Archives for 2014

the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. 1 Chronicles 24:18 (ESV)

There are quite specifically 24 divisions of the decedents of Aaron the high priest.

Each division would have their turn to serve in the ministry of the temple each year (with the lunar calendar consisting of only 48 weeks each group would serve twice yearly for a week each time).

This points forward to the 24 elders we see in Revelation 4:4. 24 like 12 speaks of Gods government and order.

We find application in two way, the first is that we serve a God of order and planning not mess and spontaneous diversions. We must order our lives according to Gods word and his ways in line with his Spirit.

One way to order our lives is to be faithful in waking each morning at a certain time for prayer and study and even going to bed by a certain time. This sense of order and planning should filter across into every area of our lives.

The other application is that we are not part time servants for the Lord, we serve him 24 hours a day. See 1 Peter 3:15

Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah, sons of Asaph, under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. 1 Chronicles 25:2 (ESV)

When we read about prophecy in the new testament and its use in everyday life and the church community we are not speaking about prophecy to be taken on the level of the Cannon of Scripture which is closed.

Prophecy is now the bold declaration of the word and truth of God often done in praise and worship. Colossians 3:16

Just like these priest were set up by the King to prophesy with guitars, harps and cymbals in thanksgiving and praise so we should see our times of praise both private and corporate as a time of prophesying the truth and glory of God as expressed in his revealed word. Ephesians 5:19

Like Asaph we should prophecy under the direction of our King Jesus. It is worth noting that Paul encourages us all to prophecy, he doesn’t mean we should all tell the future, he means we should all boldly declare the truth of God’s word and in faith proclaim that which God lays on our hearts in accordance with his word by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14:5, 26

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)

This is one of the most comforting and important scriptures to me, it strikes at the core of our faith, it is this that gives us the firm ground to stand upon when we say the bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible word of God.

The cannon is closed this means the time of inspiration and writing of the bible is completed and we have God’s complete revealed word in the bible.

When we say the bible is infallible we mean it is not misleading and so safeguards God’s revealed truth, it is the safe and reliable rule and guide in all matters.

When we say the bible is inerrant we mean it is free from all falsehood or mistakes (translation errors withstanding) so is entirely true and trustworthy in all its assertions.

Some today claim that they have new revelation, new prophecies that are on the level of or above scripture. Infamous claimants include Mohammed (Islam) , Joseph Smith (Mormons), Mary Baker Eddy (Scientology), Charles Taze Russell (JWs) and Ellen G White (7th Day).

The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them. Psalm 89:11 (ESV)

There is no one like our God, he is sovereign and rules not just over heaven but also over the earth

These were the sons of Levi by their fathers’ houses, the heads of fathers’ houses as they were listed according to the number of the names of the individuals from twenty years old and upward who were to do the work for the service of the house of the LORD. 1 Chronicles 23:24 (ESV)

We are a royal priesthood and have been saved for a purpose, we are not saved to sit by and watch the body of Christ working while we do nothing, No, we are called to work in God’s kingdom.

Work has sometimes been understood as a curse but God is always working as Jesus mentions in John 5:17 “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”

From the moment man was created, work was part of God’s mandate. Genesis 2:15 states “The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”

Paul admonishes us to keep ourselves clean so God can use us in 2 Timothy 2:21 “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. “

Peter also reminds us In 1 Peter 2:5-9 that we as “… living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 2 Timothy 3:2–4 (ESV)

Paul’s vice list which he aims at the false teachers and those that follow there errant teaching and evil ways begins with them loving themselves and one of the last sins listed is worldly hedonism (loving pleasure in an evil way), all the other sins mentioned between these two are all to do with self exaltation or pulling others down in some way.

Paul was making a point, that this sort of hedonistic (pleasure seeking), nihilistic (nothing has worth and self destructiveness) and narcissism (self worship) although competing philosophies of life, each will work destruction in the lives of those who do not believe the truth.

False teaching can bring false confidence to the lives of those who believe that sin has no consequence, or that the flesh means nothing (Gnosticism), or that we have no obligation to live in holiness (Antinomianism which is the opposite extreme of legalism).

If we in lazy surrender give ourselves over to live like this, we deny the power of God to keep us.

having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 2 Timothy 3:5 (ESV)

There are some who claim to be Christians who quite consciously live in selfish and sinful ways because of their agreement with some false teaching like the material driven “prosperity gospel” or “easy believism” which says once someone is saved it does not matter what they do after that they will still go to heaven, these beliefs are simply wrong and Paul tells us not to even engage with but to avoid the advocates of this sort of living and corrupted belief.

A belief that keeps us from this sort of error as seen in Paul’s day where they said the resurrection was in the past and they were already fully living in the kingdom of God so sin meant nothing, is our belief in the “Now and Not Yet” of God’s kingdom.

The kingdom is here now in some ways and it is not yet here in other ways, which is why we still have to struggle with sin until the Lords return, when he will bring the kingdom into full effect in the earth as he takes his place on David’s throne in Jerusalem to judge the nations.

always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:7 (ESV)

This should not be our testimony. Unlike the post modern view in western society we do believe that truth is knowable and we have the objective guide of God’s word so that our learning is not futile. Our faith is not fluffy and mystical we have solid firm beliefs which have been made clear in scripture and throughout church history. Yes we claim to KNOW the truth.

O LORD, God of my salvation; I cry out day and night before you. Psalm 88:1 (ESV)

All the man centred philosophies of this world want us to take our eyes of the Lord, we should turn our heart to him and cry out to the God who saved us

Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. 1 Chronicles 21:1 (ESV)

Satan (the one who opposes God and accuses his people), is a real being, he is not like God so he is NOT all knowing, all powerful or all present, the Devil is a fallen Angel, he can only be in one place at a time doing one thing at a time. Often we see him involved in high profile cases like Job’s trial, Jesus temptation and here he tempts David with the aim of destroying God’s people.

We need to be aware that Satan and his vast network of fellow demons are at work in the world today and often in this same context, moving leaders to sin which brings destruction to the people.

Paul is aware of this invisible war and reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

But he did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, for the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab. 1 Chronicles 21:6 (ESV)

Joab was so often a good leader and this was one of his better moments where he refused to fulfil the Kings demand by skipping two of the tribes. We can learn from his example that we ought to fear God rather than man. See Mark 8:33 and Galatians 1:10 where Paul states “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is very great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” 1 Chronicles 21:13 (ESV)

God’s discipline is not vindictive or cruel but is tempered by his mercy. We must learn from this when we are in authority and need to deal out discipline too over our children for example or a subordinate at work. Jesus clearly instructs us in Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Also see Jude 22-23.

And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O LORD my God, be against me and against my father’s house. But do not let the plague be on your people.” 1 Chronicles 21:17 (ESV)

David is Christlike in his leadership offering himself for the people, this is the heart of true intercession. A good leader will sacrifice himself for the people he leads. Jesus taught us that true leadership is servanthood and true greatness requires sacrifice.

Jesus declares in Mark 9:35 “And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 9:19 “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.”

The Apostle John reminds us in 1 John 3:16 “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”

But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 1 Chronicles 21:24 (ESV)

There is a cost in our walk, cost brings value and will cause us to treasure what is brought. Jesus teaches us to count the cost in Luke 14:28-33 “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?…So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”

The benefits of discipleship far outweighs the cost!

And David built there an altar to the LORD and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings and called on the LORD, and the LORD answered him with fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering. 1 Chronicles 21:26 (ESV)

David was a man of Prayer like Elijah who God also answered by fire from heaven. James reminds us in James 5:17 “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.”

For David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death. 1 Chronicles 22:5 (ESV)

We should have the same spirit of excellence with all we do for God, for the rise and spread of his fame throughout the earth

gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Arise and work! The LORD be with you!” 1 Chronicles 22:16 (ESV)

This same call goes out to God’s people today, we should arise and work, because God is with us. As Jesus reminds us in John 9:4 “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.”

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)

This is why bible reading, bible study and submission to good bible teaching is so important, the word of God needs to be divided correctly, when taken out of context it is at best not helpful and at worst rank heresy.

We are all called to be God’s approved workers rightly handling God’s precious word. We should not get into endless debates which are a distraction and waste of time

But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19 (ESV)

This scripture helps us deal with the mystery of election, God know those who are his so we should not waste our time trying to figure that out, we should focus on departing from evil in our own lives, it is our sanctification that concerns us not the secret will of God in election. We make our calling and election sure (to us) by living as God commands.

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV)

There must be a conscious running away form lust and sin and a running toward purity, faith and love. We should see Gods commands not as a tightrope wire to walk between righteousness and sin but a staring line to run from, toward God. We should not teether on the edge of darkness but run away from it lest we slip

correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 2 Timothy 2:25 (ESV)

We must remember this when we need to correct those opposing the truth

Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. Psalm 86:11 (ESV)

God is our great teacher, we agree with this prayer today that our hearts will be single, devoted to him, not double minded.

These also King David dedicated to the LORD, together with the silver and gold that he had carried off from all the nations, from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and Amalek. 1 Chronicles 18:11 (ESV)

David shows us a great example of how we should be with all the Lord has given us. David was so generous and faithful to the Lord that he did not just make himself rich with the spoils of war but laid them up to be used by his son Solomon in the building of the temple.

Jesus commends this type of attitude in us as believers with both our physical and spiritual resources being dedicated to the Lord’s service in his parable about the coins (talents) in Matthew 25:14-30

So David reigned over all Israel, and he administered justice and equity to all his people. 1 Chronicles 18:14 (ESV)

David was more than just a military commander, this small section shows us that David reorganised the government of Israel at the highest levels with capable administrators helping to establish an efficient kingdom state.

Joab who by the way is David’s Nephew who we see proves his military ability in the next chapter was made head of the armed forces while courageous and loyal Beniah was made the head of the elite body guard detail (like the secret service).

In the body of Christ Jesus like king David has organised his kingdom giving each member it’s role to perform for the good of the whole, we need to know what our office is and function within that calling.

1 Corinthians 12:18 tells us “But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.”

Romans 12:4-8 teaches us “…so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us….”

Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.” 1 Chronicles 19:13 (ESV)

Joab’s military leadership really shines through in this passage, this is the type of strategising we see in military geniuses like Alexander the Great, Napoleon, Julius Caesar or Attila the Hun. Joab shows his heart for the Lord in this call to rally his troops as they enter battle.

Like Joab said let us use our strength for the body of Christ and the kingdom of God. Paul knew this and so worked harder than all the other Apostles in 1 Corinthians 15:10. Paul also reminds us in 1 Timothy 4:10 that we are called to toil and strive for God’s kingdom.

In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led out the army and ravaged the country of the Ammonites and came and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. And Joab struck down Rabbah and overthrew it. 1 Chronicles 20:1 (ESV)

Here we start to see the slow burn of complacency and compromise with David, it was the time of the year when kings go to battle, but instead David stayed home and sent Joab his military ace, they got the victory but this behaviour set the precedent for the fall David would have with Bathsheba.

We must not be caught out by complacency, laziness or compromise, as in David’s case we may not see the result of the rot straightaway but it will soon become apparent, so we must be sober on our guard and not give the enemy an inch in our lives.

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 reminds us to not sleep but to stay awake and alert. We must not get drunk on our own pleasure and comfort, we must stay sober.

Peter in his call to holiness proclaims in 1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

And there was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was descended from the giants. 1 Chronicles 20:6 (ESV)

This giant with his 24 digits can be seen symbolically for the giant enemies we face each hour of the day. We should identify the giants that come to torment us and like David and his men, kill every last one of them. Jesus told us to take up our cross daily and follow him in Luke 9:23

and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)

This is the first of four analogies (Teacher, Soldier, Athlete and Farmer.) Paul uses to speak of the Christian life and ministry, each pointing in some way to the need for whole hearted devotion in spite of difficulty.

As a teacher Paul encourages timothy to pass on what he has learned from him (Paul) to faithful men who could teach others also. We see 4 generations here (Paul, Timothy, Faithful Men, Others).

Although the context tells us this is in regards to the continuation and spread of the ministry, each of us is called to pass on what we have learned to the upcoming generations. We must grow and be mature as Christians so we can pass down what was passed down to us, we don’t need to make up something new, our faith is not novel, it is our duty to pass down the historically orthodox Christian faith to each generation.

No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 2 Timothy 2:4 (ESV)

The second analogy for the Christian life is life as a soldier. As soldiers we endure harsh conditions, we are disciplined and willing to lay our lives on the line for our King, we obey commands, we show discipline, we fight, we defend, we protect, we have lives dedicated to duty

We must not be short sighted, only concerned with life now, we must see the greater vision of the army and our commanding officer and seek to please Christ in faith.

An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 2 Timothy 2:5–6 (ESV)

The next two analogies are of an Athlete and a Farmer.

Athletes need to be very disciplined, they need to watch what they eat and be disciplined in exercise and practise. We need to be careful about what we eat spiritually and we need to constantly exercise our spiritual senses.

Athletes also have a drive to win, to gain the prize, to finish the race well. We can apply all of this to our walk with the Lord, we should run to win.

Farmers need to work hard, they get up earlier than everyone else, they need to show patience and perseverance in all seasons as they work ploughing the fields, planting the seeds and tending to the crops. We are called to perseverance for our own lives but also as we work to see fruit in others

for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 2 Timothy 2:9 (ESV)

Nothing can stop the word of God! Even though Paul was in chains the word of God cannot be put in chains, this is why God allowed his word to be recorded in written form, this ensures the message goes where men cannot go and can be passed from person to person.

Thank God we have the unstoppable word of God, we should seek to see the word spread to every corner of the earth so God’s elect may obtain the salvation that is in Jesus.

Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Psalm 85:10 (ESV)

This is seen in full on the cross where Jesus was sacrificed in our place, making peace between us and God

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! 1 Chronicles 16:10 (ESV)

Like king David, we should sing and give praise to God, we should give glory to God. The thanks we see David giving to God here are taken from some of his many psalms first we see Psalm 105:1-5, followed by Psalm 96 and then parts of Psalm 106

As we seek the Lord we should do it in joy, we should rejoice from our hearts as we read and study God’s word.

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place. 1 Chronicles 16:24–27 (ESV)

This great declaration proclaims God as sovereign, he is the only God and all the false gods are worthless nonsense.

We are called to proclaim God’s greatness as the true king to all nations, we do this through the proclamation of the Gospel and upholding the truth that God created the entire universe and deserves our praise and allegiance.

See Matthew 28:18–20 for the account of the great commission.

And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the LORD will build you a house. 1 Chronicles 17:10 (ESV)

God knew David’s heart was to build him a house of worship and because of this God blesses Davids family declaring they will always be on the throne, this will find its ultimate fulfilment at the return of Christ. See Luke 1:32, Romans 15:12 and Revelation 22:16

We should have a heart like David to build up God’s house, the body of Christ When we seek to build the body from our hearts through the gifts God has given us, God will reward us as he does here for David. See Ephesians 4:16

For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him. Therefore your servant has found courage to pray before you. 1 Chronicles 17:25 (ESV)

When we consider God’s promises to us in his word, it should give us confidence to approach God in prayer. Hebrews 4:16 and Romans 4:20-21

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

As Paul writes this to encourage the young Pastor Timothy to not be timid in the proclamation and defence of his faith, we too can be encouraged that we have been adopted by God and have the gift of God himself in the Holy Spirit.

The 1st mark of the Holy Spirit is that we have power to be witnesses and to undergo suffering for the Lord.

The 2nd mark is Love, without love we are not authentic disciples of Jesus Christ which allows us to serve others in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The 3rd mark is self control, The Holy Spirit enables us to respond rather than react to the sort of opposition and resistance Timothy is experiencing

who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)

God saved us and gave us our callings in ministry not because of any good we did, not even because we choose to trust in Christ. He saved us before the universe began, according to his own purpose and grace.

This is the mystery of election, God choose us and we do not know why. We praise him for the love and grace he has shown to us. The fact that God choose us before the world began should fill us with confidence as we stand and minister in his name.

which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. 2 Timothy 1:12 (ESV)

When we give our lives to the Lord we are entrusting him with our lives and he keeps us, this is why we can have confidence in our salvation, we know who we believe in and he is able to keep us and come good on his promise. Because of Jesus our salvation is eternally secured.

By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 2 Timothy 1:14 (ESV)

This is the other side of eternally security, we don’t just trust God to keep us and then spend the rest of our Christian life in a rocking chair.

We need to guard what has been given to us, we have been given the Gospel, we are taught the bible every week and have the Holy Spirit, it is down to us to guard what we have and to hold on to it with the Spirits Power.

Our lives are not those of rich brats waiting to come into their inheritance, we are soldiers in a very real fight, in the army of our Commander, The Warrior King, Jesus.

My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Psalm 84:2 (ESV)

We should love coming together at church to serve and worship our God, the Living God. We will sing for joy today.

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Psalm 84:3 (ESV)

God is our King, we live by his decree, we live under his protection, serving in his kingdom, rejoicing in his reign

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10 (ESV)

Our preference should be God’s house. Our appetite should be for God’s presence and to fellowship with God’s people

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 (ESV)

The Devil has lied to people saying God does not want good for them and wants to take the enjoyment out of life. This is a lie, God wants our lives to be full and enjoyable in him.

As we walk in his ways there is no good thing that God will withhold from his people. God gets to define what is a good thing for us, not man.