Today’s reading: Deut 5:1–6:25, 2 Cor 2:1–11, Ps 33:1–22

Today’s theme: The greatest commandment

Today we revisit the greatest commandment which is to love God above all and love others in the way we desire to be loved. This should be the governing principle of our lives as believers. It is only though love that firm and true discipline and reconciliation can work in the church community.

Deuteronomy 5:1–6:25

A sign commandment

You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. Deuteronomy 5:15 (ESV)

The reason given for the keeping of the Sabbath day is different here than the account in Exodus 20:8-11. In this case the Lord connects the keeping of this commandment to the redemption of the people of Israel from Egypt. This is still connected to the Exodus account as with the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, a new nation was born / created.

This is what is sometimes called a sign commandment which is related to a specific covenant. In this case it is the Mosaic covenant which has been superseded by Jesus Christ. We still keep this command in principle because our reasoning is the same. We remember the Lord’s day (1st day of the week) because it commemorates His resurrection and our redemption, being a new creation in Christ and entering God’s rest.

The greatest commandment

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5 (ESV)

Jesus is the greatest commentator on this command. He tells us that this is the greatest and most important of commandment of all in Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27. To love and serve God is one of the very reasons we were created.

2 Corinthians 2:1–11

Firm and true forgiveness

So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. 2 Corinthians 2:8 (ESV)

Paul was encouraging the church to walk in love even in their discipline of one of their members who had sinned but then repented. This is in line with Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness in Luke 17:3–4, Matthew 18:15–18 and John 20:22.

Our forgiveness does not ignore or excuse sin, it acknowledges the sin and the repentance of the sinner. It grants pardon and restores relationship. An important distinction is that a position may not necessarily be restored. In many cases a relationship may be restored while a position (say in church leadership) is forfeited.

Love, or sword and shield

so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. 2 Corinthians 2:11 (ESV)

The ultimate weapon against Satan’s plans to destroy God’s people is love. We need to be loving enough to enforce church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:1-5) at the same time as being loving enough to extend forgiveness and reconciliation. This is the best offence and defence against Satan’s schemes which include pride, division, discouragement, casual sin and false confidence.

Psalm 33:1–22

God’s love is steadfast

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, Psalm 33:18 (ESV)

A theme in all of today’s readings is the love of God. We can hope in God’s steadfast and faithful love and kindness. Because we know who God is, we can place all our hope in Him.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Corinthians 2

Today’s reading: Deut 4:1–49, 2 Cor 1:17–24, Ps 32:1–11

Today’s theme: Jesus, Gods Amen!

Today we learn about the importance of God’s word. It should not be treated lightly or changed to fit our own ideas. God confirms His word and actively brings it to pass. God most clearly and ultimately embodies this confirmation of His word and promises in God incarnate as Jesus Christ the God-Man, the Amen. Jesus is God’s agreement, seal of approval and confirmation.

Today is Good Friday the day we commemorate the finished work of Jesus on the cross. By the ultimate Passover blood Jesus shed, we have our guarantee or Amen from God.

Deuteronomy 4:1–49

Do not distort God’s word

You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you. Deuteronomy 4:2 (ESV)

As Jesus states in Revelation 22:19  we are not to add to or take away from the word of God. Cults and heretics will always add some additional revelation to the word of God and take away from the divinity of Christ. We have seen this with the gnostic blasphemy of the Noah film (2014) and the Exodus film (2014). We are called to take God at His word, believe, cherish, obey, think about, study and live it.

Loving obedience

Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ Deuteronomy 4:6 (ESV)

This is what distinguishes and defines the church, obedience to the word of God. Jesus said they will know us by our love and our love would be known by our obedience in John 13:34-35 and 14:15. We are seen as wise and understanding only when we walk in obedience and love.

Pass on the truth

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children— Deuteronomy 4:9 (ESV)

Passing the truth on to our children is a sure way for them to know the truth. Teaching the truth to them will help make it firm in our own hearts and help us to watch over our own souls.

God’s holy jealousy

For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:24 (ESV)

This is an awesome attribute of God! He is not cold and indifferent or without emotion. Rather, He is full of love, passion and emotion. God burns with holy love for His people and for His own name. He is jealous over His people in a holy way, they are precious to Him and He will not sit idly by while they are stolen away.

Our great passionate God pursues us with holy jealousy. This image of God as a consuming fire should fill us with confidence if we are in Christ, but fear if we are not. See Hebrews 12:28-29

The one true God

To you it was shown, that you might know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides him. Deuteronomy 4:35 (ESV)

One of the great narratives of the Old Testament is God establishing Himself through His revealed words and act with the people of Israel. His declaration that He is the only God and there is no other god beside Him. This monotheism seems normal to us now but in the bronze age when Israel was coming into the promised land this was a radical new concept. The rest of the world had been deceived into believing in many gods and idols.

This is a great attribute of God to meditate upon. God is one, He is unique and is God alone, He has no equals or superiors. Our God is God!

2 Corinthians 1:17–24

Jesus, Gods Amen!

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV)

Jesus has firmly fulfilled the promises made in the Old Testament to Israel. He is God’s great and sure yes for us today too. He calls himself the Amen. The strong yes of God to every promise. All of scripture points to Jesus. He fulfils the promise that the seed of Abraham would be a blessing and the promise to David concerning his kingdom. Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Saviour of the world.

We say amen to God’s fulfilment of His promise. We boldly affirm that yes Jesus is the Messiah. The prophecies and promises have been fulfilled and we joyfully praise God for His great affirmation of His love and faithfulness in His Son Jesus Christ. We affirm that God is true, dependable and the Gospel is the truth. The following is a useful definition of the word Amen.

Amen is a transliteration of the Heb. ’āmēn, derived from ’āman, show oneself firm, dependable, be durable, last; know oneself to be secure, have faith, and so it means certain, true.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Corinthians 1

Today’s reading: Deut 2:1–29, 2 Cor 1:12–16, Ps 31:10–24

Today’s theme: Confidence in the Lord

Today’s theme is that we can make our boast or take great confidence in the Lord because of who He is and all He has done.

Deuteronomy  2:1–29

Begin to take possession

‘Rise up, set out on your journey and go over the Valley of the Arnon. Behold, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to take possession, and contend with him in battle. Deuteronomy 2:24 (ESV)

God was quite specific in His instructions to Israel. They were not to fight with the giant defeating people that were essentially family to them. Mount Seir were the people of Esau their brother and Moab and Ammon their cousins.

When it came time for this new generation to fight, they could do so with confidence and faith because God spoke through Moses declaring that He had already given Sihon into their hands. God calls us today, like He called the new generation in the wilderness, to begin to take ground and fight the enemy in battle. We must respond in faith because He has given us the victory already. See 2 Corinthians 10:4.

2 Corinthians 1:12–16

Confidence in the Lord

just as you did partially understand us—that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you. 2 Corinthians 1:14 (ESV)

When Paul speaks about boasting (verses 12-14) it can seem strange to us as boasting usually has a negative connotation of pride and lifting ourselves up. However, the boasting Paul is talking about is a different kind of boasting. It is closely connected to the word confidence and declares that Paul’s boast was in God and the cross.

This was a contradiction to the Corinthians who were still caught up in pride and had bought into the culture around them. A culture which taught them to belittle others and boast in ability, opportunity and status.

Paul’s life and the Gospel was a stark contradiction to these values as he was meek, humble and weak. These were not virtues esteemed among the Corinthians, they did not respect this about him or his ministry. Therefore Paul wanted them to understand the core of the gospel and the life it produces, one of servanthood and humility. He wanted their value system to be so transformed that they would boast in this weakness (ultimately the cross) with him.

Give, experience more grace

Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace. 2 Corinthians 1:15 (ESV)

This second experience of grace would come through Paul’s visit, through which he would show them God’s grace. He would remind them of the message of God’s grace and give them the opportunity to show God’s grace by giving to the poor saints in Jerusalem.

Psalm 31:10–24

Our lives are in God’s hands

My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! Psalm 31:15 (ESV)

God is sovereign over our lives, He determines how long we live, when we live and the amount of time we are allotted in particular circumstances. With that sort of power we should trust Him, knowing that our future is not in the enemies hands but rather in God’s.

God preserves us

Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Psalm 31:23 (ESV)

We can have confidence in God’s eternal preserving power over us if we love Him in faithfulness, just as Jesus prayed in John 17.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Corinthians 1

Today’s reading: Deut 1:1–46, 2 Cor 1:1–11, Ps 31:1–9

Today’s theme: Faith over pragmatism

Today we learn that we must wholly follow the Father of mercies even in the middle of suffering and trials. We should believe and trust in the Lord with all our hearts.

Today is a new month and we have started two new books. I often find book intros in our bibles remarkably useful in helping me grasp the overall theme and message of the book. Here are the intros from the ESV for Deuteronomy and 2nd Corinthians.

Deuteronomy introduction (ESV)

Deuteronomy, which means “second law,” is a retelling by Moses of the teachings and events of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. It includes an extended review of the Ten Commandments (4:44–5:33) and Moses’ farewell address to a new generation of Israelites as they stand ready to take possession of the Promised Land. Moses reminds them of God’s faithfulness and love, but also of God’s wrath on the previous generation of Israelites because of their rebellion. Repeatedly he charges Israel to keep the Law. Deuteronomy is a solemn call to love and obey the one true God. There are blessings for faithfulness and curses for unfaithfulness. The book closes with the selection of Joshua as Israel’s new leader and the death of Moses.

2nd Corinthians introduction (ESV)

Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians discusses some of the things previously addressed but also deals with new issues. While 1 Corinthians called for believers to be unified with each other, in this letter Paul urges the church to be unified with him in his ministry. Paul’s opponents were undermining his work, claiming that his suffering (11:24–29) proved he was not a true apostle. Paul responds that his suffering highlights his dependence on Christ, as it points to Christ’s strength rather than his own. Second Corinthians includes stirring perspectives on gospel ministry (chs. 2–5), encouragements to holy living (chs. 6–7), and instructions about giving (chs. 8–9). Paul wrote this letter from Macedonia a year after writing 1 Corinthians, about A.D. 56.

Deuteronomy 1:1–46

Faith over pragmatism

Then all of you came near me and said, ‘Let us send men before us, that they may explore the land for us and bring us word again of the way by which we must go up and the cities into which we shall come.’ Deuteronomy 1:22 (ESV)

As we read through Deuteronomy we will see Moses telling the new generation of Israel the story of the covenant and the relationship between God and his people since leaving Egypt. In this account Moses mentions that the idea to send spies into the land did not come from God or himself but from the people.

In light of Mose’s earlier commands and encouragements from the Lord, this apparent pragmatism of the people exposes a subtle mentality of doubt and a lack of faith. We must not seek to figure out everything when God has made a promise. We just need to respond in faith and trust God because we walk by faith not by sight 2 Corinthians 5:7.

Believe the LORD

Yet in spite of this word you did not believe the LORD your God, Deuteronomy 1:32 (ESV)

The problem here was faith in God. If we do not have faith in God we will not see God for who he is or remember / recognise what he has already done for us and therefore will not take him at his word regardless of how many times we hear his word. We must mix what we hear with faith, we must believe. See Hebrews 4:2

Wholly follow the LORD

except Caleb the son of Jephunneh. He shall see it, and to him and to his children I will give the land on which he has trodden, because he has wholly followed the LORD!’ Deuteronomy 1:36 (ESV)

We should learn from Caleb and follow after God with our whole heart. We should not hold back in reservation or doubt but wholly cast ourselves upon God and his promises in faith. We should approach God with singleness of mind and heart. See James 1:7-8.

2 Corinthians 1:1–11

The Father of mercies

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 2 Corinthians 1:3 (ESV)

Paul gives us some great insight through his own experience and knowledge of the truth of God’s character, attributes as the Father of all mercies and the God of all comfort. Notice that He is not called the God of all wrath for example or the father of judgement.

In other letters Paul shines light on other attributes of God including the following (with gratitude to D, E Garland for this list) the God of love and peace (2 Cor 13:11), the God of endurance and comfort (Rom 15:5), the God of hope (Rom 15:13), the God of peace (Rom 16:20; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Thess 3:16), the God who gives endurance and encouragement (Rom 15:5).

Sharing in suffering

Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:7 (ESV)

Despite the western reluctance to accept it, suffering is a guaranteed part of life and the Christian life in particular.

It is when we stand up for God and His kingdom. When we do the work of the kingdom in the face of mockery, resistance and persecution that we truly experience the comfort and grace that can only come from God in our suffering. We are called to share in the sufferings of Christ and in His comfort. See Romans 8:17 and 2 Timothy 2:12.

Be informed

For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 2 Corinthians 1:8 (ESV)

We must stay aware of what is happening in the church around the world. Especially where the church is undergoing severe persecution, this is why we should be so grateful for ministries like Open Doors. Be informed.

Our prayers do something

You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:11 (ESV)

We must pray for our leaders, for the spread of the gospel and God’s kingdom and for Christians undergoing persecution for taking a stand. Our prayers are not just an exercise in faith or a tradition, they actually do something when we pray in faith to God. He hears our prayers and answers (in this case Paul said that many blessings would be granted through the prayers). See also Romans 15:30 and Philippians 1:19.

Psalm 31:1–9

Word from the cross

Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. Psalm 31:5 (ESV)

Jesus said this from the cross as recorded in Luke 23:46.

Do not rejoice in sin

I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD. Psalm 31:6 (ESV)

We should hate sin, sinning personally and even sinners or those who commit sin in the sense that we should not rejoice in their sin but call them to repent Romans 1:32.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Corinthians 1

Today’s reading: Num 35:1–36:13, 1 Cor 16:1–24, Ps 30:1–12

Today’s theme: Love is imperative

Today we learn that we are called upon to grow up and live in love before God and each other.

Numbers 35:1–36:13

A holy nation

All the cities that you give to the Levites shall be forty-eight, with their pasturelands. Numbers 35:7 (ESV)

The cities of the Levites were to be spread out across the land and serve as a reminder to the people of their calling to be a holy nation before God.

Our city of refuge

For he must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest, but after the death of the high priest the manslayer may return to the land of his possession. Numbers 35:28 (ESV)

We thank God that Jesus is both our city of refuge and our great High Priest. We run to Jesus our city of refuge and know we can stay under his protection for eternity because He lives as our High Priest forever as stated in Hebrews 4:14-15 and Hebrews 7:26-28.

Five wise virgins

The inheritance of the people of Israel shall not be transferred from one tribe to another, for every one of the people of Israel shall hold on to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. Numbers 36:7 (ESV)

The case of these 5 daughters of Zelophehad reminds us of the parable Jesus taught in Matthew 25:1-13. The five wise and five foolish virgins (Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah are the wise ones). The foolish virgins wanted to borrow oil from the wise but the oil was not transferable, they had to go and get their own. In the same way our inheritance in Jesus can not be transferred or imparted to someone else but belongs to us. Each person must pursue and maintain their own inheritance before God.

1 Corinthians 16:1–24

We have always met on Sunday

On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 1 Corinthians 16:2 (ESV)

Further evidence that from the earliest days of the church, the body of Christ would meet for corporate worship on the first day of the week rather than the 7th day in honour of the resurrection of Jesus Christ as is also noted in Acts 20:7.

An open door for the gospel

for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 1 Corinthians 16:9 (ESV)

When Paul mentions the great and effective open door he is pointing to the great reception his preaching and the gospel message has found as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:12, Colossians 4:3 and Acts 14:27.

However as we know the gospel message always meets with resistance as it challenges the pride of man. It causes many adversaries to rise up, see Philippians 1:28 and 1 Thessalonians 2:2. We give thanks to God that hostility is no real hindrance to the gospel as Paul mentions in Philippians 1:12–14.

Grow up and live in love

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (ESV)

In Paul’s conclusion to this letter he summarises the practical imperatives he has been talking about throughout the letter. He calls the people of Corinth to be watchful which is a call to holiness and sanctification.

To stand firm in the faith is to uphold the gospel message as first preached and the godly traditions handed down to them. To act like men and be strong is to be mature in their thinking and behaviour.

The call for everything to be done in love reminds us of the overarching love theme of the letter outlined back in chapter 13. We are called to grow up and live out the faith in love.

Love is imperative

If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 1 Corinthians 16:22 (ESV)

Love is not an option for us as Christians but an imperative command given by the Lord Jesus Himself in John 13:34.

Psalm 30:1–12

Angry for a moment

For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5 (ESV)

God is always displeased with sin and can never be indifferent to it. He judges sin with a holy anger. However for His people, God’s judgments and anger are short-lived and pass quickly while his favour lasts for our lifetime and on into eternity. We should be grateful today that God’s mercy, grace and love towards us outweighs His anger through Jesus.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 1 Corinthians 16