Sept. 9 Psalms 52-54

Sept. 9

Psalms 52-54

 

Psa 52:1 Why do you boast of mischief, mighty man? God's loving kindness endures continually.

Psa 52:2 Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

Psa 52:3 You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking the truth. Selah.

Psa 52:4 You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue.

Psa 52:5 God will likewise destroy you forever. He will take you up, and pluck you out of your tent, and root you out of the land of the living. Selah.

Psa 52:6 The righteous also will see it, and fear, and laugh at him, saying,

Psa 52:7 "Behold, this is the man who didn't make God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness."

Psa 52:8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in God's house. I trust in God's loving kindness forever and ever.

Psa 52:9 I will give you thanks forever, because you have done it. I will hope in your name, for it is good, in the presence of your saints.

 

Psa 53:1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good.

Psa 53:2 God looks down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there are any who understood, who seek after God.

Psa 53:3 Every one of them has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who does good, no, not one.

Psa 53:4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and don't call on God?

Psa 53:5 There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. You have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.

Psa 53:6 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God brings back his people from captivity, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

 

Psa 54:1 Save me, God, by your name. Vindicate me in your might.

Psa 54:2 Hear my prayer, God. Listen to the words of my mouth.

Psa 54:3 For strangers have risen up against me. Violent men have sought after my soul. They haven't set God before them. Selah.

Psa 54:4 Behold, God is my helper. The Lord is the one who sustains my soul.

Psa 54:5 He will repay the evil to my enemies. Destroy them in your truth.

Psa 54:6 With a free will offering, I will sacrifice to you. I will give thanks to your name, Yahweh, for it is good.

Psa 54:7 For he has delivered me out of all trouble. My eye has seen triumph over my enemies.

Sept. 9 1 Corinthians 5

Sept. 9

1 Corinthians 5

1Co 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles, that one has his father's wife.

1Co 5:2 You are puffed up, and didn't rather mourn, that he who had done this deed might be removed from among you.

1Co 5:3 For I most certainly, as being absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as though I were present, judged him who has done this thing.

1Co 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1Co 5:5 are to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

1Co 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump?

1Co 5:7 Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.

1Co 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old yeast, neither with the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

1Co 5:9 I wrote to you in my letter to have no company with sexual sinners;

1Co 5:10 yet not at all meaning with the sexual sinners of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then you would have to leave the world.

1Co 5:11 But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. Don't even eat with such a person.

1Co 5:12 For what have I to do with also judging those who are outside? Don't you judge those who are within?

1Co 5:13 But those who are outside, God judges. "Put away the wicked man from among yourselves."

"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY" Chapter Four by Mark Copeland

                     "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"

                              Chapter Four

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To learn what we can about the apostasy foretold by the Spirit

2) To see what sort of things will make one a good minister of Jesus 
   Christ

SUMMARY

Paul begins this chapter with describing how the Spirit has revealed
that in latter times there would be an apostasy in which some would
depart from the faith.  This falling away would come about as people
gave heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, leading to
their speaking lies in hypocrisy and searing their consciences as with
a hot iron.  Examples of their false doctrines are given:  forbidding 
to marry and commanding to abstain from certain foods.  Regarding the 
latter, Paul makes it clear that all foods are acceptable if they be 
received with thanksgiving, for they are sanctified by the word of God 
and prayer (1-5).

In the last half of this chapter, we find Paul instructing Timothy on
how he can be a good minister of Jesus Christ.  By instructing the 
brethren in matters pertaining to sound doctrine, he will also be 
nourished himself.  But he should also be careful to avoid foolish 
fables, and rather exercise himself to godliness, which is of more 
enduring value than bodily exercise (6-10).

Though Timothy is young, he should not let anyone despise him for his
youth.  Instead he must demonstrate the proper example of how a
believer should speak and live.  With further instruction as to what
things to give attention, Paul encourages Timothy that by following
these admonitions his progress will be evident to all, and he will save
both himself and those who hear him (11-16).

OUTLINE

I. THE COMING APOSTASY (1-5)

   A. THE DEPARTURE FORETOLD (1-2)
      1. Foretold expressly by the Spirit (1a)
      2. In latter times some will depart from the faith (1b-2)
         a. Giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons
            (1b)
         b. Speaking lies in hypocrisy (2a)
         c. Having consciences seared with a hot iron (2b)
   
   B. THE DEPARTURE DESCRIBED (3-5)
      1. Some will forbid to marry (3a)
      2. Some will command abstention from certain foods (3b)
         a. Which God created to be received with thanksgiving (3c)
         b. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be
            refused (4a)
            1) If it is received with thanksgiving (4b)
            2) For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer (5)

II. A GOOD SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST (6-16)

   A. IN REGARDS TO DOCTRINE (6-7a)
      1. Instruct the brethren in regards to such things as the 
         apostasy (6a)
      2. You will be a good minister of Jesus Christ (6b)
      3. You will be nourished in the words of faith and good doctrine
         (6c)
      4. But reject profane and old wives' fables (7a)
   
   B. IN REGARDS TO GODLINESS (7b-10)
      1. Exercise yourself to godliness, for bodily exercise profits a
         little (7b-8a)
      2. But godliness is profitable for all things, having promise...
         a. Of the life that now is (8b)
         b. And of that which is to come (8c)
      3. Such is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance (9)
      4. And to this end we labor and suffer reproach (10a)
         a. Because we trust in the living God (10b)
         b. Who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who
            believe (10c)

   C. COUNSEL FOR A YOUNG PREACHER (11-16)
      1. Command and teach such things as previously described (11)
      2. Let no one despise your youth (12a)
      3. Be an example to the believers (12b)
         a. In word, in conduct, in love
         b. In spirit, in faith, in purity
      4. Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine (13)
      5. Do not neglect the gift in you (14a)
         a. Given by prophecy (14b)
         b. With the laying on of hands of the presbytery (14c)
      6. In order that your progress may be evident to all...
         a. Meditate on these things (15a)
         b. Give yourself entirely to them (15b)
      7. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine (16a)
         a. Continue in them (16b)
         b. In doing this, you will save both yourself and those who 
            hear you (16b)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The coming apostasy (1-5)
   - A good servant of Jesus Christ (6-16)

2) What did the Spirit reveal would happen in latter times? (1)
   - Some will depart from the faith

3) What would such people give heed to? (1)
   - Deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons

4) What would they speak?  Why? (2)
   - Lies in hypocrisy
   - Their consciences would be seared, as with a hot iron

5) List two examples of the sort of doctrines they would teach (3)
   - Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from certain foods

6) What foods are acceptable for Christians to eat?  What makes them
   acceptable? (4-5)
   - Nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving
   - They are sanctified by the word of God and prayer

7) What would ensure that Timothy would be a good minister of Jesus 
   Christ? (6)
   - If he instructed the brethren in these matters

8) As a good minister, in what would he be nourished? (6)
   - In the words of faith and of the good doctrine which he has 
     carefully followed

9) What was Timothy to reject?  Unto what was he to exercise himself?
   (7)
   - Profane and old wives' fables
   - Godliness

10) What is the value of godliness? (8)
   - It has promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to
     come

11) What was Timothy not to let anyone despise? (12)
   - His youth

12) In what areas was Timothy to be an example to the believers? (12)
   - In word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity

13) To what three things was Timothy to give attention? (13)
   - Reading, exhortation, and doctrine

14) What was Timothy not to neglect?  How was it given to him? (14)
   - The gift that was in him
   - By prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery
     (elders)

15) How could Timothy ensure that his progress would be evident to all?
    (15)
   - By meditating on these things, and giving himself entirely to them

16) How could Timothy save both himself and those who heard him? (16)
   - By taking heed to himself and to the doctrine, and continuing in
     them

Viva the mystery

Genesis, chapter 2

 20 The man gave names to all livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every animal of the field; but for man there was not found a helper suitable for him.  21 Yahweh God caused a deep sleep to fall on the man, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.  22 He made the rib, which Yahweh God had taken from the man, into a woman, and brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken out of Man.”  24 Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.

I do not understand how two radically different beings like a man and a woman can love each other.  But, there it is, a bond that defies a complete description (Although, the picture goes a long way in that direction).  Somehow, the differences between the sexes bind them together.  Again, I am at a loss to explain it.  I guess the best answer is found in verses 21 to 23 above.  Since the two were originally one, joining back together as one completes the true nature of what humans are supposed to be.  But, I am not kidding myself, because even though I may sound knowledgeable, I am only guessing.  I feel I can safely say that no man fully understands his feminine counterpart.  And I am glad; I love a good mystery!!!

Sept. 8 Psalms 49-51

Sept. 8

Psalms 49-51

Psa 49:1 Hear this, all you peoples. Listen, all you inhabitants of the world,

Psa 49:2 both low and high, rich and poor together.

Psa 49:3 My mouth will speak words of wisdom. My heart shall utter understanding.

Psa 49:4 I will incline my ear to a proverb. I will open my riddle on the harp.

Psa 49:5 Why should I fear in the days of evil, when iniquity at my heels surrounds me?

Psa 49:6 Those who trust in their wealth, and boast in the multitude of their riches--

Psa 49:7 none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give God a ransom for him.

Psa 49:8 For the redemption of their life is costly, no payment is ever enough,

Psa 49:9 That he should live on forever, that he should not see corruption.

Psa 49:10 For he sees that wise men die; likewise the fool and the senseless perish, and leave their wealth to others.

Psa 49:11 Their inward thought is that their houses will endure forever, and their dwelling places to all generations. They name their lands after themselves.

Psa 49:12 But man, despite his riches, doesn't endure. He is like the animals that perish.

Psa 49:13 This is the destiny of those who are foolish, and of those who approve their sayings. Selah.

Psa 49:14 They are appointed as a flock for Sheol. Death shall be their shepherd. The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning. Their beauty shall decay in Sheol, far from their mansion.

Psa 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah.

Psa 49:16 Don't be afraid when a man is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased.

Psa 49:17 For when he dies he shall carry nothing away. His glory shall not descend after him.

Psa 49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul-- and men praise you when you do well for yourself--

Psa 49:19 he shall go to the generation of his fathers. They shall never see the light.

Psa 49:20 A man who has riches without understanding, is like the animals that perish.

 

Psa 50:1 The Mighty One, God, Yahweh, speaks, and calls the earth from sunrise to sunset.

Psa 50:2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.

Psa 50:3 Our God comes, and does not keep silent. A fire devours before him. It is very stormy around him.

Psa 50:4 He calls to the heavens above, to the earth, that he may judge his people:

Psa 50:5 "Gather my saints together to me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."

Psa 50:6 The heavens shall declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah.

Psa 50:7 "Hear, my people, and I will speak; Israel, and I will testify against you. I am God, your God.

Psa 50:8 I don't rebuke you for your sacrifices. Your burnt offerings are continually before me.

Psa 50:9 I have no need for a bull from your stall, nor male goats from your pens.

Psa 50:10 For every animal of the forest is mine, and the livestock on a thousand hills.

Psa 50:11 I know all the birds of the mountains. The wild animals of the field are mine.

Psa 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

Psa 50:13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

Psa 50:14 Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High.

Psa 50:15 Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me."

Psa 50:16 But to the wicked God says, "What right do you have to declare my statutes, that you have taken my covenant on your lips,

Psa 50:17 seeing you hate instruction, and throw my words behind you?

Psa 50:18 When you saw a thief, you consented with him, and have participated with adulterers.

Psa 50:19 "You give your mouth to evil. Your tongue frames deceit.

Psa 50:20 You sit and speak against your brother. You slander your own mother's son.

Psa 50:21 You have done these things, and I kept silent. You thought that the I was just like you. I will rebuke you, and accuse you in front of your eyes.

Psa 50:22 "Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you into pieces, and there be none to deliver.

Psa 50:23 Whoever offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies me, and prepares his way so that I will show God's salvation to him."

 

Psa 51:1 Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.

Psa 51:2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Cleanse me from my sin.

Psa 51:3 For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me.

Psa 51:4 Against you, and you only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in your sight; that you may be proved right when you speak, and justified when you judge.

Psa 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity. In sin my mother conceived me.

Psa 51:6 Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Psa 51:7 Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Psa 51:8 Let me hear joy and gladness, That the bones which you have broken may rejoice.

Psa 51:9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all of my iniquities.

Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.

Psa 51:11 Don't throw me from your presence, and don't take your holy Spirit from me.

Psa 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit.

Psa 51:13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways. Sinners shall be converted to you.

Psa 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation. My tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

Psa 51:15 Lord, open my lips. My mouth shall declare your praise.

Psa 51:16 For you don't delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it. You have no pleasure in burnt offering.

Psa 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Psa 51:18 Do well in your good pleasure to Zion. Build the walls of Jerusalem.

Psa 51:19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, in burnt offerings and in whole burnt offerings. Then they will offer bulls on your altar.

Sept. 8 1 Corinthians 4

Sept. 8

1 Corinthians 4

1Co 4:1 So let a man think of us as Christ's servants, and stewards of God's mysteries.

1Co 4:2 Here, moreover, it is required of stewards, that they be found faithful.

1Co 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man's judgment. Yes, I don't judge my own self.

1Co 4:4 For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord.

1Co 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.

1Co 4:6 Now these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another.

1Co 4:7 For who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn't receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

1Co 4:8 You are already filled. You have already become rich. You have come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish that you did reign, that we also might reign with you.

1Co 4:9 For, I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men.

1Co 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor.

1Co 4:11 Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place.

1Co 4:12 We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.

1Co 4:13 Being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the dirt wiped off by all, even until now.

1Co 4:14 I don't write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.

1Co 4:15 For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News.

1Co 4:16 I beg you therefore, be imitators of me.

1Co 4:17 Because of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly.

1Co 4:18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.

1Co 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing. And I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.

1Co 4:20 For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

1Co 4:21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY" Chapter Three by Mark Copeland

                     "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"

                             Chapter Three

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To examine the qualifications necessary for bishops and deacons

2) To appreciate the noble view that Paul has of the church

SUMMARY

In this chapter we find the qualifications necessary for those who 
would serve as bishops in the local congregation (1-7).  A similar list
is included for those who would be deacons (8-13).

Paul then explains the purpose in writing this epistle.  Though hoping
to come soon, he writes so that Timothy will be well-instructed on how
to conduct himself in the house of God, which is the church, the pillar
and ground of the truth (14-15).  Mention of "the truth" prompts a 
summation of "the mystery of godliness" which pertains to the coming of
Christ into the world (16).

OUTLINE

I. THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR BISHOPS (1-7)

   A. THE NATURE OF THE WORK (1)
      1. It is a position, or office (1a)
      2. It is a good work for a man to desire (1b)

   B. WHAT A BISHOP MUST BE (2-7)
      1. Positive qualifications
         a. Blameless (2a)
         b. The husband of one wife (2b)
         c. Temperate (2c)
         d. Sober-minded (2d)
         e. Of good behavior (2e)
         f. Hospitable (2f)
         g. Able to teach (2g)
         h. Gentle (3d)    
         i. One who rules his own house well (4a)
            1) Having his children in submission with all reverence
               (4b)
            2) For if he can't rule his own house, how will he take 
               care of the church? (5)
         j. A good testimony among those outside (7a)
            1) Lest he fall into reproach (7b)
            2) And into the snare of the devil (7c)
      2. Negative qualifications
         a. Not given to wine (3a)
         b. Not violent (3b)
         c. Not greedy for money (3c)
         d. Not quarrelsome (3e)
         e. Not covetous (3f)
         f. Not a novice (6a)
            1) Lest he be puffed up with pride (6b)
            2) And fall into the same condemnation as the devil (6c)
      
II. THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR DEACONS (8-13)

   A. WHAT A DEACON MUST BE (8-12)
      1. Positive qualifications
         a. Reverent (8a)
         b. Holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience (9)
         c. Proven (10a)
         d. Found blameless (10b)
         e. The husband of one wife (12a)
         f. Ruling his children and house well (12b)
      2. Negative qualifications
         a. Not double-tongued (8b)
         b. Not given to much wine (8c)
         c. Not greedy for money (8d)
      3. Their wives
         a. Reverent (11a)
         b. Not slanderers (11b)
         c. Temperate (11c)
         d. Faithful in all things (11d)

   B. THE HONOR OF THEIR WORK (13)
      1. Those who serve well obtain a good standing (13a)
      2. Also great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus
         (13b)

III. PAUL'S PURPOSE IN WRITING (14-16)

   A. WHY PAUL IS WRITING THIS EPISTLE (14-15)
      1. He hopes to come shortly, but writes in case he is delayed 
         (14-15a)
      2. That Timothy might know how to conduct himself in the house of
         God (15b)
         a. Which is the church of the living God (15c)
         b. Which is the pillar and ground of the truth (15d)

   B. THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS (16)
      1. Without controversy, it is great (16a)
      2. In summation, it key elements are these:  God was...
         a. Manifested in the flesh (16b)
         b. Justified in the Spirit (16c)
         c. Seen by angels (16d)
         d. Preached among the Gentiles (16e)
         e. Believed on in the world (16f)
         f. Received up in glory (16g)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The qualifications for bishops (1-7)
   - The qualifications for deacons (8-13)
   - Paul's purpose in writing (14-16)

2) How does Paul describe the position of a bishop? (1)
   - As a good work

3) What are the positive qualifications required for a bishop? (2-7)
   - Blameless, husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good
     behavior, hospitable, able to teach, gentle, ruling his own house
     well, a good testimony among those outside

4) What are the negative qualifications required for a bishop? (2-7)
   - Not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, not 
     quarrelsome, not covetous, not a novice

5) What are the positive qualifications required for a deacon? (8-12)
   - Reverent, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience,
     proven, found blameless, the husband of one wife, ruling his 
     children and house well

6) What are the negative qualifications required for a deacon? (8-12)
   - Not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money

7) What are the qualifications for the wives of deacons? (11)
   - Reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things

8) What is said of those deacons who have served well? (13)
   - They obtain a good standing and great boldness in the faith which
     is in Christ Jesus

9) Why did Paul write this epistle? (14-15)
   - So that in case his coming was delayed, Timothy would know how to
     conduct himself

10) What does Paul call the house of God? (15)
   - The church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth

11) What are the basic facts of the mystery of godliness? (16)
   - God was manifested in the flesh   - Preached among the Gentiles
   - Justified in the Spirit           - Believed on in the world
   - Seen by angels                    - Received up in glory