Oct. 21 Ecclesiastes 5-7

Oct. 21

Ecclesiastes 5-7

Ecc 5:1 Guard your steps when you go to God's house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don't know that they do evil.

Ecc 5:2 Don't be rash with your mouth, and don't let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

Ecc 5:3 For as a dream comes with a multitude of cares, so a fool's speech with a multitude of words.

Ecc 5:4 When you vow a vow to God, don't defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow.

Ecc 5:5 It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.

Ecc 5:6 Don't allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don't protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?

Ecc 5:7 For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words: but you must fear God.

Ecc 5:8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don't marvel at the matter: for one official is eyed by a higher one; and there are officials over them.

Ecc 5:9 Moreover the profit of the earth is for all. The king profits from the field.

Ecc 5:10 He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.

Ecc 5:11 When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with his eyes?

Ecc 5:12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep.

Ecc 5:13 There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm.

Ecc 5:14 Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand.

Ecc 5:15 As he came forth from his mother's womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.

Ecc 5:16 This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?

Ecc 5:17 All his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath.

Ecc 5:18 Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion.

Ecc 5:19 Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God.

Ecc 5:20 For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life; because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.

 

Ecc 6:1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on men:

Ecc 6:2 a man to whom God gives riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God gives him no power to eat of it, but an alien eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

Ecc 6:3 If a man fathers a hundred children, and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not filled with good, and moreover he has no burial; I say, that a stillborn child is better than he:

Ecc 6:4 for it comes in vanity, and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness.

Ecc 6:5 Moreover it has not seen the sun nor known it. This has rest rather than the other.

Ecc 6:6 Yes, though he live a thousand years twice told, and yet fails to enjoy good, don't all go to one place?

Ecc 6:7 All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.

Ecc 6:8 For what advantage has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor man, that knows how to walk before the living?

Ecc 6:9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Ecc 6:10 Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he.

Ecc 6:11 For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man?

Ecc 6:12 For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?

 

Ecc 7:1 A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one's birth.

Ecc 7:2 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men, and the living should take this to heart.

Ecc 7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.

Ecc 7:4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

Ecc 7:5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

Ecc 7:6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

Ecc 7:7 Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.

Ecc 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Ecc 7:9 Don't be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

Ecc 7:10 Don't say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not ask wisely about this.

Ecc 7:11 Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.

Ecc 7:12 For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

Ecc 7:13 Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight, which he has made crooked?

Ecc 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after him.

Ecc 7:15 All this have I seen in my days of vanity: there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who lives long in his evildoing.

Ecc 7:16 Don't be overly righteous, neither make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself?

Ecc 7:17 Don't be too wicked, neither be foolish. Why should you die before your time?

Ecc 7:18 It is good that you should take hold of this. Yes, also from that don't withdraw your hand; for he who fears God will come forth from them all.

Ecc 7:19 Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.

Ecc 7:20 Surely there is not a righteous man on earth, who does good and doesn't sin.

Ecc 7:21 Also don't take heed to all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you;

Ecc 7:22 for often your own heart knows that you yourself have likewise cursed others.

Ecc 7:23 All this have I proved in wisdom. I said, "I will be wise;" but it was far from me.

Ecc 7:24 That which is, is far off and exceedingly deep. Who can find it out?

Ecc 7:25 I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.

Ecc 7:26 I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner will be ensnared by her.

Ecc 7:27 Behold, this have I found, says the Preacher, one to another, to find out the scheme;

Ecc 7:28 which my soul still seeks; but I have not found: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.

Ecc 7:29 Behold, this only have I found: that God made man upright; but they search for many schemes.

Oct. 21 Colossians 2

Oct. 21

Colossians 2

Col 2:1 For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

Col 2:2 that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,

Col 2:3 in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.

Col 2:4 Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.

Col 2:5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Col 2:6 As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him,

Col 2:7 rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.

Col 2:8 Be careful that you don't let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.

Col 2:9 For in him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily,

Col 2:10 and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power;

Col 2:11 in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;

Col 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Col 2:13 You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

Col 2:14 wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross;

Col 2:15 having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day,

Col 2:17 which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's.

Col 2:18 Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Col 2:19 and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God's growth.

Col 2:20 If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances,

Col 2:21 "Don't handle, nor taste, nor touch"

Col 2:22 (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men?

Col 2:23 Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren't of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

2 Peter, Chapter 1

                     "THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PETER"

                              Chapter One

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To note the value of growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ

2) To understand what is involved in growing in the knowledge of Jesus

3) To appreciate the importance of being reminded of things we already
   know

4) To see that our faith relies on both eyewitness testimony and
   prophetic fulfillment

SUMMARY

Peter addresses his second epistle to those with like precious faith,
evidently the same recipients to whom he wrote his first epistle (3:1;
cf. 1Pe 1:1). His benediction of grace and peace is bestowed in
connection with the knowledge of God and Jesus, hinting at one of the
main themes of this epistle. Reference is then made to God's divine
power as the source of all things that pertain to life and godliness,
including precious promises by which those who have escaped worldly
lusts may now be partakers of the divine nature (1-4).

In view of such blessings, Peter exhorts his readers to diligently
abound in graces that will render them fruitful in the knowledge of
Christ. Failure to do so would be indicative of grave spiritual malady,
while diligence in doing so will ensure their calling and election,
resulting in an abundant entrance into the heavenly kingdom of Jesus
Christ (5-11).

Peter then explains why he would write such things when he knows they
are well established in them. In light of his impending death, he wants
to stir them up and make sure they will always be mindful of these
things after he is gone (12-15).

He also reminds them of the nature of his testimony concerning power and
coming of the Lord. He was an eyewitness, not a deceiver with cunningly
devised fables. As an example, reference is made to the events he
witnessed on the Mount of Transfiguration (16-18; cf. Mt 17:1-9).

Peter then exhorts them to give careful heed to the prophetic word made
sure, for it will serve as a light in a dark place until the day dawns
and the morning star rises in their heart. Such prophecies are to be
heeded because they come from men who were moved by the Holy Spirit
(19-21).

OUTLINE

I. INTRODUCTION (1-2)

   A. THE AUTHOR (1a)
      1. Peter
      2. A bondservant and apostles of Jesus Christ

   B. THE RECIPIENTS (1b)
      1. Those who have obtained like precious faith
      2. By the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ

   C. GREETINGS (2)
      1. Grace and peace be multiplied
      2. In the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord

II. GROW IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE (3-21)

   A. WITH PRECIOUS GIFTS FROM GOD (3-4)
      1. His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life
         and godliness
         a. Through the knowledge of Him
         b. Who called us by glory and virtue
      2. His glory and virtue has given us exceedingly great and
         precious promises
         a. Through which we may be partakers of the divine nature
         b. Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through
            lust

   B. ABOUNDING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST (5-11)
      1. Diligent to add to our faith:
         a. Virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance
         b. Godliness, brotherly kindness, love
      2. Diligent to make our call and election sure
         a. Abounding in these graces, neither barren nor unfruitful in
            the knowledge of Christ
         b. Not lacking in these graces, neither shortsighted nor
            forgetful of our cleansing
         c. Ensuring that we do not stumble, but have an abundant
            entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord Jesus
            Christ

   C. STIRRED UP BY CAREFUL REMINDER (12-21)
      1. By one who knows his death is imminent
         a. Who desires not to be negligent in reminding them
         b. Even though they know and are established in the present
            truth
         c. Who thinks it right to stir them up by way of reminder
         d. Knowing he will shortly put off his tent, as Jesus showed
            him
         e. To ensure they will always have a reminder of these things
            after his death
      2. Whose eyewitness testimony along with the prophetic Word we
         should heed
         a. He did not offer cunningly devised fables
            1) When proclaiming the power and coming of the Lord
            2) But was an eyewitness of His majesty
            3) Such as when Christ received honor and glory from God the
               Father on the Mount of Transfiguration
         b. We also have the prophetic word confirmed
            1) Which we do well to heed
               a) As a light in a dark place
               b) Until the day dawns and the morning star rises in our
                  hearts
            2) Knowing the prophetic nature of Scripture
               a) It was not of private interpretation (origin), or by
                  the will of man
               b) But holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the
                  Holy Spirit

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Introduction (1-2)
   - Grow In Grace And Knowledge (3-21)

2) To whom does Peter address this epistle (1)
   - To those who have obtained like precious faith

3) In what way are grace and peace multiplied for the Christian? (2)
   - In the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord

4) What has God's divine power given to us?  How? (3)
   - All things that pertain to life and godliness
   - Through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue

5) What else has been given to us?  Why? (4)
   - Exceedingly great and precious promises
   - That we might be partakers of the divine nature
   - Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust

6) What spiritual graces are we to diligently add to our faith? (5-7)
   - Virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly
     kindness, love

7) What will be our condition if we abound in these graces? (8)
   - Neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus
     Christ

8) What will be our condition if we lack these graces? (9)
   - Shortsighted, even to blindness
   - Forgetful of being purged from our old sins

9) What benefit will there be in doing these things? (10-11)
   - We will make our calling and election sure
   - We will never stumble
   - We will have an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of
     our Lord Jesus Christ

10) What was Peter careful to ensure concerning these things? (12,15)
   - To remind them always, even though they know them and are well
     established
   - To leave them a reminder of these things after his decease

11) What did Peter hope to accomplish?  What did he know would soon
    happen? (13-14)
   - To stir them by reminding them
   - He would put off his tent (i.e., die), just as Jesus showed him

12) In making known the power and coming of the Lord Jesus, what did
    Peter claim? (16)
   - He did not follow cunningly devised fables
   - He was an eyewitness of the Lord's majesty

13) What experience in Jesus' life does Peter refer to as an example of
    witnessing the Lord's honor and glory? (17-18)
   - The transfiguration on the mount (cf. Mt 17:1-9; Mk 9:2-9; Lk 9:
     28-36)

14) In addition to apostolic testimony, what else do we have to which we
    should give careful heed? (19)
   - The prophetic word made more sure

15) How does this word serve us? (19)
   - As a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the
     morning star arises in our hearts

16) What should be remembered regarding the prophetic word? (20-21)
   - No prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation (i.e.,
     origin)
   - Prophecy did not come by the will of men, by holy men of God spoke
     as they were moved by the Holy Spirit

How good is good?

Question: How good does a person have to be before we label them as GOOD?  In other words, when does a bad person become good?  And how hard do we look for the good in people, anyway?  Yes, I know the picture is exaggerated, but there is more truth here than makes me comfortable!  Consider the worst person you can think of, you know, that particularly rotten individual that we all seem to know... is there anything about them that is good?  Now look at the following picture and think...

People loved him, he was a great speaker, he loved dogs, he painted, he was a forceful military commander - yet at his command, millions upon millions of people died as a result of his hatred.  After all that- think about the following verses...

Romans, Chapter 5

 6 For while we were yet weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man. Yet perhaps for a righteous person someone would even dare to die.  8 But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Jesus, who is called Christ, died for this man as well as for you and me.  Even that really rotten person we all know!!!  Perhaps it would be better NOT to grade others and just accept this one fact: God loves us all, even the worst of us.  Now, the real question is... what are we going to do about it?

Oct. 20 Ecclesiastes 1-4

Oct. 20

Ecclesiastes 1-4

Ecc 1:1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:

Ecc 1:2 "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity."

Ecc 1:3 What does man gain from all his labor in which he labors under the sun?

Ecc 1:4 One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever.

Ecc 1:5 The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hurries to its place where it rises.

Ecc 1:6 The wind goes toward the south, and turns around to the north. It turns around continually as it goes, and the wind returns again to its courses.

Ecc 1:7 All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full. To the place where the rivers flow, there they flow again.

Ecc 1:8 All things are full of weariness beyond uttering. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

Ecc 1:9 That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Ecc 1:10 Is there a thing of which it may be said, "Behold, this is new?" It has been long ago, in the ages which were before us.

Ecc 1:11 There is no memory of the former; neither shall there be any memory of the latter that are to come, among those that shall come after.

Ecc 1:12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

Ecc 1:13 I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.

Ecc 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Ecc 1:15 That which is crooked can't be made straight; and that which is lacking can't be counted.

Ecc 1:16 I said to myself, "Behold, I have obtained for myself great wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge."

Ecc 1:17 I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.

Ecc 1:18 For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

 

Ecc 2:1 I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with mirth: therefore enjoy pleasure;" and behold, this also was vanity.

Ecc 2:2 I said of laughter, "It is foolishness;" and of mirth, "What does it accomplish?"

Ecc 2:3 I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.

Ecc 2:4 I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.

Ecc 2:5 I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.

Ecc 2:6 I made myself pools of water, to water from it the forest where trees were reared.

Ecc 2:7 I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem;

Ecc 2:8 I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men--musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

Ecc 2:9 So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

Ecc 2:10 Whatever my eyes desired, I didn't keep from them. I didn't withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor.

Ecc 2:11 Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.

Ecc 2:12 I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly: for what can the king's successor do? Just that which has been done long ago.

Ecc 2:13 Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness.

Ecc 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head, and the fool walks in darkness--and yet I perceived that one event happens to them all.

Ecc 2:15 Then said I in my heart, "As it happens to the fool, so will it happen even to me; and why was I then more wise?" Then said I in my heart that this also is vanity.

Ecc 2:16 For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no memory for ever, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. Indeed, the wise man must die just like the fool!

Ecc 2:17 So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Ecc 2:18 I hated all my labor in which I labored under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who comes after me.

Ecc 2:19 Who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have rule over all of my labor in which I have labored, and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.

Ecc 2:20 Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun.

Ecc 2:21 For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, with knowledge, and with skillfulness; yet he shall leave it for his portion to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.

Ecc 2:22 For what has a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun?

Ecc 2:23 For all his days are sorrows, and his travail is grief; yes, even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity.

Ecc 2:24 There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God.

Ecc 2:25 For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I?

Ecc 2:26 For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

 

Ecc 3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

Ecc 3:2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

Ecc 3:3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

Ecc 3:4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Ecc 3:5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

Ecc 3:6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

Ecc 3:7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Ecc 3:8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecc 3:9 What profit has he who works in that in which he labors?

Ecc 3:10 I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.

Ecc 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can't find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end.

Ecc 3:12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live.

Ecc 3:13 Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.

Ecc 3:14 I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him.

Ecc 3:15 That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away.

Ecc 3:16 Moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.

Ecc 3:17 I said in my heart, "God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work."

Ecc 3:18 I said in my heart, "As for the sons of men, God tests them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals.

Ecc 3:19 For that which happens to the sons of men happens to animals. Even one thing happens to them. As the one dies, so the other dies. Yes, they have all one breath; and man has no advantage over the animals: for all is vanity.

Ecc 3:20 All go to one place. All are from the dust, and all turn to dust again.

Ecc 3:21 Who knows the spirit of man, whether it goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, whether it goes downward to the earth?"

Ecc 3:22 Therefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who can bring him to see what will be after him?

 

Ecc 4:1 Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

Ecc 4:2 Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.

Ecc 4:3 Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

Ecc 4:4 Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man's neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Ecc 4:5 The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself.

Ecc 4:6 Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.

Ecc 4:7 Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

Ecc 4:8 There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. For whom then, do I labor, and deprive my soul of enjoyment? This also is vanity, yes, it is a miserable business.

Ecc 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

Ecc 4:10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn't have another to lift him up.

Ecc 4:11 Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?

Ecc 4:12 If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ecc 4:13 Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn't know how to receive admonition any more.

Ecc 4:14 For out of prison he came forth to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

Ecc 4:15 I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.

Ecc 4:16 There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was--yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Oct. 20 Colossians 1

Oct. 20

Colossians 1

Col 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

Col 1:2 to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Col 1:3 We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Col 1:4 having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have toward all the saints,

Col 1:5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Good News,

Col 1:6 which has come to you; even as it is in all the world and is bearing fruit and growing, as it does in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;

Col 1:7 even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,

Col 1:8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.

Col 1:9 For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don't cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

Col 1:10 that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Col 1:11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy;

Col 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;

Col 1:13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love;

Col 1:14 in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins;

Col 1:15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

Col 1:16 For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him.

Col 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things are held together.

Col 1:18 He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Col 1:19 For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in him;

Col 1:20 and through him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of his cross.

Col 1:21 You, being in past times alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works,

Col 1:22 yet now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and blameless before him,

Col 1:23 if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a servant.

Col 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the assembly;

Col 1:25 of which I was made a servant, according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you, to fulfill the word of God,

Col 1:26 the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints,

Col 1:27 to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory;

Col 1:28 whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;

Col 1:29 for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.

2 Peter, Introduction, Mark Copeland

                     "THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PETER"

                              Introduction

AUTHOR

The apostle Peter, as stated in the salutation (1:1).  The writer claims
to have had special revelation from the Lord concerning his demise
(1:14; cf. Jn 21:18-19), and to have been present when the Lord was
transfigured on the mountain (1:16-18; cf. Mt 17:1-9).  He also alludes
to the first epistle (3:1), and acknowledges acquaintance with the
apostle Paul (3:15).  Ether Peter wrote it, or it is a blatant forgery.

The external evidence reveals that this epistle was slow to be accepted
by many in the church.  Eusebius (300 A.D.) considered it among doubtful
books, but Clement of Alexandria (200 A.D.) accepted it, and Robertson's
Word Pictures notes that those who alluded to it in their writings
include Justin Martyr (165 A.D.), Irenaeus (185 A.D.), Ignatius (107
A.D.), and Clement of Rome (96 A.D.).

RECIPIENTS

The letter is addressed to those "who have obtained like precious faith
with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ" (1:1).

The author notes this is the second epistle he has written to them
(3:1).  If it is indeed the second epistle written to the same audience
as First Peter, then the recipients were those Christian "pilgrims"
(cf. 1Pe 1:1; 2:11) who were living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia,
Asia, and Bithynia, provinces in what is now Turkey.

TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING

Peter makes reference to his imminent death (1:14).  It is generally
accepted that Peter died during the reign of Nero. Since Nero committed
suicide in 68 A.D., the epistle must be dated before then.  The epistle
was therefore probably written sometime during 67 A.D.

The place of writing is uncertain, though if written while imprisoned
shortly before his death, it would have been from Rome.

PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE

Peter states His purpose very clearly in writing this epistle:

   * To stir up his brethren by way of reminder (1:12-15; 3:1)

Knowing his death is imminent (1:13-14), Peter wanted to ensure that his
readers remain established in the truth (1:12), and be mindful of both
the words spoken before by the prophets and the commandments
given by the apostles, especially in regards to the promise of the
Lord's return (3:1-4).

THEME OF THE EPISTLE

The theme of 2nd Peter can be gleaned from its last two verses
(3:17-18), and stated as:

                           "BEWARE, BUT GROW"

He warns Christians to beware lest they fall from their steadfastness,
being led away by error.  At the same time, he exhorts them to grow in
the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  After the opening salutation,
virtually every verse of the epistle is either an encouragement to grow
or a warning against false teachers (including those who scoff at the
idea of the Lord returning).

KEY VERSES:  2 Peter 3:17-18

   "You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware
   lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away
   with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge
   of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now
   and forever. Amen."

OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION (1:1-2)
   1. From Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ (1:1a)
   2. To those who have obtained like precious faith (1:1b)
   3. Grace and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and Jesus
      (1:2)

I. GROW IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE (1:3-21)

   A. WITH PRECIOUS GIFTS FROM GOD (1:3-4)
      1. All things that pertain to life and godliness (1:3)
      2. Exceedingly great and precious promises (1:4)

   B. ABOUNDING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST (1:5-11)
      1. Supplying our faith with Christ-like graces (1:5-7)
      2. Making our call and election sure (1:8-11)

   C. STIRRED UP BY CAREFUL REMINDER (1:12-21)
      1. By one who knows his death is imminent (1:12-15)
      2. Whose eyewitness testimony along with the prophetic Word we
         should heed (1:16-21)

II. BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHERS (2:1-22)

   A. THEIR DESTRUCTIVENESS (2:1-3)
      1. Their destructive heresies (2:1-2)
      2. Their destructive methods (2:1,3)
      3. Their destructive end (2:1,3)

   B. THEIR DOOM (2:4-9)
      1. The example of the angels who sinned (2:4)
      2. The example of the flood (2:5)
      3. The example of Sodom and Gomorrah (2:6-8)
      4. God will deliver the godly, and punish the unjust (2:9)

   C. THEIR DEPRAVITY (2:10-17)
      1. Reviling against authority (2:10-12)
      2. Reveling with great pleasure (2:13-14)
      3. Revolting against the right way (2:15-17)

   D. THEIR DECEPTIONS (2:18-22)
      1. Deceptive in their methods (2:18)
      2. Deceptive in their promises (2:19)
      3. Whose latter end is worse than the beginning (2:20-22)

III. LOOK FOR THE LORD'S RETURN (3:1-18)

   A. THOUGH SCOFFERS WILL COME (3:1-9)
      1. Who forget the world was destroyed by water (3:1-7)
      2. Do not forget that the Lord is not bound by time, and is
         longsuffering (3:8-9)

   B. FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL COME (3:10-18)
      1. As a thief in the night, with cataclysmic destruction (3:10,12)
      2. For which we should be ready, with holy conduct, looking for
         the promise of new heavens and a new earth in which
         righteousness dwells (3:11,13-14)
      3. Remembering that the Lord's longsuffering is salvation, as Paul
         wrote (3:15-16)
      4. So beware lest you fall, growing in the grace and knowledge of
         Jesus Christ (3:17-18)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION

1) To whom was this second epistle of Peter written? (1:1; 3:1)
   - To those who had obtained a like precious faith
   - To those who had received the first epistle

2) What region of the world did they live in?
   - Modern day Turkey

3) When was this epistle possibly written?
   - 67 A.D.

4) Where was Peter when he wrote this epistle?
   - In Rome

5) What purpose did Peter have in writing this epistle? (1:12-15; 3:1)
   - To stir up his brethren by way reminder

6) What is suggested as the theme of this epistle?
   - Beware, but grow

7) What is suggested as the key verses in this epistle?
   - 1Pe 3:17-18

8) According to the outline above, what are main divisions of this
   epistle?
   - Grow in grace and knowledge
   - Beware of false teachers
 - Look for the Lord's return