Today’s reading: 1 Chron 4:24–5:26, 1 Tim 4:1–5, Ps 78:1–12

Today’s theme: Trust in our good Creator

God is a good creator, He made this world for us to enjoy and bring glory to Him. We can cry out to Him  in any battle that we  may be going through, knowing that He will hear us, despite the deceptions of demons who want us to see God as weak and unable to help us.

1 Chronicles 4:24–5:26

Cry out to God in the battle

And when they prevailed over them, the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their urgent plea because they trusted in him. 1 Chronicles 5:20 (ESV)

These men were mighty and valiant men, this was not only true physically, but spiritually as well. They put their faith and trust in God and cried out to God in the middle of the battle, God heard and graciously granted their request. We must learn from this, to be valiant in our spirits and minds.

We must put our trust and faith in God. We must open our mouths in the middle of the battle and cry out to God. see John 14:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and Ephesians 6:10–18

1 Timothy 4:1–5

The teaching of demons

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 1 Timothy 4:1 (ESV)

Today, we still have to be conscious of this. Ever since Jesus came, the last days have been in motion and we have openly seen the teachings of demons in institutions such as the Roman Catholic church with its “Veneration” of Mary, and the Watchtower Society who say that Jesus is just an Angel. There are also modern day distortions and inversions of the truth in things like the New Age and the Word of Faith Movement.

These false teachings often rely on legalistic frameworks to keep its adherents in bondage, which is why in some cases, it insists on celibacy and in others, an over-emphasis on spiritual exercises such as fasting or being away from normal life and people (monks etc).

We should avoid these types of error and extremism.

God’s good creation

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 1 Timothy 4:4 (ESV)

God’s created order with things like marriage and food, should bring us great pleasure and bring God great glory, as we enjoy these things in thanksgiving and honour to Him.

Our faith is not just spiritual, it has a very real part to play, and affect on the physical world, which does not belong to the devil and was created by God. We should avoid all subtle forms of Gnosticism which says that the spiritual is good and the physical is evil – the bible does not teach this. The physical and spiritual all belong to and were created by God.

Psalm 78:1–12

Teach your children

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. Psalm 78:4 (ESV)

We must preserve and spread our faith by teaching it to our children, so that they too will know God in their generation.

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 Timothy 4

Today’s reading: 1 Chron 3:1-4:23, 1 Tim 3:8-16, Ps 77:1-20

Today’s theme: You are not insignificant

Today we learn that like Jabez we are not insignificant but are precious in the Lord’s sight and so in Christ can approach God in faith as we pray. We are also reminded that God’s plan for the family leads to human flourishing while man’s deviations only bring pain and frustration.

1 Chronicles 3:1-4:23

One wife for life

These were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, four by Bath-shua, the daughter of Ammiel; 1 Chronicles 3:5 (ESV)

David is an example to us because of his faith in God, his courage, his heart to praise and worship God and to repent. However we have just counted 7 wives. David is an example of how to be a bad father and husband.

From the very beginning God had intended man to have only one wife for life as stated in Genesis 2:24. God also warned the children of Israel of the abusive way that kings would take many wives. In Deuteronomy 17:17 God commands kings not to do this.

The consequences of breaking these laws had dire consequences in David’s very fragmented family. We see this problem in today’s society where men have a number of children by different women. This has never been God’s design and causes frustration and pain to all involved.

As Christians we must seek to uphold the Christian marriage and family in the midst of a culture which seeks to erode the place of the family and seeks to redefine marriage. See Ephesians 5:25 and Ephesians 6:4.

You are not insignificant

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (ESV)

Contrary to the belief of naturalism and evolution we are not all just insignificant numbers. Each one of us is precious in the sight of God. Jesus said that the very hairs of our heads are numbered in Luke 12:7. We matter to God despite the lies of the enemy. Jabez boldly stands out from the crowd.

In Jesus we can have the boldness and confidence in God to approach God and ask Him to bless us like Jabez. Jesus said “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” In Matthew 21:22 and in John 14:13 “and Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

Later in James 4:3 we are reminded that when we ask we must do so in the right spirit “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”

So let’s ask God in faith today.

1 Timothy 3:8-16

The Gospel Hymn

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

Paul has just outlined the qualifications of church leaders and has given his reason for doing so in verse 15. He states that we should know how to conduct ourselves as the church and declares the church should be a pillar and buttress of truth.
Now with this ancient hymn about Christ we hear a wonderful summary of that truth found in the gospel message. This is the truth that the church must uphold and defend.

Psalm 77:1-20

Only one true God

Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. Psalm 77:13-14 (ESV)

Only our God is the true God, He proves it through His wonderful acts.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 Timothy 3

Today’s reading: 1 Chron 2:1–55, 1 Tim 3:1–7, Ps 75:1–76:12

Today’s theme: Qualified leadership

Today we read about the biblical qualifications for leaders in the church. We see the way God chooses and lifts up those He has elected to lead while cutting of the plans of the wicked.

1 Chronicles 2:1–55

Break the flow of evil

The sons of Judah: Er, Onan and Shelah; these three Bath-shua the Canaanite bore to him. Now Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the sight of the LORD, and he put him to death. 1 Chronicles 2:3 (ESV)

We had an amazing early morning prayer meeting (on this day in 2014). Pastor Dennis led us from today’s reading focusing on this verse, showing us that God’s plan is to break the flow of evil in our lives as He did in the line of Judah… it was awesome.

God’s providential choice

Ozem the sixth, David the seventh. 1 Chronicles 2:15 (ESV)

God chose David to be the line through which He would bring Jesus the Messiah, it is significant that He is the 7th son.

In one sense this makes Him the least likely as the honour would usually be given to the firstborn. In another sense the number 7 speaks of God’s perfect and complete choice.

God shows His providence and sovereignty even over the tribe of Judah and the line of David. God chooses and orchestrates lives from generation to generation to bring His great promise to pass. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. See Revelation 5:5,

1 Timothy 3:1–7

Qualified leadership

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 1 Timothy 3:2–5 (ESV)

Our post-modern culture pays no respect to experience, qualification, rules or structure. This mind set has infiltrated areas of the church and we must guard against it. Paul makes very clear the required qualifications for an overseer (other words for this include Pastor or Elder).

We should not try to throw any of these qualifications away in favour of modern philosophies and trends. We should hold to this very practical and faithful scripture for the sake of the church for whom Christ died.

We should thank God that we have leaders that meet the requirements. We should pray that churches where the leadership is lacking or just plain wrong would submit to this scripture which will lead to the flourishing of God’s people.

Psalm 75:1–76:12

God puts down and up

but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another. Psalm 75:7 (ESV)

We saw this in our Old Testament reading today, (as Pastor Dennis showed us) in verse 3, God put down one and in verse 15 brought one up. Promotion comes from the Lord, He is our sovereign king and we should trust Him to exalt us in due time. Remember 1 Peter 5:6–7 “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.”

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 Timothy 3

Today’s reading: 1 Chron 1:1–54, 1 Tim 2:1–15, Ps 74:1–23

Today’s theme: Salvation for All Nations

Today’s reading is filled with references to the historical Adam and his very real descendants in all humanity. It refers to Jesus Christ, the actual descendant of Adam who is the only mediator between the sons of Adam and God. He desires that people from every nation (people group), tribe and tongue (language) be saved.

We are encouraged to pray for those who rule so the Gospel can spread to all people freely.

1 Chronicles 1:1–54

The historical Adam

Adam, Seth, Enosh; 1 Chronicles 1:1 (ESV)

Modern scholars, in a cowardly attempt to shoe horn the scriptures to fit into the story presented by the unproven naturalistic theory of evolution, have discounted Adam and Eve as either mythical figures or as the first ape-men that God specially selected from all the other Neanderthals… seriously… I know it just sounds crazy but that is what some are teaching in order to find acceptance in the worlds academies.

The bible actually teaches that Adam and Eve were the first ever created humans and that we are all descended from them. They were actual historical people as demonstrated by this and other biblical genealogies.

The historical person of Adam is so vital to the gospel message in terms of our bondage under sin and salvation in Jesus that Paul refers to Adam often. See Romans 5:14-19 and 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 for example.

The cursed descendants of Ham

Canaan fathered Sidon his firstborn and Heth, and the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites, the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. 1 Chronicles 1:13–16 (ESV)

It is of note that the descendants of Canaan did not populate Africa as many are led to believe. They in fact populated the land of Canaan in the Middle East.

1 Timothy 2:1–15

Pray for leaders

for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)

God wants us to pray for all people, not just an elect few who meet a certain criteria. Specifically we should pray for leaders so that the church and the gospel can flourish in freedom and peace. The reason for this is so that the message can spread to all peoples because God desires all types of people to be saved. We need to have the freedom to preach the message everywhere to all people.

Salvation for all people’s

who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4 (ESV)

God doesn’t just want to save the Jews or those with the “secret knowledge” as the false teachers were proposing (see previous chapter). No, God wants salvation to be made available to all peoples for all nations, tribes and tongues.

This does not discount the fact that God chooses those that are saved as taught elsewhere. God’s desired will, as displayed here, and God’s decreed will, as seen in election, are two different things. God’s desired will is not enforced whereas God’s decreed will is.

Jesus the only Mediator

there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5–6 (ESV)

Jesus, not Mary is our mediator. Universalists take this scripture and twist it to say all have been ransomed. As mentioned before, the all cannot be interpreted as everyone who ever lived but all in terms of type. Christ died for people from every nation and station in life.

Leadership is male

For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 1 Timothy 2:13–14 (ESV)

More evidence of the historical Adam as we mentioned in our note on the Old Testament reading today. This is also Paul’s rationale for male eldership and leadership in the church.

It is getting harder to affirm the truth that leadership is male in today’s society but we must hold firm to the truthful teaching of the bible in spite of cultural moods.

Psalm 74:1–23

Jesus is King

Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth. Psalm 74:12 (ESV)

Our God is the true King, Jesus is the king of our salvation.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 Timothy 2

Today’s reading: Ruth 3:1–4:22, 1 Tim 1:12–20, Ps 73:11–28

Today’s theme: God’s providence

Today we learn about the providence of God. The way God works through our work to accomplish His Holy plans and will.

Ruth 3:1–4:22

God works through our work

Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? Ruth 3:1 (ESV)

Naomi makes a plan, a great and ingenious plan, to provide a future for her faithful daughter Ruth. In this we see one way in which God’s actions and our’s work together. God acts in or through Naomi’s acts. In other words what she does executes God’s plan.

We should not sit passively saying “I’m just waiting for God’s will to be done”, no, we should sieze every God given opportunity. God opens doors and we need to walk through them.

So we need to open our eyes, see the open doors, make a plan and walk through the door. God works through us and in us. See Philippians 2:12.

Unquestioning obedience

And she replied, “All that you say I will do.” Ruth 3:5 (ESV)

Ruth’s obedience to Naomi is inspiring. She does not question Naomi but has faith in her wisdom and command. Ruth is not sceptical but moves in faith to fulfil the plan set out by Naomi and God rewards her with success.

In contradiction to our culture which seems to be perpetually poised in opposition to God and His law, our lives should be marked by unquestioning obedience to God and His word.

Jesus calls us to obedience in John 14:15 and 15:10. Paul mentions obedience in the saints throughout the world as one of the reasons for his ministry in Romans 1:5 and 6:17. The writer of Hebrews also reminds us that our eternal security is connected to our obedience in Hebrews 5:9.

Bold faith

He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” Ruth 3:9 (ESV)

Ruth takes a bold step of faith in asking Boaz to become her covering as a husband and redeemer. The lesson for us is simple, without faith it is impossible for us to please God. We must put our faith in our redeemer Jesus. See Hebrews 11:6.

God’s providence

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. Ruth 4:13 (ESV)

God’s providence was at work in all of this. God’s great plan of redemption for all peoples was unfolding, through this son would come David and through him Christ would come.

When we speak of God’s providence we are referring to God’s support, care, and supervision of all creation, from it’s beginning to all eternity. Jesus Christ said, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working” (John 5:17).

We are also speaking of God’s activity through His unlimited power and knowledge to fulfil His purpose for the whole creation, including human beings.

The Westminster Confession of Faith states “God, the great Creator of all things, doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, according to his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will, to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness and mercy”

1 Timothy 1:12–20

The mission of Jesus

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV)

Jesus’ great mission in coming to this world was to save sinners. Not one particular type of sinner but all types of sinner no matter how bad we have been or what sin we have committed, we can be saved by Jesus our kinsman redeemer.

God our King

To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17 (ESV)

God is our great king, He is sovereign and worthy of all our praise. Meditate on the fact that He is king today, if He is king, what does that mean for your life?

Keep a clear conscience

holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 1 Timothy 1:19 (ESV)

Holding to the faith, the truth of the gospel but having a bad conscience because of sin and compromise will lead to our faith being shipwrecked and us undergoing discipline from the Lord like Hymenaeus and Alexander. We need to keep our conscience clear by living in honesty and repentance by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 73:11–28

Worldview!

But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. Psalm 73:16–17 (ESV)

It is only through God that we can understand the world around us. Our worldview should be informed by Him.

God, our greatest treasure

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. Psalm 73:25 (ESV)

God should be our greatest treasure. Ask yourself this question, if heaven with all its splendour, pleasure and beauty did not have God, if God was not there… would you still want to go?

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 Timothy 1