic conflict that was raging in the heavenlies. He was unaware that he lived; the actions he took; the decision he made in relationship to His trust in God, would be used to encourage countless saints that were to come after him. Nor did Job understand that remaining firm in his unwavering trust in God would be to the praise and honour of His Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Job went to his grave not understanding the full consequences of his firm resolve to trust God no matter what.

Oh, for sure Job proclaimed some fleshly comments and exhibited a proud attitude at times. He argued and questioned God, showing that even men of faith can fall into carnal, fleshly ways. BUT the bottom line was that Job’s trust in His Redeemer never faltered, as God homed and fashioned him – until finally Job was brought into a closer understanding of Who God was and experienced a deepness of intimacy with His Father that he would not have imagined.

In the end, Job came forth as gold and was able to say with authority I know in Whom I have believed – I know that my Redeemer lives and that one day He is going to fulfil all the plans and promises made to those that love and trust Him. One day He will indeed stand on the earth. One day He will truly be seated on His earthly throne in Jerusalem and fill His heavenly position in the heavenly Jerusalem.

Job’s trust in God was a definitive ‘knowing’, and our faith in Him can also be an authoritative ‘knowing’ – for our trust stands on the unshakable facts within the Word of God. Like Job, we too can say with authority that I KNOW in Whom I have believed. I KNOW that my Redeemer live.

How blessed we are to be able to say with authority that we KNOW that He is coming back for the Church and will set up His everlasting kingdom to the praise and glory of God the Father. How blessed are the ones that KNOW their God.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/job-19-25

What did Job mean when he said “my redeemer lives” in Job 19:25?

ANSWER

Job 19:25–26 says, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” (KJV).

Upon a quick reading, this verse seems to refer to God as redeemer, to His coming to earth (possibly in incarnation or possibly in victory), to the resurrection of the body, and even to the hope of eternal life.

The problem with this interpretation is that it rests upon an understanding of the full revelation of Christian truth. There is a rule in hermeneutics that a verse cannot mean to us what it could not have meant to the original audience. If this verse is a full summary of Christian truth as later taught in the New Testament, then it is quite remarkable, and it would seem that Job had knowledge far beyond his contemporaries and even later prophets. Of course, some would see these verses as evidence that some Old Testament believers, such as Job, had a quite thorough knowledge of what was to come.

The fact the Job seemed to know some things that are hardly, if ever, alluded to even by later prophets should make us question the standard interpretation of his words in Job 19:25. Either the progressive nature of biblical revelation has been upended, or the translation of Job 19:25 has some problems based on difficult words within the passage. While most modern versions retain wording similar to the KJV translation, they also add footnotes that give alternative meanings.

Using the footnotes provided by the ESV, Job 19:25–26 could read this way: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the dust. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet without my flesh I shall see God.”

Using the NIV footnotes, the verse could be read like this: “I know that my vindicator lives, and that in the end he will stand on my grave. And after I awake, though this body has been destroyed, apart from my flesh I will see God.”

Simply substituting words into a translation based on footnotes is not sound methodology, but the exercise serves to illustrate the difficulties found in translating these particular verses.

At this juncture in the book of Job, Job’s friends have been accusing him of some great sin that has caused God to turn against him. Job expresses his confidence that a “kinsman-redeemer” (the word is the same used for Boaz in the book of Ruth) will come to his aid. The identity of this kinsman-redeemer is not specified; however, it seems unlikely that Job could have anyone in mind other than God Himself. God will be a witness for Job against his accusing friends. So the idea here of a “redeemer” does not have full Christian theology embedded in it, although Christians looking back can certainly see the seeds of that theology in Job.

Furthermore, Job expresses confidence that God will come and vindicate him and stand “on the dust” or “on the earth” or “on the grave.” The Hebrew term here can mean any of the three, depending on the context. If the word is translated “grave,” then Job expects vindication after death. If “dust” is preferred, then it may mean in this life, i.e., that God will appear before him on the very dust heap upon which he is lying in agony.

The next difficult term is translated “destroy” by the KJV. The Hebrew word does not necessarily indicate death. If “total destruction” is on Job’s mind, then the term would be referring to death. If he has “marring” or “damaging” in mind, it could simply mean that Job expects to be vindicated after the physical agony he is going though has done its worst. There is nothing in the term that specifies either life or death. An accurate translation could go either way.

The next difficult phrase is “in my flesh” (KJV). Literally, it’s “from my flesh” (YLT) and can mean “apart from my flesh” or “from within my flesh.” In other words, viable translations can mean almost the opposite of each other. However, there is no indication in this particular passage (or the book, for that matter) that Job expects a bodily resurrection. “I will see God” is Job’s hope whether in his body (in this life) or apart from his body (in the hereafter).

In summary, in verse 25, Job is confident that God will appear and vindicate him from the charges of his friends who are accusing him. In verse 26, Job is confident that he will see God, and he elaborates further on that hope in verse 27. Indeed, Job both sees God and is vindicated at the end of the book.

The way Job 19:25–26 has been used by many Christians is a classic case of teaching the right doctrines from the wrong verses. The full meaning of God as our kinsman-redeemer is New Testament revelation, as is the promise of ultimate vindication after death and the resurrection body (see Romans 8:18–39 and 1 Corinthians 15:42–58).

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Job: A Man of Heroic Endurance by Charles Swindoll

More insights from your Bible study – Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

What does it mean that man is few of days and full of trouble (Job 14:1)?

Why did Job’s wife tell him to curse God and die?

What was Elihu’s message to Job?

What did Job’s three friends have wrong, and what did they have right?

How could Job say, “Though He slay me, I will trust in Him”?

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Questions about Job

What did Job mean when he said “my redeemer lives” in Job 19:25?

Living the Life of Job -Job 19:25 Devotional

By Connie Rowland|March 21st, 2022|Bible Study, Christ, Christian Life, Faith|2 Comments

Do you feel like you’re living the life of Job? Then take heart because Job’s story is one of great triumph! So, in this Job 19:25 devotional, we will read about the Life of Job. His story is one of the most inspirational in the Old Testament. And we’ll learn how his life can be a reflection of our own even in the modern world we live in.

What is the meaning of Job 19:25?

For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;

Job 19:25 NKJV

A few years ago, God told me that I would live the life of Job. Now, that’s a pretty big pill to swallow! And if I’m completely honest, I wasn’t thrilled with the news. No one wants the life of Job, because everything he had was taken from him.

True to His word, God has followed through on His “life of Job” promise to me. I have faced many trials in my life. Loved ones have been taken from me either through death or through broken relationships, my livelihood has diminished, my health has suffered and my faith has been tested.

I can see the parallels between Job’s life and mine. And I find myself referring back to the book of Job for inspiration often. With everything that Job went through, it would’ve been easy for him to curse God as his wife told him to and no one would have blamed him for it. (Job 2:9) But Job trusted God and refused to curse Him no matter what circumstance God placed him in. When everything seemed lost, Job said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (v. 1:21) This kind of resolute belief Job had, inspires me to get up, keep moving forward and remain faithful to God no matter what circumstance I’m in.

God has allowed my faith to be tested, just as He allowed Job’s to be tested. But He didn’t do it to hurt me. He did it to bless me and teach me the lessons I need to know as I move forward in my life. And with each trial and lesson God has shown me His plan and will for my life in a way I couldn’t see before.

Proverbs 17:3 says “The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the hearts.” In this scripture, we learn that God allows us to go through trials and He tests our hearts. But He doesn’t do it as some kind of punishment. He knows what is ahead and He is preparing us for it. He is refining us like silver or gold, melting us down to our core, taking the impurities out of our lives, and leaving us with all of the good that He has in store for us.

Yes, Job faced many hardships and he was tested. But the lesson that I take away from reading the book of Job is not one of defeat. It’s a story of great faith and triumph over adversity. Through it all, God was there right next to him. He never left Job. He was Job’s mediator and ultimately his redeemer.

The lesson that I take away from reading the book of Job is not one of defeat. It’s a story of great faith and triumph over adversity. #Devotional

What Is An Attitude Of Jesus Christ?

VERSE OF THE DAY

Philippians 2:5-8 (New Living Translation)

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You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

You must have the humble attitude of Christ Jesus and though he was God and was pure innocents he humbled to human form to his father God and died a criminals death by death on the cross

Bible Question:

Can you explain in layman terms what Philippians 2:5-8 mean?

Bible Answer:

Philippians 2:5-8 is one of the most important passages in the New Testament because it reveals that Jesus was not just a man and He was not just God – He is both!

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8 (NASB)

Jesus Is God

Philippians 2:6 says that Jesus is God.

. . . who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped . . . Philippians 2:6 (NASB)

What do the words mean? The first important word is “form.” An English dictionary will not give us the meaning of this word. The Greek word for “form” is morphe which means that Jesus did not look like God on the outside but was completely God on the inside. It means that Jesus possessed the attributes of God. The sense of the word “existed” means that Jesus was continuously existing as God. He did not cease to be God even when He came to earth.

Jesus Is Man

When Jesus lived on this earth, why did He tell the disciples that He did not know when the end of the world would come in Matthew 24:35-36?

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. No-one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:35-36 (NASB)

If He is God, how can this be true? The answer is found in the next verse of Philippians 2:7.

. . . but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:7 (NASB)

The Greek word for “emptied” is kenoo which means that the second person of the Trinity, the Word, gave up something when He became a man. This means that the Word decided to limit the use of His divine attributes in order to live as a human being, as Jesus. He limited the use of His knowledge (Matthew 24:35-36) and wisdom (Luke 2:52) for example. Nor did He look like God on the outside. At the Mount of Transfiguration, His Shekinah glory was displayed for a short moment in time (Matthew 17:1-5; John 17:5). The verse also says that Jesus was just like a man in that He had the attributes of a man; yet, He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15)! That is the meaning of the words “form” or morphe and “likeness” or homoioma which also means “appearance or image.” He was both God and man.

Jesus Humbled Himself

Philippians 2:8 says that Jesus looked like a man outwardly. He was God and man on the inside; but He looked like a man on the outside.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8 (NASB)

Why did He do this? So that he could die for you and me! As a result, He can forgive our sins so that we can go to heaven.

Conclusion:

What is humility? It is submission. That is what Jesus did. Jesus submitted to the point of death on that cross. He lived a human life so that He could understand us experientially (Hebrews 2:17-18). He became like us in order to die for us (1 Peter 2:24) so that He could forgive our sins if we believe in Him (John 3:16). More information can be found in the study “Jesus, Our Savior.“

What does Philippians 2:5 mean?

This verse serves to set up the poetic description of verses 6–11. The mind Paul refers to is the focus of Christ’s life, which is humility. Paul clearly feels this is something the Philippian believers have, or at least have access to, as Christians. The attitude of a believer is to resemble the attitude of Christ. This is made clear in the verses to follow.

In the upcoming passage, Paul will describe how Christ, though God, took the form of a servant, was born human, lived obediently, and died innocently on a cross (Philippians 2:6–8). His humility led to being exalted or lifted up (Philippians 2:9). In a similar way, believers are to live humbly after the example of Jesus. Doing so will please God, and result in our eternal benefit. Paul’s focus on the “mind” is clear here and elsewhere in this letter. The Philippians were to have one mind (Philippians 1:27; 2:2). They were not to set their minds on earthly things (Philippians 3:19). In addition, the peace of God would guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). The mind that follows Christ produces a life that obeys Christ.

Context Summary

Philippians 2:1–5 connects the blessings of Christianity with corresponding results in a Christian’s life. We experience comfort, encouragement, love, and unity as saved believers in Christ. As a result, we ought to express comfort, encouragement, love, and unity to our fellow believers. Here again, Paul emphasizes that how a Christian thinks—how they frame their attitude—is crucial to living a Christian life. This sets up a classic description of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, starting in verse 6.

Chapter Summary

Paul describes Jesus Christ as one willing to be humble, in obedience to God the Father. For this, God will exalt Jesus’ name above all others. Someday, one way or another, all people will admit that Jesus Christ is Lord, and submit to Him. Paul wants the Philippian believers to live with contentment and unity, without complaining. Instructions are given regarding two visitors. The first is actually the one delivering this letter, Epaphroditus. The other is Timothy, Paul’s trusted friend, who hopefully will be visiting soon

What does Philippians 2:6 mean?

Many Bible translations offset verses 6–11, since they follow a poetic structure used in early hymns in the church. The beginning of this verse refers to Jesus as being “in the form of God.” In other words, Jesus and God are equal. Contrary to skeptics who claim the divinity of Jesus was “invented” later in church history, Paul frequently addressed Jesus as divine in his letters.

The second part of this verse notes the stark contrast between how Jesus could have behaved, and how He actually lived. He could have come to earth to demand every person grovel in front of Him. Instead of treating others as His servants, He became a servant to the people He had created. Again, the emphasis on “equality with God” clearly shows Paul’s belief that Jesus is equal with God the Father. Yet Jesus did not “grasp” or hold on to His positional authority. He instead came humbly as a servant, giving His life to serve others.

Context Summary

Philippians 2:6–11 is a poetic description of Jesus’ willingness to humble Himself for our sake. Rather than coming first as God and King, Jesus freely took on the form of a human being. He was humiliated and oppressed, following the will of the Father, in order to be the sacrifice for our sins. As a result, ”Jesus” will be given the ultimate glory and honor. Eventually, all people, whether they want to or not, will admit that Jesus Christ is, in fact, Lord. For some, this will happen too late.

Chapter Summary

What does Philippians 2:7 mean?

Rather than coming to earth to demand others serve Him, Jesus “emptied himself.” This does not mean Jesus stopped being God. Rather than coming the first time as a king, Jesus chose not to exhibit His unlimited powers. He came to serve rather to be served (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). He chose the “form” of a servant rather than the “form” of God (Philippians 2:6).

One way Jesus came as a servant was taking on the limitations of a human body. Though eternal, Jesus entered earth as an infant. He was born to His mother Mary, who remained a virgin until His birth (Matthew 1:25). He was born in a humble situation, coming into this world among the animals in a stable, and sleeping in a feed trough (Luke 2:1–7). The first people to visit Him were not kings, but shepherds (Luke 2:8–20). His birth was common, yet His life was anything but common. His humility is emphasized in this verse as the example believers are to follow.

Context Summary

Chapter Summary

What does Philippians 2:8 mean?

The first phrase here completes the thought begun in verse 7: that Jesus came to earth in human form as a servant. In addition, Jesus both was born and died in humility. His humbleness was not for show, but was part of being “obedient.” In a similar way, Paul encouraged his readers to be humble in obedience to Christ, following both the example of Jesus and of Paul.

The last phrase of this verse refers to the horrific death of crucifixion. The cross was clearly a symbol of death in first century culture. Paul’s mention of it here reminds us that the cross was more than a painful death. It was also a degrading, humiliating form of execution. Jesus did not die as a hero on a battlefield, but instead died innocently and shamefully in public view outside the city walls of Jerusalem. He was mocked, yet endured scorn as part of God’s plan for His life as a sacrifice for sinners.

Context Summary

Chapter Summary

Who Is Jesus?

VERSE OF THE DAY

Luke 19:10 (New Living Translation)

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For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

The son Jesus Christ died on the cross to seek those and save those who are broken and lost in sin and life

10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to asave that which was blost. 11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should aimmediately appear.

What Does Luke 19:10 Mean? ►

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Luke 19:10(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

I am sure when he got up that morning, Zacchaeus did not expect that before long he would be entertaining the Son of God in his own home.

As a rich, important and chief tax-collector he was an individual who was hated by the Jews and despised by the Romans and was quite possibly a man who had been a swindler or a thief. But Jesus took time to come to him, to call to him and to open up for him the path of salvation, for Jesus has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

No doubt God had been preparing the heart of this wealthy yet detested tax-collector, for God is able to discern the motives of every man, and this meeting with Christ brought a sinner to repentance, when confronted with the incomparable perfection of the Son of Man.

How unlike the arrogant Pharisees, who looked with such disdain on tax-collectors and sinners and thanked God that they were so different from such ‘offensive’ people. These self-righteous men were so proud that they fasted twice a week, paid tithes of all their cumin and dill. They were unswervingly righteous in their own unenlightened and petty little eyes, yet failed to act justly to love mercy and to walk humbly before God.

How different the Lord Jesus was from those critical Jewish leaders, who so readily accused the Lord Jesus of fraternising with tax-collectors and sinners! But that day, salvation came to the house of Zacchaeus, for the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.

God still knows the heart of man and He is still seeking and saving those which are lost and bringing salvation to many souls who trust in HIM – by grace through faith.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/luke-19-10

How does Jesus search for those who are lost?

Jesus answered the men by telling them three parables. First He told about a sheep that got lost in the mountains. The shepherd left his other 99 sheep and searched for the lost one until he found it. Then he told his friends, “Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”

Jesus Teaches about Finding Those Who Are Lost

By Diane L. Mangum

From Luke 15.

One day in Galilee Jesus sat down to eat dinner with some people who were not righteous. When some men called Pharisees saw Jesus eating with sinners, they grumbled. Why would Jesus eat with those people?

Jesus answered the men by telling them three parables.

First He told about a sheep that got lost in the mountains. The shepherd left his other 99 sheep and searched for the lost one until he found it. Then he told his friends, “Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”

Jesus wanted the men to understand that people who have sinned are like the lost sheep. Heavenly Father is like the loving shepherd, and every single person is important to Him—including those who make bad choices. Jesus said that when one sinner repents there is great joy in heaven.

The second parable Jesus told was about a woman who lost one of her ten silver coins. She swept her house and searched diligently until she finally found her lost coin. Then she celebrated joyfully with her friends.

Jesus was teaching the Pharisees that instead of being proud of how righteous they thought they were, they should search for people who are lost from the Church and be joyful when they come back.

The third parable was about two sons. The older one worked hard on his father’s farm and did everything his father asked. The younger son asked his father for money and then went to another land. There he spent all the money living foolishly and sinning. Poor, hungry, and sad, he decided to go back home and beg his father for forgiveness.

When the father saw his younger son coming down the road, he ran and kissed him. Then he had his servants bring his prodigal son new clothing and shoes and prepare a big celebration.

The older son, who always obeyed his father, was angry. Why should there be a celebration for his brother, who had sinned and wasted his father’s money?

The father explained that the older son would be richly blessed for all the good things he had done. But when the younger son was living a life of sin, it was like he was lost and not safe. Now that he had humbly repented, he was found again and had come safely home.

Heavenly Father will always generously bless those who are righteous. But He loves all of His children and wants us to help find those who have lost their way and welcome them back.

For we all mankind are Children of God broken in design

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