Today’s Reading: 2 Sam 16:1–17:29, 2 Pet 2:1–11, Ps 143:1–12

Today’s Theme: Characters in trying times or the different characters you may meet in trying times.

God has shown me today’s theme a little differently. We will be looking at the different characters and types of people you may face or interact with in trying times. Some of these characters are enemies, while others are friends.

This reminds us of the characters which Pilgrim met on his way to heaven, in John Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress.

2 Samuel 16:1–17:29

Ziba – the Opportunist

Then the king said to Ziba, “Behold, all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.” And Ziba said, “I pay homage; let me ever find favor in your sight, my lord the king.” 2 Samuel 16:4 (ESV)

In 2 Samuel 9, David showed kindness to Saul’s house, he asked Ziba if any of the children of Saul’s house were still alive. It is notable that Ziba knew about Mephibosheth but kept the riches of the house of Saul for himself.

David told Ziba in verse 9-10 that the house of Saul would belong to Mephibosheth and that Ziba would serve him. It is likely that this did not sit well with Ziba who had enjoyed the estate of Saul, before David called Mephibosheth back to the kingdom.

Now we see Ziba taking the opportunity to be manipulative, he lies to David that Mephibosheth was being an opportunist when in fact, it was his own scheme to regain the estate of Saul. We read later in 2 Samuel 19:24-30, Mephibosheth’s side of the story which is quite different and his response to David shows that his heart was right.

David judged too quickly in this situation because he was going through a difficult trial, which meant his powers of discernment had dulled.

We need to be aware of the opportunist around us when we are going through a difficult time, they will smell blood and make a plan like Ziba, to benefit themselves through our impaired judgement. See 2 Corinthians 11:13 and 1 Timothy 6:5

Ask God to guide you and give you supernatural discernment in trying times so that you can spot and not be fooled by the opportunists.

Shimei – the Accuser

It may be that the LORD will look on the wrong done to me, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing today.” 2 Samuel 16:12 (ESV)

When we go through trying times, there will be those who come to accuse and mock us, these can be either people or demonic spirits. Revelation 12:10

David recognises the sovereignty of God, even over his accuser and enemy. We must realise too that there is not a single enemy that has free rein to do whatever they want to us, they can only do what God allows and God will never let us go through more than we can bear.

Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

We are called to stay faithful under trial. If we do stay faithful, God will reward us. David knew this and so he willingly endured the accusation and mockery of the enemy. See James 1:3 and 2 Corinthians 13:5

Know who you are in Christ, do not take the accusations, conjecture, lies and gossip of people or the enemy, to heart. Encourage yourself in the Lord today. See Colossians 3:3 and Ephesians 2:6

Ahithophel – the Traitor

Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom. 2 Samuel 16:23 (ESV)

Ahithophel was a man driven by the vain worship of his own gift, a man concerned with position, prestige and performance.

He has a touch of the opportunist in him, but is worse. This man is a traitor, playing both sides of the fence to suit his needs, like Judas Iscariot. He betrays those who trust in him.

Notice the similarity between Ahithophel and Judas, they both betray their king and go on to commit suicide. Don’t be a Judas, it will end with your destruction.

At the height of his treachery, he advises Absalom to take David’s concubines and then gives him the advice that would have seen him defeat David.

Traitors are the most dangerous characters we encounter in the difficult times of our lives, they can be people who are close to us or who we trust in, they know us intimately and so can cause more damage than the average adversary.

If you are betrayed in a trying time, remember that Jesus was betrayed too but got the victory in the end.

One way to prepare for betrayal is to put all our trust in God. David and Absalom probably put too much faith in the counsel of this man, making him like an idol. We must remember that even the most gifted people are only human.

Hushai – the Advocate

And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring harm upon Absalom. 2 Samuel 17:14 (ESV)

In our trying times, God will send advocates who will speak up for us, defend us and defeat the enemy’s schemes. Our ultimate Advocate (legal counsel) in difficult times is Jesus.

John encourages us in 1 John 2:1, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

God gave Hushai great wisdom as an advocate for David, by countering the wise counsel of Ahithophel. If we are seeking to be advocates for others when they are going through hard times, we need to ask God to give us wisdom and favour like He did for Hushai.

We can advocate for our brothers and sister in the persecuted church around the world, through agencies like Open Doors and CSW.

Advocacy takes us beyond prayer to taking action, God can use His people powerfully if we boldly stand up against injustice.

If you are going through a difficult time, keep your eyes open for the advocates that God will send to defend you and even if you don’t see them, know that God is working it all out. Romans 8:28

Jonathan and Ahimaaz – the Counsellors

 After they had gone, the men came up out of the well, and went and told King David. They said to David, “Arise, and go quickly over the water, for thus and so has Ahithophel counseled against you.” 2 Samuel 17:21 (ESV)

In trying times God will send counsellors to give you guidance and advice. The ultimate counsellor is God the Holy Spirit, John 14:26.

Jonathan and Ahimaaz, the sons of the priests, put their lives at risk to bring news to David from Hushai.

If we are going to be counsellors to those going through difficult times, it will cost us personally, it will cost time, money and energy. We need to be willing to take the risk to help others, knowing that God has equipped us to be ministers.

God has called us to encourage one another, spur one another on and warn one another of danger. See 2 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11, Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25.

Even if we see a brother going off and seek to restore him, James tells us in James 5:20, “let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

Ask God to help you identify the counsellors who come to help guide you in difficult times.

Sobi, Machir and Barzillai – the Carers

brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils, honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.” 2 Samuel 17:28–29 (ESV)

God will send carers in difficult times, to meet spiritual and physical needs.

One of the things that might happen in a difficult time is that we do not feed on the word as we should, so become hungry and do not rest in the Lord because of fear, anxiety and oppression and so become weary.

God has given us Pastors who feed us the word of God, in good and bad seasons. We should give God thanks for our Pastors who like Sobi, Machir and Barzillai, bring food to God’s people in the wilderness.

Jesus is our ultimate source of satisfying food and rest. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus also encourages us in John 6:35 “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

Share the word of God with those going through difficult times and pray that they will come to Jesus, to drink from Him.

We are called to physically help those in actual need of food too, you can do this through Child Sponsorship with Compassion. When we feed the needy, we are feeding the Lord. Matthew 25:35

2 Peter 2:1–11

False Teachers (Heretics) – the Exploiters

And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 2 Peter 2:2–3 (ESV)

Heresy is a BIG problem in the church today and because of the relative thinking in our culture, the only heresy today seems to be to call something heresy.

Peter is warning us that the church will be plagued by heretics bringing in destructive false teachings, driven by sensuality, greed and a callous desire to exploit God’s people. This has been true throughout church history.

Today’s heretics include those who form cults like Mormonism and Jehovah Witness.

The Heretics which are most dangerous, are those posing as Christians, like the health and wealth gospel proponents on TV.

These new heresies call men gods and say that our goal should be riches in this life. In reality, these false ministers are building their own kingdoms and becoming millionaires, while those who are naive and going through hard times are exploited.

Keep your eyes open to the false prophets that will come to exploit you in your hard times, your defence is the word of God and submission to your own loving Pastors.

God – the Rescuer

then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 2 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

God is the greatest and most important person we meet in our trials, God is the one who has the ability and wisdom to rescue us from our trials.

God knows how to use everyone else we meet on the journey, to bring about our deliverance.

God’s past and present ability to rescue the righteous, while bringing judgment on the unrighteous, is the key theme in verses 5–7 and is now summarised in this verse.

Notice God doesn’t just deliver anyone, He delivers the righteous, those who devoutly live rightly before Him, even under trial. If you know you belong to the Lord then call out to Him in the trials, to help you, because He will.

Be sure to come face to face with God in the middle of your trial, He will deliver you from the schemes of the opportunist, the accusers, the traitors and the false teaching of the exploiters.

God may use you to help rescue one of His people, have your heart in a place to be used by God as an advocate, counsellor, carer or in some other way.

Psalm 143:1–12

The Holy Spirit – the Teacher

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! Psalm 143:10 (ESV)

God will lead us back to level ground by His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the most important person in our lives, we need Him in the midst of life’s trials to help keep us on track, to guide us and to lead us back out to the steady ground, from the rocky road that our trials will have us travelling on.

God the Holy Spirit is our teacher, He will be teaching us in our trials, through our trials and in light of our trials.

Jesus said in John 16:13–15 “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that He will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

Praise God for our teacher, the Holy Spirit. As you go through trials, continue to be led by the teacher, the Holy Spirit.

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 Peter 2

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 14:1–15:37, 2 Pet 1:16–21, Ps 141:1–142:7

Today’s Theme: The allure and danger of sedition

Today’s theme is about sedition which is undermining and usurping authority. This is a dangerous thing, mostly for the offender but it disrupts the work of God, His kingdom and people. We have been called to be humble, to submit to the authority of God’s word and our leaders. Satan was the first one to express sedition.

A definition to help us think this through is “Sedition – conduct or language inciting rebellion against the authority of a state or other lawful government” – Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary.

2 Samuel 14:1–15:37

Manipulation and discernment

In order to change the course of things your servant Joab did this. But my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God to know all things that are on the earth.” 2 Samuel 14:20 (ESV)

Joab’s subtle sedition seems to be filled with good intent, but that is the allure of sedition. Often the one undermining authority thinks they are doing something worthwhile.

One of the elements of sedition is manipulation. The one usurping or undermining authority has no real authority of their own and so uses manipulative methods to put forward their case and achieve their goal.

Jesus warned us against being manipulative in Matthew 5:37 “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”

God has given us Himself in the person of God the Holy Spirit. By Him and the clear revelation of God’s word in the Bible we can exercise discernment to see through manipulative and seditious schemes.

Here are a number of verses to help us think about discernment:
Romans 12:2
1 Corinthians 2:14
Ephesians 5:10
Philippians 1:9
Hebrews 4:12
Hebrews 5:14

Let’s ask God to help us sharpen our discernment today.

The battle for hearts and minds

Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 2 Samuel 15:6 (ESV)

We are in a battle for hearts and minds. There are so many false stories being told to allure our people into bad ways of thinking and trying to distort the revelation of truth in the Bible.

We need to guard our minds and hearts, we do not want to be won over by the sedition of the devil or one of his proxies.

Paul encourages us that our hearts and minds can be guarded by God’s peace which Jesus left with us in Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Paul also warns us in Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Loyalty vs Sedition

But Ittai answered the king, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.” 2 Samuel 15:21 (ESV)

The attitude of this man and the priest in later verses shows their loyalty to and love for their king.

Rather than showing sedition to those God has put in positions of authority in our lives we should instead show them our loyalty in Christ. More importantly we should show allegiance and loyalty to God.

The author of Hebrews tells us in Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

2 Peter 1:16–21

The true story vs myths

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2 Peter 1:16 (ESV)

At our 2014 youth conference we dealt with the false story of our origins called evolution pointing our youth to the truth of the Bible’s account of creation. You can see the video on our website here

The Gospel is not a fable, fantasy or fiction it is the one, ultimate true narrative, God’s great story of creation, the fall, redemption and consummation through Jesus the Christ.

We have eyewitness accounts in the New Testament which stand up under the scrutiny of any courtroom.

Have confidence in the record of the scriptures today.

The Bible was inspired

knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20–21 (ESV)

We should submit to the word of God as the ultimate authority. Our private interpretations are worthless, we need to submit to the churches’ agreed interpretation of the scriptures and the teaching and guidance of our own pastors.

The Bible is the inspired, inerrant word of God. It is not just the words of men or just a good book. The Bible was written by God the Holy Spirit through the prophets and apostles.

Do not allow your own ideas and the opinions, ideals and philosophies of this world to usurp the authority of the Bible in your life. Do not be seditious to God, submit to His revealed word with joy today.

Psalm 141:1–142:7

Watch your mouth

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Psalm 141:3 (ESV)

Like David says in this Psalm we need to ask God to help us to guard the things we say. Our mouth can get us into a world of trouble and it is often with our mouths that we are insubordinate and express sedition and rebellion.

James warns us about the tongue in James 3:6 “And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.”

Let’s be slow to speak today and watch what we say. James 1:19.

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 Peter 1

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 13:1–39, 2 Pet 1:9–15, Ps 140:1–13

Today’s Theme: The Assurance of Salvation

Today’s theme is only taken from the New Testament and is regarding the assurance of salvation we can have in Christ. In the Old Testament we look at the issues of rape and sins of omission.

2 Samuel 13:1–39

The evil of rape

Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Get up! Go!” 2 Samuel 13:15 (ESV)

Amnon raped his own sister driven by the madness of lust. Lust blinds the eyes of reason and sense leading it’s captive into unthinkable depravity if given free reign.

This precious girl who was obedient to her dad and only wanted to help her deceitful half brother was abused and violently raped.

In ancient Israel if a man was found to have raped a virgin he was to marry her without the possibility of divorce. However the overwhelming and self centred lust that drove Amnon to rape his half sister is demonic and now takes the violence of rape and channels it into contempt for the victim.

This is the cycle of sexual lust for those bound by it. Once the sexual act of violence occurs they feel disgusting and blame the victim or object of lust.

We need to pray for the victims of rape in our day, that God would bring healing and destroy the lies that it is their fault. Let’s also pray for those in bondage to the slave master of sexual lust. Ephesians 5:3.

Sins of omission

But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar. 2 Samuel 13:22 (ESV)

Amnon’s sin is similar to David’s sin against Bathsheba which was also essentially rape. This sin opens the door to a time of pain and suffering for David’s family which was itself judgment for the murder of Uzziah.

David failed to discipline Amnon or comfort his daughter or Absalom. In this sense David was not a good father.

The sins we commit can have an impact on our families. Sins of omission also have a bad affect on those around us. A sin of omission is something we should do but have neglected to do like discipline our own children.

Let’s thank God today for the provision Jesus has made to deal with our sins and let’s also ask God to open our eyes to sins of omission.

2 Peter 1:9–15

The assurance of salvation

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 2 Peter 1:10 (ESV)

This is the conclusion to the list of virtues we need to make an effort to pursue which were outlined in yesterday’s reading.

God knows who His elect are and has secured us eternally (Romans 8:31-39). However as believers we don’t have any indicator to confirm to us that we are truly God’s elect other than the fruit of a transformed life and the assurance of the Holy Spirit.

The fact that we want to pursue the 8 virtues is evidence that our nature has been changed. The fact that we persevere is evidence that we have been secured and chosen by God.

So we should be diligent about living godly lives and godly lives that grow, which is proof of eternal life and eternal security.

If we confirm our calling and election in this way then we will never fall into the despair of doubt regarding our eternal destiny and security.

Psalm 140:1–13

God, our shield

Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet. Psalm 140:4 (ESV)

We can ask God to shield us from the schemes of wicked and violent men today. Let’s remember this point as we pray for the suffering church today.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Peter 1

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 11:1–12:31, 2 Pet 1:1–8, Ps 139:1–24

Today’s Theme: The Deceitfulness of Sin

Today’s theme is about the deceitful and deadly allure of sin and how God has made provision for us to live godly lives.

2 Samuel 11:1–12:31

Small Compromises

In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 11:1 (ESV)

The scripture makes a point of telling us that it was the time of year when kings go out to battle and that David decided to send the army without him.

It is the areas of seemingly insignificant compromise where we open an opportunity for temptation and give a foothold to the enemy.

Ephesians 4:27 reminds us “and give no opportunity to the devil.”

Our flesh with its evil desires and sin by its nature are both very deceptive in leading us astray. The devil will encourage us to make small compromises and concessions in a larger scheme to entice our souls through desire, temptation, sin and finally leading to death. James 1:14–15.

Ask God to show you any subtle areas of compromise that could be leaving holes in your defence against the enemy today, so they can be addressed.

Sin destroys relationships

Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.” 2 Samuel 11:11 (ESV)

Later in 2 Samuel 23:39 Uriah the Hittie is named as one of David’s crack team of commandos known as the thirty. These were the most skilful, brave and loyal of all the warriors in David’s Army.

Uriah was a man who risked his life for David and was with him from the Cave of Adullam all the way to victory in Jerusalem. He was a loyal servant and friend and here acts with great nobility.*

All of this makes the betrayal of David and the current conspiracy to cover up his sin so much worse. The deceitful slave master of sin has caused David to betray one of his loyalist friends and has blinded him to the man’s faithful heart.

Sin will destroy relationships because at its core is selfishness and deceit, seeking only the satisfaction and justification of the offender. Don’t allow relationships to be maligned, cheapened, betrayed and destroyed through the deceitfulness of sin.

*It is probable that as one of the 30 he had an esteemed place in society as his home would have been close to the king for the king to see his wife on the roof.

Sin damages your brain

David said to the messenger, “Thus shall you say to Joab, ‘Do not let this matter displease you, for the sword devours now one and now another. Strengthen your attack against the city and overthrow it.’ And encourage him.” 2 Samuel 11:25 (ESV)

I have a note in my Bible from a couple of years ago from Pastor Dennis it simply says “Sin damages your brain, then it hardens your heart”

This is so true, the deceitfulness of sin will infect our thinking, we will be so drunk on lust and consumed with our own interest that we will not think clearly.

This self gratifying way of thinking will inevitably harden our hearts, making us cold and indifferent to sin and those around us.

Guard against hardness of heart today with Ephesians 4:32 which says “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Sin brings death

When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she lamented over her husband. 2 Samuel 11:26 (ESV)

This verse vindicates the character of Uriah’s wife and gives context to the events.

Contrary to common misconceptions, Bathsheba was not bathing on the roof to try and entice the king and so implicit in the betrayal of her husband, rather the king abused his power and in a sense raped Bathsheba because she had no power to reject the king’s advances when she was summoned.

Bathsheba wept for her husband who had been killed as a result of David’s failed cover up of his sin.

Sin brings mourning, regret, shame and death to all those it touches.

The root of Sin

Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 2 Samuel 12:9 (ESV)

The root of our sin is a hatred for God, His word and ways in favour of our own lust.

David is so driven by his sinful desires that he takes another man’s wife by force to satisfy his lust when he had a large number of wives and concubines himself. This proves the point that lust is never satisfied.

We find true satisfaction and contentment in Jesus. John 6:35.

So sin at it’s heart turns us or worst still our lust into a false idol god that must be served and is never satisfied. We need to trade the idol of self for the true and living God who has spoken, today.

The consequences of sin

Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child who is born to you shall die.” 2 Samuel 12:14 (ESV)

Sin leaves scars and consequences follow sin. God was merciful to David by forgiving him but at the same time the sin needed to be judged and it was by the fruit of the sin (the baby) dying by God’s decree.

Sin always leads to death and is a very serious thing before God. We should not take sin and repentance lightly. We need to realise that God will still allow judgement, discipline and even remedial punishment in our lives because of sin.

Consider this today, sin always has consequences. Thank God for the mercy He has shown to us and for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross which makes atonement for us 1 Peter 3:18.

2 Peter 1:1–8

Equipped by God

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 2 Peter 1:3 (ESV)

We have been given everything we need from God to live a godly life. We have been given His word in the Bible, the help of God the Holy Spirit and have been drawn into an intimate relationship with God Himself.

We escape the deceptive allure and destruction of sin by living the godly life God has empowered us to live by His Spirit. We have been equipped to live for the glory of God.

Notice the verse mentions us living a godly life though our knowledge of God. In this context hearing and understanding the Bible is key.

The virtues of God

by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 2 Peter 1:4 (ESV)

Through the promises of God’s word we gain two benefits, the first is that we participate in the divine nature and the second is that we escape the corruption in the world caused by desires.

When Peter is talking about us being partakers in the divine nature he is not saying we become little gods, that is absurd. He is talking about moral transformation and acquiring moral character which is from God and based on God’s own virtues of love etc.

This moral transformation into godlike or godly character is the only real escape from moral corruption, which comes from our drive or desire to please ourselves.

By the promises of God’s word and His Holy Spirit, as believers our desires are changed and our very nature is changed when we are born again. This is the only way that we can escape the constant pull of sin.

Verses 5 to 7 go on to give us a practical map for cultivating a godly character and growing in Christ, in light of God’s promises.

Make an effort

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 2 Peter 1:5–7 (ESV)

We need to make an effort to live a godly life. I don’t have time to go through each of the 8 virtues listed but each one is crucial to the life of the Christian.

Here is a plain list which you can think on (meditate) and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about:

1. Faith
2. Virtue
3. Knowledge
4. Self Control
5. Steadfastness
6. Godliness
7. Brotherly Affection
8. Love

Make an effort or you will be carried away by the deceitfulness of sin.

Psalm 139:1–24

The all knowing God is everywhere

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7 (ESV)

This is such a beautiful psalm. It exalts two of God’s unique attributes which should fill us with awe and encouragement if we love Him but fear if we are living in sin and rebellion. These attributes are God’s Omni-Presence (God is everywhere) and Omni-Science (God knows everything).

We cannot sin and win. So whether this encourages or frightens you today, learn the lesson that God sees all our sin, none are done in secret so do not be deceived.

Search me, O God

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV)

We end today’s study by asking God to search us, to try our thoughts, motives and intentions to see if there is any sin in us and that God would lead us to truth and freedom.

Verse 17 reminds us that God’s thoughts for us are many and good. We should seek to please Him by making our thoughts compatible with His by His word and Holy Spirit and not be deceived by the false promise of sin.

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 Peter 1

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 9:1–10:19, 1 Pet 5:1–14, Ps 138:1–8

Today’s Theme: The Way of Kindness and Humility

Today’s themes are the kindness of God which is expressed in His grace and love towards us, and humility which God shows in both revelation and the incarnation and that we must clothe ourselves with and have towards God to receive His kindness.

The following definitions may be useful as you meditate on these two concepts which are dependant on each other for the revelation and reception of grace:

Kindness*

Generosity, humaneness and tenderness. The word can also refer to a particular instance of kind behaviour like a token of friendliness, good will or affection. In the OT (Old Testament) it is associated with words like mercy, loyalty, grace and love. In the NT (New Testament) it is associated with love or concern for humanity, benevolence, goodness, uprightness and generosity.

The Greek word for kindness is where we get our modern English term philanthropy from. Kindness is also an attribute of God and a characteristic of true love.

Humility**

The proper attitude of human beings towards their Creator. Humility is a grateful and spontaneous awareness that life is a gift It is manifested as an ungrudging and unhypocritical acknowledgment of absolute dependence upon God.

2 Samuel 9:1–10:19

The Kindness of God

And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” 2 Samuel 9:3 (ESV)

We should be able to identify with both sides of this narrative.

Firstly, we are Mephibosheth, we are the ones crippled and discarded by the consequences and curse of sin. We are the ones from man’s fallen royal line, Adam. Jesus is like David, in this sense showing us great kindness and grace.

The grace God shows us is so earth shatteringly amazing that He calls cursed, crippled, forsaken, fallen and hopeless people like us (well like me anyway) to sit at his table and fellowship with Him, the King, daily. How marvellous is the love, mercy, grace and kindness of God to underserving sinners like us. See 1 John 3:1, 1 John 4:10, Romans 5:10 and Hebrews 7:25.

Secondly, we are David; we have been called to be like our God, to follow in the glorious footsteps of Christ. We must look for the Mephibosheth’s in life and show them the kindness of God.

We can do this through hospitality, acts of service, showing mercy and love, Christian social action, child sponsorship and any other way the Holy Spirit leads us to show the world, the unreached, the lost, forgotten and ostracised the amazing kindness of God! see 1 John 3:17, Hebrews 13:2 and Matthew 25:40.

Trust in the Kindness of God

Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.” 2 Samuel 10:12 (ESV)

David had shown great humility in seeking to establish a good relationship with the king of the Ammonites, but fear caused the new king of Ammon to act foolishly.

Joab as the commander of the Army is now outnumbered and surrounded by the Ammonites and the Syrians and it is now, under pressure that we see one of Joab’s better moments where he responds with faith in God, courage and wisdom.

Joab in his statement makes himself reliant on the kindness and mercy of God. We must think, pray and act in this way. We can act with courage and faith because we know our God is benevolent, He is good and does good and seeks to shower us with His kindness and favour.

Like brave Joab set your mind in a place to be ready to battle for the Lord’s cause today. Have courageous faith as you entrust yourself to the God who delights to show you kindness. 2 Corinthians 3:12.

1 Peter 5:1–14

Thank God for our Shepherds

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:2–3 (ESV)

We give God thanks for our Pastors and Elders who serve as a reflection of the Father’s heart to His people.

God has called them to shepherd the church, guiding our straying feet back to the path and in a spirit of kindness and humility, showing us the example of discipleship to Jesus through their own lives.

Give God thanks for our Pastors today, ask that God would encourage and strengthen them and that they would look forward to that wonderful day when the chief shepherd Jesus will appear to reward them with an eternal crown of glory.

Be clothed in humility

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6–7 (ESV)

The image Peter uses is of humility as an item of clothing that we need to put on. That means it will take effort to be humble, we need the help of the Holy Spirit but we also need to actively “humble ourselves”.

Humility is our responsibility before God, it is not easy to be humble we need to work at it everyday. We need to literally put it on everyday like a coat because it is not natural.

The young are encouraged to be subject to elders for obvious reasons, but we must all clothe ourselves with humility because God resists the proud. If we embrace humility in Christ, God will exalt us at the right time.

We should not become distracted or consumed with our own fears and anxieties. God cares for us with loving kindness so we can give all our concerns, worries and anxiety to Him.

Trust God the one who cares for you today, don’t try to solve it all on your own in pride, humble yourself before God.

The God of all grace

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

Our God from whom the kindness of grace comes to us will personally restore and replenish us, confirm His word and promises to us, strengthen us and cause our roots to go down deep.

This will lead to us having a full bodied, confirmed character. We will have firm, settled faith. We will be strong in the spirit and so secure in God that nothing will move us.

God does this for us for our everyday suffering but also will do this ultimately in the new heaven and new earth.

We have eternal glory waiting for us which puts the sufferings and just everyday life in this flesh into it’s true perspective.

Focus again today on the God who is the source of all grace in your life and be encouraged to press on because He has supplied the kindness of grace to see you through the trials.

We have a glorious eternal inheritance in Christ, take a moment to think about it and look forward to it.

Psalm 138:1–8

The Humility of God

I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. Psalm 138:2 (ESV)

God in His own way humbles Himself to the words He has spoken because God does not lie like men do. God has revealed Himself and His will to us in His word and declares here that His word is the final authority above all things.

This is why God’s word is a sure foundation to build our lives upon. We can take God at His word (some corrupt this verse and say we can boss God around according to His word, this is foolishness and blasphemy).

God’s greatest act of humility was when The Word became flesh in John 1:14.

In God’s kindness to man He has has revealed Himself and even in humility constrained Himself to the promises of His word. Man can approach God, comprehend God and enter into relationship with God all according to His word.

If God did not show such kindness and humility to us through revealing His written word and guaranteeing that word, we would be without hope.

Today, thank God for the humility of His revelation of the word and incarnation as the Word.

High God, humble people

For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. Psalm 138:6 (ESV)

God is high, there is none higher. God is so great and awesome that it is baffling that some people think they can bark commands at God when they pray… truly baffling!!

God will come down to help the humble, God comes close to the humble, we must be humble before God in thought, word and deed and God who is the most high and exalted there is will come down, see us and help us.

This is a clear view of glory which finds its ultimate expression in Christ, where the glory of God is not just power but God’s magnanimity. It is God’s kindness, as well as His sovereign power that is His glory.

As Pastor always says the way up is the way down. It is through humility that grace and exaltation come. If man is responsible to do anything before God it is to humble ourselves.

Cast pride aside today and be humble before God and receive the kindness of His grace.

God, who fulfils

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8 (ESV)

Our God is good and kind, He makes promises and keeps them and as we read here, is actively working to fulfil His purposes for us His people. Hallelujah!

Fulfilling our purpose is not founded on planners, calendars, and hard work although all these things are good and have their place, we can only fulfil our purpose through God’s loving kindness to us.

*Adapted from the Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible

**Taken from the Tyndale Bible dictionary

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 Peter 5