Living Water Ministries

Day 32: The husband should give his wife what she deserves as his wife. And the wife should give her husband what he deserves as her husband. (1 Corinthians 7:3)

The man who becomes husband should provide to all needs of his wife giving her what she deserves as his very own wife. The wife as well should give her husband what he needs and deserves just the same as her husband they are committed by spirit, faith, love and guidance no longer separated as ones own

1 Corinthians 7:3, NLT: “The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs.”

1 Corinthians 7:3, CSB: “A husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise a wife to her husband.”

What Does 2 Corinthians 7:3 Mean? ►

I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together.

2 Corinthians 7:3(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthian church, concentrated on teaching and correction, whilst his second letter is more pastoral, and exposes the deep love Paul has for these people. It shows the concern he shows for their spiritual welfare, and the establishment in their faith.

Paul’s first communication concentrated on correction, while the focus of this second message is on comfort, victory in the cross and the sufficient grace that is ours in Christ. It reminds us of our eternal perspective, our future inheritance, our labour in the Lord and the rewards that are promised to those that die to self and live for Christ.

It talks of the glory and grace we have, through the indwelling Spirit of God, and the wisdom and power that comes from our Father in heaven – and it encourages us to endeavour to keep the unity of the Body – for which we should seek after and strive for, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul knew that the serious chastisement and constructive correction he was obliged to deliver in his earlier writings, had significantly affected the morale of his Corinthian brothers and sisters, and it appears that the apostle was concerned that it had damaged their relationship, with one other. And in this section he is seeking to comfort them in the pain they had to endure, and to re-establish their close communion and mutual love, by commending them for their changed behaviour, and empathising with the hurt and suffering they had endured.

“Make room for us in your hearts,’ Paul writes, “we wronged no one, we corrupted no one and we took advantage of no one’. Paul’s reproof and correction in his earlier letter was for their spiritual benefit. It was to train them in righteousness, mature them in the faith, arrest their carnality and put them back on the path to spiritual growth, and so he wrote, I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts – to die together and to live together.

Paul’s earlier correction may have pained these believers, but it did not stifle the deep love he had for this little flock. He was prepared to die for these Christians as well as to live for them. And so Paul was able to rejoice – not because they were made sorrowful, but because their sorrow brought them to godly repentance, which is our Father’s will for all His straying children.

Indeed, the sorrow that is according to the will of God, brings salvation.. i.e. it returns the backsliding believer into fellowship with our Father in heaven. In order to bring the gospel to these people, and to us, Paul himself, had to undergo terrible trials – but he found great joy when his corrective training brought spiritual fruit.

Paul provided these brothers and sisters in Christ with corrective teaching through the Word, and like them.. we should be ready to receive teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness, whenever it is necessary. Spiritual reproof comes to us in various ways – through increased familiarity with the Word of God, from brothers in the faith, and through a humble heart that has a teachable spirit. May we be ready and willing to receive reproof, correction and training in righteousness, for the glory of God, in our spiritual journey through life.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/2-corinthians-7-3

What does 1 Corinthians 7:3 mean?

Paul has rejected an idea, perhaps held by some of the Corinthians, that even married Christians should not have sex with each other. The statement made in verse 1 of this chapter seems to be a quote from the people of Corinth as posed to Paul: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”

Instead, Scripture declares the exact opposite. Married people should have sex with their spouses because of the ongoing temptation to engage in sexual immorality.

Here, Paul makes this point more directly. Both spouses should fulfill the sexual rights that are due the other, the husband to his wife and the wife to her husband. As emphasized in verse 4, Christian marriage is to be understood as mutual surrender of oneself to meet the needs of the other person. Paul’s teaching here shows that God intends this surrender to include meeting the sexual needs of one’s spouse.

It’s important to note a few things. First, properly-functioning marriage is defined by the self-sacrificing love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. The command here is to act in love to meet the sexual needs of one’s husband or wife. Though Paul does not address it here, that same sacrificial approach may require not insisting that one’s “conjugal rights” be honored. In other words, the command to be sacrificially loving also encourages spouses not to be demanding or unkind in their sexual relationship.

Second, Paul avoids setting up any parameters. Scripture provides no list, description, or timeframe regarding how a spouse’s marital rights are to be honored. This teaching simply forbids a blanket refusal to participate in sex on some kind of regular basis. Christlike love should be the motive in all things. A spouse should neither withhold themselves sexually nor try to coerce sex from the other.

Finally, in great contrast to the standards of his culture, Paul does not distinguish between men and women here. Both sexes are understood to face sexual temptation. Both are commanded to honor the rights of the other. Although the statement in verse 1, apparently posed by the Corinthians, focuses only on men, Paul makes it perfectly clear in his answer that both husband and wife have sexual rights and both husband and wife must submit to each other in this area of marriage. Once more, Christlike love should be the motive in all things.

Context Summary

First Corinthians 7:1–16 includes Paul’s teaching about sex and marriage for Christians. Some in Corinth apparently thought even married believers should not have sex. Paul rejects that idea, insisting that married Christians belong to each other and should not deprive each other in this way because of the temptation to sexual sin. Also, married believers should not divorce in order to somehow be closer to God. The Lord intends marriage to be for life. Those married to unbelievers may, by staying in the marriage, help lead the other person to Christ.

Chapter Summary

Paul rejects an idea concerning the Corinthian believers: that married Christians should not have sex. Perhaps some even though marriages should be dissolved and avoided. On the contrary, Scripture says married Christians should have regular sex in order to avoid temptation. Those who are married ought to remain married. Unmarried believers with the gift of celibacy, however, should consider remaining single in order to avoid the troubles of marriage. That is Paul’s personal preference, though that gift is not given to all others. Single believers can devote themselves to serving Christ without distraction. The time is short. All believers should live and serve Christ now as if this world is passing away

Day 31: That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife. In this way two people become one. (Genesis 2:24).

This is why a Man leaves his parents father and mother and unites with his woman making her his wife. In this way the man and woman becoming one in unity

24 Therefore shall a aman leave his bfather and his mother, and shall ccleave unto his dwife: and they shall be eone flesh.

Genesis 2:24 Meaning of They Become One Flesh

May 26, 2020 by Editor in Chief

Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

Explanation and Commentary of Genesis 2:24

The Triune God existed perfectly in himself before he created the world. On the sixth day, he brought forth the crown jewel of his creation. Adam was the crown jewel because he was the image of God the creator. God made Adam totally complete in himself, and yet also to be further completed by his union with his wife, Eve, who God made from the rib bone of Adam, so that he said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Gen 2:23).

As one flesh, a man and his wife are an image together of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, who is one God, in three persons. This is a great mystery because the Trinity is a mystery. Part of this union is a severing of a previous union between a child and his parents. When a man or woman joins another in matrimony, they leave the household of their youth. A godly father gives his daughter away to a groom in a similar way as Adam’s Heavenly Father gave to him his wife. This is a ritual symbol of the conjugal relationship that is forming, the sacred and unbreakable bond of what “God has joined together (Mk 10:9).

This has more than symbolic implications. It is also practical. A husband and wife would do well to prefer their spouse over their parents. A husband’s loyalty is to his wife, not his mother. A wife should not run home to mom and dad whenever there is a conflict with her husband. This is difficult to learn, but crucial for a healthy marriage relationship.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 2:24

#1 “That is why a man leaves his father and mother…”

It is right for a young man to leave the household of his parents when he is able so that he can begin to build a life of his own, cultivating his relationship with God and learning to begin to fulfill his God-given purposes in life. He should learn to become independent of his parents so that he can someday be the head of a wife, and even become useful to his parents in some way.

#2 “…and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

As the young man is going along, living the life entrusted to him as an image-bearer, God will likely look at him, unless he is called to live as a celibate, and say, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Gen 2:18). At which point he will bring to his attention a young woman who he has called to be his helper in life. He will notice her, court her, marry her, and they will become one flesh. Their independence from their fathers’ houses will be an extension of the young man’s independence recently gained. They will reflect the image of God both as complete individuals, and as a conjugal relationship, likely including children of their own who will one day go forth like arrows (Ps 127:4) and do the same.

What Does Genesis 2:24 Mean? ►

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.

Genesis 2:24(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

It was God and not man Who ordained marriage and its many blessings in the beginning.. for this beautiful union between a man and his wife was born out of the heart of our loving God.. Who bestowed marriage as a sacred ordinance upon the creation He made.. and the people He loved.

God made man in His own image and likeness and so God knew the need for fellowship and love in the life of human-kind.. and so God made the first woman to be the wife, the companion and the helper of man. They were to live together in perfect unity and become one flesh. The invisible God made man from the dust of the earth – male and female He made them… to be united together as one flesh.

It was God and not man Who sanctified marriage and blessed it.. and it was God who commanded that a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. As with all of God’s sacred ordinances and commands, marriage was established for man’s benefit and joy, and no power in heaven or earth is exempt from God’s divine institutions.

It was God who used the beautiful picture of marriage between a man and a woman as a lovely illustration of the sacred union between Christ and His bride, which is the Church. And it was Christ, Who loved the church so much that He gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word – and so that He might present the church to Himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.. that she might be holy and without blemish.

Today this sacred ordinance from God has been violated by the foolish laws of wicked men who like the serpent in the garden of Eden have once again questioned: “has God said…?’ But God is not mocked, for God in His wisdom not only gave His ordinances and decrees to man in the beginning but He will also sit upon His throne of judgement – in the end.

The day is coming when those that institute abominable practices, scorn His precious promises, violate His righteous commands, mock His holy Word and reject His free gift of grace in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/genesis-2-24

https://hevnswtangel.com/2015/03/09/become-one/

Day 30: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

This is a new Commandment I give unto you that you be loving and respectful towards one another in all ways that others will see and feel acceptance accordingly and will know that you are my disciples if you have the Love I have shone you and love one another wisely as I have you.

Ye shall aseek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye alove one another; as I have loved you, that ye also blove one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have alove one to another.

What Does John 13:34 Mean? ►

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

John 13:34(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

The cross was drawing ever closer. Jesus had just washed the feet of His confused disciples, in an act of gracious love. The kingdom that seemed so promising a few short days earlier was fast fading into obscurity, as Christ talked of leaving them… of going away to a place where they could not follow – and then came the shocking realisation of His forthcoming death. It was at this time of intense sorrow and deep, deep passion that the little flock of Christ heard their Good Shepherd say: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, so love you one another.

The Sermon on the Mount had catapulted the Law of Moses into the realms of moral idealism, but here was a command for divine perfection – LOVE as I have loved… The Son of Man Whom they now confessed as Son of God was full of grace and truth – and He was shortly to display a love so staggering, that it baffles the minds of men – a divine love that they themselves were being called upon to emulate.

They did not understand that in a few short days Christ would rise from the dead, and in so doing would break the power of death in the lives of ALL who believed on His name. They did not understand that in a few short weeks they would be indwelt by the holy Spirit, so that the life that they now lived in the flesh would be the new life of Christ living in and through them – a life they would receive by the power of the Spirit – for the life of Christ and the love of Christ was to be their eternal portion… and it is our eternal portion too.

No one can love as Christ loved in the power of their own sinful flesh – No one can love as Jesus loved by their own imperfect human effort, however hard they try, for the love of man is but a faint reflection of the glorious Sun of Righteousness. But all who trust in His name have been made a new creation in Christ and have the life of Christ living in us and through us – and only as we walk in spirit and truth – in submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit within, can we fulfil this beautiful command to love as I have loved you, until we can at last say with Paul, it is not I that lives but Christ that lives in me.

It is not I that LOVE but the love of Christ in me.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/john-13-34

What Does John 13:35 Mean? ►

“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

The love of Christ is a supernatural love, a divine love – a love that streams to us from the heart of God – for God is Love. The Lord Jesus was soon to demonstrate how deep that love was for all who receive Him as their redeeming sin sacrifice – for greater love has no one than this, that the Man Christ Jesus – God incarnate, would lay down His life for His friends.

And so, He gave us a new commandment – a command that sums up the perfect Law of God in one simple act – Love one another as I have loved You – for in so doing we perfectly fulfill the requirements of God’s law and the will of God’s heart for all His children – for what is impossible for man is possible with God. When we live our life in spirit and truth, and in submission to the Holy Spirit, the life of Christ lives in us and the love of Christ streams from us – and God is glorified by this.

And there is a legitimate reason that we are called upon to live godly in Christ Jesus – to walk in spirit and truth – to submit to the teaching and training of the Holy Spirit – to learn obedience through suffering – to love one another as Christ loved us… for by this all people will know that you are my disciples – and a disciple is one that LEARNS of Christ. No surprise that early in his ministry Christ said: Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, so that at the end of His life He could give a new commandment – that we love others as He loved us

When, in the power of the Holy Spirit Christians put to death the lust of the flesh, the things of the world and the pride of life and choose to walk in newness of life – we walk in love. Only as we allow Christ to live in us, will His love stream through us, so that by THIS will other people know that we are learning Christ – that we are His disciples. 

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/john-13-35

John 13:34-35

Sam Freney | 12 July, 2012

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

There’s a story about John the apostle as an old man, recounted by Jerome.1 Whenever John’s disciples carried the frail apostle in to their meetings, he would say, “Little children, love one another”. Every. Time.

His disciples eventually got a bit cranky and bored with this repetition, and asked him, “Why do you always say this?” He replied, “Because it is the Lord’s commandment and if it alone be kept, it is sufficient”.

John certainly wrote a lot about what Jesus said concerning love. Famously, God so loved the world that he gave his own Son, Jesus (John 3:16). Jesus talks often about the love the Father has for him (3:35, 5:20, 10:17, 15:9, 17:23). Chapter 13 gives us a particularly intimate demonstration of the love Jesus had for his disciples. As he takes the position of a servant and washes his disciples’ feet, he gives them a demonstration of how they are to act (13:15). In imitating Jesus, it seems there’s nothing more like our Lord than to forget about any sense of entitlement you might have, or what you think you might deserve, and get on with looking after others.

So in these verses in chapter 13, as Jesus announces that he is going away and his disciples cannot follow him, he outlines his expectations for them in his absence. He expects them to love one another.

The ‘old commandment’ of the law stated that God’s people should love their neighbours as themselves (cf. Matt 22:37-40, Mark 12:29-31). Love for one another in this sense is not new, and Jesus’ “new commandment” does not do away with this concern for others. What Jesus is doing here is extending and deepening that command to treat others rightly, by providing a new basis for love: the extent of his own love for his people. In washing his disciples’ feet, Christ showed that he loved them “to the end” (13:1), pointing to the love that he would soon demonstrate on the cross.2

And so our love for others now is not because of social or national ties, or geographic ‘neighbourliness’; it’s perhaps least of all because we like the other person. “New commandment” love for other people is grounded in the fact that they are fellow sinners, redeemed by Jesus Christ in just the same way we were.

That is, rather than loving your brothers and sisters as yourself, we’re talking here about loving them as if they were better than yourself (cf.  Philippians 2), and worth laying down your life for.

Why can I say that? Well, this theme of love is taken up and expanded in chapter 15, particularly verses 9-16. The kind of love for a friend that would lead you to lay down your life for them—that’s the kind of love that Jesus is commanding here:

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no-one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:12-14)

How has Jesus loved us? He loved us by self-sacrificially dying for us. We too must be prepared to go to a similar extent for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

There are two things worth finishing on regarding this divine love, modelled on the relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son (15:9). Loving one another like Jesus loved us is a commandment. Our submission and obedience to Jesus requires that we continue to do this.

Secondly, this commandment carries an element of evangelism, or at the very least a demonstration of who we are. There’s a link in these chapters between the disciples being caught up in Jesus’ love for them and being sent out into the world in mission (cf. 17:20-25, 20:21). Our loving service of others in seeking their good, in laying down our lives for them, in building them up in the word, is all service with a mission: so that “all people” will know the love of God that has transformed us. Our verbal witness about Jesus in testifying about him must be matched by a visual demonstration of his love. Our love for one another is a defining characteristic of our relationship with Jesus; through our demonstration of love, the world can come to know what we know.

My brothers and sisters: love one another. It is the Lord’s commandment!

1. St Jerome, Commentary on Galatians, trans. Andrew Cain, Catholic University of America Press, Washington DC, 2010, p. 260. ↩

2. “To the end” could also be translated “to the full extent”, like the NIV1984; I think either way it foreshadows the cross. ↩

What does John 13:34 mean?

There is some confusion over Jesus’ reference to this commandment as “new.” Earlier in His ministry, Jesus made it explicitly clear that love for others was a cornerstone of obedience to God (Matthew 22:36–40). The general instruction to love, then, is not being stated as if it’s the first time it’s being mentioned. The “newness” Jesus refers to here is in the sense of something refreshed, re-emphasized, or highlighted. The Greek term Jesus uses here, kainēn, leans heavily toward this version of “new.”

This re-issued commandment is being given in the context of Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet (John 13:2–5). Jesus explained that if the Master acts as a humble servant, so too should those who follow Him (John 13:12–17). Here, Jesus doubles down on that idea by setting His own love as the standard to which all believers should aspire. In the next verse, Jesus will further explain the importance of acting in Christian love. In no uncertain terms, love—especially between fellow believers—is meant to be the primary and most powerful sign of one’s Christian faith (John 13:35; 1 John 3:14).

Context Summary

John 13:31–35 contains one of the most powerful commands given to Christians: that love for others is the defining sign of faith for ”all people,” marking the life of a true believer. Jesus frames this as a new commandment, using His own example as the standard. In giving this charge, Jesus once again predicts His impending death and departure from earth.

Chapter Summary

Jesus meets with a smaller group, possibly only the twelve disciples, in a private setting. Before eating a meal, Jesus performs the work of a lowly servant, washing the feet of the disciples. He explains that this is an object lesson. Their Lord is willing to serve in humility, so they are obligated to do the same. Jesus also predicts His impending betrayal, subtly telling Judas to leave and complete His conspiracy. The disciples don’t realize what’s happened, however. Peter foolishly brags about his loyalty. Jesus responds with a cutting prediction: Peter will deny his relationship to Christ three times in the next few hours

Day 29: Do your work, and be happy to do it. Work as though it is the Lord you are serving, not just an earthly master. (Ephesians 6:7).

Work in pride of what faith life you live by living for the Lord and not the spite of others

Ephesians 6:7, NLT: “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

Ephesians 6:7, CSB: “Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people,”

What does Ephesians 6:7 mean?

John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible

Ephesians 6:7

With good will doing service

To their masters; not grudgingly, with an ill will; no otherwise, nor longer than when they are forced to it; but of a ready mind, and with a cheerful spirit, taking delight in their work, and reckoning it a pleasure to serve their masters; as an Israelite that is not sold, who does his work (wnwurb) , “with his good will”, and according to his own mind {b}; doing what they do

as to the Lord, and not to men;

not merely because it is the will of men, and they are commanded by them, and in order to please them, but because it is the will of the Lord, and is wellpleasing in his sight.

What does Ephesians 6:7 mean?

Paul adds additional traits for the servant in this verse and the next. Here, the emphasis is on a person’s attitude. The Christian servant must work with a godly attitude regardless of circumstances. Paul set a tremendous example in this area. Though imprisoned, he wrote encouraging letters to believers and shared the gospel while under house arrest. He did not let his bondage keep him from living with a godly attitude and instructed others to do the same.

A godly attitude is much easier when a servant views his or her work as “to the Lord.” We are to do all things for the glory of God (Colossians 3:17). With this perspective, we can respond with an attitude and life that honors God and shows love to others in the most difficult contexts.

This is even easier when the one we are serving also takes a godly approach, something Paul will refer to in verse 9. However, regardless of whether our boss is doing right, we as Christians are called to be good examples.

Context Summary

Ephesians 6:5–9 gives specific instructions for both servants and masters. Servants should give a good effort, more than just for show, in all things they are required to do. This shows respect for their master, but it also provides a good example of one’s relationship to Christ. At the same time, masters are explicitly told not to be abusive to their underlings. God sees masters as no better than those they command, and He is the ultimate Master of both.

Chapter Summary

Paul gives specific instructions to children and fathers, stressing obedience and patience, respectively. He also directs servants to serve with sincerity and good intentions, as if they were working for Christ. Masters are warned not to be harsh: the same God who judges all will not give them preference over those they supervised. All Christians are called on to use the tools given us by God for surviving the attacks of the devil. These are imagined as pieces of a suit of armor. Paul ends this letter in his typical style, with prayer, blessings, and news about his plans

Day 28: This is how we know what real love is: Jesus gave his life for us. So we should give our lives for each other as brothers and sisters.(1 John 3:16)

This is how we have found real love through what we know that Jesus gave his life for us so that we may experience real love and may give our lives for one another as brothers and sisters

1 John 3:16, KJV: “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” … 1 John 3:16, NLT: “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

What Does 1 John 3:16 Mean? ►

We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

1 John 3:16(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

Many believers like to focus on the love of Jesus because they think that this will cause unbelievers to get saved but they prefer to allow Christ’s death, burial and resurrection to be side-lined in a blurry background, in case it offends or puts the unbeliever off the Christian faith!

But the shed blood of the incarnate Son of God Who was born into His own creation, and the immutable love of the eternal Father are inseparably interwoven and irrevocably united together.

It was LOVE that caused the almighty God to send His only begotten Son into the world to become the sin-sacrifice for the entire race of humanity and it was love that caused the Lord Jesus Christ to lay down His life for us. It was love that caused the Lord Jesus to be crucified on a cruel cross..willingly, so that all who believe on Him might not perish but have everlasting life.

The Lord Jesus offered the supreme example of ultimate love when He laid down His life for friends and enemies alike. Love is manifest in its highest measure at the cross of Calvary and as His children we ought also to lay down our lives in the same way for our brethren.

Mankind is crumpling under the weight of sin and collapsing under the satanic influence of evil, which is suffocating a world in distress, but the true character of the spiritual Christian is based on a godly love and stands in stark contrast with the evil hatred that reigns supreme over this fallen world system.

We cannot begin to imagine what it cost God the Father to turn His back on His only begotten Son and pour out the full force of His holy hatred of sin.. upon HIM. It was for love of us that God the Father poured out the full force of His holy wrath for the accumulated sin of the whole world, upon His innocent and dearly beloved Son – Whom He had loved from before the conception of the universe. And He did it out of LOVE.. for the world.

We cannot presume to comprehend what it cost the innocent Lord Jesus, Who as God incarnate.. had to lay aside His eternal majesty and supreme glory and be clothed in human flesh.. and then be made sin for you and for me. The eternal Creator God demonstrated His love towards us in that while we were yet sinners He laid down His life for us and became a curse and a hissing – as the weight of the accumulated sin of the world was laid on His shoulders – and He did it for LOVE of you and for LOVE of me.

When we look at the cross of Christ and the blood that He shed for us at Calvary – we see incarnate LOVE. and we know what real godly love is by this: that Christ Jesus laid down His life for us. Ought not we for HIS sake, lay down our lives for our brethren?

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/1-john-3-16

What does 1 John 3:16 mean?

In contrast to the person who hates or murders (1 John 3:15), the ultimate sign of love is to lay down one’s life for others. Jesus gave the supreme example of this kind of love by giving His own life on behalf of the sins of the world (John 3:16; Hebrews 12:2). Jesus is the ultimate example of how we ought to live our lives (John 13:15–17).

But what does it look like to lay down our life for the brothers? John certainly had in mind more than physical death, though this could certainly apply. Verses 17 and 18 add additional details about how to help others in need, and to show that God’s love abides in us (1 John 3:17). This includes helping those in need through actions and truth (1 John 3:18). God desires believers to both know the word and live it out (James 1:22), not merely to “feel” love and not act to benefit other people (Matthew 15:4–9).

Context Summary

First John 3:11–18 describes the contrast between hate and love, and how love ought to be seen in the life of a Christian believer. Evil has a jealous hatred for good. This is why Cain killed Abel, and why hatred is considered the spiritual equivalent to murder. Christians are expected to do more than feel love, they are commanded to act on it, in selfless sacrifice.

Chapter Context

The third chapter of 1 John focuses mostly on the concept of love. Because of His love, God not only calls us His children, He actually makes us His children. John also explains how sin, including hate, is never the result of a proper relationship with God. Christians, in contrast to the world, are supposed to do more than simply ”feel” love; we are to act on it, as wel

Day 27: Protect me! Save me from them! I come to you for protection, so don’t let me be disappointed. (Psalm 25:20)

Spare me and protect me! Save me from them! I come to you for protection, do not let me be disappointed

Psalm 25:20

King James Version

20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

New International Version

Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.

English Standard Version

Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.

What does Psalm 25:20 mean?

In this verse David asks the Lord to keep his soul safe and deliver him from the pressing danger. His prayer is similar to what the Lord taught His disciples—and us—to pray: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). David requests freedom from disgrace. He knew his enemies wanted to defeat him and thereby disgrace him in the eyes of the people of Israel. Nevertheless, David relied on the Lord to be his safe retreat.

Jesus assured His disciples that the evil world system would persecute them but He would protect them. He said: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Satan wants to disgrace believers, but if we rely on the Lord for protection, Satan cannot win. James tells us to humble ourselves, knowing that God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). He urges us to place ourselves in God’s hands to obtain victory over our fiercest enemy, the Devil. James 4:7 tells us: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Context Summary

Psalm 25:15–22 records more of David’s prayer. He is facing multiple dangers, but he trusts the Lord to deliver him. In this regard, his plea resembles that of his prayer for deliverance in Psalm 22. The concluding section of Psalm 25 naturally follows David’s description of the Lord’s steadfast love and mercy. The Lord cares for those who obey Him, so He will not disappoint David in David’s time of great need.

Chapter Summary

This prayer of David uses the Hebrew alphabet as a pattern. This is an acrostic, where verses each begin with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The final verse, however, repeats the letter used in verse 16. David declares his trust in God and the value of the Lord’s wisdom. Mixed into these praises of God’s truth are multiple requests that David be forgiven of his sins. The psalm ends with David asking for rescue from his enemies, and for a similar redemption for the nation of Israel

Day 26: So do you think that you can judge those other people? You are wrong. You too are guilty of sin. You judge them, but you do the same things they do. So when you judge them, you are really condemning yourself. (Romans 2:1).

As you see in the biblical way of teaching we are taught not to judge others that there is only one judge alone— God himself is the only judge so when we as humans judge we are sinning and condemning ourselves for we are not living the rightful law of God but instead living in sin of our own faults with Satan

What Does Romans 2:1 Mean? ►

Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.

Romans 2:1(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

Step by step the book of Romans takes us from the depths of man’s sin to the heights of man’s salvation. Little by little Paul guides us from recognising the serious nature of our depravity; our rebellion against God and the shocking consequences of our estrangement from Him.. to the glorious truth that there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.. that we are justified by grace through faith in the only begotten Son of God and that we are clothed in His righteousness; redeemed by His blood; made a new creation in Christ and set free from slavery to the world; the flesh; the devil and the Law.

But Paul does not withhold his punches when he describes the disgusting depths of depravity and debauchery to which the whole of humanity has sunk. And verse by verse Paul builds up the blistering catalogue of corruption and perversity to which men and women throughout history have fallen.. and the pit of shame into which we all have plummeted – before the Lord Himself pulled us out of the miry clay and set our feet on the Rock of our Salvation – Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul accurately describes the evil intent of humanity’s hypocritical heart, and how we who are saved by grace through faith delight to wag our finger of accusation against the misdemeanors of the unsaved in order to publicize our superior standard! It is not so much the specific sins to which Paul is referring but the irrecoverable, fallen nature of our sinful humanity.

When one accusational finger of critical judgement is levied at another, we have three accusational finger of critical judgement exposing our own sinful heart. The catalogue of corruption that Paul has so articulately presented in the precious chapter is simply a mirror that reflects our own bloodied heart and testifies to our equal and desperate need of God’s grace upon grace upon much more grace. And so Paul charges believers with these words: Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.

This sin of self-righteous superiority of the believer is equally if not more offensive to our heavenly Father – for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory and perfection of God and it is a heart of compassion for those who are lost in their sin and blinded to the glorious gospel of grace, that should ignite in our heart a deep compassion for the lost, and not a supercilious, critical judgement on their sins.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/romans-2-1

What does Romans 2:1 mean?

Chapter and verse divisions were not part of the original Scriptures. So, this passage must be read in close connection with the conclusion of Romans 1. Paul has just finished describing the “ungodliness and unrighteousness” of humanity in our rejection of Him. He concluded that section with a long list of the human sins that result when God gives us over to our debased minds in response to our rejection of God (Romans 1:18–32).

It’s likely that Paul’s Jewish readers, those who religiously followed the law of Moses, imagined Paul’s description to have been leveled at Gentile—non-Jewish—pagans and those they considered “sinners.” Perhaps even Gentiles who followed moral philosophies imagined Paul’s words as being meant for other ears.

Paul now seems to read the minds of these self-appointed “judges.” He says to them—to all of us, really—that they are not the one with the gavel. You, “oh man,” are the one on trial. And we are all guilty. How can this be? Paul says it plainly, “You do the same things.” In addition to participating in some of the sins Paul lists in Romans 1, these judges also practice the sin of hypocrisy in their judgment of other guilty people.

Paul’s religious readers, especially those who follow the law, might protest that they do not do the things Paul has described. Paul will show in Romans 2, however, that even the most religious of Jews will be judged for their sinful choices.

Context Summary

Romans 2:1–11 springs a trap, of sorts, for every reader who thought that Paul’s devastating list of sins at the end of Romans 1 was about other people. In truth, everyone is guilty of sin. Those who judge others are guilty, also, of hypocrisy. Nobody will escape God’s judgment for personal sin, including religious Jews and Gentiles. God will absolutely judge each person according to what he or she has done. If someone has lived sinlessly, doing only good, he will receive rewards and eternal life. If not, he deserves wrath and fury. This point sets up Paul’s explanation of how we can, in fact, obtain salvation: by grace through faith.

Chapter Summary

Romans 2 springs a trap on any religious person who read Paul’s lists of sins at the end of Romans 1 and thought it wasn’t about them. Paul calls them out for making themselves judges when they are also guilty. He shows that God will judge everyone, including those under the law, based on their works. This prefaces this letter’s theme of salvation by grace, through faith, rather than by works. Many benefits come with having the law, but only if those under the law keep it. Jewishness—circumcision—must be an inner state, not just an outer one. Paul will show in the following chapter that none of us really meets those conditions

Day 25: 40 Day Love Challenge

Day 25: If you forgive someone, then I also forgive them. And what I have forgiven—if I had anything to forgive—I forgave it for you, and Christ was with me. (2 Corinthians 2:10)

Though should never hold grudges amongst others for them and I also shall forgive them— what I have forgiven —if I had anything to forgive—I forgave it for you, and Christ was with me.

10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the aperson of Christ; 11 Lest aSatan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

What does 2 Corinthians 2:10 mean?

Paul said his previous letter—a now-lost text written after his letter of 1 Corinthians—and now this one provided a test to see whether the Corinthians would obey him, and ultimately God. Their charge was to first correct a sinful man in their midst, then to restore him once he repented.

Now Paul adds that he will affirm their right response. Though he is the one who was personally wronged by the man, he will follow their lead and forgive anyone they choose to forgive. Paul shows that his connection to them is not simply that of an authority and his subjects. He loves them and wants to share with them in this expression of forgiveness and love.

What he adds in this verse shows just how high the stake were when it comes to forgiveness. Paul said his choice to forgive—anyone, not just this man—is for their sake. He says this “in the presence of Christ,” meaning that Christ would agree he is speaking the truth.

The following verse shows why this forgiveness is such a big deal. Satan uses unforgiveness and bitterness between Christians to divide. This destroys closeness, ministry, and the church’s example to the world. That’s why Paul will join with the Corinthians in forgiving this man and anyone else he needs to in the church.

Context Summary

Second Corinthians 2:5–11 contains Paul’s agreement that a sinful man’s offense was serious. Now that this man has repented in sorrow, however, Paul tells the Corinthians to stop his punishment and to forgive, comfort, and affirm their love for him. Paul knows now that they remain obedient. Forgiveness among Christians is essential in order to not be outwitted by the designs of Satan.

Chapter Summary

Paul explains why he delayed coming to visit the Corinthians. In great anguish, he had written a painful letter to tell them they must correct a man among them. This person may have challenged Paul’s authority as an apostle of Jesus. The Corinthians disciplined the man, and he repented. Paul told them to forgive him. He tells of Titus failing to show up in Troas with news about the Corinthians, then transitions into teaching that Christians are the aroma of Christ on earth to everyone they know

Day 24: 40 Day Love Challenge

Day 24: The world is passing away, and all the things that people want in the world are passing away. But whoever does what God wants will live forever. (1 John 2:17).

Change is always inevitable and all the things that are desires of people in the earthly realm are dying off as well. However whoever does what God wants will live forever

What Does 1 John 2:17 Mean? ►

The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

1 John 2:17(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

Man’s viewpoint of the world is very different from God’s perspective. Man likes to think that everything is going to continue on as it has in bygone days, but God has purposed that the world with all it passions and lusts is passing away and will one day be folded-up like a blanket.

The world is indeed passing away and its seasonal fading and fall are replaced when new-growth springs up – as a perpetual reminder that the heaven and earth is finite but will one day be replaced with a new heaven and a new earth, which should become our prime viewpoint.

Similarly the vain pursuits of this world and the deceptive pleasures of the life we once ‘enjoyed’, will perish in our memories with the ever-increasing march of time as we discover them to be passing vanities.

The wise man does not endeavour to grab hold of what he cannot keep but clings to that which will continue into the eternal ages to come and the virtuous woman does not seek to satisfy her passing fancies but looks to discover the will of God and to develop His wider perspective.

The riches and poverty, pleasures and passion, beauty and bitterness, fame and shame of this perishing world are transitory, but the things of the Lord are permanent, pure, good, secure and of everlasting worth. The lust of the flesh and the pride of life are futile and false, but the things of God will last forever. His love will never fail, His promises are everlasting, and His truth will endure throughout all generations.

Let us beware, for the passing cravings of this life can subtly allure us away from God’s permanent path of purity and His secure way of wisdom, rather let us set out hearts on the things of God, for the one that looks away from the world to Jesus, will never be disappointed

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/1-john-2-17

What does 1 John 2:17 mean?

Verse 17 concludes John’s condemnation of worldly thinking. John notes that this world is temporary. The world is temporary for each person, since every person dies. The physical earth is also temporary, since God will make a new earth in the end (Revelation 21—22). As a result, the desires of this world are also temporary. Believers are to resist evil desires, following the example of Jesus (Matthew 4:1–11).

This is the only place where the apostle John mentions the “will of God.” However, this phrase has a rich usage in the New Testament. Jesus stated, “For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:35). Romans 8:27 notes, “the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 12:2 adds, “be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God.” Doing God’s will or desires is to be the goal of the believer.

Doing God’s will cannot save us, of course—no good works can overcome our sin. We are saved by Christ’s sacrifice, when we put our trusting faith in Him (Ephesians 2:8–9). However, a natural outcome of salvation is a desire to do God’s will (Ephesians 2:10). This is a hallmark of the believer, and only the believer will live with God forever. More immediately, John is explaining that a life lived in fellowship with God will go on forever, while earthly things will someday be gone.

Context Summary

First John 2:15–17 is a warning from John about un-Christian attitudes. Other portions of this chapter discuss how behavior provides evidence of fellowship with God. Here, John explains that thoughts and desires do the same thing. Since these are temptations, it is possible for a true Christian to stumble into them. However, habitually displaying these is a cause for concern. Loving “the world” is defined here as physical lusts, lusts in one’s thoughts, and arrogant pride.

Chapter Context

Chapter 2 explains the fellowship Christians have with God. Christ is our advocate, even when we sin. Christians are not to love things of the world, or to love the world. Instead, we are to live, love, and act like Christ. False teachers, and those who deny Jesus are called ”liars.” Those who demonstrate a Christ-like behavior are ”born of” God

Day 23: Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits. (1 Corinthians 13:7).

Love never turn its back on people. It never stops trusting, never walks away, never looses hopes and does not quit it stays in loyal honor to those it affirms with

What Does 1 Corinthians 13:7 Mean?►

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

1 Corinthians 13:7(KJV)

Verse Thoughts

The beautiful characteristics of divine love are seen being lived out in the life of the Lord JESUS Christ, and God’s will is that all His children reflect the love of Christ in their heart and life.

Godly love begins to be evidenced in the life of a believer, as the fruit of the Spirit are allowed to grow – but it is often through painful experiences and a willing obedience to abide in God’s word, that this exquisite characteristic is is enabled to flourish.. through the power of the Holy Spirit – and edify the body of Christ with the perfume of Christ-like love.

Love bears all things by patiently enduring wrongs and evils, with a heart of forgiveness, which covers over the faults of others with a beautiful graciousness, that reflects the Saviour and does not seek for vengeance.

Love believes all things by looking for the good in others rather than suspecting the wrong. He seeks out the best in others with a gracious wisdom that does not condone evil, but which trusts God’s Word to be both his plumb-line for truth and his standard for godly behaviour.

Love hopes all things by earnestly desiring the best in people.. as well as in life’s circumstances – even when the worst seems to be knocking at the door. It is not an empty hope but an ability to keep trusting the Lord in a situation that others have rendered as hopeless.

Love endures all things by maintaining an uncomplaining attitude in every affliction and trial, tribulation and temptation, persecutions and pain – whether it be for the sake of the saints.. for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Let us seek to have this beautiful characteristic of godly love evidenced in our lives, as we willingly and obediently submit to the work of the Spirit within our hearts – until a Christ-like love is manifest in our life.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/1-corinthians-13-7

What does 1 Corinthians 13:7 mean?

Paul is coming to the end of his concise description of what true love looks like. The Greek word used for love, agape, describes God’s unconditional love for His children and how He intends for us to love each other. After reading Paul’s letter, it cannot be said that these 14 descriptors are true of the Corinthians’ treatment of each other.

As Paul has piled on descriptors to show what Christian love does and does not do, it has become clear that love sets itself aside for the good of others. More precisely, those who love as Christ does set themselves aside to meet the needs of other Christians. It turns out, loving as Jesus loves is hard.

Now Paul shows that God’s love is, in a sense, inexhaustible. It places no limits on its commitment to other believers.

Love bears all things. Love doesn’t say, “this far and no further.” Love is not limited by what is reasonable or by what other people would be willing to put up with. This does not mean that someone should allow him- or herself to continually be wounded, physically or otherwise, by other believers or family members. Sometimes love bears pain from a safe and legal distance, but truly godly love doesn’t quit when others become annoying or difficult to deal with.

Love believes all things. Does this make love gullible? No, the choice to believe those who may be deceiving us removes the burden to catch others in the act of lying and projects onto them a respect they may or may not deserve. The one who is loved carries the burden to be truthful or to be held accountable to God, rather than to us.

Love hopes all things. Love roots for victory in others, for good to win, for truth to come out. In the Bible, hope is more than just a wish, it is a confidence that God will do as He says. Paul began this letter by saying to the Corinthians that Christ will “sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:8). His confident hope for them was one evidence of his love for them.

Love endures all things. Christians face hard times. Those who choose to love as Jesus does do not stop loving when life becomes difficult. Love for God and others endures through tough days and long nights.

Context Summary

First Corinthians 13:1–13 is one of the most loved and well-known passages in the Bible, but Paul places it after his teaching on the spiritual gifts for a specific reason. Some of the gifts may seem impressive, but if attempted without self-sacrificing love for others, they become meaningless, even destructive. Paul uses 14 verbs to describe what love does and does not do. Love is the foundation for Paul’s teaching in the following chapter on prophecy, tongues, and even orderly worship. While this section is often quoted in romantic settings, such as a wedding, the concept in mind is that of agape: a self-sacrificing, godly love.

Chapter Summary

Paul responds to the Corinthians’ over-emphasis on certain spiritual gifts by showing them that all gifts are worthless if not practiced through godly love. Paul provides 14 descriptors of love, all action verbs, all choices made out of a commitment to set self aside and serve others. Choosing to love each other in this way would solve many of the problems Paul has confronted in this letter. The spiritual gifts provide a glimpse of what is knowable, but when the perfect comes, we will know all. Love is the greatest of all the virtues