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VERSE OF THE DAY

Matthew 22:37-39 (New Living Translation)

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Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Jesus spoke to the people saying “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ These are the Laws of The lord he gave

Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and most important command.And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Matthew 22:37-39

Commentary on Matthew 22:34-40

(Read Matthew 22:34-40)

An interpreter of the law asked our Lord a question, to try, not so much his knowledge, as his judgment. The love of God is the first and great commandment, and the sum of all the commands of the first table. Our love of God must be sincere, not in word and tongue only. All our love is too little to bestow upon him, therefore all the powers of the soul must be engaged for him, and carried out toward him. To love our neighbour as ourselves, is the second great commandment. There is a self-love which is corrupt, and the root of the greatest sins, and it must be put off and mortified; but there is a self-love which is the rule of the greatest duty: we must have a due concern for the welfare of our own souls and bodies. And we must love our neighbour as truly and sincerely as we love ourselves; in many cases we must deny ourselves for the good of others. By these two commandments let our hearts be formed as by a mould.

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

— Matthew 22:37-39

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Thoughts on Today’s Verse…

Some things are just not very complicated. Living for Jesus can be boiled down to two principles: love God with everything I am and have and love others and treat them like I would like to be treated. Not too hard to understand. I guess it’s the living it that is the challenge!

My Prayer…

O Living and only True God. Please accept the work of my hands, the words of my mouth, the moments of my rest, and the love of my heart as my worship to you this day. I pray that these are pleasing and refreshing to you. In the name your Son, my Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

What Does Matthew 22:37 Mean? ►

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Matthew 22:37(ESV)

Verse Thoughts

The Lord was asked a genuine question by one of the Pharisees: “which is the greatest commandment in the Mosaic Law,” and Jesus answer by quoting “the Shema”, Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one, Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength”, substituting the word ‘mind for the word ’strength’.

Love for God and love for others we are told, is the fulfilment of God’s law for we cannot love others until we are in right relationship with our heavenly Father – but we cannot truly love God unless we truly know Him as our Saviour – Whom to know is life eternal.

When a man or woman truly loves the Lord with every part of their being then that love is true love, It is a love that is birthed in trusting Him and a love that flows in to our hearts and minds from the love of Christ for His own, and from that love will flow a willing service and loving obedience from a heart that loves the Lord with every part of his being.

Let us seek to love and honour the Lord with every part of our being – to love as Christ loved us – to love Him with our heart, our mind, our thoughts and our motives.

Let our every thought be taken captive to the Lord so that we may remain in sweet fellowship with the God of our salvation, for when the eyes of our heart are fixed on Him in grateful thanks for His cross-work on Calvary and the redemptive work within our own lives, we who are forgiven much will love much. Indeed, it should be our joy and rejoicing to love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength and mind – for He loved us first.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/matthew-22-37

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/matthew-22-37

The Greatest Commandment and the Promise of Life (Matthew 22:37 and John 3:16)

December 18, 2020 by Bob Wilkin in Blog – John 3:16, John 5:39-40, Matthew 22:37, The Promise Of Life



A. S., a reader, asks this fascinating question:

In relation to Matthew 22:37 and John 3:16—in your own understanding what is the right interpretation of the two verses in relation to each other? Thanks, and stay blessed in Jesus’ name!

The Lord was often asked about the greatest commandments in the OT. The reason was simple. The Jewish leaders and Jewish people of the first century believed in salvation by law keeping. Of course, there were a small number of exceptions (John 1:11-12). But most rejected the idea that anyone could have everlasting life simply by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ—or anyone for that matter. They did not believe that faith in God the Father guaranteed everlasting life, either.

John 5:39-40 answers the question A. S. has posed. There the Lord said: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” Why did they search the OT? Because they thought in the Scriptures they would find the answer to how to have eternal life, which in their mind was by doing the works of God that are mandated in the law (cf. John 6:28-29). The Lord told them that the OT indeed does tell how a person can have eternal life, but it is not by the works of the law, but by believing in the One testified to in the OT. The Scriptures “testify of Me.” Sadly Jesus pointed out the sad truth: “But you are not willing to come to Me [= believe in Me, John 6:35] that you may have life.”

Matthew 22:37 is Jesus’ answer to the great commandment question. He said, “You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart…[and] you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” He was not indicating what a person must do to have everlasting life. He was indicating what a person must do to please God. The believer at the time of Christ, like the believer today, should glorify God by loving Him and by loving our neighbors. But the condition of everlasting life has always been by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ for that life. (Prior to Jesus’ baptism, the condition was believing in the coming Messiah for that life. Compare Gen 3:15; 15:6; Rom 4:1-8. But once the Lord Jesus was publicly declared by the Father to be His beloved Son, then faith had to be specifically in Jesus for one’s eternal salvation.)

There are thousands of commands in the Bible. None of them tell us what we must do to have everlasting life. The sole condition of everlasting life is believing in the Lord Jesus Christ for that life.

The Lord said in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” That is the promise of everlasting life. Compare John 5:24; 6:35, 47; 11:25-27; Acts 16:31; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8-9; 1 Tim 1:16.

There is zero conflict between God’s commands and God’s promise of life. The Pharisees rejected Jesus because of their faulty tradition. Many today, even within Christianity, do not believe in Jesus for everlasting life, but they too believe that their observance of God’s commands is what will get them into Christ’s kingdom. Some twist the meaning of John 3:16 to say that whoever commits their life to and obeys Him will not perish but has everlasting life. The promise is not to the one who commits and obeys God’s commands. It is to the one who believes in the Son of God for everlasting life.

What does Matthew 22:37 mean?

It’s common to read through these exchanges between Jesus and the religious leaders and focus on the conflict and tension. We see Jesus’ brilliant answers to the difficult questions meant to trip Him up. It’s helpful, though, to stop and think for a moment about what is happening on another level. They don’t know it, but Israel’s religious leaders are asking these hard questions of the very Son of God. They are taking some of the most troubling issues of the day and getting a response straight from their Creator. Jesus was not simply good at answering questions about the law; He was there when the law was given!

The lawyer who asked Jesus which is the primary commandment in the law may have been trying to trip Jesus up. He certainly doesn’t realize he is asking the Son of God the question he might very well have chosen to ask God the Father, given the chance. It’s a powerful moment, especially for these men who had made understanding and teaching the law their entire life’s work.

For us, and for the exact same reason, Jesus’ answer carries an enormous opportunity. This answer is not merely the wise response of a human interpreter. His is not just another opinion among the debates of religious leaders. Jesus’ answer reveals the heart of God in giving the Law of Moses to His people Israel.

Jesus doesn’t hesitate to answer this question, either. He doesn’t respond with a counter-question or tell a parable or ask for object to use for illustration. Jesus answers directly from Deuteronomy 6:5. The great and first commandment in all of Scripture is to love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind.

God wants His people first and above all to love Him with every part of their being. The heart and soul and mind may describe the centers of emotion, action, and thought. The point of the command is not to separate them, though, but to join them together with every aspect of a person fully committed to loving God. A pure, uninterrupted commitment to God and His will is the very basis of a proper relationship with Him.

Context Summary

Matthew 22:34–40 describes a question to Jesus from a Pharisee described as a lawyer. In this context, this means someone well-versed in the Old Testament. He asks Jesus which is the great commandment in the Law. Jesus upholds Deuteronomy 6:5, indicating that loving God with everything about us is the great and first commandment. Christ then volunteers that the second greatest is closely related: to love your neighbor as yourself. Every command or law from God is distilled from those basic principles. Luke 10:25–28 and Mark 12:28–37 also describe this challenge.

Chapter Summary

Continuing a dialogue with hostile religious leaders, Jesus tells a parable comparing the kingdom of heaven to a wedding feast which ends up being attended by those not initially invited. He answers trick questions about taxes, marriage, resurrection, and the Law of Moses. These responses are the source of common English idioms such as “render to Caesar…” and “many are called but few are chosen.” Finally, Jesus asks how the Messiah can be both the son of David and the Lord of David. None can answer Him, so they stop challenging Him in public

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ – Matthew 22:37-39

Dear Jesus,

When this man pressed you to tell him the greatest commandment you very clearly said it was to love your heavenly father with all your heart and then you added that loving people was just as important.  It’s not the clarity of the commandments that haunts me.  I love how clear and simple they make my task for each day.  It’s just that I know I cannot keep either commandment perfectly.  If that’s all I had from you I would be depressed.  But since I know you kept both of them for me, I am all the more encouraged to try, because when I try by faith to love God and my neighbor, you are pleased with me just as my parents were pleased with my little sister’s Easy Bake Oven corn bread.  No matter how badly they tasted, my parents fawned over them because they were made out of love.  You see my love, albeit imperfect and you fawn over me too.  Thank you Jesus for making life bearable under grace. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson 

Grace frees up to honestly try to keep God’s will out of faith and not fear.  

Psalm 56:9

New Living Translation

9 

My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.
    This I know: God is on my side!

My enemies will flee when I come to my knees and call for your help this is for sure to your promises for God is on my side and won’t turn from me

Psalm 56

Psalm 56 – Faith in the Midst of Fear

The title of this psalm is To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Silent Dove in Distant Lands.” A Michtam of David when the Philistines captured him in Gath. It is probable (though not certain) that The Silent Dove in Distant Lands was the tune to which this psalm was sung; some connect it with the theme, thinking it represents a dove in trouble even as David was in trouble.

Like Psalm 16 and the next four psalms, Psalm 56 is called A Michtam of David. The title Michtam is best understood as golden, though others think it is related to a word meaning to cover, implying necessary secrecy in a time of crisis.

The time when the Philistines captured him in Gath is recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. It deals with the period between the visit to the tabernacle at Nob and David’s arrival at Adullam. David was alone, desperate, afraid – and not thinking too clearly.

A. Fear and faith in response to constant danger.

1. (1-2) Looking to the Most High for mercy.

Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up;
Fighting all day he oppresses me.
My enemies would hound me all day,
For there are many who fight against me, O Most High.

a. Be merciful to me, O God: David was in great and constant danger from many enemies – both the Philistines and Saul’s servants. He cried out to God, knowing that divine help could rescue him from any man-made threat. He appealed to the mercy of God, not relying on what he may or may not deserve.

i. “Instead of building up gradually to his complaint, the psalmist pours out his heart immediately.” (VanGemeren)

ii. Swallow me up: “The open mouths of sinners when they rage against us should open our mouths in prayer.” (Spurgeon)

b. There are many who fight against me, O Most High: On earth David was greatly outnumbered, so he looked for help from the God who is enthroned above. David knew the strategic value of high ground in battle; it made sense for him to look for help from the Most High.

i. “To set forth the indignity of the thing, he repeateth the same sentence again in the plural number, noting that there were not a few of them bitterly bent by might and main to mischief him, a poor forlorn, friendless man.” (Trapp)

ii. Adam Clarke understood O Most High in a different way: “I do not think that this word expresses any attribute of God, or indeed is at all addressed to him. It signifies, literally, from on high, or from a high or elevated place: ‘For the multitudes fight against me from the high or elevated place.’” (Clarke)

2. (3-4) Afraid and not afraid.

Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
In God (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust;
I will not fear.
What can flesh do to me?

a. Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You: The young man who killed the lion and the bear, who killed Goliath, and was a successful young captain in Israel’s army, did not deny the presence of fear. There were times when he was afraid. Yet he knew what to do with that fear, to boldly proclaim His trust in God despite the fear.

i. “He feared, but that fear did not fill the whole area of his mind, for he adds, ‘I will trust in thee.’ It is possible, then, for fear and faith to occupy the mind at the same moment.” (Spurgeon)

ii. Many do not serve God or speak a word in His name to others out of fear, and they wait for a time when they are no longer afraid to do so. David would counsel them, “I am sometimes afraid – but I trust in God and do what is right to do.” Don’t wait for the fear to stop before you do what is right before the Lord.

iii. “It is a sure sign of grace when a man can trust in his God, for the natural man, when afraid, falls back on some human trust, or he thinks that he will be able to laugh at the occasion of fear.” (Spurgeon)

b. I will praise His word: In the midst of the declaration of his trust in God, David calls attention to the praiseworthiness of God’s word. His trust in God was directly connected with God’s word. His trust wasn’t a blind hope or wish cast up to heaven; it was based on God’s revealed character and revealed promises.

i. We say we trust God, but how do we confidently know anything about God? We know it through His Word, through His self-revelation to us.

ii. “It might also be the case, however, that David is thinking specifically of the words of God that were brought to him by the prophet Samuel, assuring him that he would be king over Israel (cf. 1 Samuel 16:1-13).” (Boice)

c. In God I have put my trust; I will not fear: Trusting God has given David the momentum toward even greater faith. He began by trusting God even while afraid; with that trust rewarded, he can take a further step: I will not fear.

i. “First, the singer declares that in the hour of fear he will trust. Then he declares he will trust and not be afraid.” (Morgan)

d. What can flesh do to me: Our instinctive reply to this rhetorical question is, a lot of harm. We constantly hear of and experience great harm that comes from mankind. Yet in the context of David’s trust in the Most High, he realizes that with God for him, it doesn’t matter what man or men may be against him.

3. (5-7) The continuing danger.

All day they twist my words;
All their thoughts are against me for evil.
They gather together,
They hide, they mark my steps,
When they lie in wait for my life.
Shall they escape by iniquity?
In anger cast down the peoples, O God!

a. All day they twist my words: The attacks against David were not only violent; they were also devious, with the twisting and distortion of his words and intentions. His many enemies constantly plotted against him for evil, hoping to lie in wait and kill David with a surprise attack.

i. “The unremitting pressure is the worst part of the ordeal. It was the first thing David emphasized: all day long…all day long (Psalm 56:1,2); and now he tells of it again (Psalm 56:5).” (Kidner)

ii. “The verb ‘twist’ is derived from a root that signifies a laborious, toilsome, unrewarding act. They plot so as to undo whatever the godly man has spoken and has planned to do right.” (VanGemeren)

iii. Twist my words: “This is a common mode of warfare among the ungodly. They put our language on the rack; they extort meanings from it which it cannot be made fairly to contain.” (Spurgeon)

b. Shall they escape by iniquity: David appealed to God’s justice. It wasn’t right for these wicked enemies to triumph over him. Whether they were the Philistines of Gath or Saul’s servants, David asked God to cast them down.

B. God’s sympathetic care for David.

1. (8-9) God noticed David’s misery.

You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?
When I cry out to You,
Then my enemies will turn back;
This I know, because God is for me.

a. You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle: In this period of David’s life, before coming to Adullam Cave (1 Samuel 22), he was completely alone. This made him value the sympathy and care of God all the more, and he found great comfort in the thought that God noted his misery.

i. “The reason for hope in God’s justice lies in his divine nature and promise to vindicate his children. For this purpose the psalmist adds a personal note about the extent of his suffering.” (VanGemeren)

ii. “Put my tears into thy bottle; regard, and remember, and pity them.” (Poole)

iii. “His sorrows were so many that there would need a great wine-skin to hold them all.” (Spurgeon)

iv. My tears into Your bottle: “Here is an allusion to a very ancient custom, which we know long obtained among the Greeks and Romans, of putting the tears which were shed for the death of any person into small phials, called lacrymatories or urnae lacrymales and offering them on the tomb of the deceased. Some of these were of glass, some of pottery, and some of agate, sardonyx, etc. A small one in my own collection is of hard baked clay.” (Clarke)

v. Spurgeon noted this practice and such ancient bottles, but believed that David made no allusion at all to this Roman practice.

b. This I know, because God is for me: This was the ground of David’s confidence. His wanderings and tears did not mean that God was against him. Instead he knew that God was for him, and would answer his prayer for rescue.

i. God is for me: “What can we possibly desire more, than this assurance, that, how many, or how formidable soever our enemies may be, yet there is one always ready to appear in our defence, whose power no creature is able to resist? ‘This I know,’ saith David; and had we the faith of David, we should know it too.” (Horne)

ii. God is for me: “Paul was to echo the triumphant end of this verse (or Psalm 118:7a), and cap it with ‘who is against us?’ (Romans 8:31).” (Kidner)

2. (10-11) Confidence in God declared again.

In God (I will praise His word),
In the LORD (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

a. I will praise His word: For the second and third times in this psalm, David declared the greatness of God’s word. This was how he knew that God was for him. It wasn’t just a wish, a dream, or a hope. It was well-grounded, because God said it in His word.

b. In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me: David repeated this phrase again, preaching confidence to himself. Because God was for him (confirmed by His word), David need not fear what man could do to him.

i. “When news came to Luther, that both emperor and pope had threatened his ruin, he bravely answered, I care for neither of them, I know whom I have trusted.” (Trapp)

3. (12-13) Fulfilling the vow.

Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God;
I will render praises to You,
For You have delivered my soul from death.
Have You not kept my feet from falling,
That I may walk before God
In the light of the living?

a. Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God; I will render praises to You: David referred to the sacrifice he would offer for the deliverance he knew God would bring. He was a long distance from God’s altar so the sacrifice could not yet be made; but in David’s heart it was already done, as was the anticipated rescue.

i. “So sure is he of deliverance, that, as often in similar psalms, his thoughts are busied in preparing his sacrifice of thanks before the actual advent of the mercy for which it is to be offered.” (Maclaren)

ii. Render praises: “Thank offerings can be a term for literal sacrifices (e.g. Leviticus 7:12) and for songs of gratitude (e.g. Psalm 26:7).” (Kidner)

iii. “Reader, what hast thou vowed to God? To renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, and all the sinful desires of the flesh; to keep God’s holy word and commandment; and to walk before him all the days of thy life. These things hast thou vowed; and these vows are upon thee. Wilt thou pay them?” (Clarke)

b. You have delivered my soul from death: On his way to Gath, in Gath, and on his way from Gath, David’s life was in constant danger. God and God alone delivered His life from his enemies, and kept his feet from falling.

c. That I may walk before God in the light of the living: David knew that this was why God spared his life. It wasn’t so that David could do his own thing or live unto himself. It was so that he could live rightly before God.

i. “Thus in this short psalm, we have climbed from the ravenous jaws of the enemy into the light of Jehovah’s presence, a path which only faith can tread.” (Spurgeon)

ii. “The fact that Jesus seems to have used the last words of Psalm 56:13 in John 8:12 makes us think of verse 13 in light of the deliverance Jesus brings to those who trust him and the ‘life’ as his gift of salvation by the Holy Spirit.” (Boice)

(c) 2020 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com

Categories: Old Testament Psalms

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Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Psalm 56:9

Commentary on Psalm 56:8-13

(Read Psalm 56:8-13)

The heavy and continued trials through which many of the Lord’s people have passed, should teach us to be silent and patient under lighter crosses. Yet we are often tempted to repine and despond under small sorrows. For this we should check ourselves. David comforts himself, in his distress and fear, that God noticed all his grievances and all his griefs. God has a bottle and a book for his people’s tears, both the tears for their sins, and those for their afflictions. He observes them with tender concern. Every true believer may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and then I will not fear what man shall do unto me; for man has no power but what is given him from above. Thy vows are upon me, O Lord; not as a burden, but as that by which I am known to be thy servant; as a bridle that restrains me from what would be hurtful, and directs me in the way of my duty. And vows of thankfulness properly accompany prayers for mercy. If God deliver us from sin, either from doing it, or by his pardoning mercy, he has delivered our souls from death, which is the wages of sin. Where the Lord has begun a good work he will carry it on and perfect it. David hopes that God would keep him even from the appearance of sin. We should aim in all our desires and expectations of deliverance, both from sin and trouble, that we may do the better service to the Lord; that we may serve him without fear. If his grace has delivered our souls from the death of sin, he will bring us to heaven, to walk before him for ever in light.

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VERSE OF THE DAY

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (New Living Translation)

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For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

He says to the people i know the plans I have for you says the Lord they are plans for good and prosperity not plans to hurt or destroy or of disaster they are plans to grow and succeed be successful to have a future and a hope In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

Christians facing difficult situations today can take comfort in Jeremiah 29:11 knowing that it is not a promise to immediately rescue us from hardship or suffering, but rather a promise that God has a plan for our lives and regardless of our current situation, He can work through it to prosper us and give us a hope …Jan 5, 2017

In this verse, Jeremiah grimly tells the people that something terrible is headed their way as a result of sinning against God, and they won’t be able to escape it no matter what they do. … In this story, Jeremiah 11:11 is a prophesy for America.Mar 26, 2019

Jeremiah 29:11-13

NIV

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Jeremiah 29:11-13

Commentary on Jeremiah 29:8-19

(Read Jeremiah 29:8-19)

Let men beware how they call those prophets whom they choose after their own fancies, and how they consider their fancies and dreams to be revelations from God. False prophets flatter people in their sins, because they love to be flattered; and they speak smoothly to their prophets, that their prophets may speak smoothly to them. God promises that they should return after seventy years were accomplished. By this it appears, that the seventy years of the captivity are not to be reckoned from the last captivity, but the first. It will be the bringing to pass of God’s good word to them. This shall form God’s purposes. We often do not know our own minds, but the Lord is never at an uncertainty. We are sometimes ready to fear that God’s designs are all against us; but as to his own people, even that which seems evil, is for good. He will give them, not the expectations of their fears, or the expectations of their fancies, but the expectations of their faith; the end he has promised, which will be the best for them. When the Lord pours out an especial spirit of prayer, it is a good sign that he is coming toward us in mercy. Promises are given to quicken and encourage prayer. He never said, Seek ye me in vain. Those who remained at Jerusalem would be utterly destroyed, notwithstanding what the false prophets said to the contrary. The reason has often been given, and it justifies the eternal ruin of impenitent sinners; Because they have not hearkened to my words; I called, but they refused.

Christians facing difficult situations today can take comfort in Jeremiah 29:11 knowing that it is not a promise to immediately rescue us from hardship or suffering, but rather a promise that God has a plan for our lives and regardless of our current situation, He can work through it to prosper us and give us a hope …Jan 5, 2017

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

As we leave a tumultuous 2016 and enter into an unknown 2017, it is helpful to remember that God has a plan for our lives and this verse is just such a reminder.

Many Christians know and cling to the Jeremiah 29:11 verse by itself. But when we understand its historical and literary context, most will find that it takes on a deeper, more relevant and even more powerful meaning for their lives. Understanding the context of a passage of scripture will help us avoid the human tendency of reading into scripture our own desired meaning, and will instead help us draw out of scripture the original meaning intended by God and His prophet.k

Historical and Literary Context of Jeremiah 29:11

For historical context, Jeremiah spoke these words to Jews who had been living under the domination of the Egyptian and then Babylonian Empires before eventually being carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. One can only imagine what it would be like to live under the domination of your enemies and then to be forced by those enemies to leave your homeland and settle in a foreign country.

For literary context, we discover from the previous chapter that Jeremiah has just pronounced judgment upon the false prophet Hananiah. Hananiah had told the people that God would break the yoke of Babylon, freeing the people to return home, within two years. While his message undoubtedly sounded appealing to the people, it was a lie and resulted in God removing Hananiah from the face of the Earth (Jeremiah 28:15-17). Instead, Jeremiah tells the people they would live in Babylon for at least 70 years. Therefore, they should settle down, build houses, marry and even pray for the peace and prosperity of the city in which they now found themselves (Jeremiah 29:4-10).

When understood in context, we discover that the words of Jeremiah 29:11 were spoken to people in the midst of hardship and suffering; people who were likely desiring an immediate rescue like the one Hananiah lied about. But God’s response is not to provide immediate escape from the difficult situation. Rather, God promises that He has a plan to prosper them in the midst of their current situation.

Christians facing difficult situations today can take comfort in Jeremiah 29:11 knowing that it is not a promise to immediately rescue us from hardship or suffering, but rather a promise that God has a plan for our lives and regardless of our current situation, He can work through it to prosper us and give us a hope and a future.

Furthermore, Christians can take comfort in knowing that God promises to be there for us in these situations. For in the verses immediately following Jeremiah 29:11, God proclaims through Jeremiah that when you “call on me and come and pray to me… I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 19:12-13).

The College of Theology helps support Grand Canyon University’s commitment to educate students from a distinctly Christian perspective. Learn more about our programs by visiting our website or contacting us using the Request More Information button at the top of the page.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date

• Theology Thursday

TUESDAYTRUTH JEREMIAH 29:11-13

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ ”

Have you ever wondered if there is a plan for your life? I know that I have been through times in my life when I have found myself wondering about the direction my life is taking or the “big picture” for my life. Well, friend, our lives are not on a random course. They are not on an aimless trajectory into the unknown with no purpose. On the contrary, God very specifically states that He has plans for His people, and not only that, but plans about which we should be excited.

There is another truly wonderful thing to note here. God asks only for us to come to Him, to call on His name, and to seek Him with all our hearts. When we truly seek His face, that is when we find Him. A funny thing happens when you begin to seek your Heavenly Father above all else -> You realize that that space inside, that deep longing, that emptiness that you used to feel, is now filled. He is all that you want and all that you need. You have no reason to fear or worry about what is to come.

No matter where you are right this second, no matter where you have been, no matter how far you have strayed (or even run) from the Father, no matter how far gone you think you are, no matter any of that, He has good plans for you. Run to Him. Call out to Him. God has plans for YOU, my friend, and good plans- plans to “prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the plans that you have for our lives. Thank you that your plans are far better than any plans that we could come up with for ourselves. Thank you that we have no reason to fear tomorrow. Thank you for listening when we call out to you, for listening and responding. Thank you that we can seek you and have relationship with you. It’s all that we want.

We love you Father, Amen.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  – Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV 

Dear Lord,

 I love this promise.  It comforts me when life doesn’t make sense and when bad things seem to keep happening to me.  You have good plans for me even when I cannot see what they are.  So, I will pray to you just as you encourage me to.  Lord, come and intervene in all those situations I’m concerned about.  Give me  what you want me to have and guide me through the difficult decisions I face.  Take my hand and lead me to where you want me to go.  

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God won’t forget the good plans he has for us even when we forget that he has them.  

What Does Jeremiah 29:11 Mean? ►

For I know the plans I have for you”-[this is] the Lord’s declaration-“plans for [your] welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11(HCSB)

Verse Thoughts

Jeremiah warned Israel to stop their idol worship which had replaced their devotion to God. He demanded the destruction of the pagan gods they hold dear and every false deity in which they trusted. BUT GOD Who is loving and gracious, long-suffering, and faithful, pronounced His bitter rod of severe chastening due to their apostasy, which would also prove to be a blossoming staff of sweet comfort and peace, grace and mercy, love and hope and joy.

And so Jeremiah wrote a message of comfort to the Jews who had been exiled to Babylon, with King Jeconiah. His letter was addressed to the elders and priests, the prophets and the queen mother, the court officials, princes, craftsmen, and all the people. He promised that God’s plans for His people were rooted in His never-failing faithfulness towards them. He gave them a promise of future peace and wonderful hope – not a pledge of punishment that would result in their ultimate disaster and destruction.

They were to acknowledge that God had ordered their exile in Babylon and not Nebuchadnezzar. Their deportation from the Promised Land was to be recognised as a punishment for the nation’s apostasy. But despite their disobedience toward the holy one of Israel, the gracious thoughts God had towards His people, and the future plans He had prepared for them, were designed to prosper them and bring them peace and comfort, safety and success. It was not a scheme to harm them or bring them disaster.

God’s instruction to His people was to settle in Babylon and not expect to return immediately to their homeland. They were to settle down and build houses. They were to plant gardens, get married, have children, and even look forward to their grandchildren. They were to live quiet lives in Babylon and contribute to the welfare of the city and the well-being of its citizens. And they were instructed to pray for blessings on their captors.

God promised that if they were patient and submitted to His Word, they would thrive as a nation, and the city would prosper. Indeed, over the years, the stigma of being in bondage as slaves would reduce and their autonomy as a people-group would flourish. They were to harken to God’s Word and be careful not to be hood-winked by the deceptive teachings of false prophets, and they were given a promise that at the end of 70 years, the Lord would restore them to their homeland.

Jeremiah’s letter to the Babylonian exiles encouraged the people and brought with it a beautiful promise, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “they are plans for your welfare and good, and not for disaster. They are plans to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah’s prophecy was fulfilled, in part, when God graciously started to bring back His people to their land and reestablish them in the holy city of Jerusalem. It began with an edict of Cyrus the Great, and continued with other great kings of Babylon and Persia. Those that obeyed God’s Word returned to their homeland with Ezra and Nehemiah, while those who remained were really disobeying God’s call to return.

But God in His grace even used exiles, like Esther and Mordecai, who chose not to return to their homeland at the end of the 70-year long exile, as instruments to save many Jewish lives from the evil plot of wicked men like Haman, and He graciously blessed many men of Israel on The Day of Pentecost, “Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs,” for these people would have been descendants of Babylonian exiles who heard the gospel of Christ in their own language and tongue – and were saved.

God still has a future plan for Israel’s well-being, just as He has for all God’s children. His plan of redemption is designed to give all who believe a future… filled with hope and not with calamity. This glorious verse of comfort sparkles with reassuring radiance, that the future plan God has for all of His people, (both for Israel and the Church), are for our eternal good and spiritual welfare, as well as our temporal and physical needs.

The Lord desires the best for His children even though we may stray far from Him. His plan for His children is to give us a future and a hope. He knows that only as we sever our reliance on the world’s destructive securities and rest our trust entirely on Christ Jesus our Lord, will we break free from the yoke of this world’s slavery.

We have an assurance that whatever we may have to face today, God’s thoughts toward us are only good continually, “‘for I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD. ‘They are plans for peace and not disaster – plans to give you a future filled with hope.'”

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/jeremiah-29-11

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/jeremiah-29-11

What Does Jeremiah 29:13 Mean? ►

‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13(NASB)

Verse Thoughts
The promises of God pepper the pages of scripture like crystal droplets of sparkling rain, sprinkling life into a dry and dusty desert and scattering hope into the hearts of all God’s people. The promises of God tumble and glimmer through the Word of God like a myriad of twinkling stars, peeping through the glowering skies of doubt and sorrow – refreshing the soul, giving hope to the faint-hearted, and providing encouragement to the weary.

Though the context of this verse is Israel’s Babylonian captivity and their eventual restoration and redemption, this precious verse states an eternal principle and timeless promise – that the Lord is ever near to all who seek Him, and those that search for Him aright, are certain of finding Him. This is a verse that promises all those who seek the Lord in spirit and in truth, will be sure to find Him, for the Lord has promised, “you shall seek Me, and find Me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart.”

Israel had been carried into captivity as a consequence of their sin and apostasy, and the people are encouraged by Jeremiah to prepare for a prolonged sojourn in Babylon. They were exhorted to build houses, grow crops, get married, and have children, because God had ordained that the punishment they justly deserved would last for 70 years. Some would die in the land of their captivity, but God had plans for His people. He had plans for their good and not their harm. He had plans to prosper them and to give them a secure future and a great hope.

But during their exile, when they were separated from their promised land, the people were not to forget the Lord. They were to continue to trust Him and teach their children to do the same. And they were given a very special and encouraging promise, “You will seek Me and you will find Me… when you search for Me with all your heart.” God would not be lost to His people forever, but they must set their heart to search diligently for the Lord – to search for Him with ALL their heart, ALL their soul, ALL their mind, and ALL their strength.

The promise given to Israel by Jeremiah was that those who earnestly sought the Lord would find Him. They would discover Him to be the godly Way, the singular Truth, and the Path to perfect peace with God. They were given the assurance that those who diligently and conscientiously look for Him, WILL find Him. They will find Him to be the only Way, the singular Truth, and Life eternal. Those that sincerely search for the Lord will gain the abundant Life He promises – a life that only comes through faith in Christ.

The majority of Israel have yet to discover that the One for Whom they are to diligently seek is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is their Messiah, Who came to rescue them at God’s appointed time as foretold by Scripture. He is their Kinsman-Redeemer and their Dayspring from on High. He is the prophet of the Most High God and a light to lighten the Gentiles. He is the glory of His people Israel and the One Who will heal their soul and guide their feet into the way of peace.

He is the Word made flesh Who came to dwell among His people and to shine light into their darkened hearts. He came to His own people at God’s appointed time – but they did not recognise Him as the only Way, the singular Truth, and Life eternal and He was rejected and cruelly crucified.

As Christians, we already know Him as Jesus our Saviour, for Christ died to bridge the unbridgeable gap between a holy God and the imperfect race of man. But like Israel, we are promised a much deeper knowledge and closer communion with Him, if we will plough into the depths of His Word, reach into the heights of His Truth, and look steadily into the Light of His Countenance – the face of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Like Israel, we have been promised that when we seek Him and search for Him with ALL our heart will find Him. Let us, therefore, with wholeness of heart, fervency of spirit, sincerity of soul, and diligence of mind, freely abandon the good to search for the very best, knowing that ALL

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/jeremiah-29-13

VERSE OF THE DAY

Proverbs 14:22 (New Living Translation)

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If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.

If you plan to do sin and plan evil in your hearts your soul will be lost; if you raise joy and do good godly living you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness by the grace Of God you will love a godly lifestyle

The simple and foolish believe anything and fail to act with caution, and schemers and quick-tempered people end up going wrong. The poor are disliked, but if you’re rich it’s easier to make friends (even if they’re false friends). You should be kind to the poor, and work instead of talking too much.

Proverbs 1–9: “Proverbs of Solomon, Son of David, King of Israel” Proverbs 10–22:16: “Proverbs of Solomon”



https://en.m.wikipedia.org › wiki

Proverbs 14:22

Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

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Your heart and mind seldom rest. You always have thoughts. What do you think about? Are you planning something good for God or men, or are you planning sin for yourself?

It is wrong – a horrible use of heart and mind – to plan evil. But God will give mercy and truth to those that plan good. Devising sin brings the hatred of men (Pr 14:17; 24:8) and judgment of God (Pr 24:9; Gen 6:5-7). Limit your heart and mind to devise good things.

The LORD is against evil doers and punishes them, and He rewards those who do good (Pr 12:2; Ezek 18:4; I Pet 3:10-12). There will be recompense to both – the sinner shall be judged, and the righteous shall be rewarded (Pr 11:31; 13:21; 26:10; 28:10; Ps 37:9).

Planning evil is sin. God sees your desire as equal to the act, lacking only opportunity. Solomon wrote, “The thought of foolishness is sin” (Pr 24:9). Jesus condemned seeing and desiring another woman as adultery (Matt 5:28). Do not forget this sober lesson. Fantasies of sin are wrong; evil thoughts are wrong; devising sinful activities is wrong.

The Lord sees all the thoughts of every heart and rewards men accordingly (Jer 17:10; Heb 4:12-13). Because you have not committed the sin does not protect you – planning it in your heart is just as bad before God. He will judge you; it is a foolish error to think you can devise wickedness and avoid judgment by not going through with the actual event.

Lot planned success in Sodom, but it killed his wife and three daughters and reduced his other two daughters to incest. David thought he could have sex with Bathsheba and no one would be hurt, but it cost many lives and his own son. Amnon devised sex with his sister, but the act did not match his fantasies, and it cost him his life (II Sam 13:1-29).

Absalom conspired to steal the kingdom, but he ended up with darts in his heart (II Sam 18:14). Haman devised the annihilation of the Jews due to great hatred for Mordecai, but he and his sons died on his own gallows (Esth 7:10). More than forty Jews were very thirsty and hungry, for vowing not to eat or drink until they killed Paul (Acts 23:12).

The scribes and Pharisees left in shame after bringing an adulteress to Jesus to trap Him (John 8:1-11). Ananias and Sapphira devised to give a big gift to the church and keep some for themselves, but both died in the attempt. And the effeminate preachers of these perilous times shall have their corrupt devices exposed as vain babblings (II Tim 3:6-9).

Abraham devised good by sending his servant to find a godly wife for Isaac, who found Rebekah easily by God’s blessing of mercy and truth upon Abraham (Gen 24:27). David devised good in desiring to build God a house; and though Solomon built it, the Lord gave great promises of mercy and truth to David and his family (II Sam 7:1-19; 23:1-5).

Mercy and truth are great blessings individually, but especially when met together. “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Ps 85:10). When combined in a phrase, these two kind gifts of God indicate overall blessing.

These promised blessings are for those who devise good – who plan, arrange, and design good in their lives and by their lives. God’s promise is substantial. Set your heart and plans toward good – godly things for His kingdom – and you will receive the reward. What could you devise today that would be to God’s glory and/or the profit of others?

Are you liberal? in the Bible sense? It means to be bighearted, generous, munificent, and openhanded. By devising liberal things for God and His people, He will bless you in this world and in the world to come (Is 32:8; Pr 11:24; I Tim 6:17-19). He dared you to test Him, so plan and do some generous things and see His blessing (Mal 3:10; Luke 6:38).

Reader, how do you receive the preaching of God’s word? Do you devise in your heart that you will keep sinning and hide your sin? Postpone repentance and conversion? Harden yourself against the reproofs of the minister and Spirit? You will not escape. You err fatally, and you will be judged severely, as one to whom much was given.

Christian reader, if you devise in your heart to accept the correction and reproof of preaching, intending to implement it immediately and completely, do it, today. God will bless you with mercy and truth and the grace of Christ in your life (James 1:25). Choose this day to rule your thinking, planning, and devising only toward good and godly things.

What does Proverbs 14:22 mean?

This verse asks a rhetorical question to emphasize that those who plan to do sinful things are wandering away from truth. Scripture often points out the danger in that choice, both on earth (Psalm 7:14–16; Proverbs 5:22; 11:17) and in eternity (Proverbs 11:23; 12:7; Revelation 20:11–15). In contrast, those who follow God’s goodness more often experience good in this life and have corresponding hope in the next (John 3:36).

The sinner’s thinking is twisted. He thinks deceit and craftiness bring rich rewards, but such thinking is flawed. Plotting evil can bring temporary advantages (Psalm 73:2–3), but it always leads to divine judgment (Psalm 73:16–19). The civilization in Noah’s time plotted evil continually but was swept away in the flood God sent as judgment (Genesis 6:5–7). Noah stood in sharp contrast to that civilization and rode out the flood in the ark God had instructed him to build (Genesis 6:8).

Following the right path, the path of goodness (Proverbs 2:20; 12:2; Psalm 119:66–68), leads to a significant reward. Those who pursue good experience the unfailing love and faithfulness of God. Jeremiah describes this in Lamentations 3:22–23. He writes: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Context Summary

Proverbs 14:15–35 continues Solomon’s wise sayings, once again mostly contrasting the wicked and the upright. He points out that those who do evil, by rejecting God’s wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) are foolish and have no security. Those who do God’s will (Proverbs 3:5) are wise and have unfailing security.

Chapter Summary

This continues a series of literal “proverbs:” short statements of general-case wisdom. The first ten verses of this chapter contrast positive and negative traits related to work ethic, self-control, and seeking wisdom. Then come several verses contrasting the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked. The rest of this passage provides statements on a broad range of subjects

Psalm 31:14

New Living Translation

14 

But I am trusting you, O Lord,
    saying, “You are my God!”

For you o lord I put my trust you are god the lord you are always trustworthy you are God

Home » Christianity » Bible Study » But I Trust In You Lord – Psalm 31:14-16



But I Trust In You Lord – Psalm 31:14-16

Published on January 23, 2019 by Ed Jarrett
Last Updated on July 7, 2021

But I trust in you, Lord;
  I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hands;
  deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
  from those who pursue me.
Let your face shine on your servant;
  save me in your unfailing love.

Psalm 31:14-16 NIV

How do you respond when your world is falling apart? When you are being attacked from all sides and its hard to find the silver lining? This seems to be the condition David finds himself in as he composes this Psalm. And the condition is not unique to David. I suspect most people experience this at some time in their lives.

David’s response is instructive. Rather than wallow in despair and self pity, he chose to trust in the Lord. While his prayer included a request for deliverance, he trusted the timing of that deliverance to God. David was convinced of God’s love for him, and that he would deliver him from his oppressors.

It is often tempting to take matters into our own hands and seek a way out of our difficult circumstances. That is not to say that you should just sit back and do nothing. But it does mean that we should trust that God will deliver; and do so in his perfect time. He knows what I am going through. And he knows how best to see me through it, helping me to grow in the process. Trust in him. That can be very hard to do sometimes. But he loves you more than you can know.

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

God’s Word for You – Psalm 31:14-18 I say, “You are my God.”

APRIL 5, 2018

DAILY DEVOTION

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU
PSALM 31:14-18

Up to this point, David has prayed about his enemies and the troubles that surround him, “terror on every side.” Now he expresses his confident trust in God, just as we should.

14 But as for me, I trust in you, O LORD,
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hand.
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies
and from those who pursue me.
16 Let your face shine on your servant.
Save me in your mercy.

The simple creed “You are my God” was a favorite of David, who says it five or six times (Psalm 31:14; 63:1; 86:2; 140:6 and 143:10; it also occurs in the anonymous Psalm 118:28). Isaiah quotes the king in both halves of his book, once to proclaim law (Isaiah 44:17) and once to proclaim gospel (Isaiah 25:1). David’s faith and confidence soar in the wonderfully comforting “My times are in your hand.” He describes the Lord’s blessing and care like the sun coming out from behind a cloud: “Let your face shine on your servant.” We who wait a long time for spring to arrive remember how glorious it is to finally feel the warmth of the sun when that day finally arrives.

In the last line of verse 16, David prays, “Save me in your mercy.” The word hesed is sometimes mistranslated “love” or “loving-kindness,” but “mercy” is the right word in English. David reminds us by his confession that we are rescued from our enemies, especially sin, death and the devil, by the mercy of God. This mercy was expressed to its fullest in the crucifixion of Jesus, whose death paid the atoning price for our sin and guilt.

17 Do not let me be put to shame, O LORD,
for I call on you.
Let the wicked be put to shame,
let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let lying lips be silent,
those who speak insolently against the righteous
with pride and contempt.

Although we naturally want to pray for the conversion of our enemies to faith, and subsequently to welcome them into the family of believers as friends, there are times when this is impossible. In such cases, the believer may pray as David does, that God would condemn them and close their mouths so that they are no longer able to spread lies and slander about God and his people.

David’s argument is expressed simply, but let’s look at it by reversing the order of his words in verse 17: “Let the wicked be put to shame” (condemned) and may I not be put to shame (may I be taken to eternal life). David also describes the actions of the faithful both on earth and in heaven with the words, “I call on you.” To call on the name of the Lord is to proclaim what he has done, which is what the very earliest patriarchs did, which Moses describes: “Seth had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on the name of the Lord” (Genesis 4:26). Paul describes the family of believers with the same words: “all those everywhere who call on the name of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:2).

Those who do not do this, who don’t trust in God and who don’t put their faith in him, are the unbelievers who are condemned. When David says, “Let them be silent in the grave,” he means more than an earthly tomb. Those who are damned do not get the opportunity to preach their lies forever in hell. Their blasphemy is ended forever. Although such a scene as the rich man asking questions in hell is presented to us in Luke 16, that man says nothing that might offend God. He is capable of doing nothing at all except to suffer in his pain (Luke 16:23), to cry out for relief (Luke 15:24), to respect God and those who are in heaven (Luke 16:30), and to wish—perhaps in vain—that his loved ones would not follow him into hell (Luke 16:27-28).

Call on the name of the Lord with your words and with your actions, and know that he sent his Son to rescue you from your sins. Praise him for this every day.

In Christ,
Pastor Timothy Smith

Archives by Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel: http://www.wlchapel.org/worship/daily-devotion/
Pastor Smith serves St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, New Ulm, Minnesota

What Does Psalm 31:14 Mean? ►

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”

Psalm 31:14(ESV)

Verse Thoughts

This beautiful Psalm of David is a most graphic descriptor of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who like David was also a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief – and Who like His forefather was also a Man who trusted in the Lord His God, and rested His soul His heavenly Father.

David repeatedly recites the goodness of the Lord towards himself and rejoices in the loving-kindness of the God of His Salvation. He records the many times that the Lord seen and responded to the accusations, affliction and troubles that stalk his path and praises the Lord his God – Who puts to flight the enemies who secretly lay snares to entrap him.

Despite the long list of adversaries that seek his destruction, the sorrows and sighing that sap his strength and the slanderous conspiracies that are plotted against him, David is able to declare, but as for me, I trust in You, O Lord. I rejoice to say, “You are my God

The times in which we live are becoming increasingly difficult, causing the man or woman of God to cling ever closer to our God and Father. Let us rejoice in the Lord our God and proclaim with David. I trust in You O Lord – for You are my God.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the encouragement and lessons I can lean from the beautiful pictures of Jesus that are found in the book of Psalms. I trust in You and pray that day by day my soul may rest in Christ. Thank you for being my God and my my Father, My Lord and my Saviour, AMEN

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/psalm-31-14

VERSE OF THE DAY

1 John 4:18 (New Living Translation)

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Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.

18 There is no afear in blove; but perfect clove casteth out fear: because fear hath dtorment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Matthew 4:18

Matthew 4:18 is the eighteenth verse of the fourth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. Jesus has just begun preaching in Galilee. In this verse he encounters the first of his disciples.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us.”Nov 3, 2021

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”Jul 7, 2020

So “walking in love” is first and foremost a belief established in one’s heart that empowers and motivates the believer to live as Christ did. We need to follow His example, not as a mimic, but experientially believing what He believed and living in that belief.Mar 16, 2018

Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear. It is his punishment that makes a person fear. So his love is not made perfect in the one who has fear.

Agape (pronounced ah-gah-pay) is “unconditional love with reverence,” and was taught as the greatest love by the earliest Christians. This love is God’s love – regardless of what the person does for us, whether or not they’re attractive, or whether or not they are our equal.Jan 18, 2007

What does 1 John 4:18 mean?

John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love
In the love of the brethren; where that is, there is no fear: so far as that prevails and gains ground, fear removes; not the filial fear of God, the new covenant grace of fear, which is the beginning of wisdom, and is consistent with faith, hope, love, and spiritual joy; but either the fear of men, which brings a snare: those that truly love Christ, his Gospel, and his people, they are not afraid of men; the spirit of power, love, and of a sound mind, is opposite to a spirit of fear, nor can they stand together; and such strength there is sometimes in brotherly love, that the saints are not afraid of death itself, but freely lay down their lives for one another; see ( 1 John 3:16 ) ; or it may be rather, that they are not afraid of the day of judgment, and of hell and damnation; where hatred of the brethren has place, there is a fear and dread of these things, as were in Cain; but those that love the brethren, they know they are passed from death to life, and shall not enter into condemnation, and therefore are in no fear of any of these things:

but perfect love casteth out fear;
when love to the brethren appears to be perfect, that is, genuine and sincere, and a man knows that from the bottom of his heart he sincerely loves the saints, he concludes from hence, as he may, the truth of his faith, which works in this way; and this frees him from the fears of men and devils, and of the future judgment and wrath to come. The Jews have a saying {w},

“worthy is his portion that rules over the place of fear, for lo, there is nothing that rules over the degree of “fear” but “love”.”

Because fear hath torment:

it distresses a man, fills him with anguish, and makes him restless and uneasy, and keeps him in servitude; through the fear of men, of the devil, death, judgment, and hell, he is all his lifetime, or as long as this fear lasts, subject to bondage: or “fear has punishment”, as it may be rendered, and is by the Vulgate Latin version; it is a punishment itself to a man; and its being criminal deserves punishment, and is punishable; see ( Revelation 21:8 ) ;

he that feareth is not made perfect in love;
or “by love”; that is, he that is possessed, and under the power of a servile fear of punishment, is one who is not, by the love to the brethren, made to appear to himself to be a sincere lover of God, and true believer in Christ; for was he, he would not be in fear of destruction and death, since whoever truly loves God, and believes in Christ, shall certainly be saved; though such persons, at times, may not be without their doubts and fears.

What does 1 John 4:18 mean?

When we experience God’s love in our lives and share it with others, we do not need to fear. The future punishment that awaits those who do not believe does not concern the “abiding” believer. The two-way relationship of God’s love in our lives gives us confidence and security. The ability to live out His love is a sign of our faith in Him, and the way for us to follow His will in order to gain eternal rewards.

Fear is associated with punishment. The believer has been fully forgiven of sins. The one who knows Christ in true fellowship lives for Him and does not need to fear future punishment. The person who experiences fear “has not been perfected in love.” In other words, those who fear punishment don’t have a complete or mature relationship with God. This certainly applies to unbelievers, but can also include believers who are not growing in Christ. It is the growing, maturing believer who can look forward to the future with joy rather than fear.

Context Summary

First John 4:11–19 is the backbone of John’s letter. The primary way Christians are to be recognized is by love. This is not merely what we feel, but what we do for others. True, godly love is the most powerful evidence of being ”born again” as a child of God. This love comes from God, who loved us before we loved Him. When we live in obedience to God, according to love, we can be confident in our relationship with Him, and have no need to fear His judgment.

Chapter Context

Chapter 4 warns Christians not to accept every claim they hear. Instead, believers are to compare what they hear to the basic truths of the gospel. John then returns to the theme of love, explaining how believer ought to live out the presence of God’s love in their lives. In addition, living according to God’s love takes away our fear of judgment. In no uncertain terms, those who claim to love God, but hate others, are liars.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

New Living Translation

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2TIMOTHY 3:16-17

Review

Paul has been telling Timothy that people will speculate about the truth and believe wrong things about the truth. People will argue about the truth. People will be haters of the truth, and oppose the truth. He tells Timothy to continue on in the truth, saying,

2Tim. 3:14-15 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them; and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Now, he continues that thought in verse 16.

3:16-17 All Scripture Is Inspired

All Scripture is inspired by God. All of it. The proverb says,

Prov. 30:5-6 Every word of God is tested…

Jesus said,

Matt. 4:4 …”It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'”

Every word of the Bible is there by the inspiration of God.

But of course, skeptics have always abounded. People who doubt that the Word of God is really the Word of God.

A perfect example is the group called the Jesus Seminar. This group began in 1985 with 30 so-called “scholars” (now over 200), with the supposed mission of exploring the “historic Jesus.” Of course, what they had really set out to do was to convince the rest of the world that their unbelief in the Bible was valid. They have examined the words and works of Jesus as written in the Bible, and voted on what was really true. Using colored beads, they vote on passages of Scripture. Regarding the works of Jesus, a red bead means that “the historical reliability of this information is virtually certain. It is supported by a preponderance of evidence.” A pink bead means that “this information is probably reliable. It fits well with other evidence that is verifiable.” A gray bead means that “this information is possible but unreliable. It lacks supporting evidence.” And finally, a black bead states that “this information is improbable. It does not fit verifiable evidence; it is largely or entirely fictive.”

The same system is used for assessing the words of Jesus:

“Red: Jesus undoubtedly said this or something very like it.

Pink: Jesus probably said something like this.

Gray: Jesus did not say this, but the ideas contained in it are close to his own.

Black: Jesus did not say this; it represents the perspective or content of a later or different tradition.”

Then they published “The Gospel of Jesus – According to the Jesus Seminar,” which makes the audacious claim, “What would a truly original gospel look like—a gospel cleared of the interpretation and embellishment of the evangelists, a gospel that contained only the words and deeds of the historical Jesus? The Gospel of Jesus is that gospel.”

These people have truly personified what the book of Romans says,

Rom. 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

Lots of people will claim that they don’t accept the Bible as the Word of God, and give many reasons – some ludicrous, some very intellectual-sounding. But the fact is, their rejection of the Word is really based on one thing: if the Word of God is true, then they’re accountable for what it says.

I’ve never met a person that said, “I really want to know God, but I’m not sure that I can trust the Bible.” And if they are out there, I imagine that that’s a good place to be. After all, the Lord said,

Deut. 4:29 “But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find {Him} if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.

If a person is coming from that direction, it is certainly simple enough to prove that God wrote the Bible, and that every detail is accurate. Whether you approach it from archaeology, history, science, or prophecy, the Bible is always 100% right, 100% of the time.

As a matter of fact, my own conversion to Christianity was as a result of being shown in a simple, intellectual manner that God was outside of time, and writing down the future long before it happened. That proved to me that God existed and that I was accountable to Him.

So, because all Scripture is inspired by God, we have to ask ourselves what is it here for?

God has written a book, sent us message, mailed a letter for us to read. The words in it speak directly to us – to our hearts, to our situations, to our lives right where we’re at.

Saints, the Scripture is so valuable, we should – we must – pay close attention to it. There are so many things that it addresses – answers to life’s questions, solutions for today’s problems. Indeed, it is profitable for many things – and Paul makes a list here.

Teaching

The first value that Paul lists regarding the profit of Scripture is teaching. There is a lot of teaching happening in the world today, and much of what is being taught is wrong. Your children are being taught that evolution is truth. Your teenagers are being taught that sexuality is something to be freely explored, without the confines of morality. Your neighbors are being taught that good is bad and bad is good.

Even the church is being taught worldly ideas that are not from Scripture. But if Paul says that all Scripture is profitable for teaching, then that’s what I want to teach! I know the value that teaching Scripture has. I know the profit that it produces in your life.

I know that when I teach you the Word of God, that you are:

– learning more about how much God loves you

– understanding more about God’s plans for you

– gaining knowledge to answer questions that people approach you with

– being protected from cults and false teachers.

Reproof & Correction

Now, the Word is not just for teaching. It is also for reproof and correction. We all have times that we need to be set straight, to be directed back onto the right path.

The Word of God is profitable for bringing a brother or sister to the mirror of the truth and saying, “do you see what you’re doing to yourself? Do you see how you’re hurting this other person? Do you understand that this is sin that needs to be repented of?”

James wrote,

James 5:19-20 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth, and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.

Saints, when someone comes to you in love and mercifully shows you in the Word where you are doing wrong, they are demonstrating the heart of God. They desire repentance for you – not so that they can be right, but so that you will be saved from death, and your sins covered.

Training In Righteousness

The Word is also profitable for training in righteousness. When you read or hear the Word of God, the definition of righteousness quickly becomes evident to you.

– You understand what God is desiring in your life

– You see the example of Jesus in his words and deeds.

– You see the precedent set by normal people who desired to live righteously.

There is no better training for righteousness than the Word of God.

Adequate

If you are taught the Word, reproved and corrected by the Word, and trained in righteousness by the Word, then you are adequate. Nowadays, the word adequate sounds like somewhere between “fair” and “poor.” But the word in Greek means “complete.” In other words, if you are learned in, corrected by, and trained with the Scriptures, that’s all you need to be completely equipped as a Christian. You don’t need any other books or videos. You don’t need a seminary degree, and you don’t need to attend a seminar. All you need is the Word of God.

Peter wrote,

2Pet. 1:3 …His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him…

The Word is the vehicle that God uses to teach us, to speak to us, to educate us, to set standards for us. We find the true knowledge of Him through the Bible. And that true knowledge of Him gives us everything we need for life and godliness.

Equipped For Every Good Work

When we’re complete with the Word, we’re fully equipped. Equipped for every good work. And that is the purpose of the church: equipping the saints for the work by educating the saints with the Word.

This is why Paul wrote,

Eph. 4:11-13 And He gave some {as} apostles, and some {as} prophets, and some {as} evangelists, and some {as} pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith…

My job is to equip you. If I simply telling funny stories, show you a video, talk about the political convention, or the latest news on TV, you’re not being equipped by the Word.

When the apostle Paul knew that he would never be in Ephesus again, he called the elders together for a final meeting. He gave them a very moving farewell address.

He said,

Acts 20:22-26 “And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose (counsel) of God.

Paul had equipped the Ephesians with all the Scriptures.

I hope that someday when I’m lying on my deathbed, or in my parting speech, that I will be able to say the same thing: “Saints, I taught you every Word in the Bible. You know the Lord, you know what He’s spoken. You’re fully equipped to do His will.”

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Copyright © 1998–2022 Ron Daniel. Any distribution not for profit is permitted. All Scripture (unless otherwise indicated) taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.Oct 27, 2020



Back to the Word of God

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Goal of Discipleship

Paul J. Bucknell
_________________________

The Bible Teaching Commentary

Purpose

2 Timothy 3:16-17 shows the power and purpose that God has for His Word, the Bible, in our lives. This becomes the Goal of Discipleship for our lives.

The Goal of Discipleship

The goal of discipleship is to have God’s Word impact every aspect of our lives so that we might accomplish the purposes for which we were designed.

Every finely crafted tool is designed for a purpose. We might pride ourselves in possessing of a certain tool, but its true benefit is seen not in the possession of it but in the utilization of it.



The tool is able to do jobs that no other tool can do.

The glory of the tool in seeing it be used for its end purpose. Similarly, God’s people are looking for the power of God to work in their lives through His Word so that they might live for what they were made. The apostle in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 perfectly captures this aspect of Christian living.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for
teaching,
for reproof,
for correction,
for training in righteousness;
that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
(2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Source

“All Scripture”

All 66 books of the Bible are God’s special resources to provide instruction and empower us to live out God’s good will in our lives.

There are many sources of knowledge all about us. It increases day by day. If you have a Bible, however, no matter how old and worn it may be, it outshines all the other resources one might have.

Even if we do manage to gain other resources, never let your great trust in God’s Word diminish. The purpose of other books should be to allow God to speak clearer to us through His Word and the world.

The Means

“Inspired
by God”

We need a close relationship with God and help from the Holy Spirit to rightly discern and apply God’s reliable Word to our lives.

The proper use of God’s Word requires a proper relationship with God Himself. The Holy Spirit is the interpreter and illuminator of His Word. If we have hidden sin or deep resentment built up in our hearts against God or others, we cannot expect to find that stream of God’s grace through the power of His Word enter our minds. Our souls are not readied for it or even desire it at that point.

God desires to fill us with all knowledge and power to do His mighty will. The Word of God belongs to Him and was especially give to us to accomplish His good and greater purposes in and through our lives.

Four Purposes

(1)
“for teaching“

Doctrinal truth. Right thinking about God, the world, man, etc.

We cannot understand God, God’s world and the things in the world apart from His instruction. General revelation, those things which we can observe with our senses, are wonderful in giving clues about God and the world He made, but they fall far short of giving us the necessary understanding of good, evil, spiritual matters, God’s person, etc. In order to live good and proper lives on earth.

We need God’s Word to give much greater understanding of His person, plans and purposes. By instructing us as to what exists and the purposes for which they exist, God gives us faith to have confidence in what we would otherwise possess. This faith becomes a basic framework by which we perceive God, others and the world. This teaching is essential and for this reason alone we should compel ourselves to send out teachers of God’s Word to everyone everywhere.

(2)
“for reproof”

Convicts us of our wrong thoughts and ways.

God’s Spirit not only teaches about what is but also helps us be aware when we have not properly responded to that truth (doctrine). For example, we might learn that man is made in the image of man. If we mistreat our wives, then we will sense the Holy Spirit making us aware of our pang of guilt. More than this, He tells us the reason we feel such a way when we have yelled at our wives. “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8).

(3)
“for correction”

Straightens us up – back to the standard.

God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit is not only interested in telling us of our wrong actions and motivations. He is there to build us up. The Spirit again uses the Word of God to build us up back to where we should be. Here we can see the difference of the Spirit and the evil one. The evil one would keep us feeling guilty so that we give up while the Spirit of God encourages us through teachings about forgiveness and restoration how to find His peace. He then straightens out our perspective that we would not need to fall anymore.

Think of how Jesus encouraged Peter after his betrayal. This is the ministry of the Spirit of Christ to build us up so that He might fill and use us.

(4)
“for training”

Combines life events and instruction to actually bring about godly life changes.

The Spirit of God carefully uses the Word of God to train us to rightly live in relationship to others. God does not just teach us to know that we should have a good marriage but trains us to have a good one.

The word (paideia) used here for training is the same general word used for the way parents train their children. This word includes in it the sense of chastisement along with positive instruction.

Summary: “in righteousness”

All four aspects are used for one purpose: for righteousness.

They all (teaching, reproof, correction, and training) are used to help us live in a right relationship with God and others. Since each of these four have the same preposition in front of it, it seems conclusive that all four work together towards the same righteous goal. Without either the Word of God or the Holy Spirit active in our lives, we can not grow much in our Christian lives.

The evil one purposes either (1) to keep God’s Word away from us or (2) distracted by temptation and sin so that the Spirit cannot bring the Word of God deep into our lives.

This purpose of righteousness is important but not the end of the process. Anyone that understands righteousness will immediately recognize that righteous living enables a person to rightly live in relationship with God and others, but there are other purposes for our lives that are built upon our righteous lives. Righteous living, then is the foundation for effective ministries. This is discussed in the next section.

The Goals

“Adequate”

God’s Word is sufficient to help us be wise and godly people.

2 Timothy 3:17 begins with the word ‘that’ which introduces a purpose clause. As discussed above, the ‘man of God’ is a righteous man. He is the one that reflects God’s ways. The Spirit of God is able to work in and through these men of God. He uses two words to describe the way God further prepares these men of God for His work.

The task for which God has called us will regularly overwhelm us. At every crucial point of ministry, we will feel inadequate in and of ourselves. Note Paul’s difficulties. “For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within” (2 Corinthians 7:5).

God’s Spirit does not only equip us for righteous living but also for the spiritual battle that we are called to serve in. We are assaulted from each and every side, and yet the Spirit of God comes back and encourages us in the ministry of carrying out the works of Jesus through our lives.

“Equipped”

God’s Word equips us so that He can do His divine work through our lives.

While the word ‘adequate’ seems to speak more of our faith and emotional confidence toward God, the word ‘equipped’ addresses our competency.

Those ministering to any poor and needy person will find that he needs extra wisdom, endurance and faith. God equips us through His mighty Word. We need to be careful not to trust in ourselves and experiences but to diligently discern how the Spirit of God would equip us as He did for Jesus Christ during His life on earth (John 12:49).

Jesus warned His disciples not to plan ahead how they were to defend themselves in a time of persecution because the Spirit of God would help them in such a time (Matthew 10:19-20). How we need the Word of God to be deeply implanted in our lives!

Check out other quality BFF materials related to the above topics.

Word of God

2 Timothy 3:16-17: Back to the Word of God shows the power purpose that God has for His Word, the Bible, in our lives. This becomes the Goal of Discipleship for our lives.

God’s Word and Truth … Psalm 119 is a study on the usage of ‘truth’ in Psalm 119.

God’s Powerful Word: Discipleship Level 2: Reaching Beyond …. Many Christians are not sure how God’s Word is suppose to help them in their daily lives. God’s Powerful Word, part 2/5, shows how the Lord builds our faith …

Psalm 19:7-12 The Word of God – Living Commentary on Psalms is part 3/3 of Journeying Closer to God With a Study in Imagery and is a Biblical exposition of Psalm 19:7-12.

A Conspiracy Against the Word of God? is part of ‘The Origins of the Bible’ series which answers an allegation as to whether the modern versions adulterate …

Training in the family
Ephesians 6:4 Obedience requires training ‘discipline and …
This word ‘paideia’ is the root word for several words regarding children such as pediatrics. This word describes the whole process of training including …


Biblical Parenting Principles: Discipline (Chastisement): Loving …. ‘Discipline’ (paideia) refers to the whole method of training a child. That would include chastisement as well as education. The English word ‘training’ is …

Click to continue on other Discipleship articles

Three Stages of Discipleship
The Heart of True Discipleship (Isaiah 50:4-7)
The Plan of Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2)
Seven Principles to Spirit Dependent Teaching
Combating Spiritual Decline
Understanding the Cycle of Decline and Revival (Judges 2)
Determining your place in the cycle of growth
Discipling your sons: The why and way (8)
Reviving your Personal Devotions (15)
Spiritual Warfare: General Principles
THE FLOW: The whole process by which disciples grow as a church or individually.

What does 2 Timothy 3:16 mean?

After noting the importance of the “sacred writings” for wisdom for salvation in the previous verse, Paul makes one of the most important and frequently-quoted statements in the entire Bible: “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” The “All Scripture” in this case most specifically referred to the Old Testament, since the full New Testament did not yet exist. At the time Paul wrote these words, books such as the Gospel of John and Revelation had not yet been written. However, this principle would still apply to all Scripture given by God, including the 27 books of the New Testament. New Testament writers recognized Scripture even as it was written (2 Peter 3:15–16).

The description here of God’s word is the Greek theopneustos. This is very literally translated as “God-breathed.” Human authors put the words to paper, through their own personal perspectives and styles. But the ultimate source of this information is not human, but divine. The Greek language makes this particular description even more layered. The Greek root word pneo is used for wind, breath, a spirit, or “the” Spirit. This is a wordplay Jesus uses when speaking to Nicodemus (John 3:8). In a symbolic sense, in Greek, the word Paul uses is a model of the Bible itself: an extension of God’s will, formed out of His spirit, in written form.

As such, this written Scripture is perfect (Psalm 19; 119). Because all Scripture is perfect, it is “profitable” for many areas of life. Paul lists four areas in this verse. First, Scripture is profitable for teaching. It is to be used to instruct people to know God better. Second, Scripture is profitable for reproof or rebuke, the idea of exposing or pointing out sin. Third, Scripture is useful for correction. Scripture both points out sin and offers a solution to it. Fourth, Scripture is profitable for training in righteousness. Though similar to teaching, training is more focused on practical application. From Scripture we learn what is true, what is wrong, how to correct wrong, and how to apply truth.

Context Summary

Second Timothy 3:10–17 draws a strong contrast between the worldly, wicked behaviors of false teachers, and the conduct Timothy has seen from Paul. Not only has Timothy seen Paul’s suffering for the sake of Christ first-hand, he has often experienced it alongside his friend, as well. This adds to the validity of Paul’s teachings, which he strongly encourages Timothy to hold to. Above all, Timothy is to rely on the most secure, reliable, unchanging defense against error and false teaching: the ”God-breathed,” inspired, written Scriptures.

Chapter Summary

Paul introduces himself, then recaps Timothy’s path to becoming a minister. He reminds Timothy of how his family brought him up in the faith, and then how Timothy served faithfully with Paul in the past. Paul then focuses on two primary ideas. First, that Timothy’s background in the faith should give him the courage to stand fast against hard times. Second, that Timothy should use that courage to defend the truth of the gospel message. Paul will use these points and examples as the foundation for the rest of his letter

What does 2 Timothy 3:17 mean?

Paul concludes this chapter and section on Scripture stating that it can make the “man of God” “complete” and “equipped for every good work.” The description “man of God” was used in the Old Testament of Moses (Deuteronomy 33:1), Samuel (1 Samuel 9:6), and other prophets (1 Kings 12:22). The term is not as common in the New Testament. There, only Timothy is referred to as a man of God. In addition to this verse, Paul uses the phrase regarding Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:11.

The man of God is helped by Scripture in two areas. First, he “may be complete,” a term referring to maturity. Timothy’s study and application of Scripture would make him a mature Christian man who could successfully lead other believers. Second, he would be “equipped for every good work.” Regardless of the need, Timothy would have the worldview he needed to properly live out his faith. It is accurate biblical understanding that better enhances biblical application to life’s issues.

Context Summary

Second Timothy 3:10–17 draws a strong contrast between the worldly, wicked behaviors of false teachers, and the conduct Timothy has seen from Paul. Not only has Timothy seen Paul’s suffering for the sake of Christ first-hand, he has often experienced it alongside his friend, as well. This adds to the validity of Paul’s teachings, which he strongly encourages Timothy to hold to. Above all, Timothy is to rely on the most secure, reliable, unchanging defense against error and false teaching: the ”God-breathed,” inspired, written Scriptures.

Chapter Summary

Paul introduces himself, then recaps Timothy’s path to becoming a minister. He reminds Timothy of how his family brought him up in the faith, and then how Timothy served faithfully with Paul in the past. Paul then focuses on two primary ideas. First, that Timothy’s background in the faith should give him the courage to stand fast against hard times. Second, that Timothy should use that courage to defend the truth of the gospel message. Paul will use these points and examples as the foundation for the rest of his letter

Verse of the Day

Romans 13:9-10

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Gods law lays out commandments they are as followed he teaches us

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Love does not harm another neighbor Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. God’s law is love.

What does Romans 13:9 mean?

Paul has written in the previous verse that the person who loves another has fulfilled the law. Now he begins to explain what he meant by that statement.

As an example of the entire law, Paul lists four of the Ten Commandments, those forbidding adultery, murder, stealing, and coveting. Paul then adds the statement “and any other command.” This is the equivalent of the modern “etcetera,” or “etc.” He has in mind all the commands included in the law, especially those about human relationships.

All those commands can be summed up in the word “love” from the command in Leviticus 19:18, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” As Paul will show in the following verse, you cannot love someone and murder them or cheat on them or steal from them or covet their belongings. In this way, if we will obey the command to love our neighbors, we will fulfill all the other commands by default.

Context Summary

Romans 13:8–14 describes the Christian obligation to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. To do this is to fulfill the law of Moses, because love itself never hurts anyone. The time has come for believers to cast off any works of darkness, including drunkenness, immorality, and jealousy. Instead, we should live as people who walk in the light, taking on the spiritual armor of light and Christ Himself.

Chapter Summary

Romans 13 tackles three big areas that living-sacrifice Christians must address. First, since God puts every human authority in place to serve His purposes, Christians must submit to them; this idea comes with a particular context. Second, we must love our neighbors as ourselves. Third, we are called to live as people of the light and throw off works of darkness like drunkenness, sexual immorality, and jealousy. We are to take on the armor of light against the darkness and, in fact, take on Christ Himself instead of serving our own desires

What does Romans 13:10 mean?

In verse 8, Paul made the statement that those who love have fulfilled the law. He concludes his explanation of what that means in this verse.

Paul showed previously that we will, by default, end up keeping the whole law if we simply obey the command to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Leviticus 19:18). Now he makes it clearer still: When we are acting in love, we will never hurt anyone. Thus, love fulfills the intention of every other commands given to protect people from harm.

We should be careful, though, not to read Paul’s words here to mean that the command to love our neighbors has now become the equivalent of the law of Moses. Paul is not teaching that if we succeed in loving others, we will obtain on our own the righteousness of God. Paul has been extremely clear that those who are in Christ have died to the law and have been released from the law (Romans 7:4–6).

Nor is Paul’s command suggesting that anything which displeases or bothers another is, by definition, unloving. For example, Christians are commanded to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15); truths such as the reality of our sin are sometimes hard to hear. What Paul means is that acts of love—in and of themselves—are not a source of harm. When we act for others’ best interests, we’re not doing anything to harm them.

Paul’s point here is that those who are in Christ are called to keep on loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. If we were able to do so perfectly—which we are not—we would perfectly keep the law—which we can’t. That distinction is one Paul has already addressed in this letter (Romans 3:10; 7:22–23).

Context Summary

Romans 13:8–14 describes the Christian obligation to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. To do this is to fulfill the law of Moses, because love itself never hurts anyone. The time has come for believers to cast off any works of darkness, including drunkenness, immorality, and jealousy. Instead, we should live as people who walk in the light, taking on the spiritual armor of light and Christ Himself.

Chapter Summary

Romans 13 tackles three big areas that living-sacrifice Christians must address. First, since God puts every human authority in place to serve His purposes, Christians must submit to them; this idea comes with a particular context. Second, we must love our neighbors as ourselves. Third, we are called to live as people of the light and throw off works of darkness like drunkenness, sexual immorality, and jealousy. We are to take on the armor of light against the darkness and, in fact, take on Christ Himself instead of serving our own desires

What Does Romans 13:10 Mean? ►

Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 13:10(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

Christian conduct touches on every area of life. It should affect all we say and do at home, at work, in the community, or when we are completely alone. In Roman 13, Paul gives some important instruction on Christian conduct in two areas – the way we behave towards the government and how we should conduct ourselves towards our neighbour.

Paul makes it crystal clear that, “love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.”  We are commanded to do no evil towards the people we meet in everyday life and to love them in practical ways. Loving the people that cross our path experientially, day by day, living a life of integrity and showing consideration towards others is the mark of a true believer who is walking in spirit, in truth, and in love.

Both secular souls and those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ will often quote, “The Golden Rule” which is, “love your neighbour as yourself.” It was first written in Leviticus by Moses and was quoted and expounded by the Lord Jesus, and this command is further referenced in the letter to the Romans. While the Mosaic Law was given to Israel, and Christ’s ministry was to the Jew first, Paul calls on Christians to follow this Golden Rule as well, for in so doing we will live a life that is well-pleasing to the Lord, honours our Father in heaven, “and is the fulfilment of God’s Law.”

“Do no wrong to one’s neighbour”, may sound a very simple principle to perform, but on deeper reflection we realise it is an enormous undertaking that would prove to be impossible without God’s sufficient strength. To do no wrong to one’s neighbour covers every word we say, every action we undertake, every attitude we express, and every motive in the secret depths of our heart, that God alone can see. 

Knowing that the Church, which began at Pentecost, is NOT under the Law but under grace, begs the question – WHY did Paul appeal to the Mosaic Law when promoting the Golden Rule and saying, “Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.”  Well, we need look no further than Christ’s closing command to the Church – “LOVE, as I have loved. By THIS shall all men know that you are My disciples.”

When the Mosaic Law commanded Israel to, “love your neighbour as yourself”,  the Law laid out a very specific instruction for the people to follow, to DEMONSTRATE that they loved their neighbour. The people of Israel were legally bound to fulfil each and every Law of love found in the Mosaic Law, and if they broke one of the commands they broke them all. As James teaches, “whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.”

An Israelite who stole from his neighbour would have broken the 8th commandment, which breaks the law to love your neighbour. The Jew, who lied about his fellow Jew, would have broken the Mosaic Law, as it shows a lack of love towards his neighbour, and a farmer, who refused to leave stalks of wheat in his field for the poor to gather, would have broken the Law of gleaning – which similarly would break the Mosaic Law on LOVING their neighbour. 

Israel were to practice love by obeying all the laws of Moses. The Church, however, are not under the Law but under grace. The Church is not given a list of things to DO, in order to fulfil the law of love towards our neighbour. We are given the broad principle to LOVE, and love does no wrong to a neighbour. At the end of His ministry, the Lord Jesus gave a new commandment to the Church, which condenses this important law of love, into one simple command, “LOVE one another as I have loved you – by THIS shall all men know that you are My disciples.”

Paul reminds us that when we love others in the same way that Jesus loved us we fulfil the whole of God’s law, “for love is the fulfillment of the law.” And James calls this the ROYAL Law, and it should govern every aspect of our lives. BUT we can only love as Jesus loves when we are walking in spirit and truth and allowing HIM to lead and guide every word we say, every action we undertake, every attitude we express and every motive of our heart. 

And Paul, in his book of Galatians, expresses it this way, “bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfil the law of Christ.”  In a world where the love of many has grown cold, may we fulfil Christ’s command to love our neighbour as He loves, and do him no wrong, as we submit to the leading of the Spirit and carry out God’s will for our lives.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/romans-13-10

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/romans-13-10

Love is the Fulfillment of the Law—Romans 13:8-10

March 29, 2010

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“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,”  and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:8-10)

Love is an incredible thing. Love is what initiated God’s redemption plan for us. Perhaps the most well known verse in the entire Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” ( John 3:16 ). Because of God’s great love for us God sent Jesus into humanity to recue mankind from the power of darkness and bring us into fellowship with Him. In the same way, as believers, we ought to love one another, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” ( I John 4:7-8 ). Our love for each other shows that be belong to the truth because “God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” ( I John 4:12 ).

Paul reminds us in today’s passage that we are to leave “no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another”. As believers we should owe no man. We should be free from the bondage of debt. We should pay in full for the things we have and the thing we buy. This goes back to the previous verses identifying that we should pay what we owe, whether taxes, salaries, honor or respect ( Romans 13:7 ). The only debt that we should have is the debt to love one another. This obligation comes out of the realization of what Christ did for us. Once we understand how he overcame every barrier that sin put between us to bring us back into a restored relationship with the Father, it gives us a new perspective about our fellow mankind. We didn’t deserve His grace or His mercy but because He loved us we received both. In the same way, because he loved us we should also extend both grace and mercy to each other.

The amazing thing about this is that Paul said this love we extend to one another fulfills and summarizes the rest of the law. All of these commandments hinge on how we treat others. If we love then we will not murder, steal and covet our neighbor’s things. Love fulfills the intent of the law because all things can be summarized and fulfilled by love. Paul said in I Corinthians 13: 3, if I have not love, I am nothing. Love will never do harm to one another, therefore it meets all the requirements of the law.

When questioned about the Law Jesus recited the exact same observation. “One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”  ( Mark 12:28-31 ). By loving God with everything we are, we fulfill the law because we are looking to him for grace and mercy. This love equips and enables us to love one another in a deep and genuine way, showing that we are walking in His truth. This is the only debt that we should owe, the debt to love one another because “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” ( I John 4:7 ).

Today, I am thankful that God is love. I rejoice that he demonstrated His incredible love for us in the person of Jesus Christ. I am forever changed because of this love and I know that it extends to those around me because he has enabled me to love deeply. Today, I pray that you let His love flow through you and touch those around you. May you be a blessing and a light for His kingdom in this dark world, amen.

Romans 13:9

For this, thou shalt not commit adultery
The apostle here reckons up the several laws of the second table, with this view, that it might appear that so far as a man loves his neighbour, whether more near or distantly related, he fulfils the law, or acts according to it. He omits the first of these, the fifth commandment, either because he had urged this before, so far as it may be thought to regard magistrates; or because, according to the division of the Jews, who reckon five commands to each table, this belonged to the first: and he puts the seventh before the sixth, which is of no great moment; the order of things being frequently changed in the Scripture, and which is often done by Jewish writers, in alleging and citing passages of Scripture; and with whom this is a maxim, (hrwtb rxwamw Mdqwm Nya) , “that there is no first nor last in the law” {c}; that is, it is of no importance which stands first or last in it: it follows,

thou shall not kill, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false
witness, thou shalt not covet;
which are the sixth, eighth, ninth, and tenth commands of the decalogue, ( Exodus 20:13 Exodus 20:15-17 ) :

and if there be any other commandment;
of God, respecting the neighbour, either in the decalogue, as there was the fifth, ( Exodus 20:12 ) , or elsewhere, the apostle repeating this by memory:

it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, thou shall love
thy neighbour as thyself;
see ( Leviticus 19:18 ) ; this is the summary and epitome of them; so Christ reduces the laws of the first table to the head of love to God, and those of the second to the head of love to the neighbour, ( Matthew 22:37-39 ) , as the apostle does here, and in ( Galatians 5:14 ) , and the Apostle James, in ( James 2:8 ) .

Love fulfills the law. If we love one another we can live righteously and harmoniously with each other. Jesus said the same thing, that in loving God and one another we fulfill the law. We have an obligation, we owe it to each other, to love one another.

Paul is telling his audience of believers in Rome what righteous, harmonious living through faith looks like. One of the essential aspects of harmonious living is to love on another. Even though Paul just told us to obey the rules of the government, there is a higher law that will always be appropriate, no matter the circumstance. In these verses, Paul is reiterating what Jesus said, that he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. In Matthew 22:33-40, a lawyer asks Jesus what the greatest commandment is. Jesus responds with the two greatest commandments, to love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind—and to love others as you love yourself. Jesus goes on to state that these two commandments cover the entire law. Paul restates this, by showing his audience that if you love your neighbor you will do no wrong to them. You won’t steal, covet, murder, or do any wrong to them if you truly love them. Because of this, Paul makes it clear that living a harmonious life through faith involves loving one another.

Therefore, as we go about obeying the laws of the government, we should be looking to fulfill an even higher law, and that is to love others. That means serving others. In the USA, part of serving others is to exercise good stewardship of our citizenship and see that the government and its laws are done in accordance with the law of man and of God. This can require a lot of sacrifice, but that is service to both God and man.

Paul tells his readers that the only thing we should owe one another is love. The whole letter of Romans has entailed a debate about faith vs. law; what does God care about: us trusting in Him, or us following rules? Paul has demonstrated why it is faith that leads to righteous living, and through living harmoniously with one another in faith. Paul lists some of the most famous parts of the Old Testament Law: You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet, and if there is any other commandment, and he says all these rules can be summed up in this saying, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. If we love one another, we won’t harm each other in all the various ways that humans hurt each other. We’ll be at peace with one another. Love does no wrong to a neighbor, therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Paul tells the believers in Galatia the same thing in his letter to them, that the law is fulfilled when we love each other (5:14).

Biblical Text

8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9 For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

VERSE OF THE DAY

Proverbs 17:9 (New Living Translation)

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Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

Forgive someone, and you will strengthen your friendship and bond. Keep reminding them, and you will destroy it and could loose the relationship and bond.

Proverbs 17:19 thus shows that those making their entryway high are courting disaster by prizing themselves above their real worth. This proverb could also allude to the mouth as an entryway raised high by boastful and arrogant speech. Such talk fosters strife and can eventually lead the proud person to disaster.

Proverbs 17:9 Meaning of Separates Close Friends

Jun 25, 2020 by Editor in Chief

Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”

Explanation and Commentary of Proverbs 17:9

Fostering love is the goal of the Christian. One sure way to do that is to be the stopgap for information that would sow discord among brothers. It is a simple and powerful way to be a force for good in a world that loves to see a conflict. On the other hand, repeating a confidential matter, or simply a matter that will sow discord gives satan a foothold to oppose love.

Why would anyone do that? For some, it is a way to build a connection with another, however cheap, and gives them a short-term emotional payoff, though with a long-term consequence. Many who engage in this behavior would like to forego such action but lack the self-discipline to refrain. Others don’t see any moral problem at all with the activity. They are the foolish tools of the evil one.



If you see that you are often tempted to repeat confidential matters for any reason at all, ask the Lord to instead make you an instrument of peace, one who fosters love between people by letting incendiary information stop with you, giving satan no way in to “separate close friends.”

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Proverbs 17:9

#1 “Whoever would foster love…”
Is this not one of the main jobs of the representative of Jesus? Many Christians dream about ways to bring love into the world, all the while missing a simple way to accomplish it.



#2 “…covers over an offense,”
Chances to be offended abound, especially for one who is sensitive to any perceived slight. The first thing necessary is a strongly rooted identity in Christ Jesus, rather than in the opinions of other people. Those that don’t have this are likely to run and tell another friend when they have been upset, especially if it involves that friend. Rather than fostering love, this creates hard feelings while strengthening one’s own ill feelings.

#3 “but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
How sad it is that something such as this could come between close friends. See what a powerful weapon gossip is in the hands of Satan? Rather than fostering love, this has fostered hatred. If this is a difficult area for you, learn who you are in Christ, and ask him to put in you a desire to foster love and not hate.

Proverbs 17:9

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

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Forgive and forget is love. Do you know how to win love and build friendships? They are arts taught by wisdom – they are learned behavior. All men are naturally arrogant, envious, hateful, malicious, selfish, and vengeful (Rom 1:29-31; II Tim 3:2-3; Tit 3:3).

Only God’s grace can save a man from his inherited evil tendencies from Adam. Then love and friendship can be learned by wisdom (Pr 8:9; 14:6; Tit 3:4-7). Dale Carnegie’s ideas on winning friends and influencing people are very inferior to Solomon’s wisdom.

Have you learned love and friendship? Are you a loving friend? Do others rejoice in your friendship? Do you have many friends? True love and friendship overlook and forget personal offences against you, but foolish men will bring them up and destroy peaceful relationships. True love and friendship never repeat a person’s failures or sins to others, but foolish men will be backbiting, talebearing, and whispering (Pr 10:12; 11:13; 16:28).

Covering a transgression is how you show love and win friends. It is forgiving and forgetting personal wrongs others do to you. A certainty of human relations is that others will irritate and offend you. But what you do with those personal transgressions is the key. By ignoring the provocations and slights of others, you esteem them more important than yourself – which is true love and friendliness (Phil 2:3; I Cor 13:4-7).

Wise men glory in opportunities to pass over personal transgressions by others; their discretion and self-control eliminate their anger (Pr 19:11). Nothing ruffles them, especially the minor irritations that commonly occur among men. They know they have been forgiven much, so it is easy for them to forgive others. They know they have beams in their eyes, so they do not worry about the minor specks in others’ eyes (Matt 7:3-5).

Covering a transgression is how you show love and win friends. It silences every backbiting tongue and drives away every talebearer and whisperer (Pr 11:13; 16:28; 18:8; 20:19; 25:23; 26:20-22; Ps 101:5). It refuses to repeat rumors or facts that degrade a person’s reputation. True love thinks no evil of others and does not rejoice when it hears of failures or sins in others’ lives (I Cor 13:4-7). Covering a transgression is burying news that reflects poorly on another’s character. Love protects the reputations of others.

Covering transgressions is not compromising with sin. If a man sins against the LORD, it must be dealt with differently than offences between men (I Sam 2:25; I Cor 5:1-5; 6:7). God’s rules for handling these greater matters are dealt with throughout the Scriptures. You should never cover or overlook sin against God to win or keep friends. The topic at hand is personal offences you may cover (Pr 19:11; Matt 5:38-48; 18:15-22; I Cor 6:1-8), or the failures and sins of others that are not your responsibility. If a man has repented of a sin, no matter how heinous, there is no love or profit in repeating it to others.

Arrogant and rebellious men will not learn the wisdom of covering personal offences, and ignorant and foolish men cannot learn it. Both pretend they must protect themselves by reminding others about faults and weaknesses. They believe they must avenge any slight they feel from others. They cannot let offences pass. They must remind others of their sins. They burn inside, sometimes for years, for slight offences. They must get revenge.

In order to justify themselves and demote others, they repeat any failure they hear about others. They have a burning heart that loves to hear gossip about others and spread it widely. They receive perverse pleasure by being able to insinuate and whisper about the sins of others. These wicked beasts do not know love and thus seldom have real friends.

Love and friendship begin in the heart. When others offend you, ignore it, even in your heart. When others slight you, ignore it, even in your heart. When others provoke you, think kind and merciful thoughts about them. Do not think of reprisal. Forget the matter. Do not plan an opportunity to bring it up. When others fail or have sin in their lives, do not gloat or glory about it. Be known only for repeating blessings and successes of others.

Love and friendship are best practiced at home. If you can be charitable, gracious, and merciful with siblings or a spouse, you can be so to any man. Children must be taught to overlook sibling offences rather than tattle or revenge them; they must be taught to never repeat sibling failures to others. They must learn to cover offences and seek love.

This proverb can enhance your marriage. Because marriage is a familiar and intimate relationship with another, you will know more of your spouse’s faults and failures than any other person. Can you cover, forgive, and overlook without saying anything? Or do you think that bringing up the matter again helps either you or them? You know nothing about love, and you will destroy your marriage by building walls between marital friends.

Ignore and overlook personal offences against you by others. Do not repeat rumors, gossip, or facts about others that put them in a bad light. Both of these are sins against Christian charity that destroy love and friendships. Let every man show the same forgiveness to others that God has shown to him (Eph 4:31-32). The joy and security of faults and failures being forgiven and forgotten are blessings of the Christian religion.

February 17, 2020

Proverbs 17:9



Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
    but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. – Proverbs 17:9

Dear Heavenly Father,

Give me the self control that comes from love to cover over the failings of others with mercy and forgiveness.  And help me to forget them so I am not able to satisfy my need to vent by sharing their mistakes with other people.  I don’t want to be the reason that someone thinks negatively about their friends, family and acquaintances.  Instead, I’d rather speak well of the in order to change their impression of each other for the better.  I repent of those times I’ve slipped and told what others have done wrong when there was no good reason to share it.  Thank you for covering my sins so I won’t have to pay for them before your Father in heaven.  

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Forgiveness is the best way to stop sins from causing collateral damage.

Verse of the Day

1 John 4:11-12



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Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Fellow believers and friends as we are taught the of the love of God who loves us so we are taught to love one another No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. For we live in his creations as images of him

Verse of the Day

for Monday, February 19, 2018

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

—1 John 4:11-12

Related Topics: God, Love, Loving, Friendship, All Topics…

Thoughts on Today’s Verse…

Can you imagine what an honor it is to have the Creator of the universe, the Lord God Almighty, living inside of you! And when we love each other, that is exactly what happens. When our hearts are full of love, there is room for God. When they are not full of love, we leave God little room to take up residence and produce his character in us. Let God complete his love in you. Make a commitment to do loving things for others today!

My Prayer…

Abba Father, it is so comforting to know that you are not far away — that I live in you and you live in me. Help me see others with your eyes and respond to their needs with your heart so that your love may be complete in me. In the name of Jesus, the Servant and Savior of all, I pray. Amen.

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

February 19, 2019

1 John 4:11-12



Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. – 1 John 4:11-12

Dear Heavenly Father,

I haven’t seen you. And here John admits that he hadn’t seen you either. But he had experienced pure love through your Son. We have experienced that unconditional love too. You have empowered me to love people who have been difficult to love. I have been loved even when I was difficult to love. It’s a spiritual awakening to live in unconditional love for others. You are living in us and are making us like you. Today, I hope to love the people close to me without criticizing them. Give me words of encouragement for them and make me stop myself from complaining about them in my heart. And about that person that gets on my nerves, well, help me not have a nerve for them to step on. I want to be the love you have been for us.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Loving someone hard to love helps them feel the gospel not just hear it.

What Does 1 John 4:11 Mean? ►

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:11(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

The eternal God loves us in three tenses: past, present and future – for He is the same yesterday today and forever. It is a divine love that cannot be compared with the inadequate love of fallen man, but is a love so penetrating, that He sent the unique, and only begotten Son of His love to be the propitiation for our sins.

That single act of the Father should stagger us to the core of our being.. that God sent Christ as a gift of His grace.. to be made a curse for us – so that we might be made the righteousness of God, in Him.

But having redeemed us He sent His Spirit to abide in our heart and day by day, seeks to transform us from ugly, bitter, antagonistic sinners into good, obedient and mature sons of God, having the same, godly nature as the Lord Jesus Christ,

But His love extends into the never-ending, eternal future, for no eye has seen, nor ear has heard – nor has it entered into the imagination of man the glories that God has prepared for those who love Him. Since the eternal God loves us in three, staggering tenses – we ought also to love one another.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, Your eternal, incomparable and unconditional love towards me, staggers me to the core of my being, when I look at Jesus. Father I choose to love as He loved and ask that in Your strength, You would work in me.. to will and do Your good purpose in my life, in Jesus name I pray, AMEN.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/1-john-4-11

What does 1 John 4:11 mean? [⇑ See verse text ⇑]

Starting a new thought, John begins again by referring to his readers as “Beloved.” The word “if” here is not used in the sense of asking a question. It’s meant to be understood as “since.” Since God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die to cover the cost of our sins, we should offer a similar response by loving others. Just as Jesus offered unconditional love through His sacrifice, believers are to offer similar love based on God’s example rather than our feelings or the actions of others.

It should also be noted that unconditional love does not mean accepting unconditional mistreatment. Turning the other cheek in the face of insults shows love (Matthew 5:39), but we are not called to be careless with our lives (Luke 22:36). For example, God does not desire a person to remain in a physically abusive situation in order to show love. God’s nature includes protection as well as love (Genesis 15:1; Psalm 18:2). We can love others unconditionally, while also using wisdom in dealing with those who might take advantage of the love of believers (Matthew 10:16).

Context Summary

First John 4:11–19 is the backbone of John’s letter. The primary way Christians are to be recognized is by love. This is not merely what we feel, but what we do for others. True, godly love is the most powerful evidence of being ”born again” as a child of God. This love comes from God, who loved us before we loved Him. When we live in obedience to God, according to love, we can be confident in our relationship with Him, and have no need to fear His judgment.

Chapter Context

Chapter 4 warns Christians not to accept every claim they hear. Instead, believers are to compare what they hear to the basic truths of the gospel. John then returns to the theme of love, explaining how believer ought to live out the presence of God’s love in their lives. In addition, living according to God’s love takes away our fear of judgment. In no uncertain terms, those who claim to love God, but hate others, are liars

What Does 1 John 4:12 Mean? ►

No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

1 John 4:12(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

God is Spirit, and John tells us on a number of different occasions that no one has seen God at any time.. but for a brief season at Christ’s first coming, the invisible God was made manifested to the world, through His only begotten Son, Who is in the bosom of the Father – He has revealed Him. Christ had come to set up His kingdom, as foretold by the prophets but He was mocked and crucified.

He died and was buried and on the third day He rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven and is seated on the right hand of the Father.

Today however the invisible God is manifesting Himself through the body of Christ, which is His Church, and as believers we are called to abide in Him.. to rest in Him.. to remain in Him.. to live holy in Christ Jesus – to walk in spirit and truth and not to be conformed to the fleshly ways of the world.

It is as we abide in Him and live godly in Christ Jesus, so the indwelling Holy Spirit abides in us and produces in us an abundance of spiritual fruit. As we submit to the Holy Spirit in spirit and truth, He transforms us into the likeness of the Lord Jesus, and the more we rest, remain and abide in Him the more the love of God is perfected in us.

Christian love for one another is the outward manifestation of the invisible God in our world today. The life that rests, remains and abides in Christ is the one that demonstrates godly love for one another. As God abides in us and His love is perfected in us. so we become a channel of His love to each other.

The way that God manifests Himself to the world today is through the love we have for one another – but this is only possible as we rest, remain and abide in HIM. May we become channels through whom the love of God may be poured out – to others.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/1-john-4-12

What does 1 John 4:12 mean? [⇑ See verse text ⇑]

John reminds his readers of an important biblical truth. No person has ever seen God in His full divine essence. Even Moses saw only the back of God (Exodus 33:18–23). However God’s love allows humanity to “see” Him through the actions of His people. This echoes statements made in 1 John 2:5, and coming up in verse 17. When we have a thorough, complete experience of walking in God’s love, we demonstrate Him to ourselves and to others. God abides in those who seek to love Him. We do not need to physically see Him; He is already in us.

Also, God’s love is made perfect or complete in us. This does not mean we become sinless. Instead, the focus is on maturity or the quality of love in us. We can find no greater love than God’s love. The believer experiences God’s love inside of them, offering us everything we need to live for Him and to love others. We do not need to seek another experience, person, or teaching, as false teachers would suggest. The love of God is sufficient.

Context Summary

First John 4:11–19 is the backbone of John’s letter. The primary way Christians are to be recognized is by love. This is not merely what we feel, but what we do for others. True, godly love is the most powerful evidence of being ”born again” as a child of God. This love comes from God, who loved us before we loved Him. When we live in obedience to God, according to love, we can be confident in our relationship with Him, and have no need to fear His judgment.

Chapter Context

Chapter 4 warns Christians not to accept every claim they hear. Instead, believers are to compare what they hear to the basic truths of the gospel. John then returns to the theme of love, explaining how believer ought to live out the presence of God’s love in their lives. In addition, living according to God’s love takes away our fear of judgment. In no uncertain terms, those who claim to love God, but hate others, are liars